Fall Flavors at The Log Cabin

Originally built as a speakeasy in the 1920s, The Log Cabin has played host to countless gatherings and celebrations over the years, earning a reputation as one of Lancaster County’s top fine dining destinations. Today, the ‘Cabin’ pays tribute to its history with a traditional selection of steaks & chops, while introducing a variety of seasonal dishes and prix fixe dining experiences throughout the year.

The Log Cabin’s fall menu is designed to be savored in the warmth of its cozy dining rooms. But the experience begins before stepping inside the door, as you drive along Log Cabin Road, cross the historic Zook’s Mill Covered Bridge, and pass by Amish fields and farmstands. When you approach the restaurant, under the soaring oak trees of the Lehoy Forest, you’ll see autumn’s changing colors on full display.

Inside, fall flavors are showcased with ingredients like red beets, parsnip purée, and pumpkin seeds. The new menu reflects the vision of Executive Chef Steve Painter and his team, marking the first in a series of seasonal menus planned for the Lancaster County restaurant. Since joining The Log Cabin in 2017, Chef Painter has championed the use of fresh, local ingredients and invested in a kitchen culture of mentorship, collaboration, and creativity. With deep roots in Central Pennsylvania, he takes pride in sharing his culinary creations with locals and visitors alike.

A Q&A with Chef Steve Painter

Fig had a chance to chat with Chef Painter and learn more about the inspiration behind the fall menu. Here’s what he had to share:

Fig: Where did you begin when crafting this seasonal menu?
Chef: There is no true beginning in creating dishes for a season. As a chef, you look forward to each season’s gifts from the earth. Fall has a bounty of wonderful ingredients with the most brilliant colors to create dishes that pop off the plate.

Fig: What inspired the fall menu?
Chef: My inspiration comes from many different areas. One that truly stands out is driving around Lancaster County, with all its farms and stands, to see what is being grown and sold nearby. Having that abundance nearby fuels our kitchen staff to be bold and experiment with some new ideas trending in the industry.

Fig: What flavor profiles and pairings can people expect?
Chef: This fall, we are working with a wide spectrum of flavors—everything from game birds, warm spices, and peppery root vegetables to mouth-bursting sours like mustards and vinegars paired with fall berries.

Fig: How will these new seasonal menus elevate The Log Cabin experience?
Chef: Fall is one of my favorite seasons at The Log Cabin. The building comes to life with the warmth of our fireplaces and the comfort of our cozy rooms. These menus allow us to keep flavors that bring back memories from years ago while also creating new memories with unique cocktails and innovative food combinations they’ve never experienced before.

Fig: Is there anything unexpected on the menu?
Chef: If I answer, it would no longer be unexpected. We hope you’ll come to discover it for yourself!

Fig: Any final thoughts?
Chef: We will be busy preparing a variety of prix fixe meals and experiences for the holidays. One of the highlights is our Thanksgiving dinner, featuring locally sourced turkey from Esbenshade Turkey Farms. We look forward to welcoming you back to the ‘Cabin’ this fall.

What’s on the Fall Menu?

When you dine at The Log Cabin from early September through mid-December, you’ll savor flavors of seasonal fall dishes such as pork shank with sweet corn and Brussels sprouts succotash, mocha-rubbed duck with parsnip purée, or roasted delicata squash with wild rice and wheatberry pilaf.

Curious what else? Explore The Log Cabin’s full dinner menu.

What to Know Before You Go

Whether you’ve been to The Log Cabin many times or this fall will be your first, here are some things to know to ensure a smooth experience:

• Reservations are not required but encouraged as evenings do often get fully booked. Reserve a table from the link on their website or directly on OpenTable.
• Follow The Log Cabin on Facebook and Instagram @thelogcabin1933, so you can stay up to date on special events, seasonal features, and get a peek behind the scenes.
• The dress code is business casual. Learn more on their website.

Special Events & Experiences at The Log Cabin

Not only can you enjoy great food at The Log Cabin but also unique events and experiences! On any night you will get to enjoy the artwork and aesthetics of the historic building, even request a tour. For more information on attending, visit their events calendar.

• Live Music | Every Friday & Saturday
• Wine Tastings | Monthly (Typically on the first Wednesday)
• Cigar Night | Monthly on the third Thursday
• Murder Mystery Dinner | October 15-17 & 22-24
• Prohibition Repeal Party | December 5

The Log Cabin also offers private dining for large parties, business meetings, holiday celebrations, or any special occasion upon request.

Whether you have a special occasion coming up or just want to treat yourself to a delightful evening at The Log Cabin, they invite you to join them in celebrating the season by making a reservation.

Want to discover more local? Follow Fig on Facebook and Instagram for inspiration.