Linda, our server, was amazing. Have to give her credit for being pleasant, prompt and friendly. She added to the experience. The food was also amazing. I forgot to take pictures cause I was chomping it down. Let's start off with the Apple Butter on the dinner rolls, delicious. The butter was creamy and very flavorful. The rolls were fluffy and yet still thick. Had the Grilled Ham with Mashed Potatoes and Veggie Beef Soup. The soup hit the spot to start my meal off. When that thick cut of ham was placed in front of me, my mouth was watering already. The first bite was juicy and crispy. Grilled just right. Add in a creamy with chunks mashed potatoes. And a great gravy.. I could not have been happier, I am still longing for more! The atmosphere was homestyle for sure. Cozy, felt like I was out in the country at grandmas. Will def be back when I'm in the area again. read more

We dined here last year (see previous review) and again when in the area the other day. The manhattan with turkey was good, with flavorful gravy. The chicken and noodles were fine, but we thought the turkey had more flavor. We've debated both times if we should get the buffet, but on neither visit did it have roast beef nor pie. Pie is the main reason for us dining here and our appetites just don't warrant more than one plate of food (especially all those heavy starches) AND pie, so it isn't worth the extra cost for us. Although again, if the buffet included pie, we'd get it. Also...we were told a 10-15 minute wait but waited more than 30. The hostess claimed they called us on the speaker but we were no more than 20 feet from the hostess stand the ENTIRE time. None of the three of us heard our name. They took my phone number when we arrived but I got no call nor text. People entered and were seated before us. So I went up and asked. She claimed to have called us and rolled her eyes at me. read more

I love Das Dutchman Essenhaus and routine eat there every 1-2 years when we visit Shipshewana. We usually have a great meal and pleasant experience. Last week was different. The non-buffet restaurant was crowded, so we took a seat at the counter. The server was busy managing multiple tables along with the counter, and seldom came by to check on us. She would also forget requests and fail to bring things we requested until we asked twice. I ordered the Dutchman Burger and immediately experienced buyer's regret. The burger tasted off--like it was a day away from his expiration date. The initial taste each bite was okay, but always end with a gamey, off-putting taste. We will definitely be visiting Shipshewana again and will each at DDE. However, I won't get that burger again and hope we don't come at a time when the servers are overworked and distracted. read more

It's a great family friendly restaurant or a place you just want to go to for some home cooked food. Its fantastic. Our waitress was wonderful and attentive. It was bright and lovely inside a cute store to shop in after dinner. Fun fun fun!! read more

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Came in for breakfast buffet after driving up from SC for a high school reunion. I have to say I was highly disappointed. The buffet selection was very limited and the food quality to me was sub-par. Our server was wonderful but I don't see myself coming back if/when I return to Indiana. read more

A neighbor recommended Essenhaus to me and said it was a local favorite, so I had to try it out. Honestly really glad I did! While waiting to be seated there was a bunch of stuff to look at like the little shops and bakery, so it didn't even feel like a wait. I tried the buffet and my favorites were definitely the chicken and roast beef. Both were super good and tasted homemade. The whole place just has a really cozy vibe and everyone was really friendly. I can see why people around here love this place! read more

Das Dutchman Essenhaus - Outside View - Bakeries Near Me - Middlebury, Indiana

Ambiance was touristy... waitress was very nice but For 23$ ... Not impressed... Canned green beans and corn Really ? Maybe in winter The salad bar was actually pretty decent. Chicken was good as were the mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese. The desserts on the buffet were not great though several people liked the pudding with Oreos. We ordered pies ( cost extra as did the ice cream on top) that were good but again for the price should have been great. Won't go back. read more

Most people come here for a fancy meal. I just had a bowl of clam chowder and it was the best I ever had. I have had clam chowder in Alaska and Maine and they did not compare. Good service from the wait staff as well. read more

