If you are visiting Kings Island for the day, you are most likely going to grab a bite to eat while you are there. I’m sharing tips and menu items so that you can plan ahead and make the most out of your dining experience.
Local Favorites
I love to check out the local foods when I visit a destination. If you are visiting from out of town, Kings Island has several local favorites in their dining options that will give you a taste of some of the local flavors.
LaRosa’s Pizza
A local chain known for their thin crust pizza served with a sweet sauce with provolone cheese on top.
Skyline Chili
Cincinnati Style Chili has a cult following and most people either love it or hate it. It’s definitely not your typical tradition chili and Skyline Chili is by far one of the most popular chili parlor chains in the area. You can order a cheese coney, 3 way ( spaghetti covered with chili topped with a mound of shredded cheddar cheese) or a 4 way ( a 3 way plus onions or beans)
Tom and Chee
You might recognize this brand from their features on Shark Tank or the Travel Channel. They are known for their grilled cheese and melts along with their grilled cheese donut.
Graeter’s Ice Cream
Grab a scoop of handcrafted ice cream using the French Pot Process. One of the most popular flavors is Raspberry Chip but you really can’t go wrong with any of the flavors.
Famous Blue Ice Cream
If you have a history of visiting Kings Island that spans a few decades, you might also refer to the Blueberry soft served ice cream as “Smurf” Ice Cream, as it used to be called back in the days of Hanna Barbera Land. I highly recommend topping your blue ice cream with the rainbow sprinkles just because you can while you are in the Planet Snoopy section of the park.
Ways to Save Money on Meals at Kings Island
There are a few ways that you can save on dining at Kings Island. If you are a Season Pass Member I highly recommend the All Season Dining Plan that you can eat 2 meal, 4 hours apart during each visit. You can read more about Why I bought the All Season Dining Plan here.
If you are just visiting for the day, I recommend the All Day Dining Plan. This plan is best for out of town guest and Non-Season Pass holders. With All Day Dining, you get a meal every 90 minutes.
Soft Drinks, Pop, Coke, or whatever you call it
Ways to Save Money on Drinks
If you are big on soft drinks, you have a few ways that you can save on beverages too.
If you are only visiting for the day you might consider purchasing the Souvenir Bottle (Buy online and save $2) Enjoy Coca-Cola beverages including Minute Maid Lemonade, Hi-C Fruit Punch and Powerade all day long and get FREE refills on your first visit and pay $1 for each whenever you visit within the same season.
If you are a Season Pass holder for the best value you can choose between the All Season Souvenir Bottle or go bottle free with the Season Pass Drink Plan and enjoy unlimited drink refills for one low price for the season!
Adult Beverages
There are a few locations where you can buy a beer or specialty drink. The Bier Garten has a full-service bar, offering wine, spirits, craft beers, and frozen drinks.
There is also a bar and stand serving beverages with alcohol in the Soak City Waterpark.
Coffee Stop
Coffee lovers will find lots of caffeinated options at the large Starbucks designed with plenty of seating located on International Street.
Got Food Allergies?
You can still find lots of dining options throughout the park. If you have a specific dietary regimen or if you have food allergies, you will want to speak to a food and beverage supervisor for guidance and recommendations.
Dairy Free Products
Note: Klosterman bread products in the park are vegan-friendly.
- Fresh cut Fries – Rivertown Potato Works
- Burrito Bowl – Hank’s Burrito Shack (no sour cream or cheese)
- Chicken Sandwich – Snoopy Grill, Coconut Cove & Juke Box Diner
- Hamburger- Festhaus, Jukebox Diner, Snoopy Grill & Coconut Cove
- House Salad – Reds Hall of Fame Grille
Egg Free Products
Note: Klosterman bread products in the park are vegan-friendly.
