Lancaster's 5 best spots for high-end New American food

Lancaster's 5 best spots for high-end New American foodJohn J. Jeffries. | Photo: Su I./Yelp 
Hoodline
Published on January 16, 2019

Looking for a tasty New American meal near you?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best high-end New American restaurants around Lancaster, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fill the bill.

1. John J. Jeffries

Photo: su i./Yelp

Topping the list is John J. Jeffries. Located at 300 Harrisburg Ave., in The Lancaster Arts Hotel in Stadium District, it's the highest rated upscale New American restaurant in Lancaster, boasting 4.5 stars out of 242 reviews on Yelp.

Menus here are seasonal, in partnership with the small family farms from which the kitchen sources its ingredients. Small plates include the Picnic Basket, with Joe the Butcher beef sticks, baby Swiss, pickled cauliflower, Hammond's pretzel and Dijon mustard. Large plates include the "responsible" catch of the day alongside organic brown rice, roasted Brussels sprouts and pesto cream sauce. For dessert, try the pumpkin crème brûlée.

The cocktail menu also changes seasonally and right now, you can order the Big Wig, made with Wigle rye whiskey, house-spiced cherry brandy and house cocoa almond milk. See the full menu here.  

2. The Belvedere Inn

Photo: Bill M./Yelp

Next up is The Belevedere Inn, located at 402 N. Queen St. It boasts four stars out of 202 Yelp reviews.

Start your meal with baked escargot served with hazelnut garlic butter or fried avocado with a Sriracha dipping sauce. As an entree, you might enjoy the Chilean sea bass with apple cider-braised cabbage, golden raisins, cheddar pumpkin mashed potato and pepita pesto.

Guests can also listen to live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights or piano music on Sundays. See the full menu here.

3. Checkers Bistro

Photo: pahua l./Yelp

Stadium District's Checkers Bistro, located at 398 Harrisburg Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the fancy bar and New American spot four stars out of 116 reviews. 

The menu offers small plates, burgers, pizzas and entrees, like pappardelle Bolognese and seared diver scallops with truffled cream leeks. Desserts include cheesecake and chocolate mousse pie. There's also a happy hour from 4-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Check it all out here.

4. Maison

Photo: L2 A./Yelp

Maison, a French, New American and Italian spot in the Central Business District, is another pricey go-to, with four stars out of 90 Yelp reviews. Head over to 230 N. Prince St. to see for yourself.

The owners live above the restaurant and take pride in inviting guests into their home for a respite focused on flavor and comfort. The menu offers chicken liver tartine with grilled bread, rhubarb, smoked spicebush vinegar and chives, as well as pan-roasted barramundi. You can bring your own wine or beer, with a corkage fee of $6 per bottle of wine or six bottles of beer. See more here. 

5. Carr's Restaurant

Photo: tania b./Yelp

Over in the Central Business District, check out Carr's Restaurant, which has earned four stars out of 76 reviews on Yelp. Treat yourself at the New American spot by heading over to 50 W. Grant St.

Start your meal with the lobster risotto croquette, with prosciutto, green peas, and asiago risotto. Pizzas and small plates are available, as well as main dishes like mushroom ravioli with asparagus, green peas, arugula, asiago, watercress sauce and white truffle oil. Add chicken, beef tips or shrimp for an additional cost. See the full menu here.