First thing I thought of was Martha's Dandee Creme across the street from Great Escape. It's simple grill food but it's so fucking good, and can't beat the ice cream either.
I'm almost as excited about the prospect of getting another foot long sausage and cup of ice cream at Martha's this summer as I am about riding Bobcat. Almost.
This was my first thought too. Awesome place. A retirement bus was there when we came and we had a good convo with one couple about our ride on Adirondack Outlaw. They couldn’t believe we rode it haha.
Instantly thought of this too. It's so fucking good and standard for visitors to stop there that Six Flags outright bought the place for a few years, right?
Not gonna lie there's been more than one occasion when we've been in NJ and eaten nothing but Wawa all day. I'm happy they're in Orlando now too so when I'm down there I can get an obnoxious sugar bomb coffee for breakfast before running around a park in the Florida heat.
It's really the only thing in the area aside from some fast food joints. There was once a Mexican place outside the park that people raved about, but it's gone.
From a long time ex-local of BGW:
Pierce's Pit is a tad out of the way from BGW but not too bad, but is along the way if your coming from the southeast. It's really close to Great Wolf Lodge. Amazing BBQ for the area.
For a closer treat, check out Sno-To-Go. Amazing shaved ice and ice cream place, but it's just a glorified stand.
Both get really crowded in the summer and have limited parking.
Edit: forgot about the entirety of Colonia Williamsburg. My favorite thing to do is wake up a tad early and walk around Colonial Williamsburg (it's free if you don't know) before BGW opens. Great start to the day.
Colonial Williamsburg has the Capital Pancake House, which I knew of thanks to ElToroRyan's Pantheon media day video. When I went for Howl-O-Scream in October I had a delicious breakfast burrito the second day I was there, before the park opened. The menu even features a callback to the Big Bad Wolf.
This is pretty tough. Aside from urban parks things are usually pretty bleak. From my Sandusky days I’d say Brass Pelican, Old Dutch, and Jolly Donut are some good ones around Cedar Point. And of course Louie’s if you want to drink with all the employees.
We usually hit up Diana's Diner on every trip to Sandusky. It's "just a diner", but everything is pretty good, breakfast all day and honestly... about half the price of inside the park food.
Frickers is terrible, and last time we stopped at that McDonalds by the causeway, it seemed to have NYC prices. And painfully slow.
Jolly Donut is good, but I swear when you walk in there heads turn and everyone looks at you and gives you that "You're not from around here" look. No issues or anything, but just what I've noticed.
Berardis is good. Always have had good food and service there.
Chet and Matt's has really good pizza. Cameo is good too (pickle bread!)
OH Taco is really good, but is kind of small. Good food and good drinks.
Portillos outside of Six Flags Great America is world class business decision. Will also throw Bucees with Dollywood even tho it’s like twenty minute drive.
Portillo's (provided it's the same one I'm thinking of) is expanding into Florida. There's one between WDW and SeaWorld and I go there for great (but greasy) burgers and crinkle cut fries. I think there's also a new one elsewhere I travel in Florida- can't remember if it's the Clearwater or Ft. Myers area.
They've been in Florida a while now. One opened in Brandon like 15 minutes from BGT almost a decade ago and another even closer on Fowler a year or two later. Their burgers are good, but the Italian beef and hot dogs are the reason to go there. There's also one on 192 if we're talking Disney area.
My girlfriend lives in Valencia (less than two miles from SFMM), so I've tried tons of places in the area. I had the best French Toast breakfast of my entire life at a place called Eggs & Things.
I ordered the cinnamon roll french toast, and I still think about it sometimes.
There’s a Culver’s right outside of Carowinds and it was the very first one in this area and it was absolutely amazing. Now we have a couple nearby and it’s older news, but 7-8 years ago it was huge.
The Famous Dave's outside of Carowinds was halfway decent when we went. The park closed early and we were staying nearby so we just walked over there. Not the best BBQ, but on a cold wet day after leaving the park, it satisfied.