- Soft Pretzels – Cart locations around the park
- Auntie Anne’s Pretzels & Nuggets
- Strawberries with Whipped Cream- Festhaus, LaRosa’s International St., LaRosa’s Rivertown, Skyline Chili International St., Coke Market Place
- Coleslaw – Reds Hall of Fame Grille
- Fresh cut Fries – Rivertown Potato Works
- Mac-n-Cheese – Festhaus, Snoopy Grill, Reds Hall of Fame Grille
- Burrito Bowl – Hank’s Burrito Shack
- Chicken Tenders – Chicken Shack, Reds Hall of Fame Grille
- Chicken Sandwich – Snoopy Grill, Coconut Cove, Juke Box Diner & Reds Hall of Fame Grille
- Hot Dogs- Hotdog Grill Soak City, Rivertown Hotdog, Snoopy Grill, Reds Hall of Fame Grille & Juke Box Diner
- Antipasto Salad- Festhaus, International St. LaRosa’s, Rivertown LaRosa’s & Coconut Cove
- Side Salad- Festhaus, International St. LaRosa’s, Rivertown LaRosa’s & Coconut Cove
- Hamburger- Festhaus, Jukebox Diner, Reds Hall of Fame, Snoopy Grill & Coconut Cove
- Buffalo Chicken Salad – Reds Hall of Fame Grille
- Chicken Caesar Salad – Reds Hall of Fame Grille
- House Salad – Reds Hall of Fame Grille
Locations Using Peanut Oil/Peanuts/Tree Nuts
- Graeters
- Ralphs Ice Cream – (a toppings option)
- Subway locations – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
- Panda Express
- Rivertown Potato Works
- Chick-fil-a
Locations Using Peanut Oil
- Rivertown Potato Works
- Chick-fil-a
- Panda Express
Vegetarian Options
Note: Klosterman bread products in the park are vegan-friendly.
- Soft Pretzels – Cart locations around the park
- Auntie Anne’s Pretzels & Nuggets
- Strawberries with Whipped Cream- Festhaus, LaRosa’s International St., LaRosa’s Rivertown, Skyline Chili International St., Coke Market Place
- Coleslaw – Reds Hall of Fame Grille
- Fresh cut Fries – Rivertown Potato Works
- Mac-n-Cheese – Festhaus, Snoopy Grill, Reds Hall of Fame Grille
- Burrito Bowl – Hank’s Burrito Shack
- Side Salad- Festhaus, International St. LaRosa’s & Rivertown LaRosa’s
Healthy(ier) Dining Plan Options on the Dining Plan
**The substitution policy varies by the stand, so make sure that you ask before you order.
Coney Bar-B-Que (Coney Mall)
- Rotisserie Chicken with one Side
- Pulled Pork with one Side
Festhaus (In Oktoberfest)
- Gluten free pizza
Hank’s Mexican Grill (In Oktoberfest)
- Burrito bowl
Juke Box Diner (In Coney Mall)
- Grilled chicken sandwich and fries
LaRosa’s Pizza (On International Street and in Rivertown)
- JoJo Salad with Breadsticks
- Antipasto Salad with Breadsticks
Panda Express (In Oktoberfest)
- Two entree plate and side
Planet Snoopy Grill (In Planet Snoopy)
- Grilled chicken sandwich and fries
Potato Works (In Rivertown)
- Boneless Chicken Wings with Fresh Cut Fries
Reds Hall of Fame Grille (In Rivertown)
- Curveball Chicken Sandwich with Saratoga chips
- Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Pulled Pork Sandwich with Saratoga Chips
Subway (In Coney Mall & Soak City)
- Six-inch sub and bag of baked chips
Coconut Cove Cafe (In Soak City)
- Jojo Salad with breadstick
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich with fries
Island Smokehouse (In Soak City)
- Pulled Pork with One Side (While Supplies Last)
- Smoked Chicken Wings with One Side (While Supplies Last)
Subway (In Coney Mall & Soak City)
- Six-inch sub and bag of baked chips
One of My Favorites
During the summer months, I always look forward to the breaded shrimp, spicy sauce, and wavy fries at the Island Smokehouse in Soak City. I order it every time I visit the waterpark and sometimes I even walk over from the other side of the park for it. The breading for the shrimp reminds me of a hushpuppy and the sauce has a great kick to it.
Air Conditioned Options
If you are trying to beat the heat, my first recommendation would be the Reds Hall of Fame Grille. Another great location would be the Festhaus with large Bavarian-style tables perfect for large groups which also has several different restaurants in one spot along with live shows throughout the day.
More Sweet Treats
Because you can never have too many sweets on an adventure day, I recommend sharing a funnel cake ice cream sundae (located on International Street near the Eiffel Tower) or another local favorite Graeter’s Ice cream. You can also find lots of specialty candies and treats at the Sweet Spot or grab a cinnamon sugar pretzel at Auntie Anne’s.
Unique Eats
If you are feeling extra adventurous check out the wild flavors of cotton candy like chili pepper, cake batter, and ranch inside The Sweet Spot shop on International Street.
More Information
You can plan your next visit and find more information from the King Island website.
Additional Kings Island Articles
How to Visit Kings Island with a Special Needs Guest
10 Fun Things for Non-Riders to Do at Kings Island
Why I Bought the All Season Dining Plan at Kings Island
What You Need to Know About Winterfest at Kings Island
Disclosure: I’m a Kings Island Ambassador which means that I share my love for the park and enjoy perks and behind the scenes access.
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