Culinary Guide to Lancaster City

Hey friends,

I'm back and plan to make a few changes to the blog. I've got a few recipes in the works, so keep an eye out for those. In addition to recipes, I'm going to be writing a few guides for finding delicious, gluten-free options in various cities. To kick that off, I'm starting with a guide for Lancaster City.

Comment on this post if you have any questions!

View of the Central Market, an anchor of the Lancaster community. Photo by Joanie Brown 

Every time I tell people I live in Lancaster, I always get a raised eyebrow, followed by questions about my experiences with the Amish. The sprawling farmland of Lancaster County is certainly home to the largest Amish community in the United States, and the Amish Village (just a 20 minute drive from the city in Strasburg) is a popular tourist destination, offering bus tours of 12 acres of farmland, farmhouse tours, traditional Amish baked goods, and more.

While the Amish Village provides sightseers with an enchanting peek into Lancaster’s historical roots, Lancaster City’s growing population of over 59,000 residents continues to evolve and thrive, it’s streets studded with art galleries, vintage shops, boutiques, music venues, and most importantly, bars and restaurants. If you’re visiting the city, act like a local and don’t miss out on these culinary favorites!

Coffee and Tea

Passenger Coffee

If your coffee habit goes beyond pure dependency and ventures instead into the realm of the specialty coffee world, look no further than 7W King St, where this minimalist-inspired flagship retail store and coffee shop sits. Their menu offers only the essentials: espresso, cappuccino, latte, one or two pourover selections, chai, and cold brew in the summer. Be warned, no venti caramel macchiatos with extra whip can be found here. What you’re guaranteed to find is possibly the friendliest customer service in the industry, and an undying commitment to excellent coffee and tea.

Inside Passenger's flagship retail location. Photo by Joanie Brown

Square One Coffee Roasters

Get a wider range of menu options without losing the quality at one of the oldest coffee shops in Lancaster; Square One Coffee Roasters on 145 N Duke St. You’ll have the pleasure of being served by several award-winning staff members who are highly trained and passionate about their craft. On the menu you’ll find all the basics, plus custom creations such as the Kicking Mule (a virgin coffee cocktail inspired by the Moscow Mule), lavender matcha lattes, and chai spritzers.  Warmer weather offerings include the Velvet Hammer (nitro cold brew), regular cold brew, affogatos and the “light and sweet” shaken iced latte. During busy times, seating can be tight, but cozy, and you’re likely to meet a friendly regular. When the weather’s right, make sure to head out back to the patio to get away from the crowds.

Breakfast and Brunch

Goldie’s Bakery

Where the Lancaster breakfast scene is concerned, Goldie’s may still be the new kid on the block, having opened only in March of 2018, but that hasn’t kept it from being a contender for the best breakfast spot in the city. Perched on the corner of King and Lime, Goldie’s welcomes both those looking for a traditional, bacon-and-eggs spread, as well as the more adventurous epicure. Choose from an inspired selection of breakfast sandwiches like the Open Face Mushroom (with celeriac, hollandaise, and herbed goat cheese), and a unique lineup of “hearty toasts” like Liverwurst & Horseradish or Avocado Toast with local honey, tahini and spiced apple. A personal favorite is the Escarole & Mushroom Bird Nest; two poached eggs (or your preferred style) with shallots and gluten free bread crumbs, nested in shredded, hash brown style potatoes. Other must-try options include the gluten-free buckwheat pancakes and the breakfast dosa. Goldie’s serves Square One Coffee, and is very allergy-friendly, with a variety of gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes available.

Eagerly anticipating breakfast at Goldie's. Photo by Katie Brown

Pour

Brunch. The urban millenial’s obsession. Whether you’re on the hunt for a boozy, hangover-nurturing meal with friends, or a long, decadent morning with your partner or family, POUR has got you covered. The menu shifts according to the seasons, so don’t miss out on their out-of-this-world Shrimp and Grits when it’s available. You can also choose from a smattering of delectable charcuterie boards, with gluten free options like Hot Coppa (Italian paprika-rubbed cold cut of pork) and Seven Sisters One Year (a creamy, locally sourced gouda). For a fresh cocktail, try the Brass Monkey, equal parts Draft IPA and fresh OJ, or a spicy Pour Bloody Mary with a charcuterie garnish.