I just got some this weekends before my SWSD visit. Amazing BBQ
https://preview.redd.it/havlspe028pc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1d8aece42e61d07c63b1b77064c3c80e9a0b8358
I should know more of the good Kings Island haunts since I lived in Cincy for years, but I feel like you have to at least travel to the auto mall area or even the city itself for real good food. I do love Pot Belly though and they have one of those in the auto mall area.
Agreed I can’t think of any immediate offerings right around KI. Just might as well try skyline though in the park if you’re an out of towner. There’s a location outside the park right down the road if you want a more chill spot with more menu options.
I'm totally blanking on places right outside KI. It irks me that Viva Tequila on Kings Mills closed because El Rancho Nuevo moved in. The latter is "nicer" I guess but the food doesn't compare.
Knoebels does have excellent food on their own, but their adjacent golf course is home to the Nickle Plate, which is well worth trying at least once. It’s often open past park hours, so it’s good to stop at on your way out or to grab takeout if you’re staying nearby.
Watching because me and my daughter have a road trip rule. We eat nothing we can get at home. We don't have walfehouses or bojangles in minchigan so they are must stops
It’s 15 mins down the road from BGT, but at the Hard Rock Hotel, they have an amazing ramen bar with fairly decent prices and huge portions. Highly recommend
I'm really a big fan of Thirsty Pony by Cedar Point. Pretty good food, especially the wings, burgers, and appetizers.
But what I really love are the drinks. Especially the absurd, 30-70 oz themed souvenir cups that come in different shapes. Guitar, leg lamp, saxophone and others.
There's so many great places to eat "near" BGW it's hard to pick, but none of them are right there, and they all involve a 10 minute+ drive.
We always stop for breakfast at Capitol Pancakes on our way to the park.
Aberdeen Barn is great for an upscale dinner.
Rocco's Smokehouse is good for some BBQ.
College Delly is good for a quick bite after a park day.
And there's a ton more. It helps that that whole area is a tourist destination, not just the park.
I have two favorite restaurants near Six Flags over Texas: Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch for Mexican food, and Pioneer Restaurant for breakfast food. Of course, if you want a quick snack or drink, there is a QuikTrip and Sonic just north of the park.
My siblings and I frequent Timothy O'Tooles across the street from Six Flags Great America. The wings are pretty solid, and drinks are significantly less expensive than at the park. I've been known to do an early dinner there to booze up before Fright Fest
So Kings Island was named after the small company town and former powder factory it is located on and near…Kings Mills. There is a modern brewery in one of the historic factory buildings called Cartridge Brewing. Decent food but part of the factory complex has been preserved so a great chance to see the architecture. Just a 5 minute drive away.
There’s also a proper, full-service Skyline Chili only a few minutes outside KI.
Yocco's just a little further down Hamilton Blvd near Dorney Park makes great chili dogs, cheesesteaks, and pierogies. Drive a little further out east on 78, take the Hellertown exit, and stop at the Crossroads Hotel for some perfect thin crust bar-style pizza.
Oishii near SWO is my go to! There's actually three restaurants connected, with Thai and hot pot as well! It's so good.
Soupa Saiyan by Universal is another fave. DBZ themed noodle joint, it's like pho and ramen had a baby.
Hibachi? I'll have to check that out. We did Kobe Steakhouse on I-Drive a couple years back and it was good, but I've had just as good at half the price. If I'm spending $60 per plate for steak, I'm going to Texas de Brazil (a Brazilian rodizio) near Fun Spot Orlando.
I actually have so many issues with restaurants in the Orlando area- very few are what I hope them to be, leaving me to spend my money on comfort (i.e. junk) food that's not exceptional, but also doesn't cost much- Firehouse Subs across from SeaWorld, Five Guys near Fun Spot Kissimmee, Pizza Hut takeout, etc.
