Shady Maple Smorgasbord

Step into a culinary wonderland at Shady Maple, where every bite is an adventure into flavor paradise. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted with warmth and hospitality fit for a newborn hamster. The buffet spreads dazzle like a treasure trove, offering a feast fit for a famished gargoyle. I indulged like a ravenous baby goat, savoring each morsel with delight. Every corner echoes with laughter and joy, as the staff showered my family and me with kindness. It's a dining experience that transcends mere meals, leaving you spellbound by its charm and culinary enchantment. Oh my heavens, spend your lottery winnings here.

🌴 I decided to treat myself to a nice drive out in Lancaster County and try Shady Maple Smorgasbord out. This place is amazing. The food was delicious Rick served salmon with dill sauce. His professionalism was much appreciated. The food was delicious. The servers were on point. This place is great if you like to dine alone or with friends and family, is also kid friendly. I definitely will be returning and would recommend this place to drive through the countryside is awesome.

After waiting 5 years, I finally was able to drive out to eat and enjoy the huge gift shop I was told about. We took our time and came hungry to try all the fresh, homemade food and the homemade desserts! I highly recommend trying their famous Brisket, Pulled Pork, and Mac n Cheese! It took out about 1 1/2 hours to enjoy the food. It took us 2 hours to walk through the entire gift shop, we looked at everything! Bought stuff of course! And the Amish Store inside the gift shop was super cool as well! I would go back, but it is a long drive for us.

This place is spectacular. The line looks scary at first, but it moved so efficiently and quickly that there was very little wait. The staff was friendly, inviting and kind. There are thousands of people and yet the atmosphere was warm and inviting. It is worth the travel just for the great variety of fresh food and desserts. We found so many great things at the gift shop which really surprised me since I am not a shopper.

First time at Shady Maple! It was exactly what everyone said it was- and more! I was absolutely amazed at the well oiled machine that it took to run a place of that size.
There were hundreds of people there. It was a sight to see. The food was everywhere, something for everyone. From steaks, to burgers, chicken parm, roast beef, shrimp, Mac and cheese, chicken/tenders, wings, salad bar, deserts, every fountain drink you can think of, coffee, slushee machines... it was a lot.
For $92, we fed our party of 3 adults and 1 child - more than any place we've ever been to.
The gift shop is a must see. It's huge.
The bathrooms were clean!
Great experience!

Eat free on your birthday! I decided to stop in for lunch (lunch served after 10:00am) and it was beyond my expectations. There was a huge variety of foods ranging from fresh meats, a salad bar, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes… and the pastry/dessert section was every sweet tooth’s dream! It was very inexpensive; and you pay one flat rate at the front. If it is your birthday, you must have one adult with you that is paying full price. Children lunch buffet is only $9, which is amazing! The atmosphere is definitely much older and feels like an old cafeteria with a ton of basic table/chairs everywhere but the food is simply the main catch here. A highly recommended location! (Especially to eat free on your birthday 😉)

The best American buffet! Steaks are so good, and the buffet area is huge and has many choices. It feels a home-cooked style and tastes really good. Everything is fresh and warm!

My first time here a very very wonderful breakfast. You have a variety of things that you have. Pancakes bacon turkey bacon different kinds of pancakes banana pancakes chocolate chip pancakes you got sausage. You got a cake donuts coffee cake. Your heart's desire

Fantastic place. Didn't have to wait long to be seated considering the amount of people that can occupy this large buffet. Staff are very friendly and attentive. Crazy variety of food; more than anyone could eat.

I love coming here with my family. Very good food. Lots of choices and you can never go wrong with the steak!! Clean buffet - staff refills and cleans regularly. Staff are very friendly. You’ll love it.

The food is amazing, truly the next best thing to a home cooked meal.
But way too crowded but everything is nice and clean and it has some historic models there. Very nice overall.

I've been coming to Shady Maple for over 30 years and there's really no other place like it. I felt like the quality of the food started declining about 10 years ago, but that has since reversed and food has been excellent quality in recent visits. They have several staffed grills where you can order some really nice stuff. I go for lunch and love when the Smorgie Cheesesteaks are available, which are mini cheesesteak subs that you can get with or without onions and marinara sauce. The self-serve beverage selection is extensive and the only problem is that cups aren't very big, so you'll have to go back for frequent refills. But that also allows you to try different things when you return as well. It's very challenging to save room for dessert given how much delicious food is available, but dessert js a must! An endless assortment of cakes, pies, and ice cream beckons, and they also recently added a milkshake machine that is super delicious. Don't forget to grab a super-wide straw next to the milkshake machine because it's too thick for regular straws. Pro-tip: if you want a slice of ice cream cake, grab it early on in your meal so it has time to soften up by the time you get to dessert. Also be aware that gratuity is included in your meal price, so you don't tip the hardworking staff that clears your table and brings napkins. This is also a popular place for birthdays as you get a free meal on your birthday!

I don’t have a reason not to give this place less than 5 stars .. good food .. good people that treat you with a smile every time .. love the place and always ready to travel an hour and a half to come eat here

Woh, when they say worlds largest buffet they are not kidding. The food was delicious. So many different choices. You think just because your in Lancaster County PA that you’re only going to get Amish style food,No sir. We had Lamb meat balls, freshly made cheese steak sandwiches, and so much more. The kids options were plentiful and the dessert options were ridiculous. So many different drink options as well. The service was friendly. The cost is a little high for a family on a budget but it’s a great experience if you can afford it. One you won’t forget.

This is one of the largest buffets we've been to! We were there for breakfast, which included omelets, pancakes, and eggs Benedict made in front of you. Everything was delicious and there were TONS of options. There is always a line, but lots of table space and the line moves quickly. There is also a large store underneath with something for everyone!

Took my twins for their birthday since they eat free. Great food, nice dining experience, and the gift shop is huge! Recommended!

This is a very big buffet of country food. It's excellent Penn Dutch food. A must visit in Lancaster County.

The buffet went on for like 10 sections. It was surf and turf night which was phenomenal. Everything I tried was amazing. Wish I were staying longer so I could go again. I would eat light the day you are coming so you can fully enjoy the buffet. Even had slushies and ice cream cake for dessert. Lots of seating and parking. A cute gift shop below

There's so much food!!!!! Tip: get a small piece of everything so you can taste it and have room for your stomach. Each night is a different star protein. The desserts and delectable Dutch food is a must to eat. This place can hold 600+ people easily. Had to come here 2x in one week to eat the food I have tried. Desserts are so good, they're placed on shelves and rows next to each other. There's so many drinks to try and a large grilling station. 1 floor below is the gift shop. They have so many oddities . In the same vicinity There's a supermarket and generals store. The supermarket is a great place to buy some of those buffet food right to your table for home.

One of the best buffets around pricey but go on your birthday and you get yours for free with a purchase of another one. Then it is very worth the money. Prime rib night is great!