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Updated: June 19, 2025
Opened in 1864, Lake Compounce is America’s oldest amusement park and over the years the look and feel of the park has changed. With its world-famous opening date and iconic Boulder Dash rollercoaster, Lake Compounce has cemented itself as an icon among the theme park industry.
However, while the park, rides, and look have changed, the food has done the same. In 2025, the park completed its change from having any name-brand restaurants (Dunkin’ Donuts, Johnny Rockets to name a couple) to owning every restaurant inside their property. They were also acquired by Herschend, the company that also owns both Dollywood and Silver Dollar City.
So, we will most likely see more changes in the coming years. You can find more information about Lake Compounce in our ultimate guide if you need anything as this post is all about allergens, a general rundown of the restaurants in the park, and where you can find Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegetarian options.
Difference Between the Theme Park and Crocodile Cove
Before I jump into the restaurants, I wanted to be sure we were on the same page. The park is sectioned into two distinct sections: the dry theme park side and the waterpark, also known as Crocodile Cove. When the waterpark is open, so too are those restaurants and stands.
Crocodile Cove has four places to grab some food or drinks for those old enough to be ID’d. These places are only located in two areas of the park so depending on where in the Cove you’re in, you’ll have easy access to those restaurants, otherwise you’ll have to walk to whichever one you’re craving.
The theme park has 8 main eateries and 6 sweet shops, and yes, you can grab a refreshing ICEE or Dippin’ Dots. Like any other theme park, these are scattered around the park. The nice thing is that Lake Compounce is a small park and every eatery is easily accessible regardless of needing wheelchair access or otherwise.
Crocodile Cove Restaurants
Beachfront Bar
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Wheat
Dippin’ Dots + Tiki Bar
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Wheat, Tree Nuts, Soy, Milk, Peanuts
Dippin’ Dots are Kosher certified
Harborside Pizza
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Milk, Wheat, Soy
Assumed Meats Offered: Pork, Chicken
Gluten-Free Options Available
Lakeside Café (Nathan’s Famous)
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Milk, Wheat, Soy
Assumed Meats Offered: Chicken, Beef, Pork
Gluten-Free Options Available
Lake Compounce Restaurants
1846 Coffee Co.
(Replaced Dunkin’ Donuts in 2024)
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Soy
Dippin’ Dots
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Milk, Wheat, Soy, Tree Nuts, Peanuts
Kosher-Certified; Dairy and Gluten-Free Options Available
Fried Dough
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Eggs, Wheat, Soy, Tree Nuts
Leo’s Dessert at the Lake
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Wheat, Soy, Milk
Assumed Meat Offerings: Beef, Chicken, Pork
Leo’s Lunch
(It’s on the other side of Leo’s Dessert)
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Wheat, Soy, Milk
Assumed Meat Offerings: Beef, Chicken, Pork
Theme Parks can be really expensive, so you’re probably wondering How to Eat On A Budget at Theme Parks, right? Yeah, I’m always wondering, too. Which is why I made a whole post about it. 😉
Main Gate Creamery
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Milk, Soy
Lactose-Free Options Available!
Slush Works
Potential + Assumed Allergens: TBD
Snacks Shack
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Wheat, Milk, Soy
Dairy and Gluten-Free Options Available!
Sweet Shoppe
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Milk, Soy, Tree Nuts, Peanuts
The Croc Pot
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Wheat, Milk, Soy
Assumed Meat Offerings: Beef, Pork, Chicken
Gluten-Free Options Available!
The Potato Patch
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Milk, Wheat, Soy
Assumed Meat Offerings: Chicken, Beef, Pork
Gluten-Free Options Available!
Timberjack Chowhouse
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Wheat, Milk, Soy
Assumed Meat Offerings: Beef, Pork, Chicken
Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Options Available!
Wildcat Burger
(Replaced Johnny Rockets in 2025)
Potential + Assumed Allergens: Wheat, Soy, Milk
Assumed Meat Offerings: Beef, Pork, Chicken
Gluten-Free Options Available!
Need More Information?
I hope this easy digestible list helped you to narrow down some places of interest on your next trip to Lake Compounce and I hope you have loads of fun! Please remember to stay hydrated!
Thank you for taking time to read this guide. If there’s anything I missed, or you need (or want) an answer to something, please don’t hesitate to send a question in the contact form. I might even add your question into an update for the guide.