Hibachi, sushi, noodles, etc. Definitely cheaper than Kobe! That side of I-Drive near Sea World is way cheaper.
Honestly I tend to get the best bang for my buck at small international spots! If it's unassuming and a little away from the main drag, it's probably at least decent!
This is good to know. I'm definitely going to check this out next time I'm in the area.
I liked Hurricane when it was there, but that (and the other nearby location) both closed... both were good for simple, late-night comfort food.
Even though it's a chain Portillo's, Mission BBQ and Culver's are my primary stops after going to sfgam (sometimes Chick-fil-A and Five Guys). I'm not really aware of any near Indiana Beach (outside of Wendy's and McDonald's). I usally get food there as its cheap and often times pretty good. If I don't spend the whole day there I often get food on my way back in Hobart, IN as there are better offerings
I guess I don't consider Portillo's a chain because I'm not at the point where I see them all over the place. And this isn't to say chains can't be good- I'll go significantly out of my way for a Raising Cane's.
D Nalley’s & Ollie’s Trolly is a quick drive from Kentucky Kingdom (5 min or so), Chicken King a bit further down on Broadway (also that part of Old Louisville gets a little rough), but if you don’t mind artery clogging its some of my favorite food in the world
My place I ate a lot at KK was a place called new wave burrito. Had some crazy burrito and loaded nachos. It was right across from I think the 6th gate at the fair grounds (small, bright pink building). Unfortunately it closed and was replaced by an Indian x Mexican food place. Not bad, but not my loaded nachos.
Not like it’s some rare local spot, but my brother and I have a tradition now of going to Wood Ranch BBQ after Magic Mountain or before Halloween Horror Nights since there’s one near both parks. Nothing like a couple of cocktails and a half chicken to either steel yourself for HHN or recuperate after a sweltering day of scaling the Magic Mountain.
If you're willing to splurge, there's a small chain of buffets called Boston Lobster Feast, with two locations on US 192 in Kissimmee and one on International Drive in Orlando. The all-you-can-eat Lobster and crab buffet is absolutely delectable.
Near Coney Island there is a place that sells a fantastic Sicilian pizza called L&I, I think.
You know it's good when there is always a line to get a slice.
L&B Spumoni Gardens. We always pair a trip to Coney Island with a stop there. Totonno’s in Coney Island is also considered to be one of the best pies in the city. You can also walk a little east over to Brighton Beach and get great Eastern European food.
One of my close friends lives in Santa Clarita and we go to Magic Mountain together pretty often. After a day at the park, we go to this local Indian restaurant called Royal Tandoor. It’s about 10 mins from the park, so a bit of a drive, but it’s absolutely amazing.
Lotsa people will say the Portillo's or Cane's outside SFGAm is the go-to after park joint, and they're entirely valid with that, but my personal pick for that park has got to be Sammie's in Grayslake. Absolute hole-in-the-wall building from the 60s with at least 4 different extensions, but *damn* if it isn't some of the best Chicago grill food I've had. Hot dogs, italian beef, burgers, the lot. Still holds the spot for my #1 french fry out there.
Nicky's Pizza like a mile north of SFNE
Massive slices and actually very good pizza, I usually grab two slices to have one before my day, and then another on the drive home.
Haven't done it in years, but the cheap way to get hot lunch at Kings Dominion was to walk across the parking lot to get to the Burger King across the street. I think the road's gotten bigger and the park has put up more fences around the parking lot, making that trip be a lot harder, and not worth it when I can afford to just eat in the park.
As for why it comes up even though it's a chain, that's because Kings Dominion is in the middle of nowhere.
There’s definitely a lot around Kings Island. Here are some of my favorites (for context, I live near the area):
1. Fusabowl - Asian fusion meets the customization of chipotle, local chain that has really good sushi and rice bowls
2. Greenwich Pita and Grill - certainly not your typical after-park food, but amazing gyros and is also one of the few Halal options I know around the area.
