Rivels are tiny, lumpy dumplings, and they turned a quick lunch stop into the meal I keep talking about. I came in expecting a simple Pennsylvania buffet and left thinking about soup, French toast, and whoopie pies for days.
Old Pennsylvania Dutch cooking still lives in places like this, quietly feeding hungry travelers one ladle at a time. Grab a spoon, because this stop deserves a spot on your next weekend drive.
A Farmhouse Smorgasbord on Hartman Bridge Road
Drive east from Lancaster into the rolling farmland of Strasburg, and you will find Hershey Farm Restaurant at 240 Hartman Bridge Road. From the road it looks like a big, modern farmhouse.
Visitors often say they are surprised by how large it is once they pull into the lot.
Inside, the place runs as a buffet, which locals call a smorgasbord. The Grand Smorgasbord is the star, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner on most days of the week.
A wide lobby leads guests toward the buffet, a cafe, and a cluster of shops.
So why call it unassuming? Lancaster County is packed with buffets, and many travelers zoom past this one on the way to bigger names.
The building may be handsome, but the real charm sits in the steam trays, where Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food shares space with a busy grill and a dessert bar that seems to go on forever.
The setting matters too. Amish farmland surrounds the property, so the drive in feels like part of the meal.
Bring an appetite and a little patience for the scenery.
Rebuilt, Reopened, and Brighter Than Ever
Long-time fans remember the old dining room fondly. After an unexpected setback, the restaurant closed for about 19 months, and regulars waited patiently to see what would come next.
What came next was a full rebuild.
Returning guests describe the new space as beautiful, fresh, and airy. Large windows let in plenty of daylight, and bright colors give the room a clean, cheerful feel.
One visitor called the building luxurious and modern while still keeping its classic Amish and Dutch character.
Change can worry loyal diners, of course. Some longtime customers feel the food is even better than before, while a few say they miss the old version.
That mix of opinions is normal for any beloved spot that gets a fresh start.
Still, the overall mood is one of celebration. Many families who once made this a yearly tradition have come back, often bringing kids or grandkids along.
They wander the new lobby, peek into the shops, and settle into roomy tables that feel ready for long conversations.
A fresh chapter, then, but the same welcoming spirit that made people return in the first place.
The Story Behind Chicken Corn Soup and Rivels
Ask any Lancaster County grandmother about rivels, and you might get a smile and a story. Rivels are tiny dumplings made from flour, egg, and a pinch of salt.
Cooks rub the dough between their fingers and drop the crumbs straight into simmering broth.
The name comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch habit of saying you should rivel up the dough. The bits cook into soft, slightly chewy nuggets that make the soup thick and filling.
They are a cousin of German spaetzle, yet they belong firmly to Pennsylvania kitchens.
Chicken corn soup itself grew from farm life. Families had chickens in the yard and sweet corn in the field, so the pairing made perfect sense.
Church suppers, harvest festivals, and fire hall fundraisers still serve big kettles of it every summer and fall.
Many recipes add celery, onion, and sometimes chopped hard-boiled egg. The broth turns golden, and the corn adds a gentle sweetness.
Honestly, it tastes like a warm kitchen on a chilly afternoon.
Knowing this history makes every spoonful at a Pennsylvania Dutch buffet feel a little more meaningful.
Soup Kettles and a Crowd-Pleasing Salad Bar
Soup lovers, start here. The buffet keeps a lineup of soups next to a salad bar that visitors mention again and again.
One guest praised both the salads and the soups as delicious, calling them a great way to begin the meal.
The soup selection rotates, and holidays can bring special treats. During one Easter brunch, a local mom raved about lobster bisque packed with huge chunks of lobster.
That same meal mixed holiday dishes with classic Pennsylvania Dutch food, which made the table feel both festive and homey.
Since offerings change, it pays to look over every kettle before filling your bowl. Keep an eye out for hearty, old-fashioned choices that fit the region’s farm cooking traditions.
A warm bowl of something brothy pairs nicely with crisp greens from the salad bar.
Not every guest loves every soup, to be fair. Opinions vary from visit to visit, so a small sample cup is a smart move before committing to a big bowl.
Then grab a plate of greens and toppings. With so many choices waiting, pacing yourself is a skill worth practicing early.
