Best Places To Eat In Hersheypark
Going to a chocolate-themed amusement park is basically every kid and kid-at-heart's dream come true. Between the chocolate-themed rides, mascots that are literal candy bars, and all things Hershey, it is hard to think of anywhere better than the sweetest place on Earth, Hersheypark.
Hersheypark was first opened in 1906 by Milton Hershey, founder of Hershey's chocolate company, as a simple park for employees to have a break in the outdoors. The first ride, a merry-go-round, did not open until 1908. Since then, the park has been added to and grown into a wonderland of chocolate-themed adventures.
Visitors can easily spend a whole day, or several days, enjoying the park, but inevitably breaks will have to be taken to refuel. While Hershey's may have become famous for its chocolate bars, there are plenty of dining options that go far beyond the standard candy bar, though, of course, chocolate does play a prominent part in the cuisine. The plethora of food can be overwhelming, so we made a list of the best offerings to try on your next trip to Hersheypark.
Starbucks
Our first pick is a tried and true standby for anyone who needs a hit of caffeine. The Starbucks is located near the front entrance of the park, making it easy to grab on your way in or out. For the most part, we tried to stay away from outside chain restaurants, as you can try them anywhere, and Hersheypark has so many amazing foods on its own that chain restaurants do not always have a place. However, sometimes you need a cup of something reliable, and here that is Starbucks.
It bears mentioning that Starbucks does not accept dining or drink discounts from Hersheypark, as it operates independently. Walking in, you almost forget that you are in Hersheypark at all; it really feels like being in any other Starbucks, which can be a welcome break. Additionally, the building is air-conditioned, which is lovely on a hot day while you wait for your drink. Speaking of which, may we recommend the Chocolatetown Frappuccino, a Hersheypark exclusive Starbucks drink? It is made with a Java chip base and has chocolate whipped cream and mocha drizzle on top and underneath the Java chip. It will keep you cool and help you get back on your way.
Oola Bowls
Another chain that made it into our roundup is Oola Bowls. Oola Bowls is a small Pennsylvania chain making fruit and granola bowls. This is about as far from traditional, deep-fried amusement park food as you can get, and we are here for it.
First of all, the bowls are cool and refreshing. Each starts with a base of sorbet, typically acai or pitaya, and then can be topped with a number of fruits, nuts, seeds, granola, or nut butter. They also offer a selection of quick snacks such as Nutella Oola bites. Oola Bowls is a great option for those with dietary restrictions such as being dairy-free, gluten-free, soy free, or vegan.
Additionally, there are two different Oola Bowls locations in Hersheypark. The first is a larger stand on the boardwalk, which is only open during the summer season. The second is a food truck which is open from spring to fall, even when the other location is not open. Oola Bowls is another location where pre-purchased food vouchers are not accepted.
The Overlook Food Court
If you need a reliable food option that will feed the whole family, look no further than The Overlook Food Court. This food court is located in Kissing Tower Hill and has everything you could possibly want, from amusement park food to a cafeteria-style sit-down dining experience.
Different stations offer different food options, including classics such as mac and cheese, hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza, and chicken tenders. But they do not stop there. The overlook can accommodate most common food restrictions. There are gluten-friendly buns and wraps and cauliflower pizza crusts. For vegans, there are impossible burgers and vegan wraps. Don't think anyone is left out for dessert. There are gluten-free brownies and vegan chocolate chip cookies. This is just a taste of what they have to offer.
Discount meal plans are usable here, and there is seating both inside and out. Plus, for those who can partake legally, beer is sold at this location too. The overlook is open during all operating seasons of Hersheypark.
Simply Chocolate
If you want ice cream, do yourself a favor and get yourself to Simply Chocolate. This is the home of the infamous King Size Shakes, and trust us when we tell you that you want one. Seriously if you love milkshakes and you do not get one, you will regret it.
Each King Size Shake comes in a special mason jar filled to the brim with milkshake goodness. The rim of the jar is coated in candy, and the inside is drizzled with sweet syrups. All of this is topped with whipped cream and so many toppings, such as pretzels, waffle cones, and marshmallows, that it feels like the jar can not possibly contain it all, but it does.
