Fabulous brunch at Passerine. From the moment you enter this charming restaurant, you'll feel…read morewelcome. Be sure to begin your brunch with a cup of their robust coffee or your favorite brunch cocktail. We stuck with coffee but the cocktails looked divine. Small but interesting brunch menu. Really appreciate Passerine's commitment to local producers.

My wife and I dined at Passerine in Lancaster for Valentine's Day and chose the $75 per person…read morefixed-price five-course menu. Unfortunately, the evening was very disappointing. When we were seated, we were given the prix fixe food menu but never provided with a drink menu. We were served water, but our waitress didn't ask if we'd like cocktails, wine, or any featured Valentine's drinks. For a special occasion dinner, that felt like a major oversight. The bigger issue, though, was the food. Several courses were noticeably undercooked and difficult to enjoy. The carrot salad had hard, undercooked carrots and a very bitter sauce that overwhelmed the dish. The grilled Badger Flame beets were also undercooked and had an unpleasant flavor. The beet risotto was firm and lacked the creamy consistency you expect from a properly prepared risotto. The halibut tasted overly fishy and seemed undercooked in the center. For $75 per person on Valentine's Day, we expected a polished, thoughtfully executed experience. Instead, the meal felt poorly prepared and not worth the price. It was an unsatisfying way to spend what should have been a special evening. The ambiance was very nice but the rest of the experience left a lot to be desired.

How anyone doesn't give this place 5 starts is beyond me! The food was incredible and we are food…read moresnobs from NYC. We've been to the best places in the city and this most certainly is right up there if not better in some instances. Stand outs were basically everything but the Burrata, Horse Fries and Cheeseburger were to die for. Everything was cooked to perfection. We marveled at how they made this decadent cheeseburger so darn light and airy. We didn't have a reservation so rather than wait 20 minutes for a table in the main dining room (with wonderful live jazz band) we chose to eat at a table by the bar. Weston, the bartender and our server, was attentive and helpful throughout. We may have to come back to Lancaster just to experience this place once again! It's truly a meal we won't forget.

This place was BUSY on a Saturday night (a good thing for a restaurant and a good sign for those…read morecoming in for the first time)... we didn't have a reservation, having planned to late, but they do keep tables open for walk-ins and despite being told it was an hour wait (whatever, we knew we ran that risk), we were seated in 15 minutes - Luck, maybe? But awesome all the same! For how busy they were, the server was very attentive and very accommodating as we were yapping away and constantly not ready with our orders so kuddos for the team and putting up with us! I love the mystery beer concept, its not great beer, but being from DC at like $2 a can, I am not passing that up, ever. And a cheap beer with a burger is the perfect combo! On to the burger... I have heard that this is a great burger... and I have to conclude that I agree though it is reminiscent of a Big Mac - just way better ingredients - it has to be the sauce they put on it... Anyway, nice size patty, good amount of toppings and a quality bun (not too soft, not too thick, bread soaks up some of the juices but doesn't fall apart). The mussels were quite excellent as well. It was a Thai curry broth the night we were there and it was drinkable, like soup... we did ask for extra bread... enough said. I am going to take a minute too and praise their spirit free cocktails. THIS IS HOW THEY SHOULD BE MADE. They used bitters, tonics, etc to craft something that tasted like a cocktail but without alcohol which means they were not sickly sugary concoctions, but expertly crafted beverages. Just really great options. All that said though, their espresso martini was one of the worst I have had. Just skip that.

I'm not sure where to start except to say thar John Jeffries in one of the best dining experiences…read moreI've had in Central PA. Five absolutely well-earned stars. I visited as part of a work related event and was able to enjoy both the bar and dining room. The bar selections were first-rate and while not extensive they were well-considered. John Jeffries specializes in local farm to table ingredients. I enjoyed a watercress potato soup followed by the Puedmontese grass-fed petite beef steak. Both were absolutely delicious. The service was first-rate: friendly and attentive without being obnoxious and VERY well-trained to a level you'd expect in a much larger city. Can't wait to bring my companion back for a visit that I know she will love.

First, I love the rustic meets modern aesthetic here. I'm a sucker for exposed brick and stone,…read moreconduit and other throwback "finishes". The hotel lobby and bar are welcoming and represent entree to this small eatery. This place features local farm items so the menu is always subject to change. We went to celebrate an anniversary (not ours) and it was a nice welcome for the server to offer the celebrants complimentary prosecco. From there, it was an adventure. Three of us had the shrimp and grits, which, uniquely, were not the typical southern dish but an earthy creation featuring very barley forward grits that also included very chunky carrots and other enhancements I am at a loss to identify. Good, but a surprise for my southern shrimp and grits-expecting palate. The shrimp were pretty overcooked and detracted from the barley-enhanced grits. Two enjoyed the wedge salad. For mains, two enjoyed the shrimp bisque, and the pan fried boneless chicken breast. I had the meatloaf and found it to be a bit gamier than expected likely due to using grass fed beef. The mushroom gravy was nice despite some of the mushrooms having gone over the rainbow bridge. The tallow fried potatoes were luscious despite one being undercooked. The desserts were interesting and all supposedly made in-house. I had the mint chocolate chip ice cream which I found somewhat grainy and crystallized and very lacking in mint flavor. The flourless chocolate cake will likely shock you with its petiteness, but trust me, it packs a wallop of richness that will probably satisfy you. The tres leches cake and honey lavender crème brûlée got high marks. Overall we all liked the ambiance, and were somewhat disappointed with the food. 3.5* rounded down to 3*.

