By Nicolette Frey ‘25
Cafe One Eight is a lively place with great food to share with great company. This hidden gem is located in downtown Lancaster right off of Orange Street, where rustic meets modern chic. The simple but extravagant decor is just like their menu. Sandwiches and wraps are easy to make, but the local products used here make them exponentially better.
Co-owners Anthony and Demi Smeltzer are the second owners of Cafe One Eight. They bought the cafe back in 2022 after Anthony’s brother passed away. He wanted to be an entrepreneur, so Anthony is carrying out his dream. Anthony is currently going to school at Millersville University for a business degree.
Even with a small space, the owners take care to make sure there is room for everyone to move around, while still being able to sit and enjoy a meal. There are lots of different seating options ranging from normal tables, to a hightop, to window seats facing Orange Street. There are plenty of tables to sit with company or do work. The layout of the cafe also dampens noise volumes. There can be music playing and eight other people talking, but you can still hear the person in front of you.
Although the menu is small, there is quite the variety of options and everything is prepared wonderfully. The plates are filled with an excellent amount of well-balanced food. The cinnamon swirl french toast is a perfect balance between hot and cold, and crunchy and smooth. The two pieces of toast are topped with a sweet honey drizzle, homemade whipped cream, and fresh fruit.
Most of the food products at Cafe One Eight are from local vendors, including; The Stroopie Company, Bird in Hand Bake Shop, Pineview Dairy and Square One Coffee Roasters. So not only is everything extremely fresh, it is also helping small businesses in the area.
Every member of the staff is lively and kind. Even when it is busy, everyone is working together to make sure the customers are comfortable. Although the interactions with the staff are minimal, they always make sure you have everything you need. The tables are seat yourself, so when you first come into the cafe someone greets you with a smile and asks what they can do for you. Once your order is prepared, a cook brings your food to you right from the kitchen.
Being with friends is more fun when there’s good food around, and local products and clean spaces are fun to enjoy with company. Anyone looking for a place to sit with a good cup of coffee, either to work or to talk, should visit Cafe One Eight.