In addition to milkshakes, they offer hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, cotton candy, and fountain drinks. The line may be long for Simply Chocolate, but it is worth the wait. Simply Chocolate is located in Founder's Way and accepts the All-Day drink plan.
Pretzel House
There is something about Hersheypark pretzels that just hit differently. These are soft pretzels that are hand rolled to perfection. Each one is a slightly different shape, which drives home the handmade experience. The outside is just a little crispy, while the inside is soft and chewy, and the whole thing is gloriously buttery, more so than other soft pretzels we have had. They come in multiple flavors, such as cinnamon raisin and parmesan, and are accompanied by a selection of dipping sauces.
You can tell they are popular because you can get them at multiple places in and around Hersheypark; for us, though, the best place to get your hands on them is at Pretzel House in Founder's Way. This is for one simple reason: the line was short and moved quickly. All the other locations, such as Top Tier Treats, had long lines that never seemed to move. But Pretzel House in Founder's Way was serving up warm, delicious pretzels at lightning speed.
They also serve fresh squeezed lemonade, the kind that has half a lemon in the cup, which pairs decadently with the pretzel. The combination of warm pretzels and cold lemonade is divine. The menu may be simple, but it is effective. No dining discounts are accepted here. Pretzel House is open during summer, Halloween, and Christmas.
Spring Creek Smokehouse
This unassuming dining option is tucked away near Pioneer Frontier. Like Pioneer Frontier, the aesthetic really leans into the old Western style with metal wheels on the walls, neutral paint colors, and rope-guided paths for lines. All of this is located under a pleasant canopy of trees, which provide some welcome shade, and give the whole area a low-key feel, especially when compared to the rest of the park.
We already appreciated the change of pace and the lovely spring creek nearby, but what really sold us on this was the food. Spring Creek Smokehouse has all the best BBQ options, including brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and turkey legs. Not to leave the vegetarians out, they also offer delicious sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes. Sadly there are no vegan options here. One of the unique items is Cocoa Canyon chocolate baked beans, which are, yes, baked beans made with chocolate. They are not vegetarian, as they have bacon in them, but they are a fun, unique dining option for those who eat bacon. Various discounts are accepted at Spring Creek Smokehouse.
Philly Cheesesteak Co on the roll
If you need a big fill-up on the go, head to Philly Cheesesteak Co. on the roll. The menu here is simple but effective. You have your choice of cheesesteak, fries, or cheesesteak fries. Each cheesesteak comes with the option of either American cheese or Cheez Whiz and the option for onions. Hersheypark claims that these are authentic Philly cheesesteaks, but as they are not actually in Philadelphia, the jury is still out on that one.
Still, they are served on a large, thick roll and are packed full of finely sliced meat. While this is not going to be the best option for those with dietary restrictions, we feel that by keeping a simple menu, they are able to excel at what they do. So, if you enjoy a hearty cheesesteak, you will enjoy the Philly Cheesesteak Co. on the roll located in Pioneer Frontier. Plus, they accept the single-use meal plan discount and have a selection of fountain drinks to wash it all down.
Berk's
There are two main hotdog options when you come to Hersheypark, Nathan's Famous and Berks. Both are well-known brands throughout the country, so you may be wondering why we chose Berks over Nathan's. While we do not think you will go wrong with either when a craving for a hotdog hits, we found the offerings at Berks to be unique and offer something you can't get a taste of anywhere else.
In addition to a basic Hersheypark hot dog, which comes with Hersheypark Signature sauce, but disappointingly it does not contain chocolate and chili cheese dogs, they have a selection of Hersheypark-themed hotdogs named after different roller coasters topped with all kinds of goodies. They also offer a selection of slushies to keep you cool and really drive home the taste of childhood.
Unfortunately, they only offer chips as a side, not the crinkle-cut fries you will find at Nathan's, but if that is a sacrifice you are willing to make, you will be rewarded with unique dogs and slushies. Berk's is located in Pioneer Frontier and is open during all operating seasons. Additionally, multiple food and drink discount plans are usable at this location.
