By Kevin Williams
SIGH, there was nothing wrong with this place, Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant. In fact, it was pretty good. In some cases (I'll get to that in a minute), very good. But it was not my first choice. Or even my second. And probably not my third. But happenstance put me on Old Philadelphia Pike and I saw Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant and since my other choices didn't work out I settled for here. I wanted a true, authentic Amish-style buffet.
Another "problem" was that I arrived at breakfast and not for the lunch , which probably would have featured more Pennsylvania Dutch "classics" such as heaping helps of homemade noodles, dumplings, etc. I mean, there are only so many ways you can fix breakfast.
Now, that's my grumbling....let's talk about some of the good things. Value. I got out with a $10 check, plus tip. That included the full buffet and a drink.  So no complaints there. I saw some Plain people, Amish or Mennonite, working in the kitchen, which is always a good sign of authenticity.
Okay, enough rambling, let's take a picture tour:
This wasn't my first choice for my Pennsylvania Dutch fix, but it turned out to be pretty good.
This turned out to be one of my favorite items...a crisp, crusty, brown breakfast casserole...it didn't look overly appealing at first, but looks are deceiving, it was really good!
Usual assortment of breakfast meats
I skipped the doughnut tray, but I wish I hadn't...these look amazing.
I had just been to Dutch Haven prior to stopping here and I had an amazing piece of shoofly pie there, so I wasn't craving more, but thought I'd taste some here just for comparison and I know Dutch Haven is known for their shoo-flys, but these were amazing also. See how creamy and filling filled they look? Perfect
Warm sticky buns...
The store has a full gift shop where you can buy all sorts of souvenirs
And if you don't have the time to eat a full meal here, they have a cooler where you can buy some goodies to go.
And Amish canned goods too!
Mary G
Kevin, we have dined there before and were always pleasantly satisfied. The food is always fresh and hot, not to mention plentiful. We have browsed through the gift area and I will admit have spent a few dollars there. One time we stayed in the motel associated with the restaurant and it was very nice. My mom is from Mount Carmel, PA and we love the area. It has a familiar feel for us even tho we are not amish. I am glad you were pleasantly surprised and I hope you get back there for lunch or dinner sometime! ????
Kevin
I would definitely check it out for lunch or dinner, the breakfast casserole was really, really good..SIGH, I wish I lived closer!