This in-depth, Exchange Lancaster review covers everything you need to know about downtown Lancaster’s premier rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar.
Located on the 12th floor of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, The Exchange offers panoramic views, upscale New American cuisine, craft cocktails, and an atmosphere unlike anything else in the region.
Whether you’re planning a date night, weekend brunch, or sunset drinks with a view, The Exchange Lancaster delivers a memorable dining experience worth the reservation.
THE EXCHANGE LANCASTER AT A GLANCE
- • Location: 25 South Queen Street – 12th floor of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
- • Cuisine: New American, Small Plates, Craft Cocktails
- • Price Range: $–$$ (Small plates $12–18, Mains $24–36, Cocktails $12–16)
- • Hours: Mon–Thu: 4–10pm • Fri: 4pm–12am • Sat: 11am–12am • Sun: 11am–10pm
(Brunch served Sat–Sun 11am–3pm) - • Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for sunset hours and weekends
- • Best For: Sunset cocktails, date nights, impressive views, special occasions
- • Website: theexchangelancaster.com
The Exchange Lancaster Review: First Impressions
Sophisticated design and amazing views at The Exchange | Photo: Better LivingIt’s not every day you find a sophisticated rooftop bar in a mid-sized historic city, which makes The Exchange so unexpected in Downtown Lancaster, PA.
This rooftop restaurant and lounge on the 12th floor of the Lancaster Marriott offers something you simply can’t find elsewhere in the area – panoramic views of both the city’s historic character and the surrounding Amish country.
We arrived around 5:30pm on a spring evening, taking the dedicated elevator directly to the restaurant. Stepping out, we were immediately struck by the chic, contemporary atmosphere that felt like it belonged in a much larger metropolitan area.
The space is beautifully designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, dramatic lighting, sleek furniture, and an open kitchen where you can watch the culinary team in action.
The Space
The dramatic chandelier and open kitchen at The Exchange | Photo: Better LivingThe Exchange perfectly balances indoor elegance with outdoor relaxation. The interior dining area features comfortable leather seating, a bar, and incredible views from nearly every table. The design aesthetic is modern but warm, with wood tones and earth colors creating an inviting atmosphere that’s upscale without feeling stuffy.
The outdoor terrace is where The Exchange really shines. Multiple seating areas include high-top tables, lounge seating, bar seating, and cozy fire pits surrounded by chairs. Glass barriers ensure clear views while providing protection from the wind.
The View from The Exchange Lancaster Rooftop
The view from The Exchange rooftop where historic downtown meets countryside | Photo: Better LivingOkay, the view here is absolutely incredible. We scored a table near the windows and were treated to a sweeping panorama of downtown Lancaster’s church steeples, historic buildings, and the rolling countryside beyond. Even with light rain that evening, watching the sunset paint everything in pink, purple, and orange was pretty magical.
What blew me away is how you can see Lancaster’s entire personality laid out in front of you. The whole historic downtown spreads out below, and then just beyond all that city charm, you’ve got rolling green farmland stretching to the horizon. It’s like getting the perfect snapshot of what makes Lancaster so unique – you literally see where the historic city ends and the countryside begins.
The Food at The Exchange: Small Plates, Big Flavor
Executive Chef Ryan McQuillan has created a menu that’s as impressive as the views – elevated comfort food with creative twists that showcase local ingredients. The menu is divided between shareable small plates and more substantial entrées, with wood-fired pizzas forming a significant portion of the offerings.
What We Ordered
Calabrian Chili Wings with toasted hazelnuts | Photo: Better LivingThe Calabrian Chili Chicken Wings ($16) were crispy with just the right balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch from the toasted hazelnuts. They’re served with a blue cheese dressing to cool off the spice. These aren’t your typical bar wings. They’re seriously next-level and completely addictive.
Crispy Baby Artichokes with grated parmesan and citrus aioli | Photo: Better LivingThe Crispy Baby Artichokes ($14) are a huge portion that arrive golden and crunchy but perfectly tender inside. They’re served with a bright citrus aioli that’s ideal for dipping and the parmesan on top ties it all together beautifully. We literally scraped the plate clean.
Spicy Crab Bucatini – generous crab, perfect al dente pasta, incredible flavors | Photo: Better LivingFor something more substantial, the Spicy Crab Bucatini ($26) delivered rich, satisfying flavors with a hint of heat. The pasta was al dente, and the crab was surprisingly generous. No skimping on the seafood here. The San Marzano tomato sauce had depth without overpowering the delicate crab.
Strawberry Matcha Tiramisu | Photo: Better LivingFor dessert, the unique Strawberry Matcha Tiramisu was the perfect end to tame the heat from the wings and pasta. Strawberry flavored cream wrapped around a cloud-like cake and dusted with matcha powder made for a delightful spring-inspired pairing, balancing earthy richness with bright sweetness.
Throughout our meal, we watched the kitchen sending out wood-fired pizzas that looked and smelled incredible, and they weren’t skimping on size either. Multiple diners around us ordered them, and based on their reactions, these will definitely be on our list for next time.
The Drinks
The Mezcolada. A smoky-sweet combination that changed our mind about mezcal | Photo: Better LivingThe bar program at The Exchange is seriously impressive. The vibrant purple and pink cocktails aren’t just Instagram-worthy, they’re expertly crafted with unique flavor combinations.
