Knott’s Berry Farm chicken dinner restaurant menu prices have remained a value proposition since Mrs. Knott first served fried chicken in 1934. You might be planning a trip to the park or just looking for a hearty meal. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the current menu, costs, and what makes this spot a classic.
The restaurant is still a big draw, even if you aren’t visiting the amusement park. People come from all over for that famous fried chicken and boysenberry pie. We will cover the full menu, price updates, and tips for getting the best deal.
Knott’s Berry Farm Chicken Dinner Restaurant Menu Prices: A Complete Guide
Let’s get straight to the numbers. The prices here have gone up over the years, but many visitors still say the meal is a good value. You get a lot of food for what you pay.
The core menu hasn’t changed much. It’s still about the chicken, mashed potatoes, and biscuits. But there are a few new options and combos to consider.
Current Menu Categories And Pricing
You will find a few main categories on the menu. Each one has a different price point. Here is a simple breakdown:
- Individual Chicken Dinners: These are the most popular items. You get chicken, sides, and a biscuit.
- Family Meals: Designed for groups of 4 to 6 people. These are usually a better per-person value.
- Sandwiches And Salads: Lighter options if you don’t want the full dinner.
- Desserts: You cannot skip the boysenberry pie. It is a must-try.
- Beverages: Standard soft drinks, iced tea, and lemonade.
Individual Dinner Prices
Here are the current prices for the main individual dinners. These are subject to change, so check the official menu before you go.
- Fried Chicken Dinner (4 pieces): $22.99
- Fried Chicken Dinner (2 pieces): $17.99
- Chicken And Waffle Dinner: $19.99
- Chicken Pot Pie: $16.99
- Grilled Chicken Dinner: $18.99
Each dinner comes with your choice of two sides. The standard sides are mashed potatoes, corn, coleslaw, green beans, and soup. You also get a warm biscuit with butter and jam.
Family Meal Prices
If you are eating with a group, the family meals are a smart choice. They include more food and often save you money.
- Family Dinner For 4: $74.99 (includes 12 pieces of chicken, 4 sides, 4 biscuits)
- Family Dinner For 6: $109.99 (includes 18 pieces of chicken, 6 sides, 6 biscuits)
The family meals are a great deal. You get a lot of chicken and sides for the price. It is perfect for a family outing or a group of friends.
Sandwiches And Lighter Fare
Not everyone wants a full chicken dinner. The menu has a few other options for lighter appetites.
- Fried Chicken Sandwich: $14.99
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: $13.99
- Chicken Salad Sandwich: $12.99
- Garden Salad: $10.99
- Caesar Salad: $12.99
These items are still filling but cost less than the full dinners. They are a good choice if you want a quick bite.
Dessert Menu Prices
You cannot leave without trying the pie. The boysenberry pie is the star of the show. Here are the dessert prices:
- Boysenberry Pie (Slice): $6.99
- Boysenberry Pie (Whole): $24.99
- Apple Pie (Slice): $6.99
- Ice Cream Sundae: $5.99
- Funnel Cake: $8.99
The pies are made fresh daily. Many people buy a whole pie to take home. It is a popular souvenir.
Drinks And Extras
Beverages are not included with the dinner. You have to order them separately.
- Soft Drinks: $3.49
- Iced Tea: $3.49
- Lemonade: $3.99
- Milk: $2.99
- Coffee: $2.99
You can also add extra sides to your meal. Each extra side costs $3.49. Extra biscuits are $1.99 each.
How To Save Money On Your Meal
Everyone likes a good deal. Here are a few ways to keep more cash in your pocket when you eat at the restaurant.
Use The Knott’s Berry Farm App
The official app often has exclusive coupons. You might find a discount on a meal or a free dessert. Download it before you go.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Lunch prices are sometimes lower than dinner prices. If you can, eat a late lunch around 2 PM. You will avoid the crowd and might pay less.
Share A Family Meal
If you are with two or three people, the Family Dinner For 4 is a good option. It costs less than buying three individual dinners. You will have leftovers, too.
Look For Seasonal Specials
The restaurant sometimes runs promotions during holidays. Check their website or social media for deals. You might find a special price on a pie or a combo meal.
Skip The Drinks
Drinks add up fast. You can ask for a cup of water for free. That saves you a few dollars right away.
What To Expect When You Visit
The restaurant is located inside the park, but you can also access it from the outside. There is a separate entrance for the restaurant. You do not need a park ticket to eat there.
Location And Parking
The restaurant is at the entrance of the park. You can park in the main lot and walk to the restaurant entrance. Parking is free for the first hour if you are just eating.
If you plan to stay longer, you might need to pay for parking. Check the parking signs when you arrive.
Service Style
The restaurant is a sit-down, full-service establishment. You will be seated by a host. A server will take your order and bring your food.
Service is usually fast, but it can get busy during peak hours. Weekends and holidays are the busiest times. Plan to wait 15 to 30 minutes for a table.
Atmosphere And Decor
The restaurant has a rustic, old-fashioned feel. It is decorated with farm memorabilia and photos from the early days. The vibe is casual and family-friendly.
You will see families, couples, and groups of friends. The noise level is moderate. It is a comfortable place to relax and eat.
