Midtown Jam Guide to Downtown Lancaster
Food scene
Lancaster has fast become a foodie destination! Here are a few of the many restaurants we've tried.
Our favorite breakfast spot is just a block from our home! Arrive by about 9:00 am to beat the lines. JAM TIP: if you have a smaller appetite, ask to have your crepe split into two (one to share or one for later) and then add on a dessert crepe!
101 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Rachel's Cafe & Creperie
201 W Walnut StOur favorite breakfast spot is just a block from our home! Arrive by about 9:00 am to beat the lines. JAM TIP: if you have a smaller appetite, ask to have your crepe split into two (one to share or one for later) and then add on a dessert crepe!
One of the best burgers we've ever had! You can walk here (less than a mile) to build up an appetite, or take advantage of plenty of parking. JAM TIP - Make a reservation well in advance, but walking in is also possible, especially on weeknights.
83 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Horse Inn
540 E Fulton StOne of the best burgers we've ever had! You can walk here (less than a mile) to build up an appetite, or take advantage of plenty of parking. JAM TIP - Make a reservation well in advance, but walking in is also possible, especially on weeknights.
Wow! This trendy new market has authentic international food stands surrounding a variety of comfy seating and a central bar! We love to take guests here and set them loose to find something yummy to try; we all meet back at our table to compare our foodie treasures. Entertainment includes trivia nights, Karaoke, and live performers. JAM TIP - You can walk here easily (4-5 blocks). It's also a great place to stop for a quick beverage and bathroom break when out walking.
15 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Southern Market Center
100 South Queen StreetWow! This trendy new market has authentic international food stands surrounding a variety of comfy seating and a central bar! We love to take guests here and set them loose to find something yummy to try; we all meet back at our table to compare our foodie treasures. Entertainment includes trivia nights, Karaoke, and live performers. JAM TIP - You can walk here easily (4-5 blocks). It's also a great place to stop for a quick beverage and bathroom break when out walking.
CKW is adjacent to Zoetropolis/Lancaster Distillery and the Cocina Mexicana ... And the best part? This complex with outdoor courtyard is just a few doors down from The Midtown Jam! Grab a bite at the Cocina and a brew at CKW and relax in either space. Live music is also on tap on Friday nights! JAM TIP: Don't miss the bathrooms. Seriously.
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Columbia Kettle Works: 2nd Gear Taproom
112 N Water StCKW is adjacent to Zoetropolis/Lancaster Distillery and the Cocina Mexicana ... And the best part? This complex with outdoor courtyard is just a few doors down from The Midtown Jam! Grab a bite at the Cocina and a brew at CKW and relax in either space. Live music is also on tap on Friday nights! JAM TIP: Don't miss the bathrooms. Seriously.
Awesome Mexican food at a great place! Take out or eat in and it's always BYOB! We love the burritos, tacos, and guacamole. Can't beat it for a delicious affordable lunch. JAM TIP: Grab some take out and enjoy with a brew at CKW or in the courtyard.
15 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Cocina Mexicana
112 North Water StreetAwesome Mexican food at a great place! Take out or eat in and it's always BYOB! We love the burritos, tacos, and guacamole. Can't beat it for a delicious affordable lunch. JAM TIP: Grab some take out and enjoy with a brew at CKW or in the courtyard.
Don't let the name trip you up! The Bread Pedaler is a great local spot for breakfast or lunch, with a surprisingly creative menu. It's a favorite with locals and visitors alike! Jam Tip - It's only open Fri, Sat, and Sun from 8-2:00.
14 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Bread Pedaler
116 W Orange StDon't let the name trip you up! The Bread Pedaler is a great local spot for breakfast or lunch, with a surprisingly creative menu. It's a favorite with locals and visitors alike! Jam Tip - It's only open Fri, Sat, and Sun from 8-2:00.
A nice small establishment with locally sourced, quality food at a reasonable price. We love their "bowls" with various combinations to try! JAM TIP - reserve the window table for a more quiet spot with a view.
