Kings Island 2023 Food News and Reviews

[robintodd]

1 hour ago, BoddaH1994 said:

Ate at G&G again yesterday. First time since it opened. It was good, but very uninspiring. Maybe I was spoiled by KD’s G&G and CP’s Grand Pavilion. Both of which gave you that, “I can’t believe I’m eating this in a theme park!” feeling. G&G just doesn’t and I can’t put my finger on why. 
 

I also feel like the monthly specials are kind of lacking. Last month’s special at Enrique’s was just the chicken but in a different sized wrap. Like, why? The burger at the Brewhouse was okay, but why put the pork rinds on it just for people to pick them off? It was a pub burger with avocado. 
 

Myself and others have also noticed some stuff that just wouldn’t have happened in years past. Three people at our table got clucks & barrels one time and both the chicken and the tater tots had a gross burnt taste to them. It was as if they hadn’t changed the oil but should have. I’m sure they would have replaced them if we asked, but my point is that I feel like this would have been pretty isolated in the past five years, but is becoming more common now. 
 

The food is still better than it was before they started emphasizing the food. I just feel like things took a big step back this year. What gives? It’s all the same people, who ran a decently tight ship last year. All except the new Executive Chef, but can he personally be held responsible for all of this?

Regardless, if any of you food people are out there reading this - thank you. You have a tough job that I wouldn’t want to do. None of this is directed at one person. You all work very hard!

Of the June specials the Reuben was the best in my opinion.  Looking forward to trying the French Dip this month.

[chuck norris]

Ate at G&G again yesterday. First time since it opened. It was good, but very uninspiring. Maybe I was spoiled by KD’s G&G and CP’s Grand Pavilion. Both of which gave you that, “I can’t believe I’m eating this in a theme park!” feeling. G&G just doesn’t and I can’t put my finger on why. 
 
I also feel like the monthly specials are kind of lacking. Last month’s special at Enrique’s was just the chicken but in a different sized wrap. Like, why? The burger at the Brewhouse was okay, but why put the pork rinds on it just for people to pick them off? It was a pub burger with avocado. 
 
Myself and others have also noticed some stuff that just wouldn’t have happened in years past. Three people at our table got clucks & barrels one time and both the chicken and the tater tots had a gross burnt taste to them. It was as if they hadn’t changed the oil but should have. I’m sure they would have replaced them if we asked, but my point is that I feel like this would have been pretty isolated in the past five years, but is becoming more common now. 
 
The food is still better than it was before they started emphasizing the food. I just feel like things took a big step back this year. What gives? It’s all the same people, who ran a decently tight ship last year. All except the new Executive Chef, but can he personally be held responsible for all of this?
Regardless, if any of you food people are out there reading this - thank you. You have a tough job that I wouldn’t want to do. None of this is directed at one person. You all work very hard!

Fully agree. Kings Island was the leader of Cedar Fair food. It’s still better than it started… but the other parks are quickly exceeding the food quality. (KD, caro, CW… even CP pavilion on select days)


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[KIghostguy]

I was at Carowinds two weeks ago and the food there was borderline inedible. Canada's Wonderland was even worse (although I was there a week before Lazy Bear Lodge opened). 

I agree that I have not been overly impressed with the Kings Island culinary scene this year. I'll take it over the food at Carowinds and Canada's Wonderland, but Cedar Point and especially Kings Dominion are so far ahead it's not even close.

[chuck norris]

I was at Carowinds two weeks ago and the food there was borderline inedible. Canada's Wonderland was even worse (although I was there a week before Lazy Bear Lodge opened). 
I agree that I have not been overly impressed with the Kings Island culinary scene this year. I'll take it over the food at Carowinds and Canada's Wonderland, but Cedar Point and especially Kings Dominion are so far ahead it's not even close.

Carowinds new Leonardo’s Italian location was great. And their burrito bowl place with the offering of fried chip bowls and included fresh guacamole was better than Enrique’s.

Canadas wonderland: back lot cafe made to order pizzas were great, and the lazy bear lodge is simply amazing.


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[BoddaH1994]

31 minutes ago, KIghostguy said:

I was at Carowinds two weeks ago and the food there was borderline inedible. Canada's Wonderland was even worse (although I was there a week before Lazy Bear Lodge opened). 

