Looking for a meal that feels like gathering around your grandmother’s table? At Der Dutchman in Plain City, Ohio, Sunday-dinner comfort shows up every day of the week.
With hearty Amish-style classics, a welcoming dining room, and a bakery that tests every ounce of willpower, this 4.5-star favorite draws families and road-trippers alike. Pull up a chair—there’s warm hospitality, generous portions, and stories worth savoring in every bite.
A Welcoming Plain City Icon
Der Dutchman in Plain City anchors Jefferson Avenue like a beloved family home, radiating warmth the moment you step inside. Known for Amish-style comfort fare and attentive service, it’s the kind of place where regulars are greeted by name and newcomers quickly feel like regulars.
The roomy dining area never loses its cozy, Sunday-supper vibe. With prices hovering around $10–20, value pairs with abundance. Open Monday through Saturday until 8 PM, it’s ideal for early suppers and gathering the whole crew. Come hungry, leave grateful, and probably toting a bakery box you swore you wouldn’t buy—until you did.
The Buffet That Feels Like Home
The buffet at Der Dutchman channels a church social spread: roasted meats, crispy fried chicken, sides that taste hand-stirred, and fresh salads. While some diners debate variety, most agree the staples are spot-on and generously replenished.
It’s the easiest way to sample the essentials without menu FOMO. People praise the value—for under $20, you can go back for seconds, or thirds, without judgment. The atmosphere stays relaxed, not rushed, and servers are quick with refills and smiles. It’s Sunday dinner every day, minus the dishes, plus the joy of sharing plates that taste like tradition on repeat.
Fried Chicken, The Crowd Favorite
Many diners make a beeline for Der Dutchman’s fried chicken—craggy, golden crust; moist, well-seasoned meat; and that signature crunch that announces comfort. It’s the dish most often praised in reviews and a centerpiece on the buffet. Pair it with creamy slaw, buttered noodles, or tangy stewed tomatoes for a classic plate. Even when offerings rotate, this go-to rarely disappoints.
Portions satisfy big appetites without overdoing the salt. It’s the bite that convinces first-timers they’ll be back, and the taste regulars count on when craving a no-fuss, done-right supper that could have come straight from Grandma’s cast-iron skillet.
Sides Like Mom Used To Make
Der Dutchman’s sides deliver the comfort quotient: stewed tomatoes with sweet-sour brightness, creamy potato salad, buttered noodles, and fluffy biscuits. Some guests prefer hand-mashed potatoes over instant textures, yet the flavor of classics remains heartwarming. Green beans run traditional, and the gravy finds fans at breakfast and dinner alike.
It’s the variety of old-fashioned sides that round out the plate. You’ll find a balance of savory and lightly sweet that complements the meats. Whether you’re stacking a buffet plate or ordering a dinner, these sides taste like the passing of recipes and the comfort of familiar tables.
Breakfast Comforts, Biscuits to Gravy
Morning at Der Dutchman feels like a farmhouse wake-up call: fresh coffee, fluffy biscuits crowned with peppery sausage gravy, eggs, and hearty meats. The breakfast buffet leans simple, but the standouts shine—crispy edges on bacon, tender pancakes, and those biscuits that spark repeat visits.
Service is friendly and unhurried, making it a natural stop before exploring central Ohio. Prices remain modest, portions generous, and the dining room bright and bustling. It’s the kind of breakfast that restores your weekend or kickstarts a road trip, leaving room in your plans—and your trunk—for a bakery box on the way out.
The Bakery You Can’t Resist
Der Dutchman’s bakery is a willpower gauntlet: towering donuts, buttery rolls, pies with flaky crusts, and cookies that taste like childhood. Lines can stretch, but the payoff is sweet—literally. Donuts earn raves for size and freshness, while seasonal pies become road-trip trophies.
Shelves tempt with jams and breads that travel well. Many diners pop in just for pastries and leave with an armful. It’s the perfect epilogue to dinner or a stand-alone treat. If you promise to “just look,” be warned: the aroma alone writes a persuasive sales pitch, and your passenger seat may become a pastry seat.
Family-Friendly Service and Space
As a family restaurant, Der Dutchman excels at making everyone comfortable. Servers are attentive, patient, and impressively sharp with details for large groups and tours. There’s a spacious dining room, a banquet area for gatherings, and a gift shop to explore during waits.
Weekday lunch often means shorter lines; weekends can be busy, but the rhythm is practiced and kind. High chairs, big booths, and forgiving menu choices make kid dining easy. It’s hospitality by design—smiles, quick refills, and a pace that suits conversation. That sense of care is what transforms a good meal into a memorable tradition.
Plan Your Visit
Find Der Dutchman at 445 Jefferson Ave, Plain City, Ohio, with doors open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 8 PM and closed on Sunday. Expect $10–20 plates, a popular buffet, and a bakery that sells out favorites. Call +1 614-873-3414 or check dhgroup.com for menus and specials.
Weekdays can mean shorter waits; weekends draw crowds. Parking is ample, and the vibe suits multigenerational outings. Located at 40.1051445, -83.2779693, it’s an easy detour from Columbus. Come ready for comfort, conversation, and leftovers—because Sunday-dinner satisfaction doesn’t keep a calendar here.