12 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Double C
220 N Prince StA nice small establishment with locally sourced, quality food at a reasonable price. We love their "bowls" with various combinations to try! JAM TIP - reserve the window table for a more quiet spot with a view.
Pizza and beer ... A giant fridge case with more than 400 craft beers to choose from. Yeah, they have sandwiches and salads and other offerings, but really ... pizza and beer. It's that good! JAM TIP: Sidewalk seating is nice when the weather is fine.
37 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Fridge
534 N Mulberry StPizza and beer ... A giant fridge case with more than 400 craft beers to choose from. Yeah, they have sandwiches and salads and other offerings, but really ... pizza and beer. It's that good! JAM TIP: Sidewalk seating is nice when the weather is fine.
An authentic British pub on the edge of town, Quips offers a more quiet dining experience than most of the downtown eateries. it's about a 20 minute walk, but they also have ample parking if you prefer to drive. They have plenty of beer on tap and a menu with traditional British fair, including fish and chips, mangers and mash, and Tikka Masala. JAM TIP: Try the Scottish Egg for a bit of British junk food.
18 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Quips Pub
457 New Holland AveAn authentic British pub on the edge of town, Quips offers a more quiet dining experience than most of the downtown eateries. it's about a 20 minute walk, but they also have ample parking if you prefer to drive. They have plenty of beer on tap and a menu with traditional British fair, including fish and chips, mangers and mash, and Tikka Masala. JAM TIP: Try the Scottish Egg for a bit of British junk food.
It's a little hard to find, but once you taste their sandwiches, you'll know why all the locals rave about this trendy-yet-casual hot spot. Try the burgers, reubens, chicken, and cubans, with a side of perfect fries and a milkshake. Jam Tip: The line can be a bit long, but it's worth the wait.
17 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Cabalar Meat Co
325 N Queen StIt's a little hard to find, but once you taste their sandwiches, you'll know why all the locals rave about this trendy-yet-casual hot spot. Try the burgers, reubens, chicken, and cubans, with a side of perfect fries and a milkshake. Jam Tip: The line can be a bit long, but it's worth the wait.
Fabulous, affordable, new Thai restaurant right on Prince, with an equally fabulous, friendly owner, Shana! Walk on over for a delicious meal or beverage to enjoy in or take out. Jam Tip: Head up to the third floor for a nice view of Prince street happenings.
Boba Thai Café
Fabulous, affordable, new Thai restaurant right on Prince, with an equally fabulous, friendly owner, Shana! Walk on over for a delicious meal or beverage to enjoy in or take out. Jam Tip: Head up to the third floor for a nice view of Prince street happenings.
Named the BEST GREEK GYROS in 2023! We love this place for take out Greek, but they also have a dine-in option. Jam Tip: Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Street parking can be tricky there, so we sometimes order ahead for super quick pick up.
15 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Souvlaki Boys
1 W James StNamed the BEST GREEK GYROS in 2023! We love this place for take out Greek, but they also have a dine-in option. Jam Tip: Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Street parking can be tricky there, so we sometimes order ahead for super quick pick up.
Lovely spot for indoor or al fresco dining adjacent to the Central Market. Reasonably priced! Jam Tip: Reservations will be needed for popular times.
18 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
C'est La Vie
18 N Market StLovely spot for indoor or al fresco dining adjacent to the Central Market. Reasonably priced! Jam Tip: Reservations will be needed for popular times.
Oh man! The cheesesteak has ARRIVED and it's only a few blocks away! Better than Philly, and somehow more grown up. And yes, the wood fired pizza is also outstanding. Jam Tip: One large sandwich is enough for two adults of a certain age.
Rendezvous Pizzeria & Steak Shop
Oh man! The cheesesteak has ARRIVED and it's only a few blocks away! Better than Philly, and somehow more grown up. And yes, the wood fired pizza is also outstanding. Jam Tip: One large sandwich is enough for two adults of a certain age.
