As soon as you walk in, the smells of fresh bread, smoked meats, and cinnamon sugar hit you intensely. Annapolis’s Amish Market, whose real name is the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market Annapolis, is only open Thursday through Saturday and is always full of people from all over the area. If you are visiting during Thanksgiving week, remember to check holiday hours because Amish Market Annapolis Thanksgiving Hours can be different. There is not much time, parking is hard to find, and lines can get long. Where should you go first?
There is only one goal behind this guide: to help you choose the best, most popular, and worth the wait things on the market. From famous pretzels to slow-smoked ribs, we will show you the must-tries and hot spots so you do not waste any time.
Tip: The most important rule is to go to the BBQ and pretzel stand first. Rapidly growing lines disappear when they are not there. Start there and feel good about going through the rest of the market.
Let’s know more about exciting things to do in Annapolis’s Amish Market with Zavros Place.
The Top 10 Must-Eat Items & Stands
1. The Legendary Stuffed Pretzel Logs (The Log Stand)
Make Mandy’s Soft Pretzels your first stop at the Amish Market in Annapolis if you only have time for one thing. They make the famous stuffed pretzel logs. Not like most snacks, these are soft, golden-baked pretzels that are filled with tasty things, brushed with butter, and served warm. They are like comfort food on the go with an Amish twist. They are crispy on the outside and sticky and tasty on the inside.
The logs are great for a quick lunch, a filling snack, or to pack up and heat up later. The line starts to form as soon as the market opens because they are tasty, easy to carry, and very much wanted.
Must-Try Flavors
The menu changes a little, but there are a few types that are always popular and worth the wait:
- Breakfast Log: bacon, egg, and cheese; great for early morning shopping. It is heavy, salty, and tasty.
- Pepperoni and Mozzarella: A traditional dish that tastes like pizza, with melty cheese and a hint of spice.
- Cheese Steak Log: Soft beef, onions cooked in butter, and melty cheese wrapped in pretzel bread. This might be the most decadent choice.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch: This rich and smokey mix is a crowd favorite.
- Buffalo Chicken: This one has both heat and buttery pretzel goodness, so it is great for people who like a kick.
Prices vary from $5.25 to $7.99 based on what is inside.
Insider Tip
Arrive early. It does not take long for the pretzel log line to get long, especially on Saturdays. Before noon, trendy flavors often sell out. If you are shopping for a while, purchase one to eat now and two to take home, they reheat well in the oven.
2. The Fresh-Fried Amish Donuts (Beiler’s Bakery/Coffee)
You can see the magic happen right now at Beiler’s Donuts & Coffee Shop. It takes all day to fry donuts fresh, no warming or shortcuts. While you watch, the staff rolls, fries, and fills each donut by hand. The air is filled with the smell of hot oil and sweet sauce. It is one of the most interesting places in the market; it is part bakery, part show.
There are not a lot of these cakes made. Beiler’s donuts are soft, big, and filled or topped with a lot of frosting or jam. They come in more than 40 types that change every week. There is a donut here for everyone, whether you want something fruity, creamy, or basic.
Must-Try Flavors
Even though they are not always available, these tastes always stand out:
- Blueberry Cake: A thick, moist donut with a light glaze on top that has real blueberries mixed into the batter. It is thick and sweet without being too much.
- Coconut Cream: Full of smooth Bavarian cream and topped with coconut shreds, this dessert is great for people who like texture and tropical flavors.
- Apple Caramel: Caramel and white icing on top of a homemade apple filling. Warm and gooey, this treat is great for fall and winter visits.
- Chocolate Mousse: This is a chocolate lover’s dream. It is filled with mousse and topped with more chocolate.
- Banana Crème Pie: On top of a banana crème pie are graham cracker pieces and frosting. The pie is filled with fresh banana cream.
It costs about $2.15 for one donut, but you can save money by ordering six or twelve.
