Culinary Crossroads: Exploring Southern Market during Spring Restaurant Week!
A Lancaster City Restaurant Week storyteller. A very full table. Plenty of friends. Kathlene Carroll Sullivan discovers what’s new at Southern Market—one delicious bite at a time.
Tucked into the heart of downtown Lancaster, Southern Market is a reimagined landmark where history and flavor come together. Originally built in 1888, this vibrant food hall has been thoughtfully revitalized into a dynamic gathering place for community, culture, and cuisine.
That energy is earning national attention. Southern Market has been nominated by an expert panel for USA TODAY’s Best Food Hall—an exciting honor that puts Lancaster on the map. (Make sure to VOTE for Southern Market each day through Friday, April 13!)
Home to 13 chef-driven stations, the market offers a global mix of flavors—from Jamaican to Hawaiian, German, Middle Eastern, Thai—with Bar 1888 at its center. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in to explore, Southern Market is where every visit feels like a discovery.
Southern Market during a busy Trivia Night!
During Spring Lancaster City Restaurant Week (April 13–19), a standout group of Southern Market chef stations will take center stage—each bringing bold flavors and unique culinary traditions to the table
We’re excited to welcome Cabbage Hill Schnitzel Haus, Dov-A Licious Deli, Layali El Sham, Mekatoz Eatery, and The Gloomy Rooster—an incredible lineup that reflects the global spirit and creative energy that make Southern Market such a standout destination.
Pictured clockwise, left to right: Cabbage Hill Schnitzel Haus; Fried Chicken Sandwich from The Gloomy Rooster; Mekatos Eatery; The Gloomy Rooster; Deli Sandwich from Dov-A Licious Deli; Raggamuffin Kitchen.
After more than a decade behind the scenes telling the story of Lancaster City Restaurant Week, I’ve had a front-row seat to our city’s vibrant food scene. So when it came time to preview Southern Market, I gathered friends for a night of shared plates and new favorites.
The adventure began on a Wednesday evening as my friends Richard and Steven settled into a comfortable booth—perfect timing to wander the chef stations and plan our picks. Naturally, we made our first stop at Bar 1888 for libations: Richard’s go-to, a perfectly crafted espresso martini, and an IPA for Steven.
Fortified, the hunt for our Restaurant Week selections began. Our choices reflected a great cross-section of what’s to come.
Richard went straight for a favorite—Chef Daniel Kip’s signature Veal Schnitzel from Cabbage Hill Schnitzel Haus. Tender and perfectly prepared, it was served with a rich, creamy Jägersoße, alongside spätzle and red cabbage. The portions were generous, the flavors deeply satisfying—and by the end, not a trace remained on his plate.
Steven, ever the more adventurous of the two, was drawn to the bold, cross-cultural flavors at Mekatos Eatery. After chatting with chef/owner Ron Buitrago, he landed on the Arepa Con Carne with a side of Lao Nam Khao. The arepa—filled with Colombian-spiced meats, fresh tomatoes, mango, and vibrant seasonings—was layered with flavor, while the Nam Khao brought notes of curry and herbs, making for a perfectly balanced, unexpected pairing.
I turned to the Middle East for a bit of culinary inspiration, choosing a Lamb-Beef Kabob Wrap from Layali El Sham. This flavor-packed blend of grilled, marinated beef and lamb was rich with Levantine spices and absolutely singing with flavor.
Pictured clockwise, left to right: Steven Pagden enjoying Mekatos Eatery; Lamb-Beef Kabob Wrap from Layali El Sham; Espresso Martini a la Bar 1888; Richard Halladay anticipating Cabbage Hill Schnitzel Haus; Arepos Con Carne.
One of the best things about Southern Market is the way moments unfold unexpectedly—like running into my friend Chris Ballentine, Community Relations Manager for Willow Valley Communities, who instantly became part of the story.
Chris made a beeline for The Gloomy Rooster, drawn by a craving for the Hot Honey Mustard Fried Chicken Sandwich—stacked with Angry Ranch Hot Honey Sauce and pickles. It’s exactly the kind of bold, crave-worthy bite Chef/owner Chris Grove is known for.
With experience spanning high-end resorts to Michelin-starred kitchens, Grove brings serious culinary credentials to his craft. At The Gloomy Rooster, that expertise shows up in every detail—from perfectly executed fried chicken to house-made fries and flavor combinations inspired by his travels. It’s comfort food, elevated—personal, inventive, and absolutely unforgettable.
Pictured clockwise, left to right: The Gloomy Rooster Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich; the chef at work; Gloomy Rooster chef/owner Chris Grove with Chris Ballentine.
If this little preview taught me anything, it’s this—come hungry and bring friends. With so many flavors under one roof, the hardest decision you’ll make is where to start (and how much you can fit in one visit). Trust me… you’ll be planning your next trip before you leave.
Learn more about Lancaster City Restaurant Week at lancastercityrestaurantweek.com.