The 5 Best Downtown Restaurants + 3 Local Gems

Where to Eat in Downtown Lancaster: 5 Top Restaurants + 3 Local Gems for Every Taste and Budget

Whether you’re new to the area, visiting on vacation, or locating the perfect spot downtown, this guide delivers everything you need: history, atmosphere, food focus, happy hours, and cost.

1. Josephine’s Downtown

Location: 50 W Grant Street
Cuisine/Price: Modern French–American dining | $50–75 per person

History & Vibe
Josephine’s Downtown is the refined sibling of The Belvedere Inn, both part of Dean Oberholtzer’s Vescor Hospitality group. Executive Chef Daniel LeBoon originally founded Josephine’s in Marietta in 2004, building a loyal following before it closed in 2011. In September 2019, Daniel and Dean revived the concept in Lancaster’s downtown, combining French-inspired elegance with locally sourced Lancaster County ingredients (The Exchange, Lancaster County mag).

Now nestled near Central Market and the Fulton Opera House, Josephine’s delivers a polished, cinematic dining experience. Think portrait-lined walls, dramatic lighting, and imaginative dishes—all made entirely from scratch (Instagram).

Happy Hour & Notes
They serve a “Hollywood Libations” small plates and cocktail menu midweek (Tues–Thurs), making it ideal for pre‑dinner drinks or a lighter evening out. Advanced reservations are recommended, especially for date nights or special occasions.

2. The Belvedere Inn

Location: 402 N Queen Street
Cuisine/Price: Contemporary American with European fusion | $45–65 per person

Historic Background
Built in 1869 for tobacco merchant John S. Rohrer, this Victorian Italianate mansion was designed with a belvedere—a rooftop “beautiful view”—perfect for entertaining business associates. It functioned as a residence until the 1920s when it became the Harmony Club, later evolving into the Harmony Inn. In 1998, Dean Oberholtzer opened The Belvedere Inn, reviving the building’s roots in hospitality (Belvedere Inn).

Dining & Entertainment
Belvedere’s now serves fine contemporary American cuisine with local ingredients and internationally inspired flavors. Executive Chef Anthony Davis and team include specials like seared duck breast with seasonal vegetables. The piano lounge hosts live jazz on weekends and “Showtune Sundays”—a Broadway-style piano pop-up event that draws locals and visitors alike (Fig Lancaster, The Hollinger House, Visit Lancaster City).

Happy Hour & Pricing
Happy Hour takes place in the piano lounge upstairs from 4–6 pm, offering cocktails and appetizer specials in a grand but approachable environment.

3. South County Brewing Co. – Lancaster Outpost

Location: 26 W King Street (historic Steinman Hardware building)
Cuisine/Price: BBQ, pizza, scratch kitchen fare with brewery | $25–35 per person

Origins & Growing Roots
South County Brewing began as JR Heaps’ home-brewing passion project in Fawn Grove in 2011. After attending brewing school and honing his craft, he launched the brewery with Jen Heaps. They launched their York location in 2022, and expanded into Lancaster in 2025 by transforming the historic Steinman Hardware Store—built in 1886 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places—into a vibrant downtown taproom and kitchen (PA Eats).

Experience & Offerings
Here you’ll find wood‑fired pizzas, brisket sliders, mac & cheese with local meats, and a rotating tap list of small-batch IPAs, sours, and house spirits. The space blends industrial industrial-chic with live music and a warm community vibe (Discover Lancaster).

Happy Hour
Tues–Fri 4–6 pm: rotating draft deals and $12 one‑topping pizza Thursdays make it a perfect casual hangout. Expect friendly service and approachable prices.

4. The Exchange (Rooftop Lounge)

Location: 12th floor, Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
Cuisine/Price: Seasonal small plates & cocktails | $30–50 per person

History & Atmosphere
Founded atop the Lancaster Marriott, which integrates the façade of the historic Watt & Shand Building and the 205‑year‑old Montgomery House, The Exchange sits framed by Penn Square’s layered history—one of Lancaster’s oldest public gathering spaces, active for over 300 years (Cooper Carry).

Its rooftop bar opened with Plough around 2019, offering sweeping downtown views and chic, modern design. The floating bar layout and both indoor/outdoor seating make it one of Lancaster's top scenic destinations for cocktails or date night (Fig Lancaster).

Dining & Happy Hour
The menu changes seasonally—with wood-fired pizzas and creative Scott plates. Happy Hour runs Tues–Fri 4‑6 pm. Note guests must be 21+ after 4 pm. Indoor/outdoor seating with lounge areas and firepits make this a cozy yet elevated spot for early evening drinks or sunset dinners (lancasterpa.com).

5. Plough Restaurant

Location: 25 S Queen Street (ground level, Marriott at Penn Square)
Cuisine/Price: Modern farm-to-table American | $35–55 per person

Story & Culinary Mission
Opening in 2019 alongside The Exchange, Plough is anchored in local culinary tradition while embracing modern design. Executive Chef Ryan McQuillan leads in-house, drawing from Lancaster County’s lush farmlands and the region’s historic Farmers’ Market—the oldest continuously operating market in the U.S. (Plough Restaurant).

The interior features an open kitchen and central floating bar, creating a social hub warmed by soft lighting and abundant local ingredients. The menu reflects what’s fresh that day, from coho salmon to cowboy ribeye and inventive side dishes (Drift Travel Magazine).

Bar & Happy Hour
The bar is open daily until midnight with light small plates offered from 4–5 pm. The seasonal wine wall and cocktails made from local spirits complete the culinary experience.

🌟 Special Mentions

C’est La Vie – European Bistro

Location: 18 N Market Street
Cuisine/Price: French-influenced bistro fare | $35–50 per person

A cozy downtown standout offering classic French dishes—steak frites, croques, crème brûlée—delivered in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Affordable and perfect for brunch or an approachable fine-dining experience.

Yorgos Restaurant & Lounge – Greek & Mediterranean

Location: 66 N Queen Street
Cuisine/Price: Mediterranean plates & cocktails | $30–45 per person

Lancaster institution since 1989, Yorgos blends rooftop appeal, mezze-style small dishes, and hearty Greek classics. One of the more vibrant and energetic downtown spots, especially on weekend nights.

Bistro Barberet & Bakery – French Brasserie & Pastry

Location: 26 E King Street
Cuisine/Price: Classic brasserie fare & fine pastries | $40–60 per person

A refined destination by Chef Cedric Barberet, offering French staples like bouillabaisse, steak frites, and artisanal pastries. Top-tier service and consistently high reviews for presentation and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These five dining destinations—and three local favorites—offer a dynamic cross-section of Lancaster’s downtown: from fine dining to rooftop vibes, historic ambiance to local ingredients. Whether you’re getting dinner before a show at the Fulton Opera House or grabbing brunch before Central Market, Lancaster offers something delicious for every occasion.