Between screenings, Lancaster has plenty worth exploring. From rooftop cocktails and chef-driven dinners to family-friendly favorites, global flavors, coffee shops and late-night hangouts, these are some of the places that make our community feel like Lancaster.
Use this guide to find the right setting for a celebratory dinner, a filmmaker meetup, breakfast with the family or one more conversation after the credits roll.
Restaurant, kitchen and entertainment hours may change during holidays and special events. Please confirm current hours directly with each destination before visiting.
Festival Home Bases
Start with the places already helping bring festival weekend to life.
Official Festival VenueNear Zoetropolis
Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse
Independent cinema, filmmaker lounge, concessions, quick bites, cocktails and live entertainment
One of the Red Rose Film Festival's official venues and the home of Thursday's Welcome Party. Beyond the screenings, Zoetropolis serves as a downtown filmmaker lounge throughout festival weekend. Settle into the Snug Art Bar for cocktails, quick bites and the conversations that continue after the credits. Cinema concessions are also available.
Hours follow the cinema and event schedule. See the official schedule for current showtimes and events.
Official Festival VenueFilmmaker LoungeSnug Art BarCocktailsQuick BitesCinema
Coffee, cocktails, beer, wine, light food, live music and community events
The Red Rose Film Festival's Official Filmmaker Lounge. The Art Bar moves from espresso in the morning to cocktails and live music at night, making it a natural place to meet throughout festival weekend.
Open daily 7:00 am–10:00 pm
Official Filmmaker LoungeCoffeeCocktailsLive MusicAll Ages
Contemporary American cuisine, cocktails and upscale dining
A longtime Lancaster favorite with polished dining, a lively bar and an artistic atmosphere. A strong choice for a celebratory dinner or drinks after a screening.
Mon–Thu 4:30–9:00 pm · Fri–Sat 4:00–10:00 pm · Sun 4:00–9:00 pm · Bar open later
Reservations SuggestedCocktailsDate NightLancaster City
Artful American and international cuisine, craft cocktails and private dining
A landmark downtown destination open since the 1750s, The Imperial Restaurant brings artful American and international cuisine to a warm, eclectic setting in the heart of Lancaster. Known for handcrafted cocktails, a thoughtful seasonal menu and private dining — an ideal choice for a special festival-weekend dinner.
Sun–Thu 4:00–9:00 pm · Fri–Sat 4:00–10:00 pm
Fine DiningCraft CocktailsReservations SuggestedPrivate DiningDowntown Lancaster
Luxury modern city steakhouse with an extensive wine program
A luxury modern city steakhouse in the heart of Downtown Lancaster offering a refined, immersive dining experience. Known for prime cuts, an unprecedented wine selection and a sophisticated lounge — an ideal choice for a special dinner during festival weekend.
Chef-driven seasonal cuisine, farm-to-table dining and craft cocktails
The on-campus restaurant at Hotel Rock Lititz, offering chef-driven seasonal dishes in a relaxed yet modern setting. A go-to spot for creative fuel — whether grabbing a quick bite, hosting a client dinner or unwinding after a long day at the festival.
Confirm current hours at rocklititz.com
Farm to TableSeasonal MenuHotel DiningLititzRock Lititz Campus
Irish pub, American bar food, sushi, live music and rooftop vendors
Part Irish pub, part music venue and part rooftop gathering place. A natural choice when the group wants drinks, food and live entertainment under one roof.
Mon–Tue 4:00 pm–midnight · Wed–Thu noon–midnight · Fri noon–1:30 am · Sat 11:00 am–1:30 am · Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Restaurant, bar, retro arcade and boutique bowling
A full-service restaurant and bar inside Lancaster's historic armory, with more than 40 retro arcade games and six bowling lanes. Family-friendly during the day; 21-and-over after 8:30 p.m.
Wed–Thu 4:00 pm–midnight · Fri noon–1:00 am · Sat 11:00 am–1:00 am · Sun 11:00 am–midnight · Closed Mon & Tue · Special-event hours may vary
ArcadeBowlingFamily-Friendly Before 8:3021+ After 8:30Late Night
Lancaster's highest rooftop bar, located above the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square. A polished choice for cocktails, small plates and a view of the city after a screening.
All guests must be 21 or older and carry a valid physical ID.
View current hours on the official website — rooftop and seasonal service may change.
A modern American restaurant inside the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square. Plough offers a convenient downtown setting for lunch, dinner, drinks and weekend brunch.
Lunch daily 11:00 am–3:30 pm · Dinner daily 5:00–10:00 pm · Bar Sun–Thu 11:00 am–midnight · Bar Fri–Sat 11:00 am–1:00 am
Smash burgers, Nashville hot chicken, cheesesteaks and milkshakes
A casual local favorite serving halal smash burgers, hot chicken, cheesesteaks, fries and shakes. Seating is limited, making it especially useful for a quick meal or takeout.
Lancaster's food scene reflects the global community that calls this area home. These are relaxed, flavorful places worth building into the weekend.
Lancaster CityNorth Queen Street
Chellas Arepa Kitchen
Peruvian- and Venezuelan-inspired arepas, bowls and South American specialties
A bright, casual Lancaster favorite built around handmade arepas, lomo saltado, empanadas, plantains and house-made sauces. The entire kitchen is gluten-free, with vegan and vegetarian choices available.
A relaxed downtown restaurant serving generous portions of traditional Nepalese and Indian dishes. Lunch buffet and dinner service make it useful for both a quick afternoon meal and a full group dinner.
International food hall, bar and community gathering space
A downtown food hall with multiple independent chefs and cuisines under one historic roof. One of the easiest recommendations for groups who cannot agree on one kind of food.
Historic public market, prepared food, produce, baked goods and local products
America's oldest continuously operating public market and one of the best ways to sample Lancaster in one stop. Visitors will find prepared foods, baked goods, coffee, produce and products from dozens of local standholders.
Great films have a way of continuing the conversation long after the credits. We hope these local tables, cafés, rooftops and gathering places give you somewhere to keep that conversation going.
