Rainforest Cafe in Niagara Falls, NY: Review + Tips for Sensory-Friendly Dining

Visiting Niagara Falls, New York? Here’s a guide to the best family-friendly activities.

Thinking about visiting the Rainforest Café in Niagara Falls, New York? Here’s our honest review. As a family with an autistic child, we were cautiously optimistic, but the intense sensory experience left us feeling overwhelmed.

All About Niagara Falls’ New York’s Rainforest Cafe

Located inside the Sheraton Hotel on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls, this rainforest-themed restaurant features a jungle-inspired menu, animatronic animals, a glowing mushroom-shaped bar, and periodic “thunderstorms.” It’s similar to other Rainforest Cafés across the country, just a bit smaller.

We’ve avoided this chain in the past, especially at Walt Disney World, due to the sensory overload. But on this trip, we gave the Rainforest Café Niagara Falls a shot because the deal was too good to pass up. While the food is often overpriced and just okay, we’ll show you how to make the most of the experience and how we dined here without breaking the bank.

Address: 300 3rd St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 (Entrance through Sheraton hotel lobby or street)

Hours: Check the Rainforest Cafe website for updated hours, as they are seasonal. We did an entire article about the best possible experiences for the winter in Niagara Falls, New York. Be aware that the restaurant was closed 20 minutes before its posted closing time on our last visit.

• Monday 12-8 PM
• Tues to Thurs 4-9 PM
• Friday 4-10 PM
• Saturday 12-10 PM
• Sunday 12-9 PM

How Much Does the Rainforest Cafe cost?

If you’re wondering how much the Rainforest Cafe costs in Niagara Falls, New York, the price ranges tremendously. Children’s meals are $10.99 apiece with a 99-cent drink. Adult meals range from $19.99 to $34.99, appetizers range from $11.99 to $24.99, and cocktails are approximately $15 with a souvenir glass.

Can you do the Rainforest Cafe for a discount?

When the stars align, you can pay much less to visit the Rainforest Cafe. You have options if you’re looking to do the Rainforest Cafe for cheap.

In the past, Groupon had an incredible Rainforest Cafe deal where we purchased an $80 gift card for $54, plus applied other Groupon promo codes to the same deal. We paid approximately $40 for $80 worth of food and alcohol!

If you are a Landry’s Select Club member, you can get 10% off dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. However, you need to have the physical card per our server.

Unfortunately, you cannot use Landry’s gift certificate (MyPoints or Swagbucks) at the Rainforest Cafe in Niagara Falls, NY, because it is not part of the franchise.

What animatronic animals are at the restaurant?

There are so many different animals that we had fun walking around and visiting them all. There is a family of tigers: two adults with two little cubs.

My kids loved the mama and baby elephant. We were excited to sit near them. During the rainstorm, they wiggle their ears, shake their heads, and blink their eyes.

There was also a python snake hanging from a tree. We enjoyed the photo op with the monkeys hanging from the ceiling. The fish tank featured a bunch of brightly colored tropical fish. Last but not least, you can listen to a monologue by Tracy Tree in the restaurant lobby.

What to Expect

The Rainforest Cafe Niagara Falls prices are pretty steep for the low-quality food. You’re mostly paying for the experience of the thunderstorm and the animatronic animals. The aquarium is a pretty cool bonus.

Drinks are pricey because they come with a souvenir glass to take home. The server mentioned the drink would be cheaper if I declined the glass. I ordered a margarita, and it tasted like chemicals. Luckily, the Rainforest Cafe has a wine menu, and on our next visit, I ordered a bottle of wine.

If your kids loved the glowing souvenir drink as much as ours did, you can even recreate the Rainforest Café drink at home with these reusable glow cubes. For our sensory seekers, this simple light-up drink can be a calming and fun experience. No theme park required.

For dessert, if you’re celebrating something special, the sparkling volcano brownie with ice cream is the most popular choice. It’s over $20, but large enough for our family of 6! The cake comes out with a sparkler and shouting servers, which surprised us at first, but the noise level was lowkey enough that it didn’t overwhelm our table.