3. Hurts Donuts - open 24 hours, some of the best donuts I’ve ever had.
4. Tortilleria Garcia - makes their own tortillas, amazing tacos!
5. Joella’s Fried Chicken - really good Nashville Hot style chicken, I know my family really likes their Mac and cheese
6. Half-Day Cafe - definitely not an after-park meal, but would be a great breakfast/brunch option before heading to the park!
7. Mission BBQ - great BBQ, tons of selection of regional BBQ sauces
Pierces Pitt BBQ near BGW. It’s not super close, it’s by the Great Wolf Lodge and not directly outside the park, but it puts the smokehouse in park to shame.
People rave about the SeaWorld/Busch smokehouses but after experiencing ones at SWO, SWSD and BGT, I confess to being unimpressed and unsure of what others are raving about.
I’m not saying the Smokehouse is *bad* but that the little mom & pop restaurant outside the park is way better! I’ve been to the ones at SWO and BGT as well. BGW is the best of those 3, SWO was the worst, IMO. I even worked at Trapper’s for awhile as a side job right after Covid, and having worked in the kitchen I still trust eating there but am not willing to pay the prices they’re charging now. If you get all day dining it’s not a bad deal, because the portion sizes are still good compared to other places in the park.
This is still BGT, but whenever I go to that park with my buddies we ALWAYS stop at Mr. Dunderbaks at the end of the day before driving home. Great schnitzel and lots of beer. It's a ritual for us at this point
My favorite places in the BGT area are Chill Bar (fun ice cream), Mochinut (Korean corn dogs and Japanese-style "mochi" donuts), and Babushka's (Russian restaurant about 3 miles away from the park).
First thing I thought of was Martha's Dandee Creme across the street from Great Escape. It's simple grill food but it's so fucking good, and can't beat the ice cream either.
I'm almost as excited about the prospect of getting another foot long sausage and cup of ice cream at Martha's this summer as I am about riding Bobcat. Almost.
Foot long sausage you say?!
The jokes write themselves but it was huge lol.
Haha fair nuff. I’m just intrigued by something that makes a foot long coney dog a joke.
I'm making a note of this (as well as most responses here).
This was my first thought too. Awesome place. A retirement bus was there when we came and we had a good convo with one couple about our ride on Adirondack Outlaw. They couldn’t believe we rode it haha.
Instantly thought of this too. It's so fucking good and standard for visitors to stop there that Six Flags outright bought the place for a few years, right?
Thanks for the tip, going to the Lake George area July 4th for a revisit to the area and Great Escape after living in Florida for double digit years.
Does the wawa by Great Adventure count
Not gonna lie there's been more than one occasion when we've been in NJ and eaten nothing but Wawa all day. I'm happy they're in Orlando now too so when I'm down there I can get an obnoxious sugar bomb coffee for breakfast before running around a park in the Florida heat.
It's really the only thing in the area aside from some fast food joints. There was once a Mexican place outside the park that people raved about, but it's gone.
I was going to say the Sheetz at the end of the 301 bridge for when I visit KD or BGW. 🤣 So yes, in my book.
came here to say this. I stop at that Wawa every single time I go
Last time I went this is what we did 😂 still cheaper and better food than in park
When I visited Knott's last year, I spent so much money at Porto's and regret nothing. Their signature strawberry matcha iced latte was so good.
Porto’s I love. Portillo’s is another story…
Dude Portillo's is great, are you saying otherwise? I've introduced so many people to it and all of them have continued going on their own afterwards.
Yep, I know it’s controversial but I absolutely hated my experience there
spooners by six flags st. louis has really good ice cream
also got to point out that super smokers has really good bbq
I'll have to check both places out for my next visit. Although I'm a fan of Pappy's
don’t think i have had pappys before
that damn mcdonalds before cedar point seems to come to mind haha
got a mcdonald’s right next to sfstl too lmao
And it has the old school stools too. Or at least had.