Visiting for the first time and this was a place from my wife's childhood so we had to go. I would say it above average buffet you will not leave hungry and you still have to stop by the bakery to take something home after. It is like thanksgiving get all full and take a nap. I have to say the have some outstanding customer service our waitress Melissa B. Was absolutely fantastic she made sure I hopped on one foot for my first trip to the buffet. Definitely will be stopping by again. read more

The food is amazing! So is the service. The atmosphere was also amazing! This place is like eating at your Mom's or Grandma's table and kitchen! You won't be disappointed! I like eating at the buffet because everything is good and I don't want to miss out on anything! read more

Great bakery and shops to peruse through and enjoy the yummy baked goods. Love the Amish peanut butter - tastes like peanut butter whipped with honey. Absolutely delicious read more

Das Dutchman Essenhaus - Peanut butter on keto bread (brought to take home) - Bakeries Near Me - Middlebury, Indiana

Food is Awesome, service is Fantastic ! The ambiance is wonderful. We will definitely be back when we visit this neck of the woods.

Excellent food they have the best salad bar. Haven't found anything there that we don't like. Very clean, excellent service.

Went here to celebrate a birthday! The choice in food was good for a buffet but it mostly tasted of premade food service brand sides and generic boxed pastry assortments. They did have 2 giant sheet cakes out but it was out on a table with no sneeze guards of any type so I avoided them. The place is large but older and feels like you're stuck in the 90's. The fried chicken was good and any deserts like slices of pie are an additional charge per slice and not included with the buffet. read more

Das Dutchman Essenhaus - Mac and cheese, beef and noodles, fried chicken. - Bakeries Near Me - Middlebury, Indiana

Wow does this place pack people in! Prepare for a wait and just embrace the shopping. We waited about 35 minutes during lunch rush and visited the bakery for cookies galore. Once in, we were lucky to get to sit inside a buggy! Food was great and our server was very nice and checked back several times. With ice cream sundaes and pie it was about $75 before tip for two kids a one adult. read more

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Exactly what you expect it to be. Gift shop, bakery, full of people at the buffet. Party of 18, with a reservation; they still had us wait, probably 15 minutes past the time we expected. Service was quick and friendly, buffet was as expected; not bad, not great. Homestyle comfort food, salad was very fresh for the time of year. Roast beef was a pass, way overdone. Chicken was good, for mass production broasted chicken. Beef stroganoff over noodles was the best thing there. Bakery items were delicious, especially the maple iced cinnamon rolls! read more

It's Das Good! A fun dining experience in a cafeteria style which has lots of farm related decorations. Wide variety of meats and vegetables, but leave room for desert because they make some out of this world pies and cakes. If you are traveling in northern Indiana put this place on your bucket list, it's a must stop to refill your body. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Take time to wonder around the property before hopping back in the car, they have some fun shops and unique photo ops. read more

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Show concern when getting shown a bloody chicken thigh, or getting tea poured into a soda without asking if we wanted more..

A bit of a unique experience. The restaurant is split into sections. There is a large section that offers a buffet and a smaller section where you can order off the menu. The two are on separate sides of the building. The server was quick and attentive. The broasted chicken was crisp and juicy as hyped. The homemade noodles were REALLY tasty. I felt like the quality, portion size, and price was Spot on. We will return. read more

Amazing experience! You feel like you are in another country!Great experience at the Das Dutchman! One of a kind place with a huge Amish style buffet which includes an incredible fresh salad bar, pork, fried chicken, Mac & cheese, endless other dishes, and desserts including cakes and puddings. The place is huge with a cute bakery on the side. Only $19.99 for all you can eat! There is also a bakery inside and a big selection of souvenirs. read more

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Good home cooking, nice homey atmosphere. The food was pretty good. We ate on the 'menu' side of the restaurant, and ordered fried chicken with dressing and gravy. The noodles were just meh. Rolls were okay. Walked around, and all the way back to the bakery. Brought home a pecan pie half and cherry handpies. Gift items were ridiculously priced. Short-handed, as seems to be true everywhere, so there was quite a wait for a Friday mid- afternoon, but our server was fabulous. read more

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Great service! Buffet has a great selection for soup, salad, main course, & desert. Even the coffee was very good.

