Heading to Hersheypark Stadium? Ditch the Stadium Food!
Heading to a concert or a heart-pounding game at Hersheypark Stadium? The roar of the crowd and the thrill of the event are undeniable, but let’s be honest: stadium food, while convenient, isn’t always the highlight of the experience. Luckily, you don’t have to settle for just hotdogs and pretzels. Hersheypark Stadium is surrounded by a surprisingly diverse culinary landscape, offering everything from casual family-friendly fare to upscale dining experiences. Before or after the main event, exploring these local eateries can elevate your entire Hersheypark experience. This article is your guide to discovering the best restaurants near Hersheypark Stadium, ensuring you fuel up for fun or unwind after an exciting day, with a meal that’s just as memorable as the show itself. Prepare your taste buds for a delicious journey!
What Makes a Great Stadium-Adjacent Restaurant?
Before diving into the mouthwatering recommendations, it’s important to understand what criteria we used to select these particular establishments. After all, not every restaurant is perfectly suited for the pre- or post-event rush. Several factors were carefully considered to create this curated list:
- Prime Proximity: Location is key. All of the restaurants highlighted are situated within a reasonable distance of Hersheypark Stadium, minimizing travel time and maximizing convenience. No one wants to spend more time in the car than they do enjoying their meal.
- Cuisine Variety: We aimed to offer a broad spectrum of culinary styles to cater to diverse tastes. Whether you’re craving classic American comfort food, authentic Italian pasta, zesty Mexican flavors, or something entirely different, you’ll find it here.
- Budget Flexibility: Dining out shouldn’t break the bank. We’ve included restaurants across a range of price points, ensuring there’s something to suit every wallet, from budget-friendly bites to splurge-worthy meals.
- Customer Acclaim: Positive reviews and high ratings are strong indicators of a quality dining experience. We considered the opinions of fellow diners, both local and visiting, when making our selections.
- Atmospheric Appeal: The ambiance of a restaurant can significantly impact your overall enjoyment. We’ve considered various atmospheres, from family-friendly and casual to upscale and romantic, allowing you to choose the perfect setting for your meal.
- Special Features: Extras like outdoor seating, live music, happy hour specials, or kid-friendly menus can enhance your dining experience. We’ve noted any special features that might appeal to particular diners.
Restaurant Recommendations: Your Culinary Lineup
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: the restaurants themselves. Here are some top picks, guaranteed to satisfy your appetite near Hersheypark Stadium:
Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar
This establishment offers a contemporary American menu in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. Houlihan’s is known for its diverse offerings, ranging from burgers and steaks to seafood and pasta dishes. It’s a great place to find something for everyone in your group. A brief description cannot convey the depth of their appetizers. Try the loaded fries or the crispy calamari. They are amazing.
Beyond the food, Houlihan’s boasts a well-stocked bar with a wide selection of beers, wines, and handcrafted cocktails. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a drink after a long day. The price range is moderate. You will probably spend around twenty to thirty dollars per person.
Located conveniently close to Hersheypark Stadium, Houlihan’s is a popular choice for stadium-goers due to its central location, variety of menu items, and lively atmosphere. They take reservations, which are highly recommended on event days. Check their website or call for their address and contact information.
Devon Seafood + Steak
For a more upscale dining experience, Devon Seafood + Steak is an excellent choice. As the name suggests, they specialize in fresh seafood and high-quality steaks. The ambiance is sophisticated and refined, making it ideal for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. A brief description will lead you to think that they only serve steak and seafood. However, their menu goes way deeper.
Their menu features an impressive selection of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, lobster, crab cakes, and oysters. The steaks are cooked to perfection and served with a variety of delicious sides. The price range is higher than Houlihan’s, expect to spend more for the quality. It is a very good restaurant.
Devon Seafood + Steak is located a short drive from Hersheypark Stadium. Due to its popularity, reservations are strongly recommended, especially on concert or game nights. Their address and contact information can be found on their website.
Fenicci’s of Hershey
A true local institution, Fenicci’s of Hershey has been serving up Italian-American classics since 1935. This family-owned restaurant is known for its hearty portions, friendly service, and traditional recipes passed down through generations. It is the oldest restaurant in Hershey. Brief descriptions can only lead you so far.
Their menu features all the classic Italian favorites, including pasta dishes, pizzas, and strombolis. Their red sauce is legendary, and their homemade pasta is a must-try. The price range is reasonable, making it a great option for families and groups. They have many choices on the menu.
Fenicci’s is located within a short drive of Hersheypark Stadium and is a popular choice for those seeking a taste of authentic Italian-American cuisine. Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends and event days. Contact information and directions are readily available online.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
If you’re looking for a casual spot with great beer and tasty food, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is a fantastic option. This popular brewpub offers a wide selection of handcrafted beers, brewed on-site, along with a diverse menu of American classics. This description is not enough.
Their menu features everything from burgers and sandwiches to salads and pizzas. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making it a great place to gather with friends or family. The price range is moderate.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is conveniently located near Hersheypark Stadium. They do not take reservations, but they usually have a good turnaround time. Check their website for their address and contact details. If you like beer, this is the place to go.
Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar
For a truly unique dining experience, head to Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar. This Pittsburgh-based chain is famous for its sandwiches piled high with meat, cheese, coleslaw, and french fries – all served between two slices of Italian bread. Be warned: It’s messy, but oh-so-good. Describing this food is a difficult task to accomplish.
Primanti Bros. is a casual and lively spot, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal before or after an event. The price is budget-friendly. It is a great restaurant for a quick bite.
Primanti Bros. is located a short drive from Hersheypark Stadium. It’s a perfect place for a quick bite. Their website provides address and contact information.
Quick Bites and Casual Choices
Sometimes, you just need a quick and easy meal without the full sit-down experience. Fortunately, there are plenty of casual options near Hersheypark Stadium:
- Local Pizza Joints: Several pizza places in the area offer takeout and delivery services, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Sandwich Shops: For a lighter meal, consider grabbing a sandwich or salad from one of the many sandwich shops in the area.
- Cafes and Bakeries: If you’re in the mood for coffee and a pastry, there are several cafes and bakeries nearby.
- Food Trucks: Depending on the event, you might find a variety of food trucks parked near the stadium, offering everything from tacos to gourmet burgers. Keep an eye out for these mobile kitchens.
Plan Your Dining Experience for Success
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience near Hersheypark Stadium, keep these tips in mind:
- Reservations are Key: If you plan to dine at a sit-down restaurant, especially on event days, making reservations is highly recommended. Many restaurants fill up quickly, so booking in advance will save you time and disappointment.
- Factor in Traffic: Traffic around Hersheypark Stadium can be heavy on event days, so allow extra time for travel. Consider using a navigation app to find the best route and avoid congestion.
- Parking Considerations: Check with the restaurant about parking availability. Some restaurants have dedicated parking lots, while others rely on street parking or nearby garages.
- Dietary Needs? Check Menus Online: Most restaurants post their menus online, making it easy to check for dietary options, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free choices.
Conclusion: Savor the Flavors of Hershey
Exploring the dining scene near Hersheypark Stadium is a delicious way to enhance your visit to Hershey. From casual pubs to upscale restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate and budget. So, ditch the stadium food and discover the culinary delights that Hershey has to offer. You’ll find that the right restaurant can turn a great day at the stadium into an unforgettable experience. Go ahead, try out some of the recommended restaurants, savor the flavors of Hershey, and create memories that will last long after the final note or game-winning point. Enjoy the event and, most importantly, enjoy your delicious meal!