Made-to-Order Magic at the Grille
Picky eaters, meet your new best friend. Tucked inside the buffet is a grille where a cook prepares food to order, and it is included with your meal.
Servers explain how it works when you sit down, so first-timers never feel lost.
The menu runs about ten items deep. Guests have ordered cheesesteaks, burgers, quesadillas, grilled cheese, and bananas Foster pancakes.
One visitor said the smash burgers were so good he could have eaten ten of them.
Because everything is cooked fresh, you may wait a few minutes during busy times. Most people say the wait is worth it, since the food arrives hot and tasting homemade.
You place your order, wander off to the buffet, and come back for your plate.
Here is a smart strategy. Order something from the grille early, then fill up on sides while it cooks.
That way you get the best of both worlds without standing still.
Families especially appreciate this setup. Kids who wrinkle their noses at casseroles usually brighten up when a fresh grilled cheese or burger lands in front of them.
Creme Brulee French Toast Worth the Drive
One dish comes up more than any other when people talk about this place. The creme brulee French toast from the grille has a loyal following.
Guests call it a must-try, no matter what time of day you visit.
Imagine thick bread soaked in custard, cooked on the griddle, and finished with a sweet, caramel-style crust. It is rich, golden, and a little crispy on top.
One visitor said this single item is almost worth the trip by itself.
Breakfast fans are not the only ones ordering it. Dinner crowds happily ask for it too, treating it like a dessert that arrived early.
A group of coworkers who came for dinner repeated the same advice: just try the French toast.
Lines can form at peak hours, since everyone seems to know the secret. Order it right after you sit down if you want it sooner.
Fun fact: French toast has roots stretching back centuries as a way to use up stale bread. Here it gets a fancy upgrade that would surely surprise those thrifty early cooks.
Breakfast Buffet and Fresh Omelets
Early risers get a sweet deal. The breakfast buffet opens at 8 AM on most days, and one recent guest paid $19.99, calling it well worth the price.
Regulars note that breakfast prices feel right on point compared with dinner.
Made-to-order omelets are a highlight. Diners pick their fillings and watch them cook, which beats any reheated scramble.
Visitors have described the omelets as excellent and the ham as a standout.
The morning spread is big, with a wide range of choices. One guest noted the grits could use more flavor, while saying nearly everything else was above average.
A couple of other visitors felt certain items tasted less fresh than they hoped, so the omelet station and the grille are your safest bets.
The pace at breakfast is relaxed. Two sisters said they lingered for a long chat without ever feeling rushed.
Servers kept coffee and drinks filled and checked in kindly.
For a slow Saturday morning in Lancaster County, it is hard to beat a hot omelet, a stack of French toast, and a big window full of farmland.
Fried Chicken, Roast Beef, and Hearty Mains
Meat and potatoes still rule in Pennsylvania Dutch country. The main buffet line features dishes like fried chicken, roast beef, prime rib, chicken alfredo, and crab cakes, all frequently mentioned by visitors.
Roast beef earns special praise. One family singled it out as the best of the meats during a Friday lunch.
Prime rib draws attention at dinnertime, giving the evening buffet a more special feel.
Fried chicken gets mixed reviews, which is fair to mention. Some guests love it, while one found it dry and salty on their visit.
Crab cakes are another dish where opinions split, with one diner calling them very small.
The best approach is to take small portions first. Buffets let you taste a little of many things, then go back for whatever wins your heart.
That way, a disappointing dish never takes up too much room on your plate.
Many guests say most food arrives hot, fresh, and well stocked. Staff refill trays often, so popular items do not sit empty long.
With this many options, chances are good that something will feel just like Sunday dinner at home.
A Dessert Bar Built for the Sweet Tooth
Save room. Seriously.
The dessert bar is where many guests say the meal truly shines.
Whoopie pies steal the show, with one visitor counting ten different flavors of full-size treats. Next to them sit countless pies, brownies, homemade breads, cookies, ice cream, and even old-fashioned jello.
A chocolate fountain adds a playful touch that kids find hard to resist.
Here is a little secret from regulars. Look for warm, buttery pretzel sticks tucked near the desserts.
They make a perfect salty break between sweets.