Lemon Drop Shop
Remember earlier when we talked about the glorious Hersheypark lemonade? Well, here is a whole shop devoted to it and delicious sweet treats. At Lemon Drop Shop in Founder's Way, you have a one-stop shop for sweet, salty snacks and cool refreshing lemonade.
Once again, we have that freshly squeezed lemonade that tastes like it was prepared as a gift from above. You can get it flavored in a number of ways, such as strawberry, iced tea, blue raspberry, and peach. In addition, you can grab a snow cone. The real treats, though, are the candy apples and popcorn.
There is another shop, also located in Founder's Way, where you can get kettle corn, but only kettle corn. At Lemon Drop Shop, you can get kettle corn, cheese popcorn, and plain popcorn. Why would you settle for just one treat when you can have so many other delicious foods without waiting in another line? If you are already in Founder's Way, stop by Lemon Drop Shop.
1906 Grill
1906 Grill is another good family-friendly eatery in Hersheypark. It does not have the same breadth of selection as The Overlook, but it has all the classic grill options plus a few fun bonuses. The menu offers hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and chicken tenders. Gluten-free burgers are available for those who need them.
They also have fried Wisconsin cheese curds, a delicious savory snack not often seen in Pennsylvania theme parks. To top it all off, attached to the building, you will find a place to grab yourself a pint. They are serving up brews from local independent brewery Troegs, which has its headquarters in Hershey, PA.
Multiple meal plan discounts are accepted at 1906 Grill, which is located in Founder's Way, and it is open during all operating seasons. There is not much in the way of vegan and vegetarian food, but there are plenty of dairy-free and gluten-free options, as well as kid-friendly options, at this location.
The Chocolatier
After a hard day of riding rides, having a meal at a sit-down restaurant with table service can be just what the doctor ordered. But also, sometimes you do not want the fun to end. The Chocolatier, right outside the Hersheypark gate on the second floor of Hershey's Chocolatetown, is the best option. Not only is the site a feast for the eyes, blending retro design with carousel accents and a massive patio with a view of all of Hershey Park, but the food is tasty and delightful.
Here you can find even more incredible chocolate milkshakes. The cocktails are next level, including a flight of chocolate martinis. You may be used to an appetizer plate, but have you seen an appetizer Ferris wheel? Well, at The Chocolatier, you can order one brought to your table, where each of the different cars carries a different appetizer.
The fun doesn't stop there, though. Much of the menu includes chocolate in both sweet and savory ways. For example, there is a Hershey's Chocolate barbecue sauce, a flatbread with Hershey's chocolate balsamic glaze, and even a salad with Hershey's chocolate raspberry vinaigrette and Hershey's cocoa dusted almonds, all of which are delicious.
Reservations are recommended, as even though The Chocolatier is large, the place gets packed. And don't worry that it's outside the park; if you need to leave the park for food, simply have your hand stamped at the gate, and you can go right back in after you are done.
Milton's Ice Cream Parlor
Milton's Ice Cream Parlor is also located right outside the Hersheypark gates in Hershey's Chocolatetown. Hershey's really knows how to do ice cream, and at Milton's, the delicious tastes go right along with stunning vintage decor.
The ice cream is made from all local dairy ingredients, and it's made in-house. There are a ton of flavors to choose from, as well as an immense array of toppings. You can make your own creation or choose from some of the standard Hershey's themed sundaes, such as the Reese's Cupfusion sundae and the Jolly Rancher sundae, which features cherry sorbet, vanilla ice cream, Jolly Rancher green apple sorbet, Jolly Rancher gummies, and raspberry sauce.
In addition, you can pick up some quickly shareable snacks, such as house-made chips, more soft pretzels, fries, and a selection of sandwiches, burgers, and wraps. Just like going to The Chocolatier, if you want to take a break in some air conditioning and grab a bite to eat, simply have your hand stamped at the Hersheypark gate, and you can come in and out as you, please.