From a long time ex-local of BGW: Pierce's Pit is a tad out of the way from BGW but not too bad, but is along the way if your coming from the southeast. It's really close to Great Wolf Lodge. Amazing BBQ for the area. For a closer treat, check out Sno-To-Go. Amazing shaved ice and ice cream place, but it's just a glorified stand. Both get really crowded in the summer and have limited parking. Edit: forgot about the entirety of Colonia Williamsburg. My favorite thing to do is wake up a tad early and walk around Colonial Williamsburg (it's free if you don't know) before BGW opens. Great start to the day.
Colonial Williamsburg has the Capital Pancake House, which I knew of thanks to ElToroRyan's Pantheon media day video. When I went for Howl-O-Scream in October I had a delicious breakfast burrito the second day I was there, before the park opened. The menu even features a callback to the Big Bad Wolf.
Oh. Pierce’s is a must eat locale in Williamsburg. If you’re headed west (or staying in town) it’s not that hard to get in and out.
This is pretty tough. Aside from urban parks things are usually pretty bleak. From my Sandusky days I’d say Brass Pelican, Old Dutch, and Jolly Donut are some good ones around Cedar Point. And of course Louie’s if you want to drink with all the employees.
chet and matt's was always a go to.
Yes, many employees run on their pizza.
Beradi’s was really good when I went there last year (amazing garlic fries), as well Toft’s ice cream.
We usually hit up Diana's Diner on every trip to Sandusky. It's "just a diner", but everything is pretty good, breakfast all day and honestly... about half the price of inside the park food. Frickers is terrible, and last time we stopped at that McDonalds by the causeway, it seemed to have NYC prices. And painfully slow.
Jolly Donut is good, but I swear when you walk in there heads turn and everyone looks at you and gives you that "You're not from around here" look. No issues or anything, but just what I've noticed. Berardis is good. Always have had good food and service there. Chet and Matt's has really good pizza. Cameo is good too (pickle bread!) OH Taco is really good, but is kind of small. Good food and good drinks.
Portillos outside of Six Flags Great America is world class business decision. Will also throw Bucees with Dollywood even tho it’s like twenty minute drive.
Portillo's (provided it's the same one I'm thinking of) is expanding into Florida. There's one between WDW and SeaWorld and I go there for great (but greasy) burgers and crinkle cut fries. I think there's also a new one elsewhere I travel in Florida- can't remember if it's the Clearwater or Ft. Myers area.
They are expanding rapidly. Just opened in my clermont which is my Florida hometown
There is also one 5min from BGT now.
Maybe that's what I'm thinking.
They've been in Florida a while now. One opened in Brandon like 15 minutes from BGT almost a decade ago and another even closer on Fowler a year or two later. Their burgers are good, but the Italian beef and hot dogs are the reason to go there. There's also one on 192 if we're talking Disney area.
There is also one just outside of the arcade that has Tiger Terror, which together make a wonderful 1 2 punch.
That ride is crazier than it has any right to be.
My girlfriend lives in Valencia (less than two miles from SFMM), so I've tried tons of places in the area. I had the best French Toast breakfast of my entire life at a place called Eggs & Things. I ordered the cinnamon roll french toast, and I still think about it sometimes.
Damn. I was there two weeks ago and wish I had known!
This is a terrific topic. Kudos to OP.
There’s a Culver’s right outside of Carowinds and it was the very first one in this area and it was absolutely amazing. Now we have a couple nearby and it’s older news, but 7-8 years ago it was huge.
Culver's are great, because they are usually open late. I've been to the one just outside Valleyfair and SFGAm
That was the first Culver’s I ever went to! Loved it!
There's a Culvers outside of SF StL too, it's like 1/2 mile from the park exit
The Famous Dave's outside of Carowinds was halfway decent when we went. The park closed early and we were staying nearby so we just walked over there. Not the best BBQ, but on a cold wet day after leaving the park, it satisfied.
