Don’t miss the Brisket Mac Cone from the Outta the Box cabin at Busch Gardens’ Bier Fest. A smoky, cheesy BBQ treat served in a waffle cone!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Bier Fest is back, and it’s bringing the flavor. This annual celebration of craft brews, live entertainment, and bold bites has quickly become one of the park’s most anticipated events—and with good reason. Running on select dates through the summer, Bier Fest gives guests the chance to sip and savor their way through dozens of seasonal beers, smoked meats, and creative dishes that go way beyond your typical theme park fare.
Still, while the beer list is long and the music keeps the energy high, let’s be honest: we’re here for the food. However, on opening weekend, one dish stood out above the rest: the Brisket Mac Cone from the Outta the Box cabin.
What Is the Brisket Mac Cone?
Let’s get right to the good stuff. The Brisket Mac Cone ($10.99) is exactly what it sounds like—creamy macaroni and cheese topped with smoked brisket, all served in a handheld waffle cone. Think of it as comfort food turned street food. Still, somehow, it works really well. In fairness, this Bier Fest menu option is officially called: Brisket Mac (in a Waffle Cone).
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a mac and cