This weekend, Knott’s Berry Farm kicked off their Taste of Knott’s event, and I was able to attend for opening day. Originally, I did not think this would be an event for me — I’m still not entirely comfortable attending amusement parks or ticketed events where there might be crowds, and I also assumed vegan options at this foodie event would be very limited. I was wrong on both counts. After watching other vloggers at the Taste of Calico event which just ended, it really seemed like Knott’s has made it possible to enjoy some theme park magic while maintaining enough personal space for each guest. It seemed like this was an event that I could attend and feel safe. But what about the food?
Your ticket to Taste of Knott’s ($30) also functions as your Tasting Card — a laminated card with a QR code that allows you to try five items from various locations throughout the park. Before purchasing my ticket, I scanned the menu and found that there were at least five vegan-friendly items I would definitely like to try, along with a few backups. I purchased my ticket. My first time inside of a theme park since January, with low crowds, and vegan food? Now, I was getting excited.
I hadn’t been to Knott’s in about a decade, and found myself a little disoriented when I arrived. Sorting through the vegan options on the website, finding their location on my tasting card, and then trying to find their physical location on the map proved to be a bit confusing, so I streamlined that for you by listing only the vegan items and their locations at the end of this post. I also noticed some of the menu boards posted at the actual restaurants included a “V” symbol for items that are vegan as-is or can be modified, so that method works too if you prefer to wander and see what speaks to you.
There was ample seating throughout the park, much of which consisted of single-file benches along wide pathways or tucked away in alcoves. Basically, many of these benches are positioned so that the only people coming anywhere near your table are the people in your party, and pedestrians are quite a ways away. Knott’s team members were also monitoring these seating areas and wiping down tables as soon as guests were done using them. There were a few seating areas where benches were arranged in more of a grid, and even though they were spread out, it was a bit busier with more people coming and going. If you don’t feel comfortable with that, keep walking and you’ll definitely find tables nearby with more privacy.
Because we’re in the middle of a heatwave, of course I have to remind you to wear proper sun protection, and stay hydrated. Knott’s does allow you to bring your own sealed water bottles and sports drinks, or you can bring an empty reusable water bottle and fill it up once you’re inside. Cups of water are also available at the food stations, but I would recommend asking for a large to make sure you’re drinking enough. I was also worried about shade but there was plenty in most areas, except for the queue for La Papa Loca which was in direct sunlight.
I’m including more detailed reviews of everything I ate, but overall I was happy with the quality of the food and the items offered. If I were to do this again, the only change I’d make would be to skip the boysenberry chips & salsa and try the portobello mushroom (not) sandwich instead. This has to be ordered without a bun to make it vegan, but I think the arugula and onion strings would make it tasty for sure.
Taste of Knott’s is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Aug. 21 – Sept. 13, as well as Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day). Be sure to check the event page and reserve your tickets soon, as some dates have already sold out. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Below you will find reviews of the five items I ate during my visit, followed by a complete list of vegan (and modifiable) options at Taste of Knott’s. On their menu (scroll down to “Taste of Knott’s Special Dietary Needs), Knott’s has also included a couple types of street corn (one on the cob and one in a bowl), which can be made made vegan with no toppings. I stuck to the more interesting items for my list, but just know that plain corn is there if you want it. I believe you could also order the carnitas fries with no meat or sour cream (pico de gallo only), even though their menu says it can’t be modified.
1st Taste: Boysenberry Basil Lemonade
Basil is one of my favorite scents and flavors, so I knew I would be giving this item a try. The first swig tasted a little odd, and after I took a minute to process, I realized it reminded me slightly of salad dressing. (Side note: I would not say no to a boysenberry-basil vinaigrette.) I wish they had turned down the basil just a smidge, but I definitely don’t regret trying this. But now that I have, I think the watermelon lemonade or boysenberry mint agua fresca would be more pleasant. Located at Fireman’s BBQ (GT), Wilderness Broiler (GT), Coasters Diner (BW).
