Mr. and Mrs. Henry Z. Martin (Miriam Weaver's parents) originally started selling produce in a roadside stand located in front of their home (located directly beside the current Farm Market). The stand, located under the large Maple Trees, is where the name Shady Maple Farm Market originated. In July of 1970 the Weavers took over the family business and opened the first block building to sell produce.
At the same time they teamed with IGA and installed a grocery department. Overhead garage doors enhanced the 'farm market' experience. The Shady Maple business began now with two cash registers and a few employees. In the fall, customers were already pouring in and the Weavers decided to make some changes to better serve their customers.
At the same time they teamed with IGA and installed a grocery department. Overhead garage doors enhanced the 'farm market' experience. The Shady Maple business began now with two cash registers and a few employees. In the fall, customers were already pouring in and the Weavers decided to make some changes to better serve their customers.
Services
Discover the experience of dining at Lancaster County's largest smorgasbord featuring 200 feet of deliciously authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. At Shady Maple some of Lancaster County's finest cooks prepare all your favorite PA Dutch foods, as well as some exciting new dishes. Be sure to check our daily dinner specials including steak, prime rib, seafood and more.
Shady Maple Gift Shop is your home for Jim Shore, Painted Ponies, Byers' Choice collectibles, Amish handcrafts, Boyd's Bears, home decor, souvenirs, gifts, toys, PA Dutch foods and much more. Over 40,000 square feet gives your endless selection and variety of the finest collectibles and gifts available.
Shady Maple Catering brings you the quality food and great service of Shady Maple directly to your offsite event. Enjoy our variety of food choices for your next event, party or celebration. Shady Maple Catering offers a wide selection of food items great for every occasion including soups & salads, sandwiches, entrees, hors d'oeuvres and desserts.
Reviews (20)
Kirstie M.
Jan 24, 2022
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This was our first visit here. We usually frequent another local restaurant but they were closed for winter break.
We had pretty high hopes for eating here. The parking lot is always full and the reviews were pretty good.
Wrong. At 4 pm we had quite a wait and were moved from one line to another based on party size and table choice. It was mildly annoying to get to the front of one line and then put in another three times. But this was a minor inconvenience.
The real problem - the buffets. Food all over the buffets and the floors. It was disgusting. We each had a plate
We had pretty high hopes for eating here. The parking lot is always full and the reviews were pretty good.
Wrong. At 4 pm we had quite a wait and were moved from one line to another based on party size and table choice. It was mildly annoying to get to the front of one line and then put in another three times. But this was a minor inconvenience.
The real problem - the buffets. Food all over the buffets and the floors. It was disgusting. We each had a plate
Ralf S.
Jan 17, 2022
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The place is big. I cannot even begin to estimate the seating and I did not bother to ask anyone who worked there.
The choices are endless. From finger foods to steaks, soups to desserts, and many things haven't seen anywhere else.
However, many of the choices I use to compare buffets left me disappointed. Bland flavors and items got cold quickly. They offered freshly carved prime rib but it was lackluster. I have to say the same of the steak they were offering, but to be fair, when wanting to dine on steak, it should be made-to-order. You have to expect less than ideal from a buffet, it
The choices are endless. From finger foods to steaks, soups to desserts, and many things haven't seen anywhere else.
However, many of the choices I use to compare buffets left me disappointed. Bland flavors and items got cold quickly. They offered freshly carved prime rib but it was lackluster. I have to say the same of the steak they were offering, but to be fair, when wanting to dine on steak, it should be made-to-order. You have to expect less than ideal from a buffet, it
Tammy B.
Jan 09, 2022
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Just realized that I have never left a review for this wonderful smorgasbord! We have had the pleasure of dining here several times. The Pandemic has of course altered the experience somewhat, just like every other business. However, Shady Maple has really tried to keep a normal dining experience, while maintaining safety measures.
