U.S. amusement parks boast diverse food offerings

What makes for good amusement park fare might be subjective, but we've ranked our list based on variety of offerings, value, quality of food, and reflection of the park and/or associated ride's theme.

Some people like casual, down-home fun and raucous rides. Some like a country vibe and family-oriented activities. Some like a bit of culture thrown into the experience. The same goes for food; while some flock to enjoy a longtime-favorite treat that their trip to a park wouldn't be complete without, others decide to splurge on a unique food experience.

Luckily, choices abound at these amusement parks. Some eateries have been around a really long time and enable people to experience and share a certain childhood nostalgia, while other spots are newer and starting their own traditions. Some have won awards from industry magazines, and others have been more quietly dishing out favorite treats and meals for generations. And some even deserve recognition for the options available across the entire park!

So whether' you're craving African, Mexican, French, or Italian cuisine, you can find it all. Or you can always go the safe route and grab a hot dog at Coney Island — about as American as it gets. If you're up for it, you can also feel like a character in a Harry Potter novel, or eat eye-to-eye with a shark.

Whatever you choose, the food should only enhance the sights, sounds, rides, and your total amusement park experience!

THE DAILY MEAL: 22 best amusement park restaurants

1. Boma Flavors of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge — Orlando, Fla.

Not your ordinary buffet, this African-themed spot offers ethnic foods alongside old American favorites. The lodge atmosphere, with animals grazing outside, and warm service make this restaurant a mini-adventure in and of itself. Bobotie (an African meat pie) and coconut curry chicken soup are worth trying.

2. Mythos at Universal's Islands of Adventure — Orlando, Fla.

Go inside this dramatic, air-conditioned "cave," complete with cascading water, for a respite from the rides. This striking theme park favorite offers contemporary and eclectic fare. The crabcake sliders and the pad thai are among diner's favorites.

3. Phoenix Junction at Knoebels Amusement Resort — Elysburg, Pa.

This spot has affordable family fun in the truest sense with pay-as-you-go rides! This park even lets you bring food if you choose. But why would you, when it's been in the top running for Amusement Today's Best Food winner? Pierogies, funnel cake, and sliced apples with caramel and whipped cream are just the beginning.

4. The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios — Orlando, Fla.

A charming replica of the classic eatery from Hollywood's Golden Age, this spot is authentic down to the trademark (and delicious) grapefruit cake. Try the Cobb salad, following the recipe created by Bob Cobb, owner of the original Brown Derby.

5. Ms. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant at Knott's Berry Farm — Buena Park, Calif.

This restaurant is straight out of a simpler time. Come here when visiting Knott's Berry Farm for fluffy biscuits, chicken gravy, and boysenberry pie to accompany the namesake chicken. The large portions and homemade cooking often remind fans of childhood meals.

6. Chefs de France at Epcot Center — Orlando, Fla.

To enhance the feel of a Parisian bistro in this Disney setting, diners can indulge in real-deal items like escargots and quiche Lorraine at this restaurant. Don't miss the crème br?lée and profiteroles afterward. Watch out: Chef Remy from Ratatouille just might stop by your table!

This spot was also featured in our story "The Best Disney Restaurants for Every Occasion."

7. Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs at Coney Island — Brooklyn, N.Y.

Like its neighboring roller coaster, the Cyclone, Nathan's is a classic. You don't just get a World Famous Beef Hot Dog here, you're part of a little piece of New York City history as you chow down on the famous boardwalk. (And we recommend you ride the Cyclone before, not after.)

Check out Nathan's additional appearance in our best boardwalks ranking!

8. Carthay Circle at Disney California Adventure Park — Anaheim, Calif.

A reproduction of the classic theater that premiered Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937 now offers fine dining with Asian and Mediterranean influences. Located within Disney, the spot offers specialties like a fried biscuit stuffed with Cheddar, jalape?os, and bacon and served with honey apricot butter.

9. La Hacienda de San Angel at Epcot Center — Orlando, Fla.

This building with an "Old World" vibe overlooks a lagoon and nightly fireworks over Epcot Center if your timing is right. Authentic Mexican entrées using ingredients like mole sauce and nopales (cactus leaves) keep the menu interesting.

10. The Three Broomsticks Restaurant at Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal — Orlando, Fla.

Harry Potter fans will enjoy being inside the fictional pub for traditional English dishes like Cornish pasties and turkey legs. The visit won't be complete until you have the "Butterbeer," which comes regular or frozen.

11. Club 33 at Disneyland — Anaheim, Calif.

Due to its exclusivity, Club 33 is not exactly a crowd favorite. To get in, you either need to be a member or know one. This is a mecca for extreme Disneyland fans! Mr. Disney himself had the idea to entertain special guests at this upscale, memorabilia-filled club and with a bit of luck, you can enjoy your Chateaubriand here, too.

12. Woodman's Seafood & Grill at Mel's Funway Park — Litchfield, N.H.

An outpost of the New England favorite (which was originated by the inventor of the fried clam), Woodman's here at the park lets visitors get their fried seafood fix, topped off with coleslaw and fries.

13. Das Festhaus at Busch Gardens — Williamsburg, Va.

Carve out a spot in this enormous hall of bustling activity to enjoy traditional German food and a show. Corned beef sandwiches, sausage plates, beers, potato salad, and apple strudel, as well as non-German selections (even pizza) are available.

14. Aunt Granny's All-You-Care-to-Eat Buffet at Dollywood — Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Dollywood won Amusement Today's Best Food Award in 2012, and you'll find that the queen of country, aka Dolly Parton herself, has provided lots of variety when it comes to the park's fare. You can make yourself at home at Aunt Granny's All-You-Care-to-Eat Buffet with some down-home cookin', but between rides you must try the Tater Twirls... chips loaded with nacho cheese and chili.

15. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios — Orlando, Fla.

At this dine-in theater, sit in a convertible "car" facing a big screen in a darkened "nighttime" space, just like you're at the drive-in. Old movie reels play while you enjoy your burgers, shakes, and fried dill pickles!

16. Graeter's Ice Cream at Kings Island — Mason, Ohio

On The Brady Bunch, Cindy and Bobby couldn't get enough of the food here. The casual eats feature Cincinnati favorites LaRosa's Pizzeria, and Graeter's ice cream, which originated locally in 1870. Try the signature black-raspberry chocolate chip.