In the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country lies Shady Maple Smorgasbord, a buffet restaurant that offers a trip back in time with classic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine at very reasonable prices. It’s as cheap as Hometown Buffet but better.
Quick Overview
Pennsylvania Dutch cooking is known for its simplicity. They consider ketchup an extravagance, and their dishes are mostly made of basic ingredients. Shady Maple Smorgasbord’s 200-foot buffet might be overwhelming for some, but it offers a glimpse of this humble cuisine.
A Blast from the Past
Shady Maple Smorgasbord takes diners back to a simpler time without the bad bits. The food is simple, but it is prepared with care and served generously. It may not be the most adventurous cuisine, but it demonstrates that extreme beauty can be found in complete simplicity.
Affordable Prices
Shady Maple Smorgasbord’s lunch prices start at around $16.99, including tax. Dinner prices start at around $22.99, and they offer an even more extravagant spread on Saturday nights. They are closed on Sundays.
An Empire of Food
Shady Maple Smorgasbord is owned and operated by the Weaver family, who built a humble farm stand that has turned into a huge indoor market. Across the parking lot o the market is where you will find the 110,000 square feet Smorgasbord, as well as a gift shop and a care.
The Buffet
The buffet itself is about 200 feet in length and you’ll find not one or two, but 4 live-action grill stations. There’s one for all the succulent meats including brisket, and there’s another for all-day breakfast. You’ll also find pizza, fries and other kid-friendly choices.
The one thing we absolutely love about the buffet is the old-school fried chicken. Their lima beans in BBQ sauce is also pretty good, along with baked ham.
And of course, let’s not forget the desserts. Yes, you absolutely need to save room for dessert here. Pies, cakes, puddings, and ice creams of all kinds are offered, including the local specialty, Shoo-Fly Pie, served with locally roasted, organic coffee.
Final Thoughts
Shady Maple Smorgasbord is a foodie destination that offers a trip back in time with classic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine at affordable prices. It’s the perfect place to indulge in comfort food and savor the simple pleasures of life.