Sweets
Candy, ice cream and Lancaster's famous "Stroopies," made in the fashion of Dutch Stroop Waffles. This is the perfect stop for evening ice cream after a stroll downtown. JAM TIP: Stop in during the day to watch them make Stroopies. These also make awesome souvenirs or gifts.
21 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Lancaster Sweet Shoppe
141 N Duke StCandy, ice cream and Lancaster's famous "Stroopies," made in the fashion of Dutch Stroop Waffles. This is the perfect stop for evening ice cream after a stroll downtown. JAM TIP: Stop in during the day to watch them make Stroopies. These also make awesome souvenirs or gifts.
Scoop up some Swedish candy and other novelties in this fun shop. JAM TIP: Kids love filling a bag with their favorite treats!
Sweetish Candy- A Swedish Candy Store
301 N Queen StScoop up some Swedish candy and other novelties in this fun shop. JAM TIP: Kids love filling a bag with their favorite treats!
The display cases are filled with Italian delights of all sorts, each one a delicious work of art. This place could hold its own in any larger city, but it's right here in Lancaster. They also have Italian sandwiches, soups, etc. JAM TIP: They close at 3:00 (4:00 on Saturday) and are closed on Sunday. So get your goodies early!
17 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
La Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery
9 N Duke StThe display cases are filled with Italian delights of all sorts, each one a delicious work of art. This place could hold its own in any larger city, but it's right here in Lancaster. They also have Italian sandwiches, soups, etc. JAM TIP: They close at 3:00 (4:00 on Saturday) and are closed on Sunday. So get your goodies early!
Sometimes beautiful cupcakes fall flat on flavor, but not these! They are as delicious as they are lovely. You can drop in and select from their display case or order ahead. JAM TIP: Popular varieties often sell out by evening.
23 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Lancaster Cupcake
24 W Orange StSometimes beautiful cupcakes fall flat on flavor, but not these! They are as delicious as they are lovely. You can drop in and select from their display case or order ahead. JAM TIP: Popular varieties often sell out by evening.
Ice cream fans will love this gem! You will select your ice cream flavor and add-ins and then watch your server create your ice cream before your eyes! It's a rolled miracle and well worth the wait. JAM TIP: Lines get long in the evenings, so go early or just enjoy the wait!
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Rolled Cold Creamery
24 E Orange StIce cream fans will love this gem! You will select your ice cream flavor and add-ins and then watch your server create your ice cream before your eyes! It's a rolled miracle and well worth the wait. JAM TIP: Lines get long in the evenings, so go early or just enjoy the wait!
"TUF," Lancaster city's newest bakery, takes cheesecake decadence up a few giant notches! Each week brings a new assortment of original delights to the display case, all available by the slice. Jam Tip: Cheesecake freezes well. Need I say more?
The Urban Farmhouse
"TUF," Lancaster city's newest bakery, takes cheesecake decadence up a few giant notches! Each week brings a new assortment of original delights to the display case, all available by the slice. Jam Tip: Cheesecake freezes well. Need I say more?
Sightseeing
We love walking the city's many varied neighborhoods and enjoying the architecture! Here are some of our favorites, along with parks, etc.
We love walking from our home up the Chestnut Street hill and into the surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy historic architecture and lovely gardens. JAM TIP: We provide a specific route to try in our printed material.
W Chestnut St, Lancaster, PA, EE. UU.
We love walking from our home up the Chestnut Street hill and into the surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy historic architecture and lovely gardens. JAM TIP: We provide a specific route to try in our printed material.
This 20-acre victorian-era cemetery is worth a visit, if just for the stunning ancient trees like the giant ginkos! But like all old cemeteries, there's much more to discover. JAM TIP: Open dawn to dusk; enter from Lemon Street.
Lancaster Cemetery
This 20-acre victorian-era cemetery is worth a visit, if just for the stunning ancient trees like the giant ginkos! But like all old cemeteries, there's much more to discover. JAM TIP: Open dawn to dusk; enter from Lemon Street.
