What should I order at Essenhaus Village Shops?
Essenhaus Village Shops
Fried Chicken
Mentioned multiple times as the best fried chicken ever, with a suggestion that it might be 'broast' style. Highly praised by repeat visitors who consider it a pinnacle of Amish food.
Buffet
Recommended for lunch with comments about it being the most tasty meal ever experienced, highlighting the homey country hospitality and excellent service.
Donuts
Described as awesome and very popular, with thousands made daily and selling out quickly. Visitors recommend arriving early to get fresh donuts.
Apple Butter
Famous item at the restaurant, recommended alongside jellies and jams, showcasing the Amish specialty products.
Bakery Pies/Cookies and Whoopie Pies
Highly recommended baked goods, considered a must-try and buy by visitors, noted for their deliciousness.
Coconut Cream Pie
Specifically mentioned as a dessert enjoyed during a birthday lunch, highlighting its excellent quality.
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM to 7 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM to 7 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM to 7 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM to 7 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM to 7 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM to 7 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Essenhaus Village Shops
Essenhaus Village Shops is a store and restaurant destination in Middlebury, Indiana, with bakery items, pies, quilts, and a gift shop among its most mentioned features. Reviewers consistently praise the bakery, Amish food, and the selection of pastries, donuts, jams, and desserts, along with the cute shops and well laid out grounds. The property also gets positive notes for its relaxing outdoor spaces, friendly staff, and quick-visit convenience. It offers curbside pickup and onsite services, with free parking and wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- Onsite services
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Essenhaus Village Shops known for?
It is especially known for its bakery, pies, and Amish baked goods, with apple butter, donuts, pastries, jams, and desserts called out in reviews. People also mention the quilt shop and gift shop, but the bakery and food are the main draw.
What dishes are most recommended at Essenhaus Village Shops?
Reviewers specifically recommend the donuts, apple butter, bakery pastries, and custard pie, along with the buffet and Amish food served at the restaurant. The dessert case and baked goods are a recurring highlight, and several comments say to arrive early because the donuts sell out quickly.
What is the atmosphere like at Essenhaus Village Shops?
The setting is described as cute, homey, and country-style, with outdoor benches, a glider, and a beautiful pathway between shops. It works well for relaxed visits with family or friends, and reviewers also mention eating in a carriage, which adds to the novelty.
Is Essenhaus Village Shops good value, and what is the price range?
The reviews describe the food as a good price and say the buggy ride next door was worth every dollar, so the value is generally seen as strong. With free parking and a quick-visit setup, it is an easy stop for shoppers and diners in Middlebury.
When is the best time to visit Essenhaus Village Shops?
Early morning is the best time if you want donuts, since reviewers say they sell out quickly. Summer Thursdays are also notable because people mention the Cruise In car show, and the grounds are described as especially enjoyable in the fall.
Is parking available at Essenhaus Village Shops?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking is available.
Restaurants like Essenhaus Village Shops in Middlebury
Why use AI food recommendations?
Skip the Menu
No need to trust waiters or get overwhelmed by the menu
Explained Choices
Provides context and explanations for why each dish is recommended
Find things to do & top restaurants in any city