Now for the food. This smorgasbord/buffet has so many choices. It is a feast for the eyes and the tummy. If you have never dined here, I suggest you take a stroll around first...before getting your plate. Otherwise, you WILL run out of space on your plate
Now for the food. This smorgasbord/buffet has so many choices. It is a feast for the eyes and the tummy. If you have never dined here, I suggest you take a stroll around first...before getting your plate. Otherwise, you WILL run out of space on your plate
Jonathan Humbert
Jan 08, 2022
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First thing: if you are really hungry, here is an amazing place to visit. You will likely find what you're looking for here. You want NY Strip? How many would you like? There is delicious food everywhere, spread out, well, smorgasbord-style. The lines to get in are a bit ponderous; there are so many tables that walking paths are somewhat crowded. But one comes to eat his full here, and that is exactly what will happen. It's not cheap, but not worse than most nicer restaurants. You can get a free meal on your birthday (with a driver's license). FYI: if your birthday is on a Sunday (they are closed
Tom D.
Jan 07, 2022
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I've been coming here since my college days, nearly 20 years ago! Tonight we made a stop here to celebrate my birthday. I love that they still give a free meal for the birthday person... I more than made up for my wife's share of the dinner cost, however.
The food is still constantly good, though it definitely changes taste and quality depending on available suppliers of the ingredients. My favorite go-to's at dinner time remain the broasted chicken, the buttered noodles, the hot dogs, and the NY strip steaks. Some of the desserts can be hit or miss, but sometimes you can luck
The food is still constantly good, though it definitely changes taste and quality depending on available suppliers of the ingredients. My favorite go-to's at dinner time remain the broasted chicken, the buttered noodles, the hot dogs, and the NY strip steaks. Some of the desserts can be hit or miss, but sometimes you can luck
Karen Duncan
Jan 03, 2022
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Pertrina Jett
Dec 27, 2021
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We always enjoy eating at Shady Maple. Delicious varirty of food choices. Very spacious and clean. I like that they provide hand sanitizer and thin plastic gloves as you enter the buffet area. They also have a huge gift shop downstairs. A great way to work off all that delicious food. I love Shady Maple. Beautiful Christmas decorations.
James S.
Dec 14, 2021
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Jansen Chan
Dec 12, 2021
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Set in the heart of Pennsylvania, this broad buffet had such a large selection! Items were all-American classics, such as carving stations, salad bars, hot sides, soups etc. Not much for ethnic sections but had unusually findings like fried avocado and carrot soufflé. Dessert quality was the weakest but the rest of the food was solid and hearty. Make sure to check the daily offering online as they change throughout the week, as does the price. As of 12/23/21, few masks worn, but optional plastic gloves provided.
Roja
Dec 12, 2021
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Ahra J.
Nov 16, 2021
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If you're looking for the prime buffet experience, check out Shady Maple Smorgasbord. They have 200 ft worth of food from fries to cheesesteaks and probably the best brisket I have eaten at a buffet! For the most part I liked everything except the steak, partly my fault bc the people manding the grills are not chefs at a steakhouse so when you go up there and specify how you like your steak, they cut to see themselves and give you what they think it is so my piece was dry! I noticed sometimes they'll ask you if that piece is to your liking, I did not get that chance to say no. Oh well
Sherin Joy
Nov 03, 2021
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Amazing food, there is plenty of dishes to choose from. Lovely ambiance, the place was packed on Saturday, you might have to stand in a queue for 15 to 20 minutes to get seated. Even though there are hundreds in the queue, the queue moves very quickly.
If you are free on weekdays, then weekdays are best to visit this restaurant, less crowded and low price.
The huge gift shop downstairs also offers lots of wonderful items.
If you are free on weekdays, then weekdays are best to visit this restaurant, less crowded and low price.
The huge gift shop downstairs also offers lots of wonderful items.
Lisa M.
Oct 31, 2021
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I have been hearing about Shady Maple for years but never made it out until recently. The place is a destination for sure; it is an extremely large facility that can hold a few hundred people at one time. It seems like besides the main dining room, there are several other rooms that can be used. The cashier line is long but moves extremely fast for how many people get processed. Once you pay you can get in line for booths only or booths and tables. I went for the booths only and the line was less than 10 minutes.
There isn't much in the way for COVID precautions. Gloves are optional
There isn't much in the way for COVID precautions. Gloves are optional
Larry B.