Insider Tip
Beiler’s serves freshly made coffee, such as Colombian Blend, Costa Rican Dark Roast, and seasonal favorites like “Jamaican Me Crazy” or “Southern Pecan.” Pair your donut with one of these drinks. On Saturdays, the line can get really long, but it moves quickly and is well worth the wait. If you do not have much time, take some with you and enjoy them later; they last a long time.
3. Smoked Bacon and Specialty Meats (John F. Martin’s & Sons Butcher)
You do not just get lunch here; you also buy premium products that will last for a long time to stock your fridge and freezer. Butcher John F. Martin & Sons has been in business for four generations and is famous for its hickory-smoked bacon, frozen meats, sausages, and specialty cheeses. Because they use traditional methods and natural hardwood smoke to make their products, they stand out from others on the market.
This stand gives you taste and quality that lasts long after your market visit, whether you are getting ready for holiday breakfasts or just want to make your everyday meals better.
Must-Try Item
The thick-cut, naturally hickory-smoked bacon is the main attraction. It is rich and smokey, and the right amount of crisp and chewy. It comes in one-pound packs and is great for eating on the weekend for brunch, making BLTs, or even baking into savory recipes. They also make spiral-cut hams, bone-in ham slices, and smoked turkey bacon. They all pay the same amount of care to taste and texture.
If you like strong flavors, you should also try the kielbasa and scrapple. This is especially true if you want to bring home something that is truly Pennsylvania Dutch.
Insider Tip
Ask the butcher what kind of sausage they have on sale this week. On top of the main menu, they often have homemade mixes like spicy breakfast links, sweet Italian, or smoked bratwurst. If you are lucky, you might also find their deli-style pimento cheese, which is a smooth and sour spread that goes well on crackers or sandwiches.
Items are sold by the pound and are vacuum-sealed to keep them fresh. Prices vary by cut and weight. If you tell them you are going on a trip, they will pack it up for you.
4. The Famous Fried Chicken and BBQ Ribs (E & S BBQ Pit)
When you get to the Pennsylvania Dutch market Annapolis around noon, the first place you should go for a hot, filling meal is E & S BBQ Pit. Its fried chicken is one of a kind and crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and served in big amounts. Anytime you order wings, legs, or tenders, they are all seasoned and fried fresh that day. That being said, the BBQ ribs right next to it are the real stars. They are slow-cooked to perfection and have a sauce that melts off the bone.
These are not just small snacks; they are big plates of comfort food that you can eat there or take home for dinner. You can buy single items, combo meals, or even buckets to feed a lot of people.
Must-Try Side
A lunch here is not complete without a side, and these two always get great reviews:
- Sweet, buttery baked yams: The baked yams are soft, sweet, and full of brown sugar and cinnamon. They taste like a warm hug on a plate.
- Mac and cheese: This is good Amish comfort food because it is creamy, cheesy, and baked until brown.
Popular sides also include coleslaw, fried potato chips, and fresh, hot rolls made at home.
Insider Tip
Get here early, because this stand goes out of stock quickly. The hot food line at E & S BBQ usually closes before the rest of the market on busy Saturdays, especially when the chicken and ribs run out. If you are going to be there for lunch, try to get there before noon. You can place a large order (35 pieces or more) ahead of time, and when you get there, the staff will already have it ready.
It is a PA Dutch Market Annapolis must-have whether you are looking for a quick bite or a big meal for the whole family. E & S BBQ Pit has bold flavors and big amounts that make it a market favorite.
5. Classic Soft Pretzels (Stoltzfus Soft Pretzels)
Stoltzfus makes the perfect plain, warm, salted pretzel for those times when that is all you need. Using a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch recipe, they roll their pretzels by hand on the spot and bake them fresh all day.
The inside is soft and chewy, and the top is golden and slightly crisp. There is just the right amount of salt. That is the right kind of snack for a break in the middle of the store or a treat to take home.