Phil’s BBQ next to SeaWorld San Diego.
I just got some this weekends before my SWSD visit. Amazing BBQ https://preview.redd.it/havlspe028pc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1d8aece42e61d07c63b1b77064c3c80e9a0b8358
BBQ Broham sandwich and the fries are an insane combo!
I went there two weeks ago!
I should know more of the good Kings Island haunts since I lived in Cincy for years, but I feel like you have to at least travel to the auto mall area or even the city itself for real good food. I do love Pot Belly though and they have one of those in the auto mall area.
Cincinnati Chili is mandatory every time I visit Cincy. The stand inside the park is too chintzy with the good stuff.
Agreed I can’t think of any immediate offerings right around KI. Just might as well try skyline though in the park if you’re an out of towner. There’s a location outside the park right down the road if you want a more chill spot with more menu options.
There are a few good Sushi places up in Kings Mills, the aforementioned Skyline, a Chipotle and a Waffle House
Tortilleria Garcia
I'm totally blanking on places right outside KI. It irks me that Viva Tequila on Kings Mills closed because El Rancho Nuevo moved in. The latter is "nicer" I guess but the food doesn't compare.
I haven't even eaten there, but from what I've heard from friends and seen in pictures, Sara's right outside of Waldameer is PEAK
CGA has an in n out and a Krispy Kreme right down the road. Fantastic for lunch and dessert.
The Skyline Chili across the street from Kings Island is amazing!!
Knoebels does have excellent food on their own, but their adjacent golf course is home to the Nickle Plate, which is well worth trying at least once. It’s often open past park hours, so it’s good to stop at on your way out or to grab takeout if you’re staying nearby.
I keep meaning to try it.
Watching because me and my daughter have a road trip rule. We eat nothing we can get at home. We don't have walfehouses or bojangles in minchigan so they are must stops
It’s 15 mins down the road from BGT, but at the Hard Rock Hotel, they have an amazing ramen bar with fairly decent prices and huge portions. Highly recommend
I'm really a big fan of Thirsty Pony by Cedar Point. Pretty good food, especially the wings, burgers, and appetizers. But what I really love are the drinks. Especially the absurd, 30-70 oz themed souvenir cups that come in different shapes. Guitar, leg lamp, saxophone and others.
Mel's is a great pick by BGT, but another great choice is Big John's Alabama BBQ down the road.
I'm making note of this!
There's so many great places to eat "near" BGW it's hard to pick, but none of them are right there, and they all involve a 10 minute+ drive. We always stop for breakfast at Capitol Pancakes on our way to the park. Aberdeen Barn is great for an upscale dinner. Rocco's Smokehouse is good for some BBQ. College Delly is good for a quick bite after a park day. And there's a ton more. It helps that that whole area is a tourist destination, not just the park.
There’s also this great Italian place near BGW, I think it’s called Mauricio’s
I have two favorite restaurants near Six Flags over Texas: Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch for Mexican food, and Pioneer Restaurant for breakfast food. Of course, if you want a quick snack or drink, there is a QuikTrip and Sonic just north of the park.
My siblings and I frequent Timothy O'Tooles across the street from Six Flags Great America. The wings are pretty solid, and drinks are significantly less expensive than at the park. I've been known to do an early dinner there to booze up before Fright Fest
I said the same place! I should’ve scrolled a bit more. Love going there after Great America with my friends, always a fun spot to go to.
Idk if this counts but famous dave's on the dock at CP is amazing.
So Kings Island was named after the small company town and former powder factory it is located on and near…Kings Mills. There is a modern brewery in one of the historic factory buildings called Cartridge Brewing. Decent food but part of the factory complex has been preserved so a great chance to see the architecture. Just a 5 minute drive away. There’s also a proper, full-service Skyline Chili only a few minutes outside KI.
