Rainforest Cafe... (Galveston, Howe: restaurant, prices, shop)

[mrstxcop]

okay, did a search and didn't find the answer so i am asking ...

I know most don't care for Rainforest because of it's big touristy factor...

BUT...our oldest daugther is turning 13 on March 20th so on the 21st dh and i were going to take her out for a "night on the town" ---

she and i are starting with mani's and waterless pedi's at Aveda --- then a light lunch --- then she has a hair appt in the late afternoon --- then that evening we are taking her downtown for a barge ride, a trip up in the tower, and dinner...all of this is a surprise, she has no idea...plus we are leaving the 2 younger kids with a sitter so our oldest will get some one on one time with her dad and i...

anyway, we were going do dinner in the tower but the menu does not seem so kid friendly so i suggested Rainforest to dh cause i know our daughter would love the atmosphere...

but i am wondering about the food itself --- good, bad, average...anything anyone recommends...how are the prices??? their website doesn't say much about the menu items or prices...

thanks!!!

[chipsndip]

The food is above average - a little pricey for what you get, but you are paying a little bit more for the atmosphere. It's a fun place to go, especially with the kids. I found this page that lists the menu in Chicago... it's not guaranteed to be the same, but should give you an idea of what to expect. I like the coconut crusted chicken strips...

Rainforest Cafe Menu - MenuPages Restaurant Search

[JK_55]

I agree with the other poster. It's above-average food, and the portion sizes are rather large. I never felt "cheated" after eating there, and I'm no big spender by any means. I would caution that the wait times are occasionally long (I have a feeling this might be intentional to trick you into spending more time in their gift shop...) so you might want to make arrangements for that. I've been the Rainforest Cafes both in Florida and here in SA, and the food quality was consistent. I think it's a great choice for a family outing. And if you're working on a budget, many of the items are definitely large enough to split comfortably, and there's no split charge or anything like that, at least that I remember. It's a relaxed, fun environment.

[713 to 210]

Though I like the Rainforest Cafe for kids, I have to admit that the food is not above-average. It is average. However, it's still a fun place to go and my kids love it. We used to go to the one on Seawall Blvd. in Galveston and they have a ride there also.

[jorgito]

Yeah food is average to me also but my daughter loved it. If you want to get seated quickly make sure your there as soon as they open, otherwise its going to be a long wait.

[Camper1]

Go to the rain forest!!

[miche111e]

That sounds like a really special day for your daughter! I've only been to a Rainforest Cafe in Boston, but since it's a chain, I would say that the prices aren't outrageous at all. The food was good. Have a wonderful time.

[chipsndip]

Forgot to mention -- you need to call and make a reservation. There might still be a small wait - but not nearly as long as if you show up without a reservation.

[mrstxcop]

okay great...thanks guys --- what time do they open???

[nicholasa101]

Last year we took our son there on his 10th birthday- for a family of five (five meals+those light up kids mugs for each kid) plus a beer for dh and margarita for me-and followed by one of those big volcano brownies (which served all of us) and including a good tip- we spent 106.00--just to give you an idea of what to expect money wise...but we really enjoyed it.