The standard twist is still one of their best-selling flavors, even though their stuffed pretzel logs are more well-known. It brings back memories, makes you feel better, and is always delicious.
Serving Suggestion
Order a side of warm cheddar cheese sauce to dip your food in to make the experience even better. The sharp, creamy taste goes well with the buttery pretzel dough, making a simple snack into a comfort food you can not stop thinking about. It is also possible to get mustard or sweet dips, but cheddar is still the favourite.
Pretzels usually cost between $2.50 and $3.25, and you can get dip cups for an extra small fee.
Insider Tip
Get something to drink while you are there. You can get fresh-squeezed lemonade, root beer drinks, and fountain sodas at Stoltzfus. It is a great place to rehydrate and get a boost. The fresh lemonade is especially nice in the warmer months, when you are traveling. Hand-dipped ice cream in standard and seasonal flavors is also available for dessert. This is a great way to end your market visit.
Stoltzfus Soft Pretzels is a must-see for anyone who likes easy, well-made food, whether they are on the go or just want to stock up for later.
6. The Famous “Wet Bottom” Shoofly Pie (Dutch Market Bakery)
One of the most famous Pennsylvania Dutch treats, the Shoofly Pie, is in the middle of the Dutch Market Bakery. What makes it unique is the “wet bottom,” which is a layer of sticky molasses that sits below the buttery filling and flaky crust.
The pie that comes out of this is sweet, dense, and very satisfying, with a taste profile that is both familiar and new. For centuries, Amish cooks have used the same recipes to make a treat that has a story behind it.
The restaurant is known for its many pies, breads, cakes, and cookies, but the Shoofly Pie is still the most popular thing to buy there. You have to try this pie, even if you have been a fan of Amish food for a long time.
Must-Try
The Shoofly Pie is the most popular dessert all year, but the huge Strawberry Shortcake, which is only offered in the spring and early summer, is also a big hit. There are layers of fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and sponge cake. It is usually big enough to feed a small group. During the fall and winter, they serve pumpkin rolls, apple dumplings, and fruit pies made with ingredients from nearby farms.
Look for pecan pie, coconut custard, and chocolate shoofly versions during your visit during the holidays. These are different takes on the traditional molasses base.
Insider Tip
When you buy Shoofly Pie, you can get a piece or a whole pie. It also travels well, so it is a great treat to take home or give as a gift. Before you buy a whole pie, ask for a sample or a slice to see how you like the molasses taste. The staff at the bakery is helpful and happy to help you decide what to buy.
Get there early in the day for the best choices. Popular pies usually run out by noon, especially on Saturdays.
7. Fresh Lemonade and Produce (Stoltzfus Produce)
The Refreshment
Stoltzfus Produce’s famous fresh-squeezed lemonade is a great way to cool off when the market gets busy and the food lines get long. Made on-site with real lemons, it is a favorite among shoppers who want to cool off and recharge.
There are also flavored kinds, like peach, raspberry, and cherry, that change with the seasons. They are all mixed fresh and served cold. They have small and big cups of lemonade, and during the holidays, they often serve it with their fresh fruit baskets.
You should ask for their fresh-squeezed orange juice in the morning. It is bottled right there and is full of pulp and taste. A lot of regulars eat it for breakfast, and it is also a great thing to take home for breakfast the next day.
The Produce
Many of the seasonal, high-quality fruits and veggies at Stoltzfus come from Amish farms in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Their weekly specials change based on what is in season, but some of their regulars are:
- Everyone picks and sells a dozen ears of sweet corn every day in July and August.
- In the summer, pumpkin, green beans, and zucchini.
- In the fall, apples, pumpkins, and squash.
- Fresh berries, like blueberries and strawberries, in late spring.
They take good care of the food and sell it in large quantities or by the basket, which makes it perfect for families, home cooks, and anyone getting ready for a meal on the weekend. Fresher, tastier, and often cheaper than grocery store produce, Stoltzfus sells many things by weight or bundle, making them more affordable.
