Das Dutchman Essenhaus - Family restaurant in Middlebury - 240 US-20, USA

If you want to enjoy some of the best broasted chicken you will ever taste, then visit this restaurant. The chicken is crispy, flavorful, and juicy. Also, you can eat family style off the buffet or order just a single meal, but most eat off the robust buffet. Everything you want to eat bit your doctor would object to are here. Multiple types of meat, including the delicious and always fresh chicken, stuffing, multiple gravies, noodles swimming in butter, pastries, etc. There is also a filly stocked salad bar, but you know why you're really here... Also, the gift shop area is great, and the surrounding property is worth exploring. This is a place to make a pilgrimage to for home cooked food every time I am in the area. You will not be disappointed.

Lovely place to visit once in a while with friends and family. The staff are always very friendly and food is hot and fresh. Not the highest quality or fanciest of foods to choose from, but Essenhaus isn't really claiming such things anyway. The shops are a little kitschy, but still a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. Highly recommend stopping by the bakery in the back for some delicious fresh baked goods. Overall, Essenhaus is definitely worth a try if you are visiting the area.

We’ve been a couple of times! The first time we went the food was super fresh and delicious! The second time we came later in the evening closer to closing which we won’t do again because the food wasn’t as good. We got homemade bread and apple butter to take home. We did the all you can eat and you have to have the chicken! You won’t leave hungry 🤤. Expect to spend close to $20-30 a person

The food was delicious, Be sure to get some rolls and try the apple butter, it is to die for!!!! The service was outstanding and the grounds were absolutely beautiful. Be sure to set aside some time to explore the grounds and the shops while you are here. While I did not pick up anything from the bakery, everything looked amazing. I will definitely visit again the next time I am in Northern Indiana!

There's not enough words to describe this food experience! The first view coming up the drive during the holidays as the sun sets brings to mind a Norman Rockwell painting and a warm friendly feeling. The entryway is a beautiful welcome to the friendly faces that greet you at the desk. Yes, there's a wait usually but it's not long and they notify you as soon as a table is ready, butttt in the mean time there's the very beautiful store which wraps around and offers a wide array home goods, cooking tools, comfy clothing toys, games & so much more! This is a definite family friendly and group friendly location. In the event the wait is a little long feel free to enter the bakery....SWEET FREAKS BEWARE😁 The smell of deliciousness will overwhelm you as you walk towards the bakery and take in the view. Baked goods of all shapes and sizes will grab your attention and the huge variety of breads and rolls will as well. The store also offers an array of sauces, gravies, salads, cheeses and appetizer fixins! Of course there are many chocolate and candy treats for your enjoyment as well...and did I mention there's food lol. As I get called to my table I walk past the large buffet that is offered and it couldn't be more appealing. The salad bar includes various greens as well as vegetables and accompaniments to try. I got lucky and came on a night when the chicken soup was a choice...even if you just take a small portion this is a must taste ! Finally.. the main event...yessss that pot roast boasted chicken and roast pork you've been waiting for. It all sits in good company next to the mashed potatoes, veggies, stuffing , mac & cheese and of course gravy. The Amish Ghoulash was a table pleaser for sure as well as the noodle Casserole. There are a variety of sweet treats including chocolate and white sheet cakes and mud pudding. My super friendly and very diligent server Naomi deserves a HUGE shout-out for the friendliest efficient service she offers and always with a smile. If you choose not to take buffet option there is a very palate pleasing menu you can order from. This is definitely worth the drive and most pleasant food / shopping experience !

My family has been coming here to eat for more than 30 years. The food is absolutely incredible. My favorite is the roast beef, noodles, and old fashion cream pie. 10/10 recommend.

Stopped in here while passing through Middlebury. We had the breakfast/brunch buffet. Holy cow! Everything we had was made to perfection and perfect! Biscuits were light and fluffy…. white gravy was spot on. Mush was cooked perfect. Service was very friendly and quick. The gift shop attached had a ton of amazing stuff for sale. And the pies…. ohhhhhh the pies! 🥧

This hotel is lovely. Clean. Bright . We are looking forward to a stay coming in the summer. Everything is closed after 5:00 on Saturday until Monday (may be different closing time in the summer but all are closed in respect of the Amish and Mennonite communities).