Miller's Smorgasbord and The Shoppes at Miller's

There’s something special about places that stand the test of time, and Miller’s Smorgasbord in Lancaster County is one of them. Established almost a century ago, Miller’s is the oldest smorgasbord in the county and has built its reputation on serving scratch-made Pennsylvania Dutch classics in a setting that feels like home. Generations of visitors have come for the hearty food, the friendly faces, and the unmistakable sense of Lancaster hospitality that fills every corner of this beloved spot — located just 7 miles east of The Lancaster Bed & Breakfast.

The story of Miller’s Smorgasbord begins in 1929 with Anna and Enos Miller. Before Route 30 existed, Enos ran a small truck repair and gas station along Lincoln Highway East, while Anna served home-cooked chicken and waffles to truckers waiting for their rigs. Her simple but flavorful meals quickly caught on, drawing travelers who came just for her cooking. To accommodate the growing crowds, the restaurant expanded into the space formerly occupied by the repair shop. By 1948, they sold the restaurant to two of their longtime employees, Beatrice and Thomas Strauss, who continued to nurture the Miller legacy of hospitality and homemade cooking. The Strauss family still runs the restaurant today, honoring those same recipes and values that started it all.

The charm of Miller’s is immediately apparent when you arrive at the restaurant and step inside its softly lit dining room. A curved wall of windows looks out over Amish-owned farm fields, almost as a reminder of where your food’s journey began. The all-you-care-to-eat smorgasbord celebrates the best of Lancaster County cooking. Guests can fill their plates with award-winning fried chicken, chicken and waffles, pot pie, carved meats, shrimp, and an incredible variety of soups, salads, and sides. The pickle bar alone is worth a stop — don’t miss the chow chow or the surprisingly delightful pickled watermelon.

Make sure you leave plenty of room for dessert. All of the fresh breads, pies, and cakes are baked right on site at Miller’s Bakery. Favorites like shoofly pie, sticky buns, and chocolate pecan pie have become Lancaster County staples. It’s no wonder Miller’s has earned accolades such as No. 1 Best Buffet in the Lancaster Newspaper Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025 and a top spot in USA Today’s 10Best Buffets list for several years running. Food & Wine even called their smorgasbord the “one thing you have to eat” in Pennsylvania — a well-deserved honor.

After your meal, allow some time to explore The Shoppes at Miller’s, a delightful collection of four specialty stores adjacent to the restaurant. Each one reflects the artistry and craftsmanship Lancaster County is known for.

• The Quilt Shop at Miller’s showcases more than a thousand hand-stitched quilts and quilted items made by Amish and Mennonite artisans. Every piece has a story, and the staff can tell you about the maker behind each intricate design.
• At Locally Made Food Shop, you’ll find all your favorite Miller’s Bakery treats along with jams, jellies, pickled vegetables, mustards, and sauces produced by local farmers and foodmakers. It’s the perfect place to build a custom gift basket or bring home a few Lancaster flavors for yourself.
• Anna’s Gifts & Sundries carries charming home décor, candles, jewelry, mugs, and souvenirs — including cozy “I Love Whoopie Pies” sweatshirts. Who can resist? It’s a fun stop for gifts, keepsakes, and little reminders of your Lancaster County visit.
• And Ruthie’s Apparel is a women’s boutique filled with stylish clothing, handbags, and jewelry, featuring brands like Clara Sunwoo, Habitat, and Tribal. The friendly team there is known for helping shoppers find something special, whether it’s a timeless piece or a fun fashion statement.

Miller’s Smorgasbord and The Shoppes at Miller’s are just a short drive from popular Lancaster attractions such as Sight & Sound Theatre, American Music Theatre, and the Strasburg Rail Road — making them an ideal stop during your Lancaster getaway.

When you stay at The Lancaster Bed & Breakfast, you’ll be close to all of it. Spend the morning exploring the countryside, enjoy a hearty meal at Miller’s, then take a stroll through the shops before heading back to relax in your cozy accommodations for the evening. It’s the kind of experience that captures what people love most about Lancaster County: tradition, hospitality, and a genuine taste of home.