Review: Rainforest Cafe    

On February 3, 1994, the first ever Rainforest Café opened in Minnesota’s Mall of America. 

Since then, a total of 16 restaurants are currently in operation in the United States, with that number jumping up 23 when tallying in foreign locations. Despite the numerous options to choose from however, Youtuber Ted Nivison popularized the Galveston location after visiting every location in the United States and stating that the Galveston location was the best.

Luckily for Texas A&M Galveston Students it resides just 4 short miles away from campus.

Simply arriving at the restaurant will cue you in as to why this location is so well regarded online. 

Above the iconic sign that welcomes you into the building looms a massive artificial volcano, utterly eclipsing the Landry’s Seafood that it resides next to. Sometimes, it even erupts as part of its engagement routine.

Adding to the presentation is its location on the seawall, providing a clear view of the water, adding to the adventurous spirit the restaurant tries to provide.

It continues inside as well. Throughout the gift shop the walls and ceilings are draped in foliage with the occasional animatronic.

Passing under the arc fish tank into the dining area you will be met with even more of the same. Fake shrubbery, animatronics, and statues lined up near fake trees that dot the floor, completely sucking you in. 

Now that it is time to take a seat however, the praises begin to fade. 

As a culinary experience, the restaurant is aggressively average.

I would compare the quality of the food to something similar to Applebee's. It’s the type of food that tastes good enough, but eating it feels more like an obligation than something to look forward to. 

This hits harder when the check comes back. It is an expensive place to eat, with prices averaging only slightly higher than most for entrees, though desserts and drinks tend to be very expensive for what you receive. 

Not helped by the fact that for some of these items, the prices are not even advertised on menus. 

Similarly, the information that some drinks will come in a souvenir cup that must be purchased will be withheld but implied. 

Despite all that negativity however, there is still a lot to get out of an evening at Rainforest Café. The atmosphere, half-hourly thunderstorms, and of course the Galveston exclusive river-ride make it worth at least a one-time visit.

The ride in question does have an entry fee but lasts a longer duration than rides you might find a pleasure pier or equivalent places and is surprisingly well executed for a restaurant. 

I have ridden this attraction twice with two different groups and both were ear to ear smiles throughout the experience. It is certainly worth the fee of entry. 

All in all, Rainforest Café is a tourist destination. Big surprise, right? It is expensive and might not be everyone's cup of tea. However, it is among the most unique dining experiences you can attain on the island. And if you don’t mind forking over a bit extra money and can embrace the chaos, there is lots of fun to be had.

4/5 stars; with emphasis on experience over food.