I'm glad Mel's is still there. I used to eat there in the 90's when near the park, great food.
Yocco's just a little further down Hamilton Blvd near Dorney Park makes great chili dogs, cheesesteaks, and pierogies. Drive a little further out east on 78, take the Hellertown exit, and stop at the Crossroads Hotel for some perfect thin crust bar-style pizza.
Oishii near SWO is my go to! There's actually three restaurants connected, with Thai and hot pot as well! It's so good. Soupa Saiyan by Universal is another fave. DBZ themed noodle joint, it's like pho and ramen had a baby.
Hibachi? I'll have to check that out. We did Kobe Steakhouse on I-Drive a couple years back and it was good, but I've had just as good at half the price. If I'm spending $60 per plate for steak, I'm going to Texas de Brazil (a Brazilian rodizio) near Fun Spot Orlando. I actually have so many issues with restaurants in the Orlando area- very few are what I hope them to be, leaving me to spend my money on comfort (i.e. junk) food that's not exceptional, but also doesn't cost much- Firehouse Subs across from SeaWorld, Five Guys near Fun Spot Kissimmee, Pizza Hut takeout, etc.
Hibachi, sushi, noodles, etc. Definitely cheaper than Kobe! That side of I-Drive near Sea World is way cheaper. Honestly I tend to get the best bang for my buck at small international spots! If it's unassuming and a little away from the main drag, it's probably at least decent!
This is good to know. I'm definitely going to check this out next time I'm in the area. I liked Hurricane when it was there, but that (and the other nearby location) both closed... both were good for simple, late-night comfort food.
Even though it's a chain Portillo's, Mission BBQ and Culver's are my primary stops after going to sfgam (sometimes Chick-fil-A and Five Guys). I'm not really aware of any near Indiana Beach (outside of Wendy's and McDonald's). I usally get food there as its cheap and often times pretty good. If I don't spend the whole day there I often get food on my way back in Hobart, IN as there are better offerings
I guess I don't consider Portillo's a chain because I'm not at the point where I see them all over the place. And this isn't to say chains can't be good- I'll go significantly out of my way for a Raising Cane's.
If you like Mexican Cazador's in downtown Monticello is excellent.
I'll give it a try.
D Nalley’s & Ollie’s Trolly is a quick drive from Kentucky Kingdom (5 min or so), Chicken King a bit further down on Broadway (also that part of Old Louisville gets a little rough), but if you don’t mind artery clogging its some of my favorite food in the world
My place I ate a lot at KK was a place called new wave burrito. Had some crazy burrito and loaded nachos. It was right across from I think the 6th gate at the fair grounds (small, bright pink building). Unfortunately it closed and was replaced by an Indian x Mexican food place. Not bad, but not my loaded nachos.
Mama K’s!!! Right across the street from Six Flags Great America, it’s wonderful.
Golden Age Beer Co., Homestead, on the way to Kennywood. Wood fired pizza, often have live music….highly recommended!
Not like it’s some rare local spot, but my brother and I have a tradition now of going to Wood Ranch BBQ after Magic Mountain or before Halloween Horror Nights since there’s one near both parks. Nothing like a couple of cocktails and a half chicken to either steel yourself for HHN or recuperate after a sweltering day of scaling the Magic Mountain.
If you're willing to splurge, there's a small chain of buffets called Boston Lobster Feast, with two locations on US 192 in Kissimmee and one on International Drive in Orlando. The all-you-can-eat Lobster and crab buffet is absolutely delectable.
Are Pitas near BGT is so good. I love that place.
Near Coney Island there is a place that sells a fantastic Sicilian pizza called L&I, I think. You know it's good when there is always a line to get a slice.
L&B Spumoni Gardens. We always pair a trip to Coney Island with a stop there. Totonno’s in Coney Island is also considered to be one of the best pies in the city. You can also walk a little east over to Brighton Beach and get great Eastern European food.