Insider Tip
They also sell fruit boxes during the holidays. These are great gifts because they are filled with hand-picked apples, pears, citrus fruits, and nuts.
8. Candy Through the Decades (Katie’s Candies)
Walking into Katie’s Candies takes you back to a better time immediately. This store sells ancient sweets that are hard to find, like root beer barrels, licorice wheels, wax bottles, and candy buttons.
Kids will love it, and adults will remember the good old days when they saw the bright, old-fashioned boxes and bins full of pick-and-mix favorites. Katie’s is a fun, sugary escape from the everyday, whether you are looking for a unique gift or just want to remember the treats you used to get as a kid.
The shop has a retro feel, and the staff is just as friendly. They will be happy to help you find things from the 1950s to the 1990s.
Must-Try
The vintage items are great, but Katie’s homemade sweets really steal the show. Their chocolate treats are rich, smooth, and made with care. The rum ball, dark chocolate raspberry, and Almond Butter Toffee are some of my favorites. The truffles in this box are part of their Boxed Truffle Collection, which also has holiday tastes like peppermint and pumpkin spice.
Another great treat is the milk-toffee pretzel, which has crunchy pretzel pieces covered in buttery toffee and a milk chocolate coating. A lot of people love it, and on Saturdays, it usually sells out early.
You can get gift bags, chocolate-covered fruits, and dipped malt balls at Katie’s. This makes it a great place to go shopping for the holidays or for a special event.
Insider Tip
Going to Katie’s during busy times? Get there early, especially if you want their best-selling truffles or holiday boxes. Additionally, they provide ready-made gift sets and personalized assortments that are ideal for parties, thank-yous, or celebrations. They have a line of quality hand-dipped chocolates called Emerald Sweets that you should ask about. This line has been making candies for over 30 years.
Enjoy a nostalgic and tasty sweet experience at Katie’s Candies, whether you are treating yourself or buying treats for someone else.
9. Fresh Creamy Butter and Cheese (Welsh Mountain Deli/Cheese)
The cheese case at Welsh Mountain Deli is the star of the show. A lot of big tubs of cheese spreads are made at home in small batches using old-fashioned Amish recipes. There is smoky bacon and garden veggie spread, sharp cheddar and horseradish spread, and more.
All of these spreads are creamy and flavorful, and you can use them on crackers, sandwiches, or pretzels. You can buy them by the weight, and they come in packages that make them easy to carry. This makes them great for parties or stocking up your fridge.
The Amish roll butter, on the other hand, really stands out. It is a rich, golden butter made from fresh cream and rolled by hand to add texture and flavor. It has a slightly sweet finish that goes well with bread, veggies, or baked items. It is denser and tastes better than store-bought butter. You can get it salted or not salted, and many people who go to the market often buy it.
Take-Home Must
Get a block of sharp, aged cheddar if you are making a cheese board or just want something unique for your fridge. It is strong, crumbly, and aged just right. The cheese curds at Welsh Mountain are fresh, crunchy, and lightly salted. You can eat these as a snack or melt them into poutine-style meals.
Some other famous choices are:
- Smoked cheese
- Colby jack
- Blocks from Switzerland
- Spreads with pepper cheese
There are pounds of cheese for sale, and each one is vacuum-sealed to keep it fresh. The staff is happy to give you samples and help you make your own choice.
Insider Tip
You should check out the whole counter at Welsh Mountain Deli because they also sell deli meats, pickled veggies, and homemade dips. You can order cheese and meat boxes ahead of time that are great for parties if you are going to be there close to a holiday.
10. The ultimate bulk snack score (Dutch Market Bulk Foods)
Best value
If you want to save money, go to Dutch Market Bulk Foods. With rows of clear bins and clearly marked bags, it is easy to stock your kitchen with the right amount of nuts, dried fruits, and trail mixes. You can find snacks like dried pasta and rice, as well as making essentials like flours, sugars, chocolate chips, and oats.