The Elixir #2 ($14) with gin, St. Germaine, and Sauvignon Blanc was floral and refreshing, ideal for warm weather sipping on the outdoor terrace.
Elixir #2 with gin, St. Germaine, and Sauvignon Blanc | Photo: Better LivingWe also tried the Mezcolada ($14) with Joven Ilegal Mezcal, Piña Colada Tea, lemon juice, and peppered honey. It’s a smoky-sweet combination that was well balanced and unique. I’m typically not a huge fan of Mezcal, but this drink changed my mind.
They also offer a solid wine list with good by-the-glass options and local craft beers. For non-alcoholic options, they have several creative mocktails with the same attention to detail as their spirited counterparts.
Service & Hospitality
The service at The Exchange is outstanding. Our server Jozlyn was knowledgeable about both the food and drink menus, offering honest recommendations when asked and checking in at appropriate intervals.
When we had questions about ingredients, she didn’t hesitate to check with the kitchen, and she seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the restaurant. That passion came through in her detailed descriptions of preparation methods and flavor profiles. The pacing of our meal was spot-on. We never felt rushed, even as the space filled up.
The Crowd
The outdoor terrace at The Exchange in Downtown Lancaster, PA | Photo: Better LivingBy the time we left around 8pm, every seat at the bar and most tables were filled with a lively mix of date night couples, after-work gatherings, and visitors like us experiencing Lancaster’s surprising rooftop scene. The ambiance was energetic but not overwhelming. You could still hold a conversation without shouting.
The crowd appeared diverse in age, with a mix of young professionals, middle-aged couples, and even a few well-dressed older patrons. There’s no dress code but overall the vibe was smart-casual, relaxed, and even a bit sophisticated.
Value
While The Exchange isn’t a budget dining option, the prices feel fair for the quality, experience, and setting you’re getting. Small plates range from $12-18, mains from $24-36, and cocktails from $12-16.
Considering the prime location, excellent service, and the obvious care put into both food and drinks, we found it to be good value compared to similar establishments in larger cities, where you’d easily pay 30% more.
Final Thoughts on Dining Here
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide incredible views from every seat | Photo: Better LivingFor Lancaster’s size, The Exchange feels like the kind of chic rooftop you’d expect in a much larger city, yet it maintains a warmth and accessibility that makes it a must-visit during any downtown Lancaster stay. It’s ideal for special occasions, impressive date nights, or simply treating yourself to sunset drinks with a view.
The Exchange successfully balances being a destination restaurant without feeling like a tourist trap. They’ve created something that appeals to visitors while maintaining the quality and authenticity that keeps locals coming back.
Insider Tips
- Reservations: Make them well in advance for prime sunset hours (5:30-7:30pm)
- Timing: Arrive 15-30 minutes before your reservation to enjoy a drink at the bar first
- Seating: Request a window table when booking, but the outdoor terrace is the prime spot when weather permits
- Weather Considerations: Outdoor seating is subject to cancellation for rain or high winds, so have a backup plan
- Parking: The Penn Square Garage is most convenient, located at 28 S Duke Street
- Age Restriction: Must be 21+ to enter after 4pm
- Dress Code: While not explicitly stated, smart casual is appropriate and helps you fit the vibe
See also
Bottom Line
The Exchange offers one of the most memorable dining experiences in Lancaster. Where great food, creative cocktails, and sweeping rooftop views come together in a space that feels both elevated and welcoming. It’s the kind of place you tell friends about, and the reason you’ll start planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Exchange Lancaster
Is The Exchange Lancaster rooftop bar open year-round?
Yes, The Exchange is open year-round, with heated outdoor seating available in cooler months.
Does The Exchange Lancaster take reservations?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially during sunset hours and weekends.
What type of food is served at The Exchange in Lancaster?
The menu features upscale New American cuisine, with small plates, wood-fired pizzas, and creative entrées made with local ingredients.
Can you visit The Exchange just for drinks?
Yes, guests can enjoy the rooftop bar for cocktails, wines, beers, and mocktails without ordering food.
What is the dress code for The Exchange Lancaster?
While there’s no formal dress code, most guests wear smart-casual attire.
Where can I park for The Exchange Lancaster?
The Exchange is located in the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, which has a connected parking garage with in-out privileges for hotel guests. Street parking is available (free after 6pm) and several public parking garages are within two blocks.
When is the best time to visit The Exchange Lancaster?
Arrive around 5:30pm to secure a prime window table for sunset views. The rooftop gets busy by 8pm with a lively mix of patrons. Weeknights tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Does The Exchange Lancaster have outdoor seating?
Yes, The Exchange features outdoor fire pits and heated seating areas on the rooftop, perfect for enjoying cocktails with panoramic views of downtown Lancaster’s church steeples and historic buildings.
Is The Exchange Lancaster expensive?
Expect upscale pricing to match the elevated atmosphere and prime rooftop location. Small plates and appetizers are reasonably priced for the quality and portion sizes, making it accessible for both special occasions and casual drinks.
How does The Exchange compare to other Lancaster rooftop bars?
The Exchange is Lancaster’s premier rooftop dining destination, offering a sophisticated experience you’d expect in a major city. The 12th-floor location provides unmatched views of the historic downtown area and surrounding countryside.
Directions
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