Yoder’s Restaurant and Buffet

I had a gift card for Yoder’s and decided that I needed to try the buffet at least once as a local. My $ 25 gift card didn’t cover dinner for 2 and my date and I left unsatisfied.
Pros: small dining area, mto grill, clean
Cons: lack of flavor, drinks not included, and you have a waitress that does nothing, that is expecting a tip on your overpriced bill.
Waited over 10 minutes for a drink refill from my waitress, food was less than subpar, and Im left feeling like Yoder’s is just a tourist trap.

Visited this buffet as an alternative to Shady Maple, because I really didn’t feel like paying 23 $ for an amish buffet (that price tag belongs in Atlantic City), anyway, this place was really cute, the buffet is an item on the menu which is interesting. It was well stocked with a lot of comfort type food that was hot and fresh. Our waitress was very very friendly and attentive. The chicken dumplings were very good. They have a nice dessert section. Overall this was a really nice experience I was pleased with my decision in coming here, would definitely return if in the area again!

We make monthly jaunts to Morgantown from Northeast Philly to the great grocery outlets and often treat ourselves to a Yoders dinner. We like this much more than Shady Maple Smörgåsbord, which is just too big, too crowded, and too expensive, and truthfully we find the food to be better at Yoders. Soup is always good, great salad bar, good selection of hot foods. I especially love the corn fritters at the grill. Also love their broasted chicken. I read another reviewer who didn’t think there were many veggies, but on the days we’ve been there, we never found that to be the case. Plenty of veggies when we went, even on a weekday. Desserts are outstanding — they used to have a delicious crème de menthe ice cream topping at the dessert bar. Last time we went, it was gone, but after telling our waitress of our disappointment about that crème de menthe, she then surprised us with a cup of it that she brought to our table! That’s how courteous and helpful all the staff is there. Plus Yoders also will give you a free dinner on your birthday, just like Shady Maple does!

Have eaten here many times breakfast and dinner. They serve some really good Amish foods and there is a great variety on the buffet. The buffet tables are spaced out, so good for disabled folks.

I was just here on 8÷9÷2015 for brunch with a group.
I’ll start with the pros:
Most of the food was incredibly delicious. The biscuits and loaded baked potato soup were my favorite!
Now for the cons:
The buttered noodles tasted watery. Fried chicken needs improvement. The place was extremely packed to the point of it being hard to move at times. It took me an hour and a half, as well as alerting staff three times, for them to bring our group drinks.
I won’t be coming back here. There are much better buffets in the area. Spend some extra money and just go to Shady Maple.

Tried all the Buffet restaurants in the area. Yoders blows them away for quality food!

Good food, quality and variety! Lots of choices even for vegetarians. If you like tapioca pudding as much as I do you’ll be happy!

I like this place for breakfast. It’s also a buffet like Shady Maple, but not as big and crowded. The pricing is a little more reasonable and the food is good with a nice selection. The people are very nice and it’s easy to have quick breakfast. They also provide a menu so you don’t have to get the buffet, if that’s not your thing. Be warned, it’s not as crowded as other places but it can get busy, and you will wait if like a late breakfast.

Hubby and I where very impressed with this restaurant. .the sea food buffet was amazing. The buffet period was awesome! A verity of food to choose from. Highly Recommended. Where from Colorado anyone traveling here recommend YODER RESTAURANT. …

The best buffet in lancaster area. Plenty of options for breakfast or lunch and all the staff are friendly and helpful. Waffles made to order are just right! And glazed donuts are the best I have had. Will definately be back!

I was here several years ago and that was the first time I ever had a ham ball. Now here I am again enjoying those oh so good ham balls. Gotta love them ham balls!
Of course I tried all the other items on the buffet. The harvard beets and potato filling are also my favorites.
Good food for a decent price.

Yoder’s is the much smaller neighbor of Shady Maple. No, they’re not next door, but you know what I mean; they’re close and they’re competition. Right up to the rivaling grocery store, Yoder’s is surely the «Little Mac» of the smörgåsbord world (yes, I’m referencing Punch Out). And rightly so: it’s small. So at first glance you may be thinking how can this even hold a candle to Shady Maple? What’s to keep me from going the extra 3 miles down the road? Shall we make list?
1. Size does matter. Shady Maple is a massive complex that draws vast amounts of people both tourists and locals. People by the bus load are constantly being dropped off here. Don’t like crowds? Eat at Yoder’s.
2. The Waiting Game. Shady Maple is worth it every time, but what if you haven’t got the time? I’ve stood in lines to get in line at Shady Maple, but never once had to wait at Yoder’s.
3. Mirroring Menus. Shady Maple offers a huge buffet line composed of meats, vegetables, breads, soup and dessert. There are grilling stations that offer made-​to-​order selections and so there’s just about everything to eat imaginable. Yoder’s? Well it’s a buffet too. It has meat and veg, it has soup salad, and dessert. Heck it even has MTO grills as well. So what is the difference? I’ll give you a hint: it isn’t taste or quality. Everything here is delicious. So what then? Bet you weren’t expecting this to be a plus, but unlike Shady Maple, Yoder’s give you the option to order off the menu as opposed to its buffet, making it the perfect alternative for lighter eaters. Especially those who tend to dine with heavy hitters like yours truly.
Are you still reading this? Do you really need another reason to try Yoder’s? Haven’t I sold you on eating at least one meal here yet? Fine. This is your fourth and final reason (that I’m giving you) to get your appetite to Yoder’s.
4. Ham Balls! The reason ham loaf worldwide doesn’t ever sound appealing is because Yoder’s only cooks local. Now, I’m not saying their Ham Balls are the best food ever, no one could ever know that, but they certainly are my favorite thing about this restaurant and one of the top tasting items on the menu.
Need a recap?
1. Small and Convenient
2. Prompt seating with minimal wait time
3. A myriad of meals with the option to order just one
4. Handcrafted Ham Balls exclusive to this buffet
*Take that Shady Maple. TKO [End Reference]

