This Indiana Amish Country Buffet Draws Hungry Travelers With Broasted Chicken And Fresh Homemade Bread

More than thirty kinds of pie come out of one bakery kitchen here. That number alone made me sit up straight.

The pies share the spotlight with broasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and homemade bread. You can even spread Amish peanut butter or apple butter on that bread. I like how a simple slice becomes a small celebration.

This spot sits in the heart of Indiana Amish Country, and it’s no small diner. It ranks as the largest restaurant in the state. The grounds also hold shops, an inn, mini golf, and carriage rides.

I believe a place this big could easily feel cold. Instead, the folksy setting and from-scratch cooking keep things homey.

Broasted Chicken Is The Reason Many Road Trips Take A Detour

Crispy, golden broasted chicken sits at the center of the buffet at Das Dutchman Essenhaus. It’s one of the dishes people mention most when they talk about this Middlebury favorite.

Broasting is a method that combines pressure cooking with frying. The goal is a crunchy outside and a juicy inside, which explains why the chicken earns so much attention.

The buffet doesn’t stop at chicken, though. You’ll also find roast beef, pulled meats, and classic sides like mashed potatoes and gravy.

Noodles join the lineup too, and they matter here. The property is known as the home of its famous egg noodles, so skipping them feels like a missed chance.

A salad bar rounds things out for anyone wanting something fresh first. It’s a smart way to balance a plate that’s about to get very heavy.

My advice is simple. Start small, grab a little of everything, and go back for more of your favorite.

That plan leaves room for pie later. Trust me, you’ll want that space when the dessert case comes calling.

Fresh Bread Plus Amish Peanut Butter Equals Pure Trouble

Bread rarely steals the show at a buffet. Here, it gets a real chance thanks to two famous spreads.

Homemade bread arrives alongside Amish peanut butter, a sweet and creamy spread popular across Amish Country. Apple butter is another favorite, bringing a cozy, spiced fruit flavor.

Here’s a gentle warning. It’s very easy to fill up on bread before your entree even shows up.

Pace yourself with one slice of each spread. That way you can compare flavors without losing room for chicken.

The good news is you don’t have to leave these treats behind. The bakery and shops sell baked goods and specialty foods to take home.

Picking up peanut butter for later is a popular move. It turns a Tuesday morning toast into a tiny trip back to Indiana.

Homemade bread also makes a great road snack. Grab a loaf if you’ve got a long drive ahead.

Simple food done well never goes out of style. This combo proves that point one buttery slice at a time.

Thirty-Plus Pies Make Choosing Dessert Delightfully Difficult

More than thirty varieties of pie get baked fresh every day at Das Dutchman Essenhaus. That’s enough to make even the most decisive person stare at the case for a while.

The bakery is a huge part of the identity here. In fact, the restaurant is best known for its pies.

Raspberry cream pie is one name that pops up often. Fruit and cream options make choosing a single favorite almost impossible.

So what’s the solution? Order a slice with your meal, then carry a whole pie home.

Bringing a pie home works beautifully for family gatherings. Nobody will ask whether you baked it yourself, and you don’t have to say.

The bakery also sells plenty of other treats. Cookies, breads, and sweets give you options if pie isn’t your thing.

Plan your bakery stop near the end of your visit. That keeps your treats fresh for the trip home.

One more tip feels important. Leave room in the car, because good intentions about buying just one pie rarely last.

Three Ways To Eat Means Nobody Argues At The Table

Some families love a buffet. Others prefer having food brought right to the table.

Das Dutchman Essenhaus handles both crowds. You can choose the buffet, family-style dining, or a regular menu.

Family style is a classic Amish Country tradition. Big bowls and platters arrive at the table, and everyone passes them around.

It feels like a holiday dinner without anyone stuck washing dishes. The format also keeps conversation flowing since nobody keeps leaving to refill plates.

The buffet suits folks who like to explore. You can sample many dishes and go back for favorites.

Ordering from the menu works well for lighter appetites. Meatloaf and roasted turkey are two menu dishes worth knowing about.

Breakfast is an option too, with a breakfast buffet available. The restaurant opens early at 6:30 AM Monday through Saturday.

Here’s a scheduling note that matters. The restaurant closes on Sundays, so plan your trip on another day.

With three styles to choose from, the biggest debate becomes which pie to share afterward.

Grab A Booth Inside An Amish Buggy For A Fun Twist

Eating dinner inside a buggy sounds like something from a storybook. At this restaurant, it’s an actual seating option.