Wheatland was the home of President James Buchanan and has been open to the public since 1936, a remarkably long run. Tours are timed. JAM TIP: A free arboretum circles the grounds of Wheatland and is a lovely walk. There are often special events on the lawn or in the home.
27 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
President James Buchanan's Wheatland
1120 Marietta AveWheatland was the home of President James Buchanan and has been open to the public since 1936, a remarkably long run. Tours are timed. JAM TIP: A free arboretum circles the grounds of Wheatland and is a lovely walk. There are often special events on the lawn or in the home.
History buffs will love this museum featuring the history of Lancaster county. Unique special exhibits mean there is always something new to uncover. JAM TIP: The research center and staff are excellent and helped us in researching the history of our home. They also offer a stellar underground railroad tour that we highly recommend. Book well in advance.
LancasterHistory
230 N President AveHistory buffs will love this museum featuring the history of Lancaster county. Unique special exhibits mean there is always something new to uncover. JAM TIP: The research center and staff are excellent and helped us in researching the history of our home. They also offer a stellar underground railroad tour that we highly recommend. Book well in advance.
Located just South of the city, this park hugs the peacefully meandering conestoga river and the sparkling Mill Creek. It offers trails, tennis courts, playgrounds, a pool, and much more. You might also check out the Rockford Plantation. JAM TIP: Park in the Exhibit Farm Rd lot for our favorite walk along Mill Creek.
49 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Parque Central del Condado de Lancaster
1050 Rockford RdLocated just South of the city, this park hugs the peacefully meandering conestoga river and the sparkling Mill Creek. It offers trails, tennis courts, playgrounds, a pool, and much more. You might also check out the Rockford Plantation. JAM TIP: Park in the Exhibit Farm Rd lot for our favorite walk along Mill Creek.
Lancaster's famed gallery row is only a block from our home, so we stroll this lovely street often. Art enthusiasts should plan for a leisurely afternoon exploring the galleries, where you'll sometimes even meet the artists! Most shops include smaller items that fit with any budget, such as greeting cards or jewelry. JAM TIP: After closing you'll often spot a couple of lounging cats in the windows of Dreaming Human.
27 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Gallery Row
150 North Prince StreetLancaster's famed gallery row is only a block from our home, so we stroll this lovely street often. Art enthusiasts should plan for a leisurely afternoon exploring the galleries, where you'll sometimes even meet the artists! Most shops include smaller items that fit with any budget, such as greeting cards or jewelry. JAM TIP: After closing you'll often spot a couple of lounging cats in the windows of Dreaming Human.
Lancaster's old City Hall is now repurposed as the Visitor Center. It's right next to Central Market and a great spot to check out the beautiful town square. You'll find awesome resources, old photos, and a decent little gift shop as well. JAM TIP: Their website has much more info than I can include in this guide.
8 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Lancaster City Visitor Center
38 Penn SquareLancaster's old City Hall is now repurposed as the Visitor Center. It's right next to Central Market and a great spot to check out the beautiful town square. You'll find awesome resources, old photos, and a decent little gift shop as well. JAM TIP: Their website has much more info than I can include in this guide.
Reserve a tour with this amazing small business to get an insider's look (and taste) of Lancaster! They have a variety of small group tours for all interests. Jam Tip: Book a private group for an even more intimate, personalized experience!
Unique Lancaster Experiences
Reserve a tour with this amazing small business to get an insider's look (and taste) of Lancaster! They have a variety of small group tours for all interests. Jam Tip: Book a private group for an even more intimate, personalized experience!
Shopping
If you are looking for upscale shops, check out those near the central square and market! For an eclectic experience head up N. Queen street for all sorts of vintage and up-cycled treasures. Outlets, malls, and crafters' markets are a short drive, and you can reach the large King of Prussia mall complex in an hour!