Decadent ambience and beautiful dishes. And very nice service…read more I'd like to visit again soon Beautiful drinks perfect for dates and romantic evening or birthdays. Had Elizabeth as a service and she was terrific

Only been here for happy hour, but totally worth the trip. Extremely reasonable prices. Nice…read moreselection of cocktails and a very competent staff. It's a small space, so do t be afraid to arrive at the start of happy hour.

This is a no brainer!!! You gotta stop in if you're anywhere remotely close or in the area!…read more This is tucked away between a major highway and a Costco shopping area. Very simple to get to and quite a decent amount of parking. I went on a Saturday Afternoon and it wasn't too busy at all, but it should be with how amazing the food is! Vibes were pretty dope. Lots of outdoor seating and some music playing. Ordered the Pernil Arepa, Chicken Rice Bowl, and Pulled Pork Rice Bowl. If you're afraid of flavor, this is not for you, because the flavors were amazing! And you can customize your bowls with add one to your liking such as roasted corn, avocado, cheese, plantains and more! Loved it and will definitely make it part of my itinerary whenever I'm in the area.

When we visited Lancaster, we had to stop by Chellas Arepa Kitchen, and it absolutely lived up to…read morethe hype. The food is a delicious mix of Peruvian and Venezuelan flavors, and you can really taste the freshness and quality in every bite. Their arepas are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and packed with flavorful fillings. Everything felt comforting yet unique at the same time. One thing I really appreciated is that the entire menu is 100% gluten free, but honestly, you wouldn' even notice because the food is just that good. Also, don't be deceived if the food doesn't look super "picture perfect" online or in photos (or at least my photos lol). It may not be the most photogenic food, but it's sooo worth it! I actually ordered almost everything on the menu because I had no idea when I'd be back in Lancaster again . My favorite was the fried rice with chicken and plantains, so flavorful and satisfying! My husband's favorite was the Lomo Saltado Bowl and Pernil Arepa. We also loved the yuca fries, which were perfectly crispy without being overly greasy. The only thing that disappointed me a little was the Esquites. It just didn't stand out and probably wouldn't order it again. Parking is limited and there's outdoor seating only.

20 years with Bird called for a great night out and Josephine's absolutely delivered…read more From the moment we walked in, Tate and Grant were incredible and made our anniversary dinner feel genuinely special without overdoing it. Great service like that still matters. Bird went with the crab cake and was already planning her next visit halfway through dinner. I started with the shrimp cocktail, followed by the Caesar salad and filet, all outstanding. Everything was paced perfectly and cooked exactly right. And then came dessert...which somehow topped everything else. Incredible way to finish the night. Between the food, atmosphere, and service, it was the perfect spot to celebrate 20 years, plenty of laughs, good memories, and another adventure for the books. Highly recommend.

What an exceptional night! From the minute you come down the stairs till you pass the stage where…read morethey have a pianist and bass player, you are transplanted to a whole new experience. This was my first time dining at Josephine's. We enjoyed the laid-back not rushing us evening. Our server took our drink orders then came back to ask if we wanted to place any appetizer orders. We ordered the mussels and shrimp appetizer. It was absolutely amazing! They were in a herb butter sauce. We were also given a bread service to which we immediately wiped up the butter sauce! I went with the crabcake, which was the sizes of softball and was full of lump crab. The potatoes and vegetables were delicious. My friend ordered the salmon and she said it was perfectly cooked. She also got the potatoes and vegetables. We each ordered a dessert. I went with the choux Cage which I enjoyed, but didn't like the chocolate that they were sitting on. Once I figured that out, I really enjoed the dessert. My friend ordered the Chocolate Rocher dessert and loved every bite of it. It was definitely a treat to go to Josephine's and I hope I get the opportunity to come back.

Owner and her daughter are incredible. They really are welcoming and have great conversations…read more We already knew their cheesecake was the best in Lancaster. Add in their Restaurant Week Special of Banana Pudding (regular and biscoff) and they have raised the bar! Small little place, no real seating, but the cheesecake is so delightful, it does not matter at all! We LOVE Urban Farmhouse Cheesecake!

VERY delicious cheesecakes!!!! I can only speak for the smaller squares they offer but they were…read morevery tasty and fresh and priced slightly higher, but you definitely get the flavor you pay for!! I snagged a few for my fiancés birthday and he LOVED THEM. He's not a chocolate in cheesecake kinda guy but the s'mores cheesecake square was to die for. Nothing on them but word of advice, get there as early as possible to ensure you get the flavor you're looking for! Also definitely check their facebook for their weekly rotating menu. Overall highly recommend if you're local to the area, or just passing through

southern market had a great vibe they needed more vendors but it was newly opened so stay tuned…read more great bar

During my day trip to Lancaster Central Farmers Market, I visited the Southern Market Lancaster…read morefood hall for the first time, located in a historic building in downtown Lancaster. There is even a concierge there to answer any questions about services or restaurants, perhaps because the building once housed the Lancaster Visitors Center. A charming place with international cuisine, including Indian, Greek, Jamaican, Asian, and Moroccan, to name a few. The food hall is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Lancaster has plenty of affordable parking in the Hager lot or several parking garages. I find using a parking App helpful.