RestaurantAmerican RestaurantChildren's Party ServiceRainforest Café
Part adventure, part restaurant, and wholly entertaining. The Rainforest Cafe is a A WILD PLACE TO EAT® and exciting thrill for all ages. Wild times await in a decorative jungle with animatronics and a menu of delicious American and tropical fare. Visitors can also hover over “Wild Bunch” attire and hundreds of private-label souvenirs at the Rainforest Cafe Retail Village, while Tracy the Talking Tree speaks up every 30 seconds with an earth-friendly message.
CAUTION: Flashing lights and thunder sounds inside restaurant. May cause discomfort and/ or seizures for those with photosensitive epilepsy.
Numerous customers praised the attentive and friendly service provided by various servers, particularly highlighting Colleen, Vanessa, and Karla.
Food Quality
While many enjoyed the food, some reviews mentioned that certain items, like fries, were not up to expectations, indicating room for improvement.
Family Experience
The restaurant is noted for being family-friendly, with many positive comments about the atmosphere and how well staff interacted with children.
Ambiance
The immersive jungle theme and overall ambiance received positive remarks, contributing to a nostalgic and enjoyable dining experience.
KT
Kong Tat
2 days ago
4.0
Overall fun experience, drinks taste good (alcohol and non-alcohol), appetizer were good as well (we ordered the artichoke dip, one of the better dips compared to other places). The main dishes were ok, I ordered salmon, it had tiny bones in it and over cooked. My wife ordered the steak and shrimp, it was way better than my salmon. They cooked the steak perfectly as well. Most importantly, our waitress; MaKayla, had an amazing attitude, very friendly, and attentive!!
MB
Micaela Bucci
2 days ago
5.0
Vanessa and Colleen were the best safari guides I have ever had the privilege to accompany me on my Rainforest Cafe journey. I would request these fine women every time if I could. Also big shout out to our talented balloon artist Ryan for hooking us up with some sick artwork. Please consider giving these three a hefty salary increase!
HW
Harley Wallk
5 days ago
4.0
Rainforest Café is one of those places that feels less like a restaurant and more like you accidentally walked into a Disney ride that also serves fries. The whole vibe is so fun — the thunder sounds, the animals randomly moving, the glowing tanks — it’s basically dinner and a show, but the show is a bunch of animatronic gorillas staring into your soul (in a cute way). One thing I’d like to mention is the servers take long, when I went there was barely anyone though. ( during dinner time like 5-6)
Food-wise, it honestly depends on what you order. Some of the stuff, especially on the kids’ menu, tastes pretty normal — like nothing wild or life-changing. But honestly? It’s the experience that makes it totally worth it. Sitting in the “rainforest,” watching the lights flash like a storm is happening, and hearing elephants every few minutes just makes everything feel extra. Their burgers are solid, the pasta is good, and the smoothies taste like vacation in a cup.
If you’re going for a fun time, cool atmosphere, and something different from your usual restaurants, Rainforest Café definitely hits the mark. It’s one of those places where even if the food isn’t fancy, the vibe alone makes you wanna come back.
CB
Colorful Berries
Jan 3, 2026
1.0
Had a great time just family. However, my son ordered a meal and took two bites and didn’t like it. No big deal we will just order you something else. I requested a cheese burger and fries. The manager came over and we informed her what we requested the change in food. First words out of her mouth was she will not be able to take the meal off that he didn’t like. My reply was that’s not a problem we, would like to request a cheese burger. Paying for the food is not an issue. I stated that I think it’s the zucchini he didn’t like. The manager replied it’s on the menu with the ingredient. We did read the ingredients and my son thought he would like it. After that my husband had to show his military ID twice to the waitress and the same manager again. The point is we pay for food, taste what we may like or not. I’m still a paying customer for what I don’t eat or like money is not an issue for us. The bill was over $200 and we left a great tip.
AG
Ayla GERMANN
Dec 30, 2025
5.0
asked to be farther in the forest due to obnoxious mall lighting and they were unable to move us, however no blame to the workers.
thunderstorm effects were exhilarating, i was delightfully terrified each time one occurred (it happened 4 times to be specific) (every 20 minutes)
gift shop was immaculate, please add cups that say ayla though.
10/10 would return (i live 100 miles away so trust i am dedicated) loved the authentic amazonion experience. could use more chimps in the bathrooms though.
Yes, Rainforest Cafe accepts reservations to help you plan your visit.
What types of pickup and delivery services does Rainforest Cafe offer?
Rainforest Cafe offers both in-store pickup and delivery services for your convenience.
What are the opening hours of Rainforest Cafe in Gurnee?
The cafe is open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time.
What kind of cuisine can I expect at Rainforest Cafe?
You can enjoy a menu featuring delicious American and tropical fare in a jungle-themed setting with animatronics.
Does Rainforest Cafe offer a kids' menu or family-friendly services?
Yes, Rainforest Cafe welcomes families and provides a children's menu and a fun environment for all ages.
What payment options are accepted at Rainforest Cafe?
They accept American Express, Cash, Check, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Travelers Check, and Visa.
Can I order online from Rainforest Cafe?
Yes, you can order online through their official ordering website to enjoy your meals conveniently.
What nearby shopping options are available around Rainforest Cafe?
Nearby, you can shop at Locker Room by Lids for hats, Aéropostale for clothing, and Bath & Body Works for beauty products, among others within Gurnee Mills.
Are there nearby dining options close to Rainforest Cafe if I want to explore more food venues?
Yes, Shawarma King #2 offers Middle Eastern food, Sbarro provides Italian cuisine, and Ruby Tuesday serves American dishes nearby in the same area.
How can I get to Rainforest Cafe if I am visiting nearby places in Gurnee Mills?
You can easily access Rainforest Cafe when visiting nearby stores like The Lego Store or Piercing Pagoda, as they are all located within the Gurnee Mills shopping center, facilitating convenient shopping and dining experiences.