Sensory Triggers Inside the Rainforest Café: What Families Should Know

While the theming is fun, this isn’t exactly a sensory-friendly dining experience in Niagara Falls. Between flashing lights and thunder sounds, it can be hard for autistic kids to stay regulated.

Every thirty minutes, there is a thunderstorm that occurs, starting with dimming lights, then thunder and lightning. The animals react, and the ‘sky’ explodes with shooting stars. It’s fun, but this can be a sensory nightmare for some. We recommend a solid pair of noise-cancelling headphones to block out the roaring and other animatronic sounds.

Can you make dining reservations?

No, you cannot make Rainforest Cafe reservations. ‘At the Falls’ arcade is next door, so I suspect you’re supposed to spend money while you wait. They told us it would be 35 minutes, but it was much longer.

Is there an arcade?

In the Rainforest Cafe, Niagara Falls, NY, there is a family-friendly video arcade next door. Unfortunately, no human works in the arcade, and you cash out with very cheap toys from a machine. If you have any tech problems, the cashier at Rainforest Cafe Niagara was helpful. We played only because I got a $50 Groupon for the arcade for $15.20. The front desk at the Sheraton (where we stayed) also gave each of my children a $5 card.

What are the hours?

The Rainforest Cafe Niagara Falls hours appear more of a suggestion than a hard and fast line. The evening we first attempted to visit, the posted hours were open til 10 pm, but when we came in at 9:40 PM, they said they were closed. Restaurant hours are often seasonal, so please check the Rainforest Cafe website for updated hours.

• Monday 12-8 PM
• Tues to Thurs 4-9 PM
• Friday 4-10 PM
• Saturday 12-10 PM
• Sunday 12-9 PM

Is there parking?

The Rainforest Cafe Niagara Falls is in the Sheraton hotel, across from the casino. Unfortunately, parking is a $20 nightly fee at the open lot behind the building. However, we could park there and walk to the local area attractions. We’ve also visited the Rainforest Cafe when we stayed in other local downtown hotels, and the location is very walkable.

Does the Rainforest Cafe have a bar?

Yes, the Rainforest Cafe in Niagara Falls, USA, has a mushroom-shaped bar. The space is relaxing and incredibly innovative, but their alcohol menu is lacking.

Rainforest Cafe Menu in Niagara Falls, NY

Here is the most recent copy of the menu as of publication. Please check the Rainforest Cafe Niagara Falls website for an updated menu with prices.

Appetizers

• Cheese sticks $11.99
• Chicken Quesadillas $12.99
• Spinach & Artichoke Dip $13.49
• Hand-breaded chicken tenders $14.99
• Awesome Appetizer Adventure $24.99 (Chimi-cha-chas, spinach & artichoke dip, cheese sticks, chicken tenders. Served with fresh guacamole, tortilla chips, marinara sauce, and coconut curry sauce.) Add St. Louis-style pork spare ribs $6.99

Salads

• House salad $13.99 Add chicken $18.99
• Big Islander Chicken Caesar Salad $19.99. Substitute shrimp $20.99
• China Island Chicken Salad $19.99 (Grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, sesame seeds, wonton strips, carrots, rice noodles, scallions, China Island dressing)
• Tropical Island Chicken Salad $21.99 (Mangos, strawberries, grapes, roasted pumpkin seeds, honey-lime vinaigrette.) Substitute grilled shrimp $23.99

Seafood

• Fish N’ Chips $20.99 (English style with Safari fries.)
• Fried Shrimp $24.99 (Served with Safari fries.)
• Caribbean Coconut Shrimp $23.99 (Served with mango sauce, coleslaw, and choice of side.)
• Honey Sriracha Salmon $27.99 (Sweet honey sriracha glaze, steamed rice, green bean stirfry, and cilantro.)

Sandwiches & Burgers

If you request a gluten-free meal, they may have a gluten-free bun and sides available. Ask for a manager.

