Favorite places to eat that are outside of SFGAm?

[TwistedSTEEL666]

Hey guys and gals, I was wondering what are your favorite places to eat at that are close to SFGAm?

In particular, close by places that are within walking distance of the Grand Ave entrance?
I know about the Burger King being right across the street, and I also know there's a near by Subway.

Are there any good places you guys recommend that are close to the Grand Ave entrance and easy to walk to?

[kossdude1]

Across the street from the Grand Ave. exit, there's a strip mall right there. Back in 2012, I went to a pizza place inside there for dinner. Really good pizza, definitely recommend it!

[TwistedSTEEL666]

Across the street from the Grand Ave. exit, there's a strip mall right there. Back in 2012, I went to a pizza place inside there for dinner. Really good pizza, definitely recommend it!

The pizza place at Pembrook Corners?

[kossdude1]

^ Correct, forgot the name though. I think it began with Mama

[TwistedSTEEL666]

^ Correct, forgot the name though. I think it began with Mama

Mama K's?
I was just looking at their menu, and it has quite a lot of great stuff on it!
(Pizza, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, chicken wings, wraps, hotdogs, ribs, etc).
I have also read a lot of reviews on this place, tons of people are saying how GREAT the food is, how cheap it is and how friendly the service is. I think I will eat at Mama K's for lunch and dinner each time I visit SFGAm this season. Better food, better prices than in the park itself.

http://www.mamaks-pizza.com/

[Guy_With_A_Stick]

For dessert, go to Berry Good Yogurt. It's one of those frozen yogurt places where it's server yourself, and they charge you via weight. It is a great place to go after a long Great America day.

[CoasterCale]

I have the dining pass so this isn't my strong suit.

[Muck Finnesota]

Not especially a proponent of fast food, but the aforementioned Burger King never fails. It's definitely an unfortunate tradition kind of thing. Some others that we've hit up a handful of times (and on the opposite side of the quality spectrum from BK)- J. Alexander's and Buffalo Restaurant & Ice Cream on Lake Cook Road. They aren't exactly within walking distance (of GAm), so they don't quite fit the Grand Ave/walking distance criteria of the OP, but I figure that many visiting the park from the West 'Burbs drive right past them on the way to 355.

[anewman35]

It might be a little far to walk, but we tend to go to dinner at the Cracker Barrel most times we go to the park...

[FParker185]

Grand and Milwaukee there is InLaws, that can be walked, highly reccomend that, other places I go on a regular basis when I visit the park is, McDonalds, Burger King, Golden Corral, Jimmy Johns, Subway, Gurnee Mills Food Court, the 10 so so outlots at Gurnee Mills with various options, further west down Grand there is a Boston Market I frequent quite a bit. Also until it closed a few years ago, I ate quite a bit at Checkers/Rallys that was at Grand Ave and Green Bay Rd.

[Muck Finnesota]

Also until it closed a few years ago, I ate quite a bit at Checkers/Rallys that was at Grand Ave and Green Bay Rd.

RIP. I know there are a couple random locations still left up here, but anytime I'm in Florida, I make time and room for at least one kingly feast at Checkers. The one I've gone to on North Ave towards the city up here just doesn't feel the same for whatever reason. The one I went to near Jacksonville last month, on the other hand, was glorious.

[Jackluver18]

My friends and I used to go to Subway but that was before I got the dining pass so I no longer leave the park. Not to mention didn't want to have to fight someone to get a parking spot when I came back

[CoasterCale]

Even when I didn't have the dining pass, was I the only one who stayed in the park during all operating hours? I mean it's time for coasters and thrills, I can go to those places any other time. Like why would you do that?

[TwistedSTEEL666]

Even when I didn't have the dining pass, was I the only one who stayed in the park during all operating hours? I mean it's time for coasters and thrills, I can go to those places any other time. Like why would you do that?

SFGAm food is expensive and not that good. I dont have a dining pass, that is also too expensive.

[CoasterCale]

Even when I didn't have the dining pass, was I the only one who stayed in the park during all operating hours? I mean it's time for coasters and thrills, I can go to those places any other time. Like why would you do that?

SFGAm food is expensive and not that good. I dont have a dining pass, that is also too expensive.

I know it's expensive but the pass pays for itself in somethin like 5 visits. Before I had one, I would just have breakfast and the go to McDonald's after closing.

[FParker185]

I refuse to pay $15+ for completely inedible food. If the food was at least palatable I would consider the dining pass. Also, it's nice though to go spend a few hours outside of the park in the middle of the day, get to sit in AC/Heat depending on the season, eat ok-great food at reasonable prices, be away from masses of people for a bit, maybe have a beer or 2. All that sounds infinitely better than riding any ride in the park except for Xflight and now Goliath for my multi-thousanth time

[Viper 88]

Well the Golden Corral that is up there was good BUT they have gotten ghetto. Everything was fresh and grilled and healthier a few years ago now everything is fried. It was a nice place to go. The Olive Garden right next to the park is really great, they have very good service and it is beautiful inside if you aren't paying close enough attention you can forget that you are in Gurnee. Cracker Barrel is good too back in 2005 they had this fruit tea that wasnt tea but more of a combination of a few different fruit juices it was THE PERFECT tinhg to have after a long hot day in the sun. I have bnever seen it on the menu since. Other than that a reasonable priced steak house is Lonestar it is like the last one in the area too I think.

[[jonrev]]

MackyD's, TBell, BK, Golden Corral, White Castle, and Steak n Shake are all good; SnS is usually my go-to spot despite the usually-craptastic service. I will also concur with InLaws, their pizza is pretty good.

[ThemeParkFan07]

I discovered Mama K's last year; great food and frozen yogurt, at great prices. I'm a sucker for Birthday cake flavored anything, but their B-day cake frozen yogurt beats every ice cream version of that flavor I've ever tried.

I was also very impressed with Saluto's, an italian place further down past Gurnee Mills. Kinda far and somewhat pricey, but the best italian food I've ever had.

[FParker185]

hrmm, may have to look into those 2 this year

[w00dland]

Couldn't agree more with getting out of the park for an hour or two in the hottest, busiest part of the day. No one particularly enjoys waiting an hour for a ride at 1PM anyway. Also worth getting into your car and driving especially if its later in the afternoon. You'll probably score a better parking spot on the way back in and the BK Lounge just isn't that good.

[Chitown]

I just thought of this and am wondering if anyone has ever tried it.

Calling a pizza joint that delivers. Tell them you would like it delivered to the guest drop off lot. Walk over to the lot and get the pizza, then bring it back to your car and enjoy. Have a tail gate party with a hot, fresh pizza.

[acer711]

Culver's isn't bad if you're feeling up for a little walk. My friends and I like to go that route.

[Viper 88]

Be warned one time I was going to go to that Culver's there were a few people in line so I decided to go to the restroom, walked into the stall turned right around and left It seem sthat whoever used the bathroom to take a dump completely missed got the seat floor wall and toilet paper dispenser. It looked like the assassination of Mr. Hankey. I told whoever was behind the counter didn't even place an order and left. Just be warned my grandfather worked in the culinary industry for 45+ years, and he always said the first place you go to in a restaurant is the bathroom and if it isnt clean leave because the staff also uses that bathroom. Be warned.

[SFGAm Viper]

It's nice to get out of the park for a little while, especially if it's a long day and/or it's busy, especially at a place you've been to a million times. I will also go with InLaws. Excellent cracker crust pizza for a cheap price!