A meal at Rainforest Cafe includes an atmosphere fee, so knowing entree prices helps set your total budget. Before you go, you should check the Rainforest Cafe Menu with Prices to avoid sticker shock when the check arrives. This guide breaks down the current costs for appetizers, main courses, kids meals, and desserts.
We have gathered the most recent price points from official locations and customer receipts. Keep in mind that prices can vary slightly by state and city due to local operating costs. You should always confirm with your specific restaurant before visiting.
Rainforest Cafe Menu With Prices
The menu is split into clear sections, which makes planning your order easier. Below you will find a detailed breakdown of the most popular items and their expected costs. We focus on the main dishes because those are the biggest part of your bill.
Appetizers And Starters
Starting your meal with a shared appetizer is a good way to taste the theme. These items are designed for groups, but you can order them for yourself if you are very hungry.
- Awesome Appetizer Adventure: This platter includes crispy chicken strips, spinach dip, and mozzarella sticks. It is priced around $15.99.
- Jungle Safari Spinach Dip: Served hot with tortilla chips and pico de gallo. Expect to pay about $11.49.
- Chicken Fajita Quesadilla: A large flour tortilla filled with chicken and cheese. The price is usually $12.99.
- Shrimp on the Barbie: Six large shrimp grilled with a spicy BBQ glaze. This costs roughly $13.49.
- Cha! Cha! Chicken Nachos: A huge portion of tortilla chips topped with seasoned chicken and cheese sauce. The cost is near $12.49.
Most appetizers are enough for two or three people to share. If you are planning to order an entree, you might want to skip this section. The portions are generous.
Signature Burgers And Sandwiches
If you want a familiar meal, the burger section is reliable. These come with a side of seasoned fries or fresh fruit. You can choose your protein and toppings.
- Rainforest Burger: A half-pound beef patty with lettuce, tomato, and onion. It is priced at $14.99.
- Rasta Pasta Burger: This features pepper jack cheese and a spicy sauce on a beef patty. The price is about $15.49.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: A marinated chicken breast served on a brioche bun. You will pay around $13.99.
- Cuban Sandwich: Pulled pork, ham, and swiss cheese pressed together. This item costs $14.49.
Burgers are cooked to order. You can ask for them well-done, medium, or medium-rare. The fries are seasoned with a special spice blend that many people like.
Pastas And Seafood Specialties
The pasta dishes are creamy and filling. The seafood options are also popular because they use a consistent quality of fish. These are the main entrees that most people consider.
- Shrimp Creole: Sauteed shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce over white rice. This dish costs about $18.99.
- Jambalaya: A mix of chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage in a rich broth. The price is $19.49.
- Pasta Alfredo: Fettuccine noodles with a classic parmesan cream sauce. You can add chicken for $16.99 or shrimp for $18.49.
- Fish and Chips: Beer-battered cod served with tartar sauce and fries. This is priced at $16.49.
- Grilled Salmon: A fillet served with rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables. Expect to pay $21.99.
These dishes are heavy and rich. You might want to drink plenty of water with them. The shrimp creole has a noticeable kick, so be careful if you do not like spice.
Steaks And Ribs
For a hearty meal, the steakhouse options are the most expensive items on the menu. They are cooked over an open flame to give a smoky flavor. These are the premium choices.
- Ribeye Steak: A 12-ounce cut with garlic butter. The price is around $25.99.
- New York Strip: A leaner cut that is 10 ounces. This will cost you about $23.49.
- Baby Back Ribs: A full rack of pork ribs with BBQ sauce. The price is $22.99 for a full rack.
- Half Rack of Ribs: A smaller portion for lighter appetites. This is priced at $17.99.
- Rib and Chicken Combo: A half rack of ribs with a grilled chicken breast. This costs $24.49.
Steaks come with your choice of two sides. You can pick from mashed potatoes, baked potato, fries, rice, or vegetables. The ribs are very tender and fall off the bone.
Kids Menu Options
Children have their own menu with smaller portions and lower prices. Each kids meal comes with a drink, a side, and a dessert. This makes it easy to budget for the whole family.
- Mini Cheeseburger: A small burger with fries. The price is $8.99.
- Chicken Tenders: Three crispy strips with fries or fruit. This costs $7.99.
- Mac and Cheese: A creamy pasta bowl that is very popular. The price is $6.99.
- Grilled Cheese: A classic sandwich with a side of fruit. This is priced at $6.49.
- Pizza: A personal-sized cheese or pepperoni pizza. The cost is $8.49.
The kids menu also includes a create-your-own pasta option. You can choose the sauce and add chicken or meatballs for an extra charge. The dessert is usually a small scoop of ice cream or a cookie.
Desserts And Sweet Treats
You cannot leave without trying the signature dessert. The portions are huge and meant for sharing. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the highlight of the meal.
- Volcano Cake: A chocolate cake with a molten center, topped with vanilla ice cream. The price is $10.99.
- Brownie Fantasy: A warm brownie with hot fudge and ice cream. This costs $8.99.
