Ya Gatta Eat

I prefer Brick Oven Bistro to Chet and Matt's. I said it and I'll die on that hill.

We've never been particularly impressed with Chet and Matt's. It's... fine, I guess? But for us it's never lived up to its reputation the few times we've been there.

Cameo Pizza was the "original" Chett and Matt's. (They all came from the same family). We prefer Cameo and the restaurant has more character as well.

When I lived in Sandusky, Cameo was my go-to for pizza. I thought it was just delicious. Chet and Matt’s is good, and a little more convenient to the Point.

Chet and Matts we love. It's a fun place to hangout and the pizza is good.

Thanks to you guys, I've now discovered at least 2 more places to try in Sandusky, the Brick Oven place and Zuppermans, both of which look great. This in addition to Great Lakes Grinders, who I've been following for years but never seem to make it there.

Also this:

"Johnny Rockets is the only decent place to eat
Never thought I’d read that sentence."

Yeah, but there's a guy on here who's signature is how many Famous Daves he's eaten at, so I guess it takes all kinds, hahaha.

Uh oh, I thought the food and service was terrible at SFA before, I can only imagine what I will see the rest of 2025 now that all employees have been notified that they are out of a job. This will be so bad, it might actually be entertaining (if that makes sense).

They will just spit a loogie on the bun and hand it to you.

I didn't realize Seabass was working Food & Beverage this year at SFA.

I'm glad I visited last weekend. Makes sense why the food is so bad.

Touchdown:

I do eat at a lot of restaurants in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg

Heading over there for the first time next year. Have you tried the Sunliner Diner? The rest of my travel party can't get enough of the 'old fashioned diner' vibes providing the food is good - a 'proper' diner as opposed to tourist kitsch and pricing to match

Sorry Barry haven’t ate there ever.

Tommytheduck:

Yeah, but there's a guy on here who's signature is how many Famous Daves he's eaten at, so I guess it takes all kinds, hahaha.

Ha. What's wrong with FD's?
Some locations are better than others, but overall, it's decent BBQ.
My fave FD's is in Davenport IA.

I haven't eaten at Chet & Matt's in several years.
We always enjoyed the novelty of the buffet, and even though the pizza was just so-so, at least the Rice Krispy treats were always good.

Local favs of mine are:
Berardi's in Huron.
Angry Bull in Huron
Jims Pizza Box in Huron

I’m not above going to chains. Texas Roadhouse has insane value and their cinnamon butter rolls should be classified as a schedule A drug. It’s a solid option when in doubt.

Culvers is my favorite fast food chain, Chick-Fil-A is my change up option, if I see a Bucc-ees on my road trips I will for sure be stopping there, and for a quick sub I go to Jimmy John’s.

Its just with a rise in online restaurant reviews it’s far easier to find good local places, and chains are at best B+ experiences, a good local place can be an A+ experience.

Touchdown:

Texas Roadhouse...Chick-Fil-A...Bucc-ees...Jimmy John’s.

Now we're talking about restaurants in general, and not just Sandusky.

I haven't been to a Bucc-ees yet. I always drive past them. Huge stores are intimidating to me. Reminds me of Walmart for some reason. I watched Jacob The Carpetbagger on YouTube go to the one in Pigeon Forge, and it just didn't appeal to me. I might need to just try it for myself and see.

And no to Chick-Fil-A. I stay away because of the whole gay thing. I'll eat there once every few years, as some kind of gesture that I won't let it get to me, or something. I don't fully understand why I do it, but it makes me feel better. Something about letting go and not feeling bitter.

But a huge YES to Texas Roadhouse. You won't believe this, but I eat there about three or four times a month. My Uncle Bob has dementia, and needs a few consistent and familiar places to eat when I get him out of the assisted living house twice a week. The wait staff and managers know us by name. The food is awesome, and they run a tight ship that is just so impressive to experience. My favorite chain restaurant.

I just realized that I get Jimmy John's mixed up with Jersey Mike's. Never eaten at Jimmy John's.

Bucc-ees has cheap gas (it’s usually comparable to Costco prices) and they are all laid out the same. In the center back are the giant (and very clean) restrooms, center front is the BBQ, Deli, Bakery and coffee/soda fountains. On one side will be all the non edible merch and the other side the gas station food staples. So if you just want the good food and restrooms, you can confine yourself to just the area by the main door.

LostKause:

My Uncle Bob has dementia, and needs a few consistent and familiar places to eat when I get him out of the assisted living house twice a week.

Respect. Dementia sucks.

I have been going to SFA for the past 20-years. In those 20-years I got the "meal plan" ONE time. It was about 10-years ago when I was offered some crazy deal for an unlimited deal for $39.99 (Old SFA management when they were giving away the gate and everything for free). I think it was two meals, two snacks, no time limit, for $40 bucks. I thought to myself, they charge $42.99 for a large cheese pizza, so this is a no brainer. I signed up then quickly realized I made a mistake. There is simply nothing good to eat. Chicken fingers, fries and onion rings were the basic choices. Then some homeless guy in California realized this super deal and screwed it for everyone. He signed up, slept outside the park and ate like a king everyday of the year for $39.99. The YouTube video got out, then that was quickly squashed.

Day #1 - Fast forward 10-years. I ran some numbers and decided to give the $79 two meal plan a try (knowing I would only use one of the meals each visit because I only stay for like 2-3 hours). I'm getting older, but it flashed back really quickly when I entered the dining facilities at SFA. I started with the "Online ordering" option. Seemed smart. If I can order on a app and not talk to someone then perfect. After ordering and standing outside the stand, the kid inside came out and "Can I help you?" Yeah, I ordered online, here is my number. "Yeah, online ordering is not working. What can I get you?" I have a confirmation number saying the system is working, but OK, what ever you can get me would be great. This was day #1.

Day #2 - OK, I can't trust online ordering. I'll just go up and order the old fashion way. I decided to order the easiest thing possible, chicken fingers. I order, they scan my pass then say "the system has subtracted $1.20. you owe me $16.79". WHAT? I have the meal plan so there should be no charge. Re-scan, nope same issue. Managers get involved, in the end they just gave me the food "for free". This is early spring, nobody is in line but me and one other poor soul. I could only imagine this in the summer or when bus loads of kids spill over with 40-50 orders at a time?

Day # 3 - Repeat above. I wouldn't suggest ordering the chicken fingers unless you would like to experience liquid poop for three days

Day #4 - Johnny Rockets. I ordered a single burger. The transaction went through without an issue. I ate and drank water in air conditioning. Johnny Rockets is the winner.

Day #5 - Six Flags America announces it is closing. Good

Uncle Steve:

Local favs of mine are:
Berardi's in Huron.
Angry Bull in Huron
Jims Pizza Box in Huron

Since you mentioned Huron...

Last year we ended up planning a last-minute trip and found ourselves staying at the Comfort Inn in Huron; it's called the "River's Edge" because it sits on the water just a short walk away from a historical lighthouse and a cool little harbor.

But since this is about food it's also connected to an awesome place called "Harbor House".

We have already booked a stay for this summer. Live music all summer, very cool vibe, and I could live off their "Walleye Bites" all summer.

Sadly for us Chett and Matt's has just not been the same since Matt's passing and the sale of the company.

You can see it in the pic if you zoom in; they are pointing at "The Point" from across the water (really cool view at night). This is outside the Harbor House somewhat close to the path that leads to the historic Huron Lighthouse.