A Local’s Guide To The Best Restaurants In Fairfield PA In 2023
If you’re looking for a list of restaurants in Fairfield PA, you’ve come to the right place.
Since I live about halfway between Gettysburg and Fairfield PA, I’m quite familiar with Gettysburg restaurants and the restaurants in Fairfield as well.
So keep reading to find everything you need to know about the best restaurants in Fairfield PA. You’ll be surprised at the variety that is available in such a small town!
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About Fairfield PA
Never heard of Fairfield PA?
Many people who visit historic Gettysburg don’t realize that the small town of Fairfield PA is less than eight miles away.
It’s a quaint, historic town with about 200 homes, some of them dating back to the 18th century, and many being built in the 19th century.
The borough itself is less than a mile long and is nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by farmland and rolling hills.
But don’t let its small size fool you. There are many recreational activities near Fairfield, including horseback riding, nature preserves, hiking on the Appalachian Trail and golfing. There is even a Civil War battlefield nearby (besides Gettysburg) and a ski resort.
And hidden in this small town are some delicious restaurants that only the locals know about. From pizza to burgers and breakfast to brunch, Fairfield PA restaurants have something for everyone.
Fairfield PA Restaurants You’ll Love
So without further ado, here are the best restaurants in Fairfield PA that make this small town worth the drive during your visit to Gettysburg.
The Mansion House 1757
15 W Main St., Fairfield PA
This Fairfield restaurant is one of the most historic buildings in Adams County and was formerly known as the Fairfield Inn. Located just seven miles from Gettysburg, this restaurant in Fairfield features farm-to-table fine dining and a historic tavern, as well as rooms as part of a boutique bed and breakfast inn.
This historic restaurant in Fairfield is relaxed and casual while featuring a fresh cuisine from an excellent chef. I highly recommend the crab cakes, and look forward to sampling other things on the menu as well.
The Mansion House offers everything from fine dining to tavern fare, as well as delicious desserts. (I can vouch for the Local Dutch Crumb Apple Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream.)
In addition to being one of the top restaurants in Fairfield PA for locals to eat, the Mansion House was awarded OpenTable’s “Diner’s Choice 2022.”
Mansion House 1757 Menu
What Sets This Restaurant Apart?
The historic building is amazing, but add the fresh local farm-to-table ingredients and a pleasing menu, and this Fairfield restaurant is hard to beat.
Restaurant Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 5 – 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Village Book and Table
29 Main St., Fairfield PA
The Book and Table is one of the most popular restaurants in Fairfield PA. Though it is small and its hours are limited to breakfast and lunch, it is a great place to grab a quick meal or order out.
This Fairfield restaurant offers good homemade cooking with a warm and cozy atmosphere. People call it “old school” and “small town,” but the most important thing is that the food is delicious.
What Sets This Restaurant Apart?
Cute little local restaurant with good food and prices, and breakfast served all day! It’s kind of Fairfield’s best kept secret, so don’t tell anyone!
Restaurant Hours: Open Daily 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ventura’s Restaurant Fairfield
100 Main St., Fairfield PA
This is a go-to place when you don’t want to cook. Pizza, tacos, subs, sandwiches and salads. What else could you ask for?
You can sit down and have a meal in the restaurant’s lounge or pick up your order and take it home. Plenty of free parking.
What Sets This Restaurant Apart?
Convenient restaurant located in downtown Fairfield that offers a varied menu to suit everyone tastes.
Restaurant Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 .m. Closed Sundays.
Taverna 5450
5450 Fairfield Road
This restaurant is outside of Fairfield PA, but it is popular as a bar and restaurant for both skiers at Liberty Mountain Resort and locals.
American and Greek food is served including a large selection of salads and appetizers, like calamari, bacon-wrapped shrimp and Reuben balls.
Sandwiches include Crab Cake, Haddock, New York Steak and The Gyro. Their Signature Sandwiches served with your choice of 1/2 lb. Certified Angus burger or Seasoned boneless grilled breast of chicken.
Oh, and they have great pasta dishes like chicken barbonara, shrimp scampi and spicy crab mack & cheese.
