What Micky Eats...: Miller's Smorgasbord

Miller's Smorgasbord is a must stop buffet lunch or dinner option most popular with tour groups that visit Lancaster, PA. Meals are prepared and cooked from scratch using fresh ingredients from the local Amish neighbors, whose farms surround the restaurant. With three dining options: traditional smorgasbord dinner, soup & salad smorgasbord, or a la carte, there is something to please everyone.

The back story of the restaurant is that 84 years ago, Anna Miller served chicken & waffles to truckers as her husband repaired their rigs. It was a simple dish, but it was always served up with a smile. Today Miller's tried and true recipes may not be as simple, but they are prepared with the freshest ingredients... and they are still served up with a smile.

While in Lancaster for the day, Keith insisted we stop at Miller's for a big buffet lunch. I was up for the challenge. At $23.95 per person, several kinds of soups, salads, hot entrees, sides, breads, and desserts were available at the all-you-can-eat traditional smorgasbord. Where to begin?!?

First, I tackled the cold salad bar with regular green salad and veggies topped with their famous hot bacon dressing, then added a scoop of pasta salad, potato salad, and seafood salad. The salad was fresh and I really enjoyed the shrimp pasta salad. Keith started with a bowl of chicken & corn chowder.

Next, I went up for the hot food. To my plate I added a slice of roasted turkey, a piece of steamed bluefish, mashed potatoes, marinated mushrooms, macaroni & cheese, and grilled vegetables. I tried to be somewhat health-conscious, but I did not like the turkey (too dry) nor the fish (too bland) nor the grilled vegetables (too burned). The best thing on my plate were the mashed potatoes and mushrooms. Keith loaded his plate with fried chicken & waffles along with noodle casserole and then later went back for roast beef and mashed potatoes. I had a bite of his fried chicken and it was crispy on the outside and very moist on the inside. The meat was flavorful too.

Though stuffed, we had to peruse the dessert bar. Various cakes, pies, brownies, and puddings were available along with fresh fruit. Keith really wanted cheesecake and I thought the blueberry looked the best. He also got a slice of their famous Shoo-Fly Pie. It was slightly warmed, made with a molasses filling and cinnamon crumble topping. He got it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The bite I had did not quite hit the spot, so I picked up a slice of Gourmet Apple Pie, also kept in the warmer (as opposed to the pre-cut slices of regular apple pie on the counter) with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The pie was loaded with nice chunks of apple and satisfied my sweet craving.

Overall, the food at Miller's Smorgasbord is pretty average to the typical buffet. If you can eat a lot, the full dinner may be worth your while. Otherwise, the soup & salad only option for $9.95 is still a great deal.

Total Rating: 3.05
Food: 3, Price: 3, Service: 3, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 4

What I ate:

Salad

green salad, pasta salad, potato salad, seafood salad