The dining room features unique Amish buggy booths. They add a playful touch to an already charming meal.

The setting is folksy and full of old-time character. Historical items and vintage pieces appear throughout the space.

Despite being the largest restaurant in Indiana, it still feels cozy. The design blends open, roomy areas with warm details.

Kids especially tend to enjoy the buggy booths. Honestly, adults might enjoy them just as much.

There’s no promise you’ll land one, of course. Ask your host if a buggy booth is available when you arrive.

Big groups can call ahead to join the waiting list. That makes seating a crowd much smoother on busy days.

The gift shop area near the front adds even more charm. It’s worth a slow browse before or after your meal.

Good food tastes even better in a fun spot. A buggy booth delivers exactly that.

Shops Around The Property Turn Lunch Into An Afternoon

Lunch was only the warm-up. The grounds around Das Dutchman Essenhaus hold a whole collection of Village Shops to explore.

You’ll find gifts, home decor, specialty foods, and bakery treats. A quilt shop also adds a classic Amish Country touch.

Walking between the shops is half the fun. The property is well kept, with neat grounds that make strolling easy.

Plenty of parking helps too. You won’t have to circle the lot hoping for a spot.

Shopping after a big meal is honestly smart planning. Those mashed potatoes need a little walking time.

Set a gift budget before you start browsing. Cute items have a habit of jumping into shopping bags.

Specialty foods make easy souvenirs for friends back home. Jars and baked goods travel better than you might think.

Give yourself at least an extra hour for the shops. Rushing through feels like leaving the buffet after one plate.

Here in Indiana, a meal often becomes a full outing. This property makes that easy and enjoyable.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides And Mini Golf Bring The Fun Outside

Clip-clop, clip-clop. A horse-drawn carriage ride offers a relaxing way to see the whole property.

The grounds are pretty and carefully maintained. Riding through them gives you a slower, old-fashioned view.

Carriage rides are a great pick for couples and families alike. They also give tired feet a break after shopping.

Mini golf adds a playful option for all ages. The course makes a nice stop when kids need to burn energy.

Ice cream is available near the mini golf too. That makes it a handy dessert stop if pie somehow wasn’t enough.

Warm weather is the best time for outdoor fun. Check conditions before you go so you can plan your day.

Together, these activities turn a meal stop into a mini getaway. You could easily spend half a day without getting bored.

Families with young kids will appreciate having options nearby. Everyone gets something to look forward to.

A friendly game of putt-putt after dinner? That sounds like a solid plan to me.

Staying Overnight Lets You Have Breakfast Without A Drive

Why rush home after a meal like that? The property includes an inn for travelers who want to stay the night.

Staying overnight opens up more of the experience. You can enjoy dinner, stroll the grounds, and wake up ready for breakfast.

The breakfast buffet is a strong reason to stay. Doors open at 6:30 AM, so early risers get a head start.

An overnight visit also takes pressure off the schedule. You won’t feel rushed through the shops or carriage ride.

Couples looking for a quiet getaway may love this idea. Families can turn it into a fun weekend trip.

Remember that the restaurant is closed on Sundays. Plan a Saturday night stay knowing Sunday breakfast won’t happen here.

Booking ahead is a smart move during busy seasons. Popular weekends can fill up fast.

Sleeping steps away from a pie bakery feels a bit dangerous. Still, it’s the kind of danger most people can handle.

One night here might easily turn into a yearly tradition.

Easy To Find And Perfect Before Exploring Shipshewana

Finding this place couldn’t be simpler. Das Dutchman Essenhaus sits at 240 US-20, Middlebury, IN 46540, right along a major route.

That location makes it a convenient stop for road trips. Travelers heading toward Chicago often pull in for a meal.

It also pairs nicely with a day in nearby Shipshewana. Many visitors combine shopping there with dinner here.

Hours run from 6:30 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Saturday. Sundays are closed, so plan around that.

Large groups should call ahead for a spot on the waiting list. It helps the team prepare tables for everyone.

Arriving close to closing is possible, but leave enough time. You’ll want to enjoy the salad bar and buffet without hurrying.

Classic car cruise-ins sometimes take place on the property. They add extra fun for anyone who loves shiny old cars.

Northern Indiana offers plenty of country charm worth exploring. This stop gives you a delicious base for that adventure.

Just don’t forget the pie on your way out.