Let your mind wander to Pennsylvania Dutch country’s traditional visions, tastes, and smells.

For Lancaster County’s charming town of Intercourse, you are not wrong to envision horse-and-buggy-filled roads, local artisans offering handmade goods, and, of course, the traditional Amish meals the area is known for. From Dutch cabbage rolls to apple butter to homemade bread and donuts and buttered noodles galore — anyone passing through is bound to enjoy the flavors of Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country. But in a town filled with such offerings, Carl Kosko, who owns The Inn & Spa at Intercourse Village, made it his mission to offer guests a taste of something different.

Breaking the Mold: A New Steakhouse in Intercourse

Kosko, who bought The Inn & Spa from the owners of the Best Western PLUS Intercourse Village Inn & Suites in 2021, also had the opportunity to lease the restaurant inside of the Best Western not long after. He explains that the previous restaurant was very much rooted as a Pennsylvania Dutch-style restaurant, serving staple dishes such as chicken croquettes and turkey and stuffing.

So when the owners of the restaurant space contacted Kosko with an opportunity to revitalize the establishment, he already knew he wanted to break the mold and offer tourists and residents alike a chance to enjoy something new.

“The owner of the Best Western approached me and asked if I’d like to lease a restaurant from him,” Kosko said. “I took three months to think it over and decided, ‘Yes, I do, but I’m not opening a Pennsylvania Dutch-style restaurant like everyone else.’ There are already six Pennsylvania Dutch-style restaurants within ten minutes of here, so opening another just didn’t make sense to me; I wanted to turn it into a steakhouse. With the Revere Tavern recently closing — a popular local spot — it made sense to do something different and unique.”

This “something different and unique” manifested as Olde Mill Restaurant. Branded as “A Classic Casual Steakhouse in the Heart of Lancaster County,” Kosko’s vision for something out of the ordinary has quickly become a neighborhood staple.

A Nostalgic Dining Experience with Modern Twists

He explains that the menu features four different steaks (sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon) and also a salmon dish; however, this salmon dish is not like every other salmon dish you might encounter but instead topped with crab meat, Fontina cheese, and a champagne cream sauce. This is an example of one of the many ways the steakhouse takes an innovative approach to classic and contemporary cuisine, ensuring a menu that delights the senses, featuring local hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and farm-fresh seasonal cuisine.

Another major draw to the restaurant is its inviting, warm, and elegant ambiance, featuring a blend of tasteful interiors that reflects the rustic charm of its historic location.

“My goal was to create a traditional, old-fashioned steakhouse experience,” stated Kosko. We play jazz music to evoke that timeless feel, like stepping into a place from years ago. We’re trying to keep that classic charm alive while staying relevant with new and unique menu items.”

Kosko explains that his Inn (located at 3542 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse) is only one block away from Olde Mill Restaurant, making it a convenient dinner option. Additionally, he also draws business from the Best Western in which the restaurant operates, offering a 10 percent discount to guests.

“There isn’t another evening restaurant open for dinner here in Intercourse,” said Kosko. “We’re in a prime location with an 80-room hotel, the Inn has its 12 rooms, and a new, 80-room Hampton Inn is also being built. With no other dinner options in town, we’re filling a much-needed gap for locals and visitors alike.”

Besides serving as Intercourse’s much-needed evening dinner spot with quality menu items, Kosko envisions the restaurant as a comprehensive “experience.” He plans to offer wine tastings and possibly cigar pairings, all while cultivating a nostalgic atmosphere.

He explains: “I love playing 1940s music such as Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and the Andrews Sisters at the Inn, and people often ask me, ‘What kind of music is this?’ and I tell them it’s World War II-era music. There’s a following for that era. I also adore simulating the mid-century vibe of the late ’50s and early ’60s at the restaurant — the style, the jazzy, smoky feel, like something from Mad Men. That’s what I’m trying to recreate here; it’s all about blending those timeless elements into a unique experience.”

Explore the full menu and learn more about Olde Mill Restaurant here. Olde Mill Restaurant is located at 9 Queen Road in Intercourse. Winter hours are Thursday-Saturday 4:00-8:00 PM.

Find more ways to enjoy the offerings of Lancaster County at Discover Lancaster. Discover Lancaster, a private nonprofit partnership organization, is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Lancaster County.