I agree that I have not been overly impressed with the Kings Island culinary scene this year. I'll take it over the food at Carowinds and Canada's Wonderland, but Cedar Point and especially Kings Dominion are so far ahead it's not even close.

I agree - but I don’t think very many are think that it’s inedible. It’s just a step backwards. The progress has been: 

You have died of dysentery > edible > okay > decent > pretty good > “Food is also a big attraction at Kings Island” 

Now I feel like we are between decent and pretty good, depending on the day and the meal. 

I ask again - what happened?

[flightoffear1996]

We recently went to Cedar Point and Huego's is amazing!  The pizza was so good!  Kings Island needs to kick out LaRosas/

[IndyGuy4KI]

2 hours ago, flightoffear1996 said:

We recently went to Cedar Point and Huego's is amazing!  The pizza was so good!  Kings Island needs to kick out LaRosas/

I don't see the happening, but I would take a Hugo's for sure.

[DJSkyFoxx]

So having never attended Grand Carnivale and with it coming back around in a few weeks, did they offer the specialty menu items as part of the meal plan in the past? Just wondering what the likelihood of that being the case this go round would be.

[BoddaH1994]

47 minutes ago, DJSkyFoxx said:

So having never attended Grand Carnivale and with it coming back around in a few weeks, did they offer the specialty menu items as part of the meal plan in the past? Just wondering what the likelihood of that being the case this go round would be.

 It on the Meal Plan; however they sell tasting cards for the special food items. I know that it’s hard to shell out money for food there if you have the meal plan but this may be worth it.

[BeeastFarmer]

The specialty foods have not been on the meal plan iirc.  I think they want to sell food tasting tickets. But...some of the menu items have later returned as standard menu items, such as perogies. 

[disco2000]

10 minutes ago, BoddaH1994 said:

 It on the Meal Plan; however they sell tasting cards for the special food items. I know that it’s hard to shell out money for food there if you have the meal plan but this may be worth it.

Based on this year's food quality, "may" is the important word in your post lol

[LuvingKI]

6 hours ago, flightoffear1996 said:

We recently went to Cedar Point and Huego's is amazing!  The pizza was so good!  Kings Island needs to kick out LaRosas/

Really? I thought it was nasty, I couldn't eat it. I love LaRosas and never get tired of it.

[Stoan]

I shelled out for the bigger tasting card last time and it was worth it for me. I'll probably do the same this year. Maybe a nice park perk for extra tastings?

[brenthodge]

I wish there was one email or post that would go out (and a link in the ap) to take you to all the monthly features. Heck-even a darn menu board at the entrance (in the cooking/kitchen themed shop where they sell dinnerware, glasses and blue ice cream hit chocolate mix) Would probably improve sales if you actually knew what and WHERE they were instead of random one off posts from the park and advice from folks on here.It’s like they want them to be hidden gems, but it’s almost too much work. There are a few spots I never go to unless there’s a special that sounds good, and if I have to go there to find out about it… I won’t. 
 

oh, and that shop-it doesn’t exist… but that’s another miss. 

[chuck norris]

Ribs are no more. I’ve heard the weekend special at wishbone will be some sort of BLT.


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[LuvingKI]

Had the Patriot Burger today at Jukebox, definitely wasn't one of my favorites... The flavors didn't blend well for my liking. 

[BoddaH1994]

The “Between the Buns” speciality was very good when I had it in the Brewhouse. It’s two turkey patties, bacon, and other things. Even if you don’t like the sandwich, at least the five-year-old in you gets to giggle when you say the name. 

[LuvingKI]

2 minutes ago, BoddaH1994 said:

The “Between the Buns” speciality was very good when I had it in the Brewhouse. It’s two turkey patties, bacon, and other things. Even if you don’t like the sandwich, at least the five-year-old in you gets to giggle when you say the name. 

That looks good, I debated on taking a picture of the Patriot Burger to post on here, but honestly it wasn't anywhere close to picture worthy. 

[Benjamin22]

4 minutes ago, BoddaH1994 said:

The “Between the Buns” speciality was very good when I had it in the Brewhouse. It’s two turkey patties, bacon, and other things. Even if you don’t like the sandwich, at least the five-year-old in you gets to giggle when you say the name. 

Also had it today; I thought it was decent but I feel like there was two much meat with there being 2 full side Pattie’s. 