History Of The Chicken Dinner
The story of this meal is part of California history. It all started in 1934 when Cordelia Knott began serving fried chicken dinners from her home.
The Beginning
Mrs. Knott started selling chicken dinners to make extra money during the Great Depression. She charged 65 cents per meal. The dinner included chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits, and a side.
Her cooking was so good that people started coming from all over. The business grew quickly. Soon, she had to build a larger dining room.
The Growth Of The Park
As more people came for the chicken, Walter Knott added attractions to keep them entertained. He built a ghost town, a train, and other rides. This eventually became Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park.
The restaurant remained the heart of the property. Even as the park grew, the chicken dinner stayed the same. It is still made with the same recipe today.
Why The Recipe Endures
The chicken is still cooked fresh every day. It is dipped in a special batter and fried until golden. The recipe is a closely guarded secret.
Many people say the taste has not changed in 90 years. That consistency is part of the appeal. You know exactly what you are getting when you order.
What People Are Saying About The Food
Reviews for the chicken dinner are generally positive. Most people love the taste and the portion sizes. Here are some common comments from visitors.
Positive Feedback
- “The chicken is always crispy and juicy.”
- “The biscuits are soft and buttery.”
- “The mashed potatoes are real, not from a box.”
- “The boysenberry pie is the best I have ever had.”
- “The service is friendly and efficient.”
Common Complaints
- “The prices are a bit high for a family.”
- “The wait can be long on weekends.”
- “The sides are sometimes bland.”
- “The parking situation is confusing.”
Overall, the restaurant has a 4.2-star rating on most review sites. Most people say it is worth the trip, even if you have to wait.
Tips For First-Time Visitors
If you have never been to the restaurant, here are a few things to keep in mind. These tips will help you have a smooth experience.
- Go early or late: Avoid the lunch rush between 12 PM and 1 PM. Dinner rush is between 5 PM and 7 PM.
- Bring cash: The restaurant accepts credit cards, but cash is faster for small purchases like pie to go.
- Order the family meal: Even if you are a group of two, the family meal gives you leftovers for later.
- Try the boysenberry punch: It is a house-made drink that is very refreshing.
- Buy a whole pie: You will regret it if you do not. The pie freezes well, too.
Comparison To Other Fried Chicken Restaurants
How does this meal compare to other famous fried chicken spots? Here is a quick look at the differences.
| Restaurant | Price Per Person | Portion Size | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knott’s Berry Farm | $18 – $23 | Large | Rustic, family-friendly |
| Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles | $15 – $20 | Medium | Casual, urban |
| KFC | $8 – $12 | Small to medium | Fast food |
| Willie Mae’s Scotch House | $16 – $22 | Medium | Historic, busy |
Knott’s is on the higher end for price, but you get a sit-down experience and larger portions. The atmosphere is also more unique than a typical fast-food chain.
How To Order For Takeout
You do not have to eat in the restaurant. You can order takeout from the same menu. Here is how it works.
- Call the restaurant ahead of time. The phone number is on their website.
- Place your order and give them a pickup time.
- Arrive at the designated takeout window. It is located near the main entrance.
- Pay and pick up your food. It will be packed in boxes for easy transport.
Takeout is a good option if you want to avoid the wait. You can eat the food at a picnic table outside or take it back to your hotel.
Seasonal Menu Changes
The menu does change slightly depending on the season. Here are some items you might see at certain times of the year.
Summer Specials
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Watermelon salad
- Lemonade slushies
Fall Specials
- Pumpkin pie
- Turkey dinner
- Apple cider
Winter Specials
- Hot chocolate
- Chicken pot pie with a puff pastry top
- Eggnog pie
Spring Specials
- Strawberry shortcake
- Fresh asparagus side dish
- Lemon pie
These seasonal items are usually available for a limited time. If you see something you like, order it quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the restaurant and its menu.
Can I eat at the restaurant without a park ticket?
Yes. The restaurant has a separate entrance. You do not need a ticket to the amusement park to eat there.
What are the current Knott’s Berry Farm Chicken Dinner Restaurant Menu Prices for kids?
Kids meals are available for children ages 10 and under. They cost $9.99 and include a smaller portion of chicken, one side, and a drink.
Is the chicken dinner gluten-free?
No. The chicken is breaded with flour. The restaurant does not offer a gluten-free version of the fried chicken. The grilled chicken is a better option for gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I make a reservation?
No. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You cannot reserve a table in advance.
Do they offer a military discount?
Yes. Active duty military and veterans get a 10% discount. You need to show a valid military ID.
Final Thoughts On The Value
So, is the meal worth the price? For most people, yes. You get a lot of high-quality food in a unique setting. The history alone makes it a special experience.
The Knott’s Berry Farm Chicken Dinner Restaurant Menu Prices are not the cheapest, but they are fair for what you receive. If you plan ahead and use the tips in this guide, you can enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning fan, the chicken dinner is a meal you will remember. The recipe has stood the test of time for a reason. It is simple, honest food that tastes like home.
Next time you are in Buena Park, make sure to stop by. The chicken is waiting for you. And do not forget the pie.