The Log Cabin

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Speakeasy Turned Lancaster Institution

The building that houses The Log Cabin was constructed in 1929 from oak logs sourced from the surrounding Lehoy Forest, on land once occupied by the Nanticoke Indians. During Prohibition it operated as a speakeasy — booze reportedly stashed beneath the wooden booths of what is now the Booth Room, just in case the police arrived. When the 21st Amendment ended Prohibition in 1933, the building became a proper restaurant and has operated continuously ever since, surviving the Depression, World War II, and a half-century of stewardship under art-loving owner Celestino "Charlie" DiSantis, who expanded the property and filled its rooms with more than 100 paintings, etchings, and woodcuts. Today, under the ownership of Kirk and Pam Liddell and the culinary direction of Executive Chef and Managing Partner Steve Painter, the Cabin is once again at the top of its game.

Chef Steve Painter and the Farm-to-Table Kitchen

Chef Painter joined the Log Cabin in 2017 bringing a résumé that includes Sous Chef/Saucier at The Greenbrier resort, Executive Chef at the Lancaster Country Club, and the rare distinction of having cooked alongside Julia Child, Rick Bayless, Roberto Donna, and Jean-Louis Palladin. He also assisted with classes held at The Greenbrier by the École de Cuisine La Varenne in Paris from 1991 to 2008.

His philosophy is grounded in locality. Ingredients come from nearby farmers, fruit growers, and orchardists — and from a kitchen garden he tends himself immediately behind the restaurant. That commitment shows on the plate: the menu features dishes like a Crackling Pork Shank "Osso Buco" over Anson Mills yellow grits with local cider and grain mustard pork jus, a mocha-rubbed duck breast with cherry anise gastrique and wild rice pilaf, and a harissa honey-glazed salmon with Moroccan couscous. The contemporary American cooking here is specific, seasonal, and confident — nothing generic about it.

Twelve Rooms, One Remarkable Atmosphere

The Log Cabin spans three floors and twelve distinct dining rooms — The Speakeasy, The Gallery, The DiSantis Room, The Balcony Room, The Sunset Room, the Piano Lounge, and more — each with its own character, scale, and artwork. The Gallery opens onto a patio through French doors; the Speakeasy carries its own obvious history. Live music fills the building every Friday and Saturday night.

The wine program has earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2025, a recognition that reflects a list broad enough to support regular wine-tasting events guided by guest sommeliers, alongside prohibition-era cocktails and craft beers. Private dining, catering, and special events round out what is genuinely one of Lancaster County's most complete fine dining destinations.