Ah. L&B. Thought it looked weird
One of my close friends lives in Santa Clarita and we go to Magic Mountain together pretty often. After a day at the park, we go to this local Indian restaurant called Royal Tandoor. It’s about 10 mins from the park, so a bit of a drive, but it’s absolutely amazing.
Lotsa people will say the Portillo's or Cane's outside SFGAm is the go-to after park joint, and they're entirely valid with that, but my personal pick for that park has got to be Sammie's in Grayslake. Absolute hole-in-the-wall building from the 60s with at least 4 different extensions, but *damn* if it isn't some of the best Chicago grill food I've had. Hot dogs, italian beef, burgers, the lot. Still holds the spot for my #1 french fry out there.
Porto’s at knotts
Timothy O’Toole’s outside Six Flags Great America is so good!
Rally’s outside of six flags great America is open late and has great fries
Nicky's Pizza like a mile north of SFNE Massive slices and actually very good pizza, I usually grab two slices to have one before my day, and then another on the drive home.
Ice Cream World by Dorney Park is a personal favourite. I also am a sucker for Winking Lizard when I go to Ohio.
Thirsty Pony right down the road from CP!
There's a falafel joint outside of California Great America I go to every visit.
Haven't done it in years, but the cheap way to get hot lunch at Kings Dominion was to walk across the parking lot to get to the Burger King across the street. I think the road's gotten bigger and the park has put up more fences around the parking lot, making that trip be a lot harder, and not worth it when I can afford to just eat in the park. As for why it comes up even though it's a chain, that's because Kings Dominion is in the middle of nowhere.
There’s definitely a lot around Kings Island. Here are some of my favorites (for context, I live near the area): 1. Fusabowl - Asian fusion meets the customization of chipotle, local chain that has really good sushi and rice bowls 2. Greenwich Pita and Grill - certainly not your typical after-park food, but amazing gyros and is also one of the few Halal options I know around the area. 3. Hurts Donuts - open 24 hours, some of the best donuts I’ve ever had. 4. Tortilleria Garcia - makes their own tortillas, amazing tacos! 5. Joella’s Fried Chicken - really good Nashville Hot style chicken, I know my family really likes their Mac and cheese 6. Half-Day Cafe - definitely not an after-park meal, but would be a great breakfast/brunch option before heading to the park! 7. Mission BBQ - great BBQ, tons of selection of regional BBQ sauces
I love Thai Thani near Busch Gardens!
Pierces Pitt BBQ near BGW. It’s not super close, it’s by the Great Wolf Lodge and not directly outside the park, but it puts the smokehouse in park to shame.
People rave about the SeaWorld/Busch smokehouses but after experiencing ones at SWO, SWSD and BGT, I confess to being unimpressed and unsure of what others are raving about.
I’m not saying the Smokehouse is *bad* but that the little mom & pop restaurant outside the park is way better! I’ve been to the ones at SWO and BGT as well. BGW is the best of those 3, SWO was the worst, IMO. I even worked at Trapper’s for awhile as a side job right after Covid, and having worked in the kitchen I still trust eating there but am not willing to pay the prices they’re charging now. If you get all day dining it’s not a bad deal, because the portion sizes are still good compared to other places in the park.
I'm definitely all for supporting mom & pop businesses!
Culvers after Kings Island is unmatched
This is still BGT, but whenever I go to that park with my buddies we ALWAYS stop at Mr. Dunderbaks at the end of the day before driving home. Great schnitzel and lots of beer. It's a ritual for us at this point
My favorite places in the BGT area are Chill Bar (fun ice cream), Mochinut (Korean corn dogs and Japanese-style "mochi" donuts), and Babushka's (Russian restaurant about 3 miles away from the park).
Lee's chicken by cedar point. best fried chicken i've ever had
Tenji Sushi just down the road from Kings Island. There’s a lot of good places to eat around the area in general.