Whoopie pies are a Pennsylvania Dutch favorite, two soft cake rounds hugging a creamy filling. Legend says children shouted whoopie when they found one in their lunch pail.
Whether or not that is true, the name certainly fits the mood here.
A few guests find some desserts very sweet, so pairing them with coffee helps. The ice cream machines serve chocolate and vanilla separately, so swirl fans may need to get creative.
One cheerful regular offered simple advice: life is short, so eat dessert first. Nobody at this buffet will judge you for it.
Spotless Rooms and Servers Who Remember You
Clean is the word that pops up again and again. Guests describe the dining room, buffet area, and even the restrooms as tidy and inviting.
Staff move around constantly, wiping, restocking, and keeping things looking fresh.
Service is a big part of the charm. Visitors often remember their servers by name and praise them for being warm, attentive, and never pushy.
Drinks rarely stay empty for more than a minute, according to more than one diner.
Large groups are handled smoothly. A team of coworkers was seated together quickly, and a family of fourteen enjoyed a relaxed Friday lunch.
Check-in staff at the front are described as courteous and professional.
The dining room itself feels calm. High ceilings, big windows, and bright colors make it easy to linger.
Even when tour buses arrive, guests say lines clear up within about half an hour.
Families, seniors, couples, and groups of friends all seem to fit in. It suits anyone who wants a sit-down feel with buffet freedom.
One small note: the restroom can have a wait during the busiest stretches.
Next Door to Sight and Sound, With Shops to Browse
Location is a big bonus. Hershey Farm sits right beside Sight and Sound Theatres, and a walking path connects the property to the theater.
Many guests plan a meal before or after a show.
That convenience comes with a timing tip. After performances end, crowds often head straight to the buffet.
Arriving earlier in the day can mean shorter lines and a calmer meal.
Before or after you eat, wander into the Shoppes off the main lobby. Visitors are pleasantly surprised by fair prices, women’s clothing, locally made hats, and a range of gift items.
One retired chef compared the prices favorably to big theme park gift shops.
The property also includes lodging, and hotel guests may qualify for a discount on meals. That makes it handy for anyone turning a Lancaster County day trip into a weekend.
Plan around the season, too. Autumn brings golden fields and harvest colors along the country roads, while the holiday season fills the area with festive shows and tour buses.
Spring and summer offer long, bright evenings perfect for a stroll along that walking path after dinner.
Hours, Prices, and Smart Timing
Planning ahead saves money and time. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 AM to 7 PM.
Sunday hours run from 9 AM to 2 PM, and it is closed on Mondays.
Prices generally fall in the $20 to $30 range, depending on the meal. Breakfast has been listed around $19.99, and a weekday lunch was recently $24.99 with kids eating free.
Weekend dinners cost more, and some guests feel those evening prices run high.
Holiday meals can be priced differently, so check before special days like Mother’s Day or Easter. Drinks such as soda or lemonade may add a few dollars to your bill.
Discounts have been offered for local residents, veterans, and hotel guests.
For the best value, families often aim for a weekday lunch. Arriving right as service begins, around 11:30, usually means quick seating and freshly filled trays.
Getting there is easy from Lancaster city, a short drive east through farm country toward Strasburg. Parking is right on site.
Just watch for horse and buggy traffic on the back roads.
A Warm Bowl and an Honest Verdict
So, should it make your weekend list? For most travelers, the answer leans toward yes.
The setting is lovely, the staff is kind, and a few dishes are genuine stars.
Not every plate wins everyone over, and that honesty matters. Some guests feel certain buffet items fall short of the price, especially at dinner.
Others call it the best smorgasbord they have found in Lancaster County.
Your best plan is simple. Start with a warm bowl of soup and crisp salad, order the creme brulee French toast from the grille, sample the mains in small portions, and finish with a whoopie pie or two.
Grab a pretzel stick for the road.
Go on a weekday for the friendliest prices, or time it around a Sight and Sound show for a full day out. Bring the kids, bring Grandma, or bring a hungry friend who has never heard of rivels.
Pennsylvania Dutch cooking was always about feeding people well and making them feel at home. On a good day here, that old promise still comes through, one ladle and one sweet bite at a time.