- Key Lime Pie: A tart and creamy pie with a graham cracker crust. The price is $7.49.
- Cheesecake: A classic New York style slice with berry compote. This is priced at $8.49.
The Volcano Cake is the most famous item. It is served with a sparkler on top. You should order this at the start of your meal because it takes time to prepare.
Beverages And Specialty Drinks
Drinks can add up quickly, especially if you order specialty cocktails. The non-alcoholic options are also fun and colorful. You should factor these into your total cost.
- Soft Drinks: Coke, Sprite, and lemonade are priced at $3.99 with free refills.
- Specialty Lemonade: Flavors like strawberry or mango cost $4.99.
- Rainforest Punch: A non-alcoholic mix of juices served in a souvenir cup. This is $6.49.
- Signature Cocktails: These range from $9.99 to $12.99 depending on the alcohol.
- Smoothies: A blend of fruit and yogurt priced at $5.99.
The souvenir cups are a popular purchase. You can take them home and get discounted refills on future visits. This is a good deal if you come often.
Atmosphere Fee And Hidden Costs
Here is the important part that many people forget. Rainforest Cafe adds a mandatory “atmosphere fee” to every check. This covers the animatronic animals, the thunderstorms, and the jungle decor.
The fee is typically around 15% of your subtotal. It is not a tip for your server. It is a service charge that goes to the restaurant for the experience. You will see it listed as a separate line item on your bill.
This means you should add about 15% to the menu prices listed above. For example, if your food total is $50.00, the atmosphere fee will be about $7.50. You will also need to leave a separate tip for your waiter or waitress.
Some locations have a lower fee, but most are in the 12% to 15% range. You should ask your server about the exact percentage before you order. This helps you avoid any surprises.
Tips For Saving Money
You can reduce your total bill with a few simple strategies. The restaurant offers several deals throughout the week. You just need to know when to go.
- Sign up for the Rainforest Cafe email list to get a coupon for a free appetizer.
- Visit during lunch hours on weekdays. The lunch menu is cheaper than the dinner menu.
- Share an entree with a friend. The portions are large enough for two people.
- Skip the appetizer and order a dessert instead. The dessert is often more satisfying.
- Check for military or senior discounts. Many locations offer 10% off.
- Buy a gift card from a discount retailer like Costco or Sam’s Club.
You should also avoid ordering bottled water. The tap water is free and perfectly safe. This saves you about $4.00 per person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the menu and pricing. These answers should help you plan your trip better.
Is the atmosphere fee worth it?
That depends on what you value. If you have young children, the animatronic animals and the thunderstorm show are very entertaining. If you are looking for a quiet business dinner, you might feel the fee is not worth it.
Can you use coupons on the atmosphere fee?
No. The atmosphere fee is a service charge that is added after any discounts or coupons are applied. You cannot avoid this fee with a promotional code.
Are there gluten-free options on the menu?
Yes. The restaurant offers a gluten-free menu upon request. You can get grilled meats, plain vegetables, and salads. The fries are cooked in a shared fryer, so they are not safe for celiacs.
Do prices change during peak season?
No, the menu prices are consistent throughout the year. However, some seasonal items may be added or removed. The core menu items stay at the same price point.
Can I see the menu online before I go?
Yes, you can view the full menu on the official Rainforest Cafe website. The online menu lists the current prices, but they might be slightly different from your local store.
Final Budget Breakdown
Lets put together a realistic budget for two adults and two children. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect.
- Two adult entrees at $18.00 each: $36.00
- Two kids meals at $8.00 each: $16.00
- Two soft drinks at $4.00 each: $8.00
- One appetizer to share: $12.00
- One dessert to share: $10.00
Your food subtotal would be around $82.00. Add the 15% atmosphere fee which is $12.30. This brings your total to $94.30 before tip. A 20% tip on the food subtotal would be about $16.40. Your final cost is roughly $110.00.
That is a significant amount of money for a casual dinner. You should plan ahead and save accordingly. If you skip the appetizer and dessert, you can cut that cost down to about $75.00 total.
The Rainforest Cafe Menu with Prices is a helpful tool for planning. You can use this guide to estimate your total cost accurately. The atmosphere fee is the biggest factor that most people miss.
You should always call your local restaurant to confirm the exact fee percentage. Some locations have been known to charge 18% or even 20%. This information is not always published online.
Overall, the food quality is decent for a themed chain restaurant. The steaks are cooked well, and the shrimp dishes are flavorful. You are paying for the experience more than the culinary excellence.
If you are on a tight budget, you might want to visit during happy hour. Many locations offer discounted appetizers and drinks from 3 PM to 6 PM. This is a great way to enjoy the atmosphere without paying full price for a meal.
Remember to bring your patience. The restaurant is often busy, and wait times can be long. You should make a reservation if you are visiting on a weekend or a holiday.
We hope this guide helps you have a fun and affordable trip. The jungle is a fun place to eat, but you need to be smart about your spending. Now you know exactly what to expect when the bill arrives.