We stopped here for a family holiday meal and brought a few of our party for the first time. The kids loved smelling things and looking at the items as we waited to be sat and enjoyed the buffet. The price was decent and the food was good. Being an hour from home I wouldn't make the trip just for this but for a holiday trip for the entire experience around was worth it. read more

After the Meatloaf disappearance I wrote a review. The manager read it and contacted me. (extra star). We went back on Saturday night and my friend and I were both able to get the meatloaf. It was amazing. The manager came over to make certain that we were happy and well served. They do care! I would have given 5 stars, but my other friend ordered broasted potatoes and guess what? They were out of those. I'm eager to see if they have both meatloaf and broasted potatoes on our next visit. read more

The place reminds me of an old Bavarian inn with an Amish touch. It's clean and the staff is friendly. We were seated right away. We chose the buffet for $19.99 per person which was a great choice. The variety of dishes will satisfy but not overwhelm you. What they do have out is done well. The chicken was outstanding along with their roast beef and baked steak. The dessert bar was the only thing that didn't make us go oohhhh. I would come back just for the meats. It will be a stop again the next time we are in the area and looking for a meal. read more

Das Dutchman Essenhaus - Bakeries Near Me - Middlebury, Indiana

Food was good chicken greasy. Really like the flavor of dinner but desert was limited and extra for pie . It's all you can eat pie should be included not extra . read more

Sooo good. Pie is amazing. Service is great. Clean area and quick set ice. Nice country laid back feel to it.

We came in to the bakery due to a friend recommendation. It is a beautifully laid out bakery with lots of decadent items to choose from. There is also a refrigerated area where you can get some items to take home. There are pies and breads and much more. The bakery is down the hall from the restaurant. And beside the gift shop. So you can do lots of shopping and eating in one place. The employees were friendly and helpful. I bought a chocolate peanut butter pie for my husband. The price was reasonable. I didn't try it. My husband did say there was lots of whipped cream. He enjoyed it. read more

Das Dutchman Essenhaus - Chocolate peanut butter pie - Bakeries Near Me - Middlebury, Indiana

Located in Middlebury close to Shipshewana this Amish restaurant is a great place to visit. We chose to sit in a black buggy to eat inside! It was so cool and very comfortable! It even had lanterns inside! They have either the buffet, family style, or you can order off the menu. We chose the buffet. It includes two fluffy rolls and the table included the peanut butter and Amish butter they make. I really loved the noodles they make. Delicious! The fried chicken was so crispy and good! They had lots to choose from lasagna, dressing, turkey, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and much more. The waitress was very friendly and attentive. Check out the gift shop and the bakery they also have. Lots of pies, rolls, jams, peanut butter and more you can purchase. read more

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Food is plentiful and delicious. Service was basic. It's not a quiet relaxing place but the Dutch apple crisp is worth going for!

I was so excited to dine here and I was thoroughly disappointed. I had the meatloaf, green beans, and mashed potatoes and gravy. I've had better food in the hospital. It lacked flavor and character. The sweet tea must have had a falling out with sugar because the sugar barely showed up while the sauce on the meatloaf was three times as sweet. Ugh. This was a poor attempt at serving food. The best part of the meal was the pie crust on dessert and the kind wait staff. read more

We sampled a few items from Das Dutchman Essenhaus, that our friend brought us from Middlebury, IN. This is an Amish establishment in Amish country, and my friend stopped into the bakery to pick up some things. We took extreme caution not to choke on cinnamon when sampling the large cinnamon bun/loaf item that was a newly introduced product. It wasn't very sweet and the dough was soft like a bun, although the filling inside was vanilla cream flavored. I would say this was ok, more appealing to the eyes because of its grandeur of scale. The peanut butter topping on the donut was the best part, it had the same sweet dough as the loaf but the chocolate filling was very scant inside. The glazed donut was fine. My disappointment was that my high expectations were not met. I had envisioned that Amish made baked goods would taste a certain way and be made with high quality sourced ingredients. The Essenhaus Amish peanut butter, the first ingredient is Light Corn Syrup and the third ingredient after Peanut Butter is Marshmallow Cream (which also contains corn syrup and sugar). These are produced products with an Amish Country Kitchen label but similar to what you would find at your neighborhood grocery aisle. read more