2nd Taste: Tater Tots Topped with Faux BBQ pulled “Pork” Jack Fruit, Vegan Cheese and Sriracha
I never would have thought to put BBQ jackfruit on tater tots, but the result was pretty great! This was also a generous sized portion. There is also a non-vegan version of this dish, so I made sure to clearly say “jackfruit” as it can sometimes be tough to hear each other with a mask on. This was also spicier than I expected, so if you’re sensitive to spice I would recommend asking for the sriracha ketchup on the side (the BBQ sauce on the jackfruit is mild). Located at Calico Fry Co. (GT), Sutter’s Grill (GT).
3rd Taste: Açaí Bowl with Granola & Fruit
This was just as tasty as any smoothie bowl I’ve had from fancy juice shops. The fruit toppings were sweet and fresh, and the portion size was perfect. Mine was still delicious even though it melted in the few minutes it took me to find a table and snap some photos, but I’d suggest eating it quickly if you want it to stay frosty. Located at Gourmet Coffee Hut (BW).
4th Taste: Boysenberry Chips & Boysenberry Salsa
This one was a mistake. I tried a chip on it’s own first, and it kind of reminded me of.. Pop-Tarts? Imagine you’re dipping a crunchy, less-sweet version of Pop-Tarts in salsa. This might be interesting to share amongst a group, but because I was by myself, it was too much — I could only finish about 1/3 of the chips, and it’s not because I was too full. The boysenberry salsa was nice on it’s own, and I think it would be great if they had paired it with some potato tacos or taquitos instead (similar vibe to samosas and tamarind chutney), or traditional tortilla chips. I do appreciate the creativity with boysenberry-infused foods at Knott’s, but this one wasn’t working for me. Located at La Papa Loca (FV).
Taste #5: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp With Whipped Cream (MODIFICATION: omit whipped cream)
I had some regrets when this was handed to me; it looked like a large, gelatinous fruit blob with a tiny sprinkling of crisp. But after the first bite, I changed my mind immediately. This was super tasty, and even though I would have enjoyed a little more topping (and vegan whipped cream), it was great as-is. This is served warm, so I’m glad I made it my last item when things were starting to cool off a bit. Located at Sutter’s Funnel Cake (GT), Ghost Town Grub (GT), Log Ride Funnel Cake (GT).
Complete List
Tater Tots Topped with Faux BBQ pulled “Pork” Jack Fruit, Vegan Cheese and Sriracha
Location: Calico Fry Co. (GT), Sutter’s Grill (GT)
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Sandwich with Onion Strings and Arugula *
Location: Wilderness Broiler (GT)
* Modification: Order with no bun.
Hummus, Artichoke Spinach, Tzatziki Trio with Naan Bread and Veggies *
Location: Coasters Diner (BW)
* Modification: Order without spinach dip and tzatziki sauce.
Shrimp Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing *
Location: Cantina (FV)
* Modification: Order without shrimp.
Boysenberry Chips & Boysenberry Salsa
Location: La Papa Loca (FV)
Boysenberry Smoothie
Location: Wagon Wheel Pizza (GT), Judge Roy Bean, (GT), Gourmet Coffee Hut (BW)
Watermelon Lemonade
Location: Pemmican Pickle (GT)
Boysenberry Basil Lemonade
Location: Fireman’s BBQ (GT), Wilderness Broiler (GT), Coasters Diner (BW)
Unicorn Icee – Orange Fanta, Blue Raspberry, Red Cherry, and Yellow Lemon
Location: Chowhouse Ice Cream (GT)
Boysenberry Mint Agua Fresca
Location: Fiesta Booth (FV)
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Whipped Cream *
Location: Sutter’s Funnel Cake (GT), Ghost Town Grub (GT), Log Ride Funnel Cake (GT)
* Modification: Order without whipped cream.
Acai Bowl with Granola and Fruit
Location: Gourmet Coffee Hut (BW)
For alcoholic beverages, please check the “Special Dietary Needs” tab of their online menu — many of these are also listed as vegan.
I hope you find this guide helpful, and enjoy your time at Taste of Knotts! Tag me on Instagram (@vegan.dynamite) if you posts your Tastes, especially if you tried anything that I missed — I’m curious! Let me know if we agreed or disagreed in our reviews by posting a comment. Thank you to Knott’s Berry Farm for hosting this event, and for making it vegan-friendly!
vegan DYNAMITE 
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