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Cabalar

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A unique butcher shop and fast-casual eatery serving Lancaster's best burgers, sandwiches, and fresh, local meats.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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Bo

Cabalar

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique butcher shop and fast-casual eatery serving Lancaster's best burgers, sandwiches, and fresh, local meats.

"One of the best burgers I've had in many years personally."

TIP

Order Ahead

Minimize wait times during peak hours by ordering in advance.

Sunday Morning Visit

Consider visiting on Sunday mornings for potentially shorter wait times.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Thursday 11AM

Cuisine

American

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(717) 208-7344

Address

501 W Lemon St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Burger Perfection

Burger Perfection

Juicy, perfectly seasoned burgers with high-quality beef, often praised as the best in Lancaster.

Taste Lancaster, Pennsylvania's Farm-to-Table Food SceneGoogle Review
Unique Butcher & Eatery Experience

Unique Butcher & Eatery Experience

Witness whole animal butchery in an open kitchen, offering fresh, local meats and flavorful dishes.

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Delectable Sandwiches

Delectable Sandwiches

From the rave-worthy Reuben to the signature Macdaddy, sandwiches are a must-try.

A Local's Guide to Lancaster RestaurantsGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Order Ahead

Minimize wait times during peak hours by ordering in advance.

Sunday Morning Visit

Consider visiting on Sunday mornings for potentially shorter wait times.

QR Code Ordering

Be prepared to order via QR code on your phone; no posted menus available.

Ask for a Paper Menu

If you prefer a physical menu, don't hesitate to ask. They are available.

Tips

from all over the internet

Order Ahead

Minimize wait times during peak hours by ordering in advance.

Sunday Morning Visit

Consider visiting on Sunday mornings for potentially shorter wait times.

QR Code Ordering

Be prepared to order via QR code on your phone; no posted menus available.

Ask for a Paper Menu

If you prefer a physical menu, don't hesitate to ask. They are available.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cabalar offers a unique butcher shop and eatery experience with highly praised burgers and sandwiches, appreciated for fresh, local ingredients and an open kitchen concept. While many enjoy the delicious food and fast service, some diners have noted challenges with drink selections and occasional long wait times, with one review mentioning unfriendly bar staff.

"Been here a few times, today was different. Finally got the reuben....I love reubens, this was easily my favorite ever. Meat was tender and flavorful, kraut was perfectly sour, not too much dressing and the bread was grilled excellently, not greasy at all. Also got the poutine, another winner. People mention their burgers but I may never eat anything else there again."

M Johns

"Burgers and chicken sandwich were delicious. The fries were cooked to perfection. The only down side for me was the drink selection. The sodas were off-brand and tasted too sweet. Definitely will return to try other items from the menu. The restaurant is spacious and the outdoor seating is great."

M Roman

"We had their version of a big Mac and a patty melt with fountain sodas and it's was worth every penny! If every 12$ burger was this juicy, tasty, appealing and filling no one would complain. They butcher and sell a variety of meats not found in most local stores.
It must be said that not only is the customer area super neat and clean the kitchen area has open viewing so if you want you can watch from order til wash.
Only downside is menu only available by QR on your phone, no posted menu (the cashier was most kind and patient having to repeat the menu for three people tho) however even with a dozen ppl in line before me I was ordering within 10 mins and eating in the same amount of time, in an almost full restaurant That impressed me.
Well worth the visit."

Dawn Lexi Lorree

What People Like

Incredible burgers and sandwiches
Fresh, high-quality local meats
Open kitchen and butcher experience

What People Dislike

Off-brand sodas with off-putting sweetness
Occasional long wait times for food
Inconsistent service at the bar

Frequently Asked Questions

Cabalar is known for its high-quality burgers and sandwiches, made with locally sourced, fully-pastured and grass-fed meats. It's also a unique whole animal butcher shop with an open kitchen concept.

22 Foodie Destinations In Lancaster City You Don’t Want To MissTaste Lancaster, Pennsylvania's Farm-to-Table Food Scene

Ordering is done via QR code on your phone. There are no posted menus, but you can ask for a paper menu if needed.

Google Review

To potentially avoid long wait times, consider visiting on Sunday mornings or ordering ahead during peak hours.

The menu is very meat-focused, and there are unfortunately not many options for vegetarians.

Google Review

Yes, Cabalar features an open kitchen concept, allowing you to watch your meal being prepared from order to finish.

Google Review

Yes, they offer a selection of 14 drafts on tap from Mad Chef Brewing Company and other beers.

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Amidst the eclectic shops of North Queen Street, this family-owned butcher shop doubles as a casual restaurant with a hearty menu of burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes. Place your order at the counter and have a seat at one of the many communal tables; don't forget to grab one of the 14 drafts on tap from the county's Mad Chef Brewing Company.

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Cabalar Meat Co. is a whole animal butcher that sources local fully-pastured and grass fed animals. You can stop by and have your meats butchered right in front of you and pick up some delicious cheeses and other accoutrements in the grocer section. If you’re hungry for breakfast or lunch, stop in for delicious hand-carved sandwiches and homemade sweet treats.

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If you skip one stop on your DIY food tour in Lancaster, it should absolutely not be Cabalar. In fact, you should probably drive to Lancaster right now just to eat there. We hit Cabalar as the second-to-last stop on our food tour, and I was fully prepared to just split an order of their fried pickles and call it a day.

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Cabalar Meat Co, a combination butcher and burger joint, opened at its new location this fall, 501 W. Lemon St., Lancaster, and continues to serve up its popular smashburgers, along with the MacDaddy (a local take on a famous fast-food burger) and sandwiches such as the Cuban and Pastrami Reuben.

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Cabalar Meat Co. is the neighborhood hot-spot you never knew you needed!. This butcher shop and eatery has quickly become a staple in the Historic District. Both adults and kids can find something to rave about on the meat-filled menu.

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Their food includes sandwiches, burgers, breakfast and more. One reader said, "If you have to ask, you haven't tried it. By far, the best restaurant in Lancaster.". More information: 325 N.

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This is a spot with a whole animal butcher shop and serves a variety of quality dishes. It features quality raised meat products. It even has burgers, melts & sandwiches.

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- Rating: 4.5/5 (119 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 325 North Queen St. Lancaster, Pennsylvania - Categories: Butcher, Breakfast & Brunch, Burgers- Read more on Yelp

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