Shady Maple Smorgasbord
Experience America's largest all-you-can-eat buffet, offering a vast selection of Pennsylvania Dutch comfort foods and desserts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed dining
Shady Maple Smorgasbord
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed dining
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience America's largest all-you-can-eat buffet, offering a vast selection of Pennsylvania Dutch comfort foods and desserts.
"A truly singular and inimitable dining experience. Great service, incredible selection, shockingly delicious."
🎯 Arrive Early for Breakfast
Weekend breakfast lines can be long. Aim to arrive before opening to snag a spot quickly.
💰 Check Prices Online
Prices vary by meal and day. Visit their website for the most up-to-date pricing and discounts.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 40,312 reviews
Type
Restaurant
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sheer Scale
Entire Restaurant
Experience America's largest all-you-can-eat buffet, a culinary spectacle with endless options.
Pennsylvania Dutch Delights
Buffet Lines
Savor classic comfort foods like broasted chicken, shoofly pie, and homemade desserts.
Dessert Extravaganza
Dessert Section
Indulge in a vast array of sweet treats, from donuts and pies to cakes and cookies.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Pricing and Payment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Breakfast
Weekend breakfast lines can be long. Aim to arrive before opening to snag a spot quickly.
💰 Check Prices Online
Prices vary by meal and day. Visit their website for the most up-to-date pricing and discounts.
🚶♀️ Prepare for Lines
Evenings and weekends mean crowds. The lines move, but be patient and enjoy the anticipation.
🍰 Save Room for Dessert
Don't fill up too early! The dessert selection is vast and a highlight for many visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Breakfast
Weekend breakfast lines can be long. Aim to arrive before opening to snag a spot quickly.
💰 Check Prices Online
Prices vary by meal and day. Visit their website for the most up-to-date pricing and discounts.
🚶♀️ Prepare for Lines
Evenings and weekends mean crowds. The lines move, but be patient and enjoy the anticipation.
🍰 Save Room for Dessert
Don't fill up too early! The dessert selection is vast and a highlight for many visitors.
🚫 No Leftovers Allowed
It's all-you-can-eat, but you can't take any uneaten food home with you.
🎁 Explore the Gift Shop
The massive gift shop downstairs offers a huge variety of items to browse after your meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shady Maple Smorgasbord is celebrated for its immense variety and value, offering a true 'largest buffet' experience with a wide array of comfort foods and desserts. While some find the food quality to be just average, most agree the sheer scale and the efficient, friendly service make it a worthwhile, unique destination, especially for families and those seeking an all-you-can-eat feast.
"Incredible buffet with a large variety of foods, desserts and drinks and so much more. The food is good and there is a lot of it. We enjoyed our time but be prepared for the massive crowds especially on the weekends. We arrived and waited on the long lines and got to the cashier at 3pm but even at that mid afternoon time frame the lines were long, and get even longer as it approaches dinner time. This is a pay before you eat, which actually works out well and moves things along faster. The customer is not waiting for the check to pay like with other buffet places and can just leave when they are done eating. Price is 33.59 per adult for dinner which includes their service fee. They offer a reduced kids pricing and a senior discount as well. The entire operation is organized and runs very smoothly, even with the massive crowds, and the staff are very helpful and friendly. Food trays are constantly filled and the selection is impressive. This is an all you can eat buffet but you cannot take home any leftovers. There is a large seating area in multiple rooms and you can choose between a table or booth to sit in. Lines are very long but it moves rather quickly. There is a giant gift shop on the lower level with anything you can imagine and an endless selection of items. Shady Maple is good for families , kids and large groups and popular with bus tours. Well worth a visit to this uniquely large smorgasbord."
LOR D
"Shady Maple Smorgasbord has been on my must try list for a year or so.
While in Amish Country, I mapped out a whole day around my visit.
Upon arrival, the line moved quickly. I spent 30 minutes in line before being seated. Most of that time was in the shorter line after payment and prior to being seated.
Customer service was friendly, the flow of food was good with the buffet having a repeat of the same food on the opposite side of the buffet area. They also have menu items that are limited time offerings.
After sampling small portions of most of the food, my favorites were the broasted chicken, homemade desserts, and Harvard beets. The rest of the food was just ok for me.
I grew up going to Amish country in Ohio and I loved the freshly made foods. This experience didn’t feel like the food was made with the same level of made from scratch food.
I’m glad that I experienced the largest buffet but I’d skip it next time I’m in the area and go for a restaurant with less size and more seasoning in their food."
Chef Linda Berry
"They have everything. I went with a group of men for a work event and it was a spectacle to see how much each guy could eat.
I thoroughly enjoyed the beef brisket, a medium cut of prime rib, a white fish fillet, and a full full salad.
Their desserts are great. Their beats are great.
The staff was really friendly to us and seemed like they were having a great time even when they were super busy."
Rise Up Studios
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shady Maple Smorgasbord is located at 129 Toddy Dr, East Earl, PA 17519. It's about 2.5 hours from NYC and an hour from parts of NJ. Many visitors drive, and it's a popular stop for those traveling through Lancaster County. +2
Yes, there is ample parking available at Shady Maple Smorgasbord. Given its popularity, the lot can get full, but it's generally well-managed.
You can find detailed directions on their official website or by using GPS navigation to the address: 129 Toddy Dr, East Earl, PA 17519. +1
Public transport options are limited in this rural area. Driving is the most common and practical way to reach Shady Maple Smorgasbord.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord is located approximately an hour outside of Philadelphia, making it a feasible day trip or stopover.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary by mealtime and day. Breakfast typically ranges from $13-$16, lunch from $18-$26, and dinner from $20-$29 for adults. Children's prices are reduced, and those under 4 eat free. A 12% service fee may apply. +1
Tickets are not typically booked in advance. It's a pay-before-you-eat buffet, and you pay upon arrival. However, for large groups, it's advisable to contact them directly.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord is generally open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. They are closed on Sundays. Always check their website for the most current hours.
Yes, a 12% service fee is often included in the price, especially for dinner. It's best to confirm this when you visit or check their website.
Shady Maple offers reduced pricing for children and seniors. They also have special offers, such as free meals on your birthday (with proper ID and conditions). Check their website for details.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Shady Maple offers a vast array of Pennsylvania Dutch comfort foods, American classics, seafood, and a huge dessert selection. Expect everything from fried chicken and prime rib to salads, soups, and a wide variety of pies and cakes. +2
Reviews are mixed. Many praise the sheer variety and value, calling it 'shockingly delicious' and 'best in the nation' for quality. Others find the food 'just ok' and lacking seasoning compared to smaller, more traditional Amish eateries.
Popular choices include the broasted chicken, prime rib, beef brisket, homemade desserts like shoofly pie, and Harvard beets. The salad bar is also extensive.
No, Shady Maple is an all-you-can-eat buffet, and you are not permitted to take any leftovers home with you.
While the buffet has a vast selection, specific vegetarian and vegan options may be limited and vary daily. The extensive salad bar offers some choices. It's best to inquire on-site about daily offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Shady Maple Smorgasbord. Many visitors share their experiences and food photos on social media. +1
Capture the sheer scale of the buffet lines, the colorful dessert displays, and your loaded plates. The exterior also offers a good backdrop for a 'biggest buffet' shot.
While generally permitted, be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive photography. Focus on your food and the general atmosphere.
Popular hashtags include #shadymaplesmorgasbord, #shadymaple, #buffet, #allyoucaneat, #pennsylvaniadutch, and #foodie. +1
You can find many photos on Instagram, TikTok, and Google Images by searching for 'Shady Maple Smorgasbord photos' or related terms. +2
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