• Rainforest Burger $17.99 (Lettuce, tomato, pickle, cheese- topped with a fried onion ring.) Add bacon or sautéed mushrooms $2.
• Blue Mountain Chicken Sandwich $18.99 (Lemon grilled chicken, bacon, Swiss cheese, roasted red peppers, lettuce, zesty safari sauce, asiago bun.)
• Philly Cheesesteak $17.99
• Portobello Wrap $15.99 (Tomato basil wrap, spinach, red onions, roasted red peppers, grilled portobello mushroom, roasted garlic, balsamic dressing.)
• Rainforest Natural Burger $17.99 (Meatless patty of garbanzo beans, vegetables, sesame seeds, spices, guacamole, lettuce, and tomato.)
• BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger $18.99 (Smokin’ mojo bbq sauce, cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickle, topped with a fried onion ring.)

Beef, Pork, & Chicken

• Amazon Feast $29.99 (A combination of rotisserie chicken and slow-roasted St. Louis style pork spare ribs basted with our smokin’ mojo bbq sauce.)
• Mojo Bones $29.99 (St. Louis pork spare ribs, smokin’ mojo bbq sauce, served with fries.)
• Rotisserie Chicken $25.99 (Half of a slow-roasted chicken served with red-skinned mashed potatoes and your choice of side.)
• Jungle Steak and Shrimp $31.99 (Flat iron steak, shrimp scampi, Caribbean coconut shrimp, and choice of side.)
• Ribs, Steak, Shrimp Trio $33.99 (Caribbean coconut shrimp, mojo bone ribs, flat iron steak, coleslaw, and safari fries.)
• Primal Steak $34.99 (12-ounce strip steak, red-skinned mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables.)

Sides

• Seasonal vegetables
• Safari Fries (French fries can be made gluten-free in a dedicated fryer.)
• Red-skinned mashed potatoes
• Onion Rings Add $2.99

Pasta

If you request special accommodations, they may be able to substitute gluten-friendly pasta for dishes.

• Rasta Pasta $26.99 (Sauteed chicken, penne pasta, walnut pesto, broccoli, red peppers, spinach, garlic alfredo sauce)
• Pastalaya $26.99 (Shrimp, sautéed chicken, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and andouille sausage, hot & spicy Cajun sauce, linguini)
• Anaconda Pasta $22.99 (Quinoa pasta, local garden vegetables, basil, shaved parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, white wine tomato sauce) Add shrimp or chicken for $5

Kids Menu

Each kid’s meal is $10.99 and comes with a choice of side, including Safari fries, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, or applesauce. When we purchased children’s drinks, they were 99 cents each and included soda, milk, chocolate milk, or apple juice.

• Rainforest Rascals: 2 chargrilled mini sliders
• Jurassic Chicken Tidbits: Dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets
• Castaway Kids Pizza: Cheese or Pepperoni
• Grilled Cheese: American cheese on Texas toast
• Macaroni and cheese: pasta with cheese sauce
• Python Pasta: Choice of alfredo, butter, or marinara
• Hot Dog
• Grilled Chicken

Is there a Gluten-Free Menu?

There is no gluten-free menu, but they may be able to alter some menu items to provide you with GF options. For example, they often have a gluten-free bun to swap for burgers and sandwiches. There is gluten-free pasta that can be used for pasta dishes. Finally, some sides can be made gluten-free, including French fries that can be placed in a dedicated fryer. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the manager and make sure that this has not changed!

Rainforest Cafe Niagara Falls Reviews: Final Thoughts

This entire city is a tourist trap, but we had fun the two times we visited! If you’re in the area with picky kids and looking for a spot that will entertain them after a busy day, you can’t beat a visit to the rainforest restaurant in Niagara Falls. This is an excellent choice for those looking for a Niagara Falls, New York, restaurant with familiar food for children. However, this is not for you if you prefer to enjoy local fare (like Buffalo wings and beef on weck) or unique dining options.

Do not confuse this restaurant with the Rainforest Cafe in Niagara Falls, Canada, as the one in Ontario is different and larger. You can enter through a volcano!