If you prefer meat or seafood, they serve everything from porch chops to Angus NY strip steaks, salmon, haddock, shrimp, tuna and crab.
This Fairfield restaurant offers plenty of free parking
What Sets This Restaurant Apart?
Lively bar with lots of good appetizers. Varied menu with Greek, American and Barbeque fare.
Taverna Fairfield Restaurant Hours: Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Sanders Square
10 McDannell Lane, Fairfield
Sanders Square is a small family restaurant. They serve everything from burgers and pizza to specialty pasta dishes for less than $10. And they have ice cream in season, including cones, dishes and banana splits!
A Sample of Sanders Square Menu
What Sets This Restaurant Apart?
Sanders Square is a family-owned Fairfield restaurant that’s open every day. Definitely the place to go for ice cream on hot summer nights, as well as a good homecooked meal.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daily
Feedbag Country Cooking And Carry Out
132 W. Main St., Fairfield PA
This very small establishment doesn’t have seating, but if you want to carry out or are in need of catering, this Fairfield restaurant serves up delicious cuisine.
The family-owned business emphasizes that it is a catering company first, so doesn’t have regular hours, especially in the summer when catering jobs increase.
Phone: 717-457-0015
Other Restaurants Near Fairfield PA
Frontier Bar BQ:
801 Waynesboro Pike, Fairfield, PA
Genuine wood smoked meats and homemade sides…good ol’ fashion hillbilly cuisine!
This is a locals favorite on weekends. Picnic tables to sit outside and eat, or pick your meal up and take it with you.
This restaurant is cash only.
Frontier Bar BQ Menu:
Dave and Janes Crabhouse Restaurant and Lounge
2989 Tract Rd Fairfield PA
This family-owned restaurant offers the casual atmosphere of a coastal clam shack in a rural setting.
Their menu features Crabs & Seafood but there is a variety of other choices for other appetites, including the vegetarian.
Can accommodate large groups.
Hours: Monday through Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Going From Fairfield PA To Gettysburg PA
If you’re planning a trip to Gettysburg, you might want to consider trying out a restaurant in Fairfield PA.
There is also lodging close to Fairfield that may be a little less expensive than staying in downtown Gettysburg.
To get to Fairfield PA from Gettysburg PA, take Middle Street heading west out of Gettysburg (at the county courthouse), which turns into Route 116/Fairfield Road. You’ll arrive in about 10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Make sure you slow down. The speed limit is strictly enforced.
Fairfield PA During The Civil War
For those who are interested in Fairfield’s history, after the Battle of Gettysburg, General Robert E. Lee’s troops passed through Fairfield as they retreated back to Virginia.
There was also fighting near Fairfield between elements of the 6th United States Cavalry under Major Samuel Starr, and elements of General “Grumble” Jones’ Brigade of Virginia Cavalry.
Federal losses were 6 killed, 28 wounded, and 208 unaccounted for—primarily prisoners. The losses for the Confederates were 8 killed, 21 wounded, and 5 missing.
Jones camped near Fairfield and kept the road open for Lee’s retreat, then guarded the rear as the Army of Northern Virginia slogged through the Fairfield Gap in a driving rainstorm on July 5.
After the cavalry battle, Union casualties were treated in the town of Fairfield, specifically in the homes of Mrs. Sarah Amanda Blythe, Rufus Christian Swope, and in what is now St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Wrap-Up Of Fairfield PA Restaurants
I hope these Fairfield dining options leave your mouth watering and that you will want to visit this small town just a short drive from Gettysburg.
As you can see, Fairfield, PA is a destination worth exploring for food enthusiasts and those seeking a quaint small-town experience.
Of course, it’s hard to compete with the notoriety of nearby Gettysburg, but Fairfield restaurants offer unique dining experiences that capture the essence of small-town living.
And just in case you’re visiting in September, Fairfield is the home of the Pippinfest, a Fall Festival that features music, food, crafts, quilt show, games/rides and a car show.
Pippinfest is held every year the last full weekend in September.