Let me kick things off by saying, I’m not a food expert, food critic, or “foodie,” if you will. If you’re checking out this review in hopes that I sampled a bunch of the food offerings and will be sharing my thoughts, that is not the case. Even if I were to do so, I’m too picky of an eater to be giving anyone opinions on food. I just want to be up front on this before I proceed.
What I will be sharing with you here is my first impressions of The Chocolatier, which Sam and I finally experienced during our latest visit to Hersheypark on Thursday, July 22, 2021. While I will mention what we ordered and our opinions of each, this blog focuses mostly on the experience and atmosphere rather than being a food critique.
The Menu
There is certainly a lot to choose from on The Chocolatier menu. I was debating on whether to go with a burger, wings, or the chicken alfredo. I decided upon the chicken alfredo simply because I could get similar food inside the park with my season meal plan. More on that in a bit. Sam ended up ordering the buffalo chicken flatbread. You can see photos of both of our dishes above.
Overall, we loved what we ordered. The alfredo sauce was some of my favorite I’ve had anywhere. The chicken, however, was quite different. I really enjoyed it, but it tasted like it might have been grilled with lemon juice or something that gave it a sweet flavor. I let Sam steal a bite and she noticed it too. It surprised me, but was good nevertheless.
If you’d like to check out the full menu at The Chocolatier, there is a link on the restaurant’s page. I didn’t link directly to the downloadable menu in case the restaurant makes any changes or updates after this is published.
The Service
There was no doubt in my mind that when Hersheypark opened The Chocolatier, that the same amazing service found inside the park would be found in the restaurant too. From our hostess to our waiter, that was the case. I even struck up a small conversation with our waiter about some of the restaurant’s theming and he was nice enough to engage us and not brush us off. While this was just one visit, things look to be positive on this front. I wasn’t at all surprised.
The Prices
This is where you might see a difference of opinion. Everyone has a budget and everyone’s budget is going to be different. The chicken alfredo cost $22.95 and Sam’s flatbread was $13.95. There is no soft drink price on the menu, but I believe each soda cost $3.95, if I remember correctly. So yes, this meal cost us a lot more money than what our meal plan and drink plan prices of $0 inside the park for the day. Something to consider.
The majority of the menu looks to range from the $12 dollar to mid $30 range. I didn’t see any of these other food options up close to say whether I felt that they were “worth” the price, but some of the prices did give me sticker shock. For example, milkshakes are priced at $16.95. Each flavor’s description makes the shake sound like it is more akin to the massive shakes you can find inside the park – the one no person could drink/eat it alone. If that is the case, I understand. If it’s not, then that price is quite high.
The same holds true for the drink menu where the cocktails and martinis range from $11-14 each. I rarely drink, so I’m also not good to comment on mixed drink prices.
The Theming - Inside
I’m going to be completely honest. The Chocolatier’s theming is what most intrigued me about visiting this new for 2021 restaurant. The item that caught my attention the most can be seen in this blog’s featured image – the Comet booths. This single row of booths is made to look like the park’s 1946 wooden coaster, the Comet. Each both also features seat belts – a nice attention to detail.
I had hoped to sit in one of the Comet booths, but since there was a 15 minute wait for tables, I wouldn’t expect them to seat two people in a booth that holds what looks to be at least six. I helped manage a large family-owned restaurant for two decades, so I know how things work in that regard. Maybe if I stop during the off-season when things will surely be slower, I’ll make that request. Yes, like several other attractions in Chocolatetown, The Chocolatier can be visited separately from the park and even when the park is closed. Hours may vary, so be sure to check the Hersheypark site for details.
In addition to the Comet booths, I love the circular Tilt-a-Whirl booths nearby. Another nice touch are the dangling lights that trace the courses of three of the park’s roller coasters – Wildcat, Fahrenheit, and Candymonium. Sam and I easily figured out Fahrenheit and Candymonium, but Wildcat eluded us.
Speaking of rides, for those who chose to sit or venture out onto the second-story patio and bar area, you will find iconic ride vehicles from the Giant Wheel, bumper cars, and antique cars. There is also a large “C” on the wall from the former Flying Falcon ride (not pictured).
The Theming - Outside
Speaking of rides, for those who chose to sit or venture out onto the second-story patio and bar area, you will find iconic ride vehicles from the Giant Wheel, bumper cars, and antique cars. There is also a large “C” on the wall from the former Flying Falcon ride (not pictured).
In addition to those ride vehicles, Sam and I saw a couple of cornhole games set off to the side for people to enjoy, all while taking in the amazing view of Chocolatetown, and especially the park’s newest coaster, Candymonium.
Final Thoughts
So, would I eat at The Chocolatier again? You bet! Am I going to do it every visit, or even for a while? Probably not. One of the things that makes eating at The Chocolatier hard is the fact that I have the meal plan on my King-Sized Pass. I can eat in the park twice a day, so I’m not usually hungry enough to eat a third time. Also, it feels strange to me to give up a “free” meal during my visit to go and pay even more at The Chocolatier. I’m sure I’m not the only person with this mindset, so I wonder if that will hinder business?
I feel like The Chocolatier is a nice novelty stop once in a while for park regulars. It also is hard for me to believe that a family visiting the park will decide to give up a couple of hours of park time to sit down and eat instead of a quick bite inside the park. With ticket costs for non-pass holders, that’s also a huge ask. Missing ride time is part of the reason Sam and I have waited this long to visit The Chocolatier. Well, between that and having two meals a day already included on my pass.
So, is The Chocolatier worth a visit? Ultimately, yes. I kind of liken it to visiting a restaurant or a bar inside a baseball stadium. You paid to go to the ballgame, or in this instance, the amusement park. Do you want to take time away from that, potentially pay more for food or even bypass your meal plan you paid for already? That’s up to each one of you. I know I’ll go again, but it might not be for a few months at the earliest.