Stopped for lunch on Saturday, 4÷4÷15. Food selections are from both regular menu and buffet. We elected to both go with the lunch buffet. The selections were very good. They had a carving station, dessert stand, full salad and soup bar, bread and roll area, and plenty of hot dishes to choose from. The ham balls and fried chicken were excellent and the egg noodles were delicious. The service could have been better as I felt they did not have enough wait staff covering tables. It took too long to get refills on your drinks and to clear your tables. Other than that, it was a good experience. The restaurant also has meeting rooms to accommodate groups and special occasions. It should be noted that the whole place is connected to a supermarket under the same name and also some smaller stores selling local souvenirs and home made items from the area. The grocery store is worth a visit also.

I was visiting my friend and we decided to try this brunch buffet out. Best part is the fact that they are from 10 – 2 so you can still sleep in! We waited for like 5 min on line and then it was off to amazing homemade deliciousness!!! On the breakfast side the sausages, freshly sliced ham, quiche, biscuits, french toast, and donuts were INSANELY GOOD!!! On the Lunch side, the fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and buttered brown noodles were also great. The dessert is out of this world with made to order crepes, ice cream with toppings and cakes. The only thing I didn’t like was the apple pie too much spice,
For the price it’s simply awesome! Loved it!

I’ve been here once for dinner and once for breakfast. Dinner was disappointing. Nothing really stood out to me, Dienners has a smaller selection but much better food. Breakfast was better than dinner, made to order omlettes and corn cakes, the scrapple was good, the rest of the buffet was average, the biscuits were like stones and there were no grits which was disappointing. There are better options for sure.

This is where all the locals go if we’re in the mood for some PA Dutchie food «buffet style». I love this place — simple, good, hearty food. Food is WAY better here then at Shady Maple and you don’t have to deal with the masses of tourist insanity. Both breakfast and dinner buffets are wonderful. They also have a regular menu if you aren’t into the buffet… but I totally recommend the buffet.

Delicious. My family and I have been coming to Lancaster for years we love it. Oddly this is the first time we’ve ever eaten here. Usually we go to shady maple which is also delicious. However it was a Sunday and Sundays shady is closed so I suggested Yoder. Was I glad I did! Its a more manageable buffet. Maybe even better quality food. This was great. It was there sunday brunch. So many delicious selections, and carving stations and homemade fritters to order as well as pancakes and eggs and French toast and waffles. There soft serve ice cream is turkey hill. Omg so good. I will be going back. It was definitely more manageable then shady and im pretty sure I liked it better. Eather way u can go wrong there both tasty. But hey on a Sunday for brunch Yoder is where its at.

Visiting from out of state. Surprised by the price of 14.99 per person but on weekends they run the grill, which is additional. After looking at all the selections I tried the fried chicken breast, pot roast, broccoli & a baked sweet potato. The chicken & pot roast were inedible. Difficulty cutting it & chewing. The grill had the best food choices & saves this place. The chef grilled me a beautiful piece of salmon. I told him there was little I could eat here & he assumed food allergies. Said he’d get the manager to help me with choosing just the right selections. I didn’t have the heart to say I couldn’t eat the food. Even visually it was bad. Chicken & Dumplings with chicken missing. Beef smothered in gravy & noodles all grey colored.
The waitstaff was pleasant. Welcomed us, refilled sodas, & where prompt.
The experience felt like you were on a blind date. Turns out you can’t stand the person you were set up with, BUT they are so darned nice, you actually dread letting them down.
If you go, expect sub — average food with little flavor. Only go on weekends when grill is open so you have a chance of eating real food.
Lots of starch. Very little veggies. green beans & broccoli steamed til army green in color.
But then why go at all? Head to the frozen food section of the supermarket and take home Banquet Frozen lasagna or meatloaf. Add a frozen veggie of your choice, loaf of bread, & a dessert. It’s cheaper & you know what your getting.

Yoder’s has buffet or sit down meal. We usually eat the buffet meal because they have so so m uch to choose from. The food is good. The grilling area is ok but could be better (I think). The service is not that fast but you are served within 10 – 15 minutes or so. The servers are polite and will get you what you want and if your not happy they will bring you something else to please you. I guess I am a fan. Their chicken & soups are really good.

Good variety breakfast buffet was $ 6.49 and you could get fresh made waffles, omelets and crepes. My favorite were the homemade sticky buns and shoo fly cake. Dinner was $ 13.99 per person lots to chose from, Amish style home cooking