Space is the place to find all the vintage midcentury-modern delights you crave. The black chair in our living room, lamp table in the master bedroom and some of the knick-knacks in our home were purchased there. JAM TIP: The owners are super friendly and will sometimes take a lower price on an item.
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Space
24 W Walnut StSpace is the place to find all the vintage midcentury-modern delights you crave. The black chair in our living room, lamp table in the master bedroom and some of the knick-knacks in our home were purchased there. JAM TIP: The owners are super friendly and will sometimes take a lower price on an item.
Start your trek up Queen Street with a visit to Madcap, where you'll find all sorts of fun goods, many of them related to Lancaster. JAM TIP: This is a great place to grab a kitschy souvenir!
12 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Madcap & Co.
310 N Queen StStart your trek up Queen Street with a visit to Madcap, where you'll find all sorts of fun goods, many of them related to Lancaster. JAM TIP: This is a great place to grab a kitschy souvenir!
Wander into Building Character to explore a variety of booths selling unique goods, many of them homemade or vintage. JAM TIP: be sure to check out the printing press demo in the back right corner!
42 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Building Character
342 N Queen StWander into Building Character to explore a variety of booths selling unique goods, many of them homemade or vintage. JAM TIP: be sure to check out the printing press demo in the back right corner!
A visit to the oldest continuously running farmers' market in America is an absolute must! Grab our market basket and walk down for everything from produce to baked goods to unique meats and so much more! It's small enough to really explore in a couple of hours. Our favorite stand is The Turkey Lady. JAM TIP: If crowds are not your thing, go earlier in the day. Open Tu, Fri, Sat from 6-3:00.
252 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Lancaster Central Market
23 N Market StA visit to the oldest continuously running farmers' market in America is an absolute must! Grab our market basket and walk down for everything from produce to baked goods to unique meats and so much more! It's small enough to really explore in a couple of hours. Our favorite stand is The Turkey Lady. JAM TIP: If crowds are not your thing, go earlier in the day. Open Tu, Fri, Sat from 6-3:00.
The storefront window of Bellaboo may be small, but the store itself is wonderfully expansive. Besides adorable baby and children's clothing, you'll find an impressive selection of toys, books, and puzzles! Jam Tip: Take the kids or just the doting Grandparents for a wonderful time!
Bellaboo
32 N Queen StThe storefront window of Bellaboo may be small, but the store itself is wonderfully expansive. Besides adorable baby and children's clothing, you'll find an impressive selection of toys, books, and puzzles! Jam Tip: Take the kids or just the doting Grandparents for a wonderful time!
Music/Art/Theater
There are several top-notch theaters in the city and many more just a short drive away.
A fabulous regional theater with 6 major professional productions a year, along with various other events. There are no bad seats in this small historic theater; they have a full bar; and the shows are terrific! JAM TIP: Check out the family productions to introduce youngsters to the joy of live theater.
137 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Fulton Theatre
12 N Prince StA fabulous regional theater with 6 major professional productions a year, along with various other events. There are no bad seats in this small historic theater; they have a full bar; and the shows are terrific! JAM TIP: Check out the family productions to introduce youngsters to the joy of live theater.
The Ware Center hosts quality art, music, film, and theater events in downtown Lancaster. JAM TIP: Some events are free or "pay what you will."
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Ware Center - Millersville University
42 N Prince StThe Ware Center hosts quality art, music, film, and theater events in downtown Lancaster. JAM TIP: Some events are free or "pay what you will."
This regional attraction puts on Biblical productions on a grand scale, complete with impressive sets, special effects and live animals! JAM TIP: Reserve early, as shows tend to sell out!
256 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Teatros Sight & Sound
300 Hartman Bridge RdThis regional attraction puts on Biblical productions on a grand scale, complete with impressive sets, special effects and live animals! JAM TIP: Reserve early, as shows tend to sell out!
Many well-known tours make a stop here. It's a great theater, with comfortable seating, plenty of parking and a relaxed atmosphere. Oh, and at least one of their performers has stayed at the Midtown Jam! JAM TIP: You can buy food/drinks at the concession stand and eat it in the theater! What could be more fun?