All of these items are usually cheaper than what you would find in a grocery store, and you can buy them in small or large quantities. The spice wall stands out because it has whole and ground spices, herbs, and extracts (like almond, vanilla, and cinnamon) so you can buy fresh, strong ingredients without having to pay too much for small jars.
Bulk breadcrumbs, panko, broths, and soup mixes are all there, along with granolas, peanut butter-filled pretzels, and yogurt-covered raisins. If you cook at home, it is a treasure. It is easy to pack and take everything with you, and many things can be sealed again to keep them fresh for longer.
Must-buy
Prioritize things that are both useful and flexible:
- Popcorn kernels: Fresh, high-yield popcorn kernels pop light and crisp; get a bag and a small tin of finishing salt.
- Dried beans: Black beans, chickpeas, pinto beans, and lentils are all common types that are great for making soups, stews, and meals ahead of time.
- Teas: herbal, black, green, and chai mixes, both loose-leaf and in bags. You can make your own sampler or choose a bigger bag of your favorites.
You should also eat raw nuts, pistachios, cranberries, chia or flax seeds, and whole peppercorns. The Dutch-process chocolate and pure vanilla are great for baking. The house trail mix is always fresh and well-balanced, and it is a great snack.
Insider Tip
Make a short list and think about where to store it. When you buy in bulk, it is best to have airtight containers at home. If you are moving, ask staff for help dividing things up or sealing them. Check the end-cap stores every month for deals on nuts and spices. That is where you will usually find the best deals.
The Essential Survival Guide & Pro Tips
When to Go
The market is open from Thursday to Saturday, but when you go is important. On Thursday afternoon, when most of the shops are closed, you can enjoy a relaxed experience with few lines. You can also handle Friday mornings, especially before lunch. If you want a lot of vendors and a lot of energy, Saturday is the busiest and most fun day, but be ready to wait longer and deal with people.
How to Handle Crowds
Saturdays can feel like festivals, but you need to plan ahead. You will be walking and possibly stumbling through aisles, so wear comfy shoes. Instead of big purses or carts, bring small bags or totes that are easy to carry.
If you are buying in bulk or made goods, you might want to bring a cooler bag for food that goes bad quickly. Be sure to get to places like E&S BBQ, Beiler’s Donuts, and Mandy’s Pretzels before 10:30 AM to avoid the crowds.
Cash vs. Card
Many sellers now take debit and credit cards, but cash is still the best way to pay for small items, tips, and quick transactions. Some stands, like those selling fruits, candy, and bulk foods, may have minimums for using cards or have deals that are only valid with cash. The building has an ATM, but on Saturdays, it may not have any cash on hand or have long lines, so bring small bills if you can.
What Else Is in the Center?
The market is in the Annapolis Harbour Center, a shopping center with lots to do before or after you go to the market. There are stores like Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, The Fresh Market, TGI Fridays, and small shops that sell clothes, gifts, and things for the home. The movie theater makes it easy to make your trip to the market into a full afternoon trip. There is free parking, but it fills up quickly on Saturdays. Look for extra spots near the door to the Fresh Market.
Conclusion: Plan Your Trip Wisely
The Amish Market Annapolis Maryland has a carefully chosen selection of treats that combine tradition, luxury, and smart shopping. There are famous pretzel logs, fresh-fried donuts, handcrafted chocolates, and bulk pantry basics.
The goal of each part of this guide is to help you quickly find the best vendors, make the most of your time and money, and move through the market more easily. This list will make sure you do not miss the best parts, whether you are just looking around, coming for lunch, or stocking up for the week.
Now it is your turn: what is the most important thing you have to buy at the market? Is it the shoofly pie, the BBQ ribs, or the smooth Amish butter? If you have any favorites, please share them in the comments so other shoppers can find new gems. Thanks for your feedback. It not only helps the community grow, but it also helps us keep this guide new, useful, and full of insider information.