Not your average pretzel, Lancaster County offers a PA Dutch twist.
Lancaster, PA is known for being home to America's first commercial pretzel bakery, which was established in 1861 in Lititz. As a result, pretzels have become a staple food here and the county is home to numerous family-owned and national pretzel bakeries.
While some people may believe that a pretzel is just a pretzel, some people prefer their pretzels hard and crunchy, while others prefer them soft. Some like them salty, while others none. And let's not forget about the dessert varieties, such as cinnamon and sugar or chocolate-covered pretzels.
If you happen to be in Lancaster, be sure to try out different kinds of pretzels so that you can develop your own pretzel palate.
219 E Main St, Lititz Established in Lititz in 1861, Julius Sturgis is the first commercial pretzel bakery in the United States. Upon visiting you can tour the bakery and watch how these old-fashioned pretzels are made by hand, or even try to make one yourself!
716 South West End Ave., Lancaster Specializing in hand-rolled sourdough pretzels, Hammonds has been producing pretzels in Lancaster since 1931. They believe a hands-on approach to baking yields better products than a machine can produce. Hammonds Pretzel Bakery is the oldest continuously family-operated hand-made pretzel bakery in America.
Various Lancaster locations, find more locations here. Many of you have probably eaten an Auntie Anne’s pretzel at some point in your life, but did you know that this famous pretzel chain was founded here in Lancaster? Its founder Anne Beiler lived in Lancaster County, and the headquarters for Auntie Anne’s are located right downtown.
3537 Old Philadelphia Pk., Lancaster “Immergut” translates to “Always Good” in Pennsylvania Dutch, and that’s exactly what these pretzels are! Family-owned and operated, this Amish-run business focuses on hand-rolled soft pretzels and pretzel wraps.
1229 Diamond St., Akron Opening in the 1930s, Martin’s Pretzel Bakery has a long family history of hand-rolling and twisting traditional pretzels. In fact each employee produces 10-12 pretzels per minute! Martin’s pretzels can be found in grocery stores or markets within 50 miles of Lancaster County, and even in New York City.
2758-1 Division Hwy., New Holland Making both pretzels and pretzel rolls, Dutch Country Soft Pretzels has been baking here in Lancaster for over 25 years. Be sure to stop by and stock up on these snacks. Once you smell the fresh-baked aroma you won’t be able to pass by. Bonus, you very well may pass a buggy on the way to the bakery.
955 N State St, Ephrata Roseanne's is Amish-owned and makes delicious pretzels...but there's a twist! They also offer mini hotdog wrapped pretzels and a variety of "Stuffed Pretzels" including steak & cheese, ham & cheese, and pepperoni that could be a meal in itself.
95 S. Groffdale Road, Leola The Hayloft is much more than sweet treats--they also hand-twist their own version of a soft-pretzel and you will want to try their famous Pretzel Logs as well!
542 Gibbons Rd, Bird-in-Hand Homemade goodies is what Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop does best and that includes their several flavors of homemade soft pretzels. Try their pretzel plain or treat yourself to a sour cream & onion or cinnamon sugar twist!
26 W Main St, Mount Joy Fresh, hot, and oh so good! Using a family recipe that was created and mastered 15 years ago assures guests that their pretzels will be delicious. They even serve Jim Mack's homemade ice cream.