82 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Hwy EMany well-known tours make a stop here. It's a great theater, with comfortable seating, plenty of parking and a relaxed atmosphere. Oh, and at least one of their performers has stayed at the Midtown Jam! JAM TIP: You can buy food/drinks at the concession stand and eat it in the theater! What could be more fun?
For kids and their families
Kids will love exploring the city's many parks, museums, and fun shops!
Fun for kids of all ages! Our grandchildren (ages 1-5) loved the many hands-on activities and animal room, but we also saw a group of college students having fun! JAM TIP: spring for the planetarium show - It's very accessible for kids!
28 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
North Museum of Nature and Science
400 College AveFun for kids of all ages! Our grandchildren (ages 1-5) loved the many hands-on activities and animal room, but we also saw a group of college students having fun! JAM TIP: spring for the planetarium show - It's very accessible for kids!
This kid-centric amusement park is perfect for families with kids from 2 to about 10 with rides, shows, and even a dinosaur walk! JAM TIP: The annual "winter wonderland" is available from mid-November until Jan. 1.
199 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Dutch Wonderland
2249 Lincoln Hwy EThis kid-centric amusement park is perfect for families with kids from 2 to about 10 with rides, shows, and even a dinosaur walk! JAM TIP: The annual "winter wonderland" is available from mid-November until Jan. 1.
Watch the dogs romp in the dog park and then head over to the playground to give kids time to do the same! JAM TIP: Adjacent to some lovely neighborhoods for walking and also the North Museum run by F and M.
25 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Buchanan Park
901 Buchanan AveWatch the dogs romp in the dog park and then head over to the playground to give kids time to do the same! JAM TIP: Adjacent to some lovely neighborhoods for walking and also the North Museum run by F and M.
Awesome kids' book store, art gallery, toy shop right around the corner from our home. Jam Tip: Watch for fun special events!
Nooks
Awesome kids' book store, art gallery, toy shop right around the corner from our home. Jam Tip: Watch for fun special events!
Such a wonderful gem for the little ones! Kids will enjoy dressing up and playing pretend in all sorts of realistic kid-sized buildings. There is an enclosed circle in the middle for babies, and plenty of benches and tables for a break. Jam Tip: Go early in your chosen session to avoid crowds. The bubble party is a huge hit!
19 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Tiny Town
533 Janet AveSuch a wonderful gem for the little ones! Kids will enjoy dressing up and playing pretend in all sorts of realistic kid-sized buildings. There is an enclosed circle in the middle for babies, and plenty of benches and tables for a break. Jam Tip: Go early in your chosen session to avoid crowds. The bubble party is a huge hit!
Children love the variety of play, craft rooms, and outdoor fun at this regional children's museum. There is so much to explore, you should plan for a few hours. Jam Tip: Stop at the nearby Oregon Dairy for ice cream and farm fun after the museum!
34 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Hands-on House, Children's Museum of Lancaster
721 Landis Valley RdChildren love the variety of play, craft rooms, and outdoor fun at this regional children's museum. There is so much to explore, you should plan for a few hours. Jam Tip: Stop at the nearby Oregon Dairy for ice cream and farm fun after the museum!
Fun Outings
You'll have a blast at this unique place with a retro arcade, bowling alley, restaurant and bar, just a few blocks from our home! JAM TIP: If you take children, go early as they have a 21+ rule after 8:30.
46 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Decades
438 N Queen StYou'll have a blast at this unique place with a retro arcade, bowling alley, restaurant and bar, just a few blocks from our home! JAM TIP: If you take children, go early as they have a 21+ rule after 8:30.
Create a beautiful keepsake planter to take home at this unique Make and Take shop. JAM TIP: a fun idea for a group of friends or family to do together!
Gallery Grow
Create a beautiful keepsake planter to take home at this unique Make and Take shop. JAM TIP: a fun idea for a group of friends or family to do together!