[BoddaH1994]

1 minute ago, Benjamin22 said:

Also had it today; I thought it was decent but I feel like there was two much meat with there being 2 full side Pattie’s. 

I liked that it was double. My GF feels the way you do. She pulls off the second patty of the Pub Burger when she gets it. 

[Benjamin22]

On 7/8/2023 at 8:09 AM, chuck norris said:

Ribs are no more. I’ve heard the weekend special at wishbone will be some sort of BLT.


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Yea it’s a blt, anyone know if that’s on the meal plan? 
 

edit it is

edit 2 - not as good as the one in brewhouse it was very try hard to eat 

[super7]

On 7/7/2023 at 8:31 AM, BoddaH1994 said:

I agree - but I don’t think very many are think that it’s inedible. It’s just a step backwards. The progress has been: 

You have died of dysentery > edible > okay > decent > pretty good > “Food is also a big attraction at Kings Island” 

Now I feel like we are between decent and pretty good, depending on the day and the meal. 

I ask again - what happened?

I believe the step back is caused by Cedar Fairs general cost cutting.    Less quality ingredients. Etc. 
 

Also it’s pretty difficult to get good employees that can cook food correctly with Cedar Fairs policy of cutting employee hours without notice if attendance is low. 

[Tr0y]

I’ve been seeing a lot of people stealing food from the food stands lately. Seen this multiple times at Rivertown Larosa’s and most recently today at Island Smokehouse. Maybe I’m missing something or this must be a new food hack. I.E. Don’t actually pay for your food, just walk pass the register with an employee who doesn’t look like they will confront you about not paying. 

[disco2000]

4 minutes ago, Tr0y said:

I’ve been seeing a lot of people stealing food from the food stands lately. Seen this multiple times at Rivertown Larosa’s and most recently today at Island Smokehouse. Maybe I’m missing something or this must be a new food hack. I.E. Don’t actually pay for your food, just walk pass the register with an employee who doesn’t look like they will confront you about not paying. 

 

They have been doing it with drinks for years with zero enforcement and consequences - either old cups and come thru exit (the exit only and enter front for drinks signage is totally being ignored) or get water cup and fill with soda.

This is just the next progression. 

Who needs season pass add-ons.  A whole host of people simply steal and line jump.

Sadly people defend these actions on social media - "the syrup is pennies per thousand gallons" "the food is marked up anyway", etc.  That isn't the point.  Stealing is stealing.

And they wonder why revenue is down...

[Stoan]

The few ruin it for the many.

[brenthodge]

So the park would rather throw out ”good” than allow front line associates to override the meal plan time limit when it’s within 15 minutes? AND FOR THE LOVE OF KI can we please add functionality to the ap of seeing when your next time is? I could’ve sworn we ate at Soak City at 1, but when we ducked into Festhaus a bit after 5 in the thunderstorm and waited 10 minutes in the rain crowded line to get food, we were denied… or should I say “offered to pay” our food with less than 15 minutes to go. Then when you ask for him to get a supervisor he just looks confided and walks away. Almost 5 min later I left… food sitting at the register and took the chocolate milk I was trying to pay for. Get it together team. 

[BeeastFarmer]

1 hour ago, brenthodge said:

So the park would rather throw out ”good” than allow front line associates to override the meal plan time limit when it’s within 15 minutes? AND FOR THE LOVE OF KI can we please add functionality to the ap of seeing when your next time is? I could’ve sworn we ate at Soak City at 1, but when we ducked into Festhaus a bit after 5 in the thunderstorm and waited 10 minutes in the rain crowded line to get food, we were denied… or should I say “offered to pay” our food with less than 15 minutes to go. Then when you ask for him to get a supervisor he just looks confided and walks away. Almost 5 min later I left… food sitting at the register and took the chocolate milk I was trying to pay for. Get it together team. 

Did you not pay for the milk?

[brenthodge]

Not at that point. Did 15 min later at a different LaRosas. The associate left and didn’t realize my kid sto had it in his hand till we left. 

[Coastercrush]

Why can't Cedar Fair have mobile food ordering?  You see your meal credits in real time at six flags.

[BeeastFarmer]

2 hours ago, brenthodge said:

Not at that point. Did 15 min later at a different LaRosas. The associate left and didn’t realize my kid sto had it in his hand till we left. 

I knew you are a good man.  And a great lesson for the son.  Thank you for being honest.