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Called to make a reservation for 12, was told that they only make reservations for 15 or more. Here we are those who made reservations for 9 and 11 have been seated while we wait. WTH? read more

Great food and atmosphere, and the server's are very friendly and welcoming. I strongly recommend this restaurant for family or friends outings. read more

I grew up eating here, and it was great to bring a bunch of friends who had never been to anything like Essenhaus. The food is delicious and service was great. Everyone was going back to the buffet for many trips. It was nice to eat in the "barn" part of the restaurant, since it's so unique. When I was a kid I also always enjoyed eating in the buggy that they turned into a booth. The pie, bakery foods, and local goods are all worth trying as well. Essenhaus restaurant and grounds have plenty of shopping to explore for a very well-rounded experience. Highly recommend a visit if you're in the area! read more

Das Dutchman Essenhaus - Baked goods - Bakeries Near Me - Middlebury, Indiana

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Taya waited on us on our visit this past weekend and what a transformation. Fantastic service and management was also amazing. Sometimes you just have to realize that we all have bad days and one bad day does not define who we really are. read more

Service: 5 stars. Our server was Naomi and she was friendly, attentive, always clearing plates and offering anything we needed. Food: So this was our first time, definitely some hits and misses. Mashed potato 3 stars Gravy 4 stars Stuffing 5 stars Salad bar 2.5 stars (not much more than basic toppings at the bar. I think they could have some other things.) Beef 4 stars Strawberry rhubarb pie 2.5 stars Soft serve icecream 3.5 stars. Comes in a cup. Ambiance: Kind of reminds me of a Cracker Barrel with all of the items people can buy? But with a Christian theme. Knickknacks, stained glass, jewelry, garden creatures, and a long hallway to walk down to the buffet, which is separate from the dining with a menu part of the e building. Also, a lot of people and hallways are not very wide so they seemed to get stuck looking at things to buy and creating a traffic jam. Bathrooms were very nice. Staff was very nice. read more

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I don't normally like my face, but this was fantastic. The chicken was juicy and flavorful. The bread pudding was out of this world. The mashed potatoes and gravy were amazing. So was the stuffing so was the apple crisp etc. etc. Service is friendly. read more

Really nice experience here. I stopped for a late lunch, arriving around 1:30 pm on a Monday, so it wasn't especially busy. I ordered the buffet and everything was excellent. The server was very pleasant and efficient. She took my drink order right away and brought refills before my glass was half empty. She brought hot, fresh rolls, one whole wheat and one white. The salad bar items were very fresh, and there was a nice variety. All the usual salad items plus some unique salads including old fashioned jello salads. The hot items were delicious, including mashed potatoes, noodles, gravies, dressing, corn, green beans, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and much more. I especially loved the noodles. They were thick and truly just like the noodles my grandma made. Definitely homemade! There were two soups available, chicken noodle and the soup of the day which was cheeseburger. Desserts on the buffet included bread pudding and peach cobbler, plus two varieties of donut holes. I look forward to returning the next time I am in the area. A great experience! . read more

Das Dutchman Essenhaus - I sampled peach cobbler and bread pudding. - Bakeries Near Me - Middlebury, Indiana

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I am so sad. We have always told everyone how yummy their food and pies are. We ate there last night. My husband and I were so disappointed. We got the fried chicken, dressing, green beans, rolls and butterscotch pie. Chicken was not crispy, dressing was bland, beans were like out of a can, rolls dry. Our pie was okay, but not as good as years before. We live in Ft Wayne and will not drive that far for such a disappointment again. read more