Lunch

Root

Keep it light and fresh for lunch by stopping in at Root of Lancaster, a fully vegan bar and restaurant on 223 W Walnut, where you’ll find an expansive and inventive menu with plenty of gluten-free options. Try the Oyster Mushroom Chimichurri appetizer, and finish it off with a Roasted Poblano pizza (both can be made gf), or choose from an assortment of veggie-rich salads or entrees.

Issei Noodle

If you’re from out of town, this little gem can be easily missed, as it’s tucked just inside the entrance to the Hardware Lofts building on the first block of Queen St. Locals and visitors alike acknowledge Issei as the most authentic Asian Fusion restaurant in the city. While they’re famous for their ramen (ask for rice noodles for a gluten free option), you couldn’t really go wrong if you blindly pointed to the menu. The menu offerings reflect the owner’s Japanese and Vietnamese heritage, with the addition of some Thai options as well. The staff is more than eager to accommodate allergen needs.

Dinner

Callaloo

This Trinidadian favorite, named after the famous soup containing tender dasheen leaves, should be at the top of your dinner list. You’ll find it nestled in quaint, Lancaster neighborhood territory at 351 N Mulberry. Make sure you call ahead to make a reservation -- this place fills up fast, even during the middle of the week. Try ordering several small plates to share in order to experience as many traditional dishes as possible, like the Oven Roasted Cauliflower with a mango chilli vinaigrette, Cassava Fries, and the Char Siu Pork Belly. Alternatively, order from the Dinner Plate menu with choices like Coconut Jerk Chicken and Fish and Curried Shrimp. Top it all off with a signature drink like the Peanut Punch, a concoction of peanuts, milk, turbinado sugar, and nutmeg.

Luca

Also located in Lancaster’s rustic residential domain, Luca offers a modern take on time-tested, traditional Italian cuisine. Choose from an expansive range of inspired dishes, from small plates like Brussels Sprout Crostino (vegetarian) and dreamy vegetable dishes like Wood Grilled Venetian Squash, or classics like Gnocchi, invigorated with porcini and hen of the woods mushrooms and aged goat cheese. Luca also offers a hearty list of handmade pizzas. Add gluten-free pasta to any dish for a small upcharge (even the gnocchi!), or peruse the comprehensive gluten-free menu.

Drinks

Horse Inn

So you’ve seen all that Lancaster has to offer and want to wind down after a long day of feasting and seeing the sights. While you could find any number of noisy bars or pricy cocktail lounges along the main drag, where you really want to be is cozied up in a booth at the Horse Inn, Lancaster’s oldest restaurant still in use. The owners pride themselves on the utilization of fresh, local ingredients in everything found on their seasonal bar menu. This fall, you can experience exceptionally crafted cocktails like The Inside Job, a Bourbon-based drink with Campari, Cardamaro, Maple Walnut bitters, and orange. During the summer months, you don’t want to miss out on the Divine Sage, my personal favorite, a lemony botanical creation of gin, apricot jam, winter peach liqueur, orange bitters and of course, sage. Word of warning: arrive early. Bar seats fill up shortly after 5pm.

The Fridge

If you prefer beer to liquor, you’ll want to head over to The Fridge, Lancaster’s one-stop-bottle-shop, where you can choose from 10 rotating draft beers from craft breweries like Tired Hands (hard to find outside of Philadelphia!) and over 400 bottled micro and imported beers. Settle in and enjoy a brewski and slice of pizza by the 100 year old wood burning stove, or create your own six-pack to take with you and enjoy a few beers in the comfort of your home or Airbnb.

Enjoying a stout and IPA at The Fridge. Photo by Katie Brown