Oct 17, 2021
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After a long drive from Lancaster and an almost equally long line to get into this place I really hoped the food would be the redeemer. In the end it was the awful icing on an awful experience.
Most of the things you've heard about shady maple are true: Yes, it's gigantic. Yes, they have more food than most have ever seen in their lives. Yes, it's all you can eat. Yes, it's reasonably priced.
But no, it's not even close to being up to the hype.
I can get past the crowds and the wait. But once you turn the corner into that food area it's a literal free for all of
Most of the things you've heard about shady maple are true: Yes, it's gigantic. Yes, they have more food than most have ever seen in their lives. Yes, it's all you can eat. Yes, it's reasonably priced.
But no, it's not even close to being up to the hype.
I can get past the crowds and the wait. But once you turn the corner into that food area it's a literal free for all of
Brian Kung
Oct 16, 2021
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If you're coming in on a weekend, good luck! We got here at 2pm and waited in line for 20 mins. We left at 4:30, and the line went outside and for lengths! Food is great, nice variety of everything. I personality enjoyed that the icees are more flavorful than in any other place i've been in. Mac & Cheese is fantastic. Gift shop has everything you could possibly want!
Anjbennett
Oct 14, 2021
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Sue Ann Jaffarian
Oct 13, 2021
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A friend sent me a YouTube video on this place so I had to try it while in the area. The food was just as good as he claimed. The pot roast and brisket were great, and the veggies not overcooked. They had something for everyone. The soups looked fabulous, but I didn’t try them. There was simply too much to try it all. I had my first piece of shoofly pie and it was very good. I was there on a Wednesday for lunch. The place was busy, but I got right in. The service is excellent and the price is right.
Dulce L.
Sep 29, 2021
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We have been meaning to try this Amish buffet for quite some time and never got around to it. Finally this last Saturday we got a chance to drop in for dinner.
I do want to say that the price per adult was very reasonable. About $26 per person. This place is extremely large with ample seating. Now for my review of our dining experience.
I normally start with the soup selection. They had about three different kinds of soup to start with. One was a basic chicken soup another was hamburger soup. Yes hamburger soup and it was as bad as it sounds. Another was broccoli with cheese soup. There wasn
I do want to say that the price per adult was very reasonable. About $26 per person. This place is extremely large with ample seating. Now for my review of our dining experience.
I normally start with the soup selection. They had about three different kinds of soup to start with. One was a basic chicken soup another was hamburger soup. Yes hamburger soup and it was as bad as it sounds. Another was broccoli with cheese soup. There wasn
Shareef W.
Jul 01, 2021
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Well must I say my experience here was...Pleasant and satisfying. The atmosphere all the way to the friendly and welcoming staff all made me say "Im glad I finally made here"
After we were asked if we preferred a booth or table for three which we picked booth, we were seated in a nice section then given directions on how to keep our receipts presented on the table then to flip over when we were done dining. By a very nice hostess.
The food looked very presentable and delicious. So much food options it was difficult to make a first decision.
Seen a grill section where you could
After we were asked if we preferred a booth or table for three which we picked booth, we were seated in a nice section then given directions on how to keep our receipts presented on the table then to flip over when we were done dining. By a very nice hostess.
The food looked very presentable and delicious. So much food options it was difficult to make a first decision.
Seen a grill section where you could
Jamie M.
May 10, 2021
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We came here for my sister's birthday meal this past Saturday. I'd heard about how legendary this place was for years, but in my opinion, it did not live up to the hype.
First off, the prices they have on their website are inaccurate. They've gone up a few dollars. Not a huge deal but noteable.
The line to get in was long but moved quickly.
The buffet itself to me was meh.
Salad bar was missing some basic items, like hard boiled eggs. Literally all the vegetables were cooked to death. Mushy broccoli and green beans among other things. The Sweet Potato Mash had nuts (odd)
First off, the prices they have on their website are inaccurate. They've gone up a few dollars. Not a huge deal but noteable.
The line to get in was long but moved quickly.
The buffet itself to me was meh.
Salad bar was missing some basic items, like hard boiled eggs. Literally all the vegetables were cooked to death. Mushy broccoli and green beans among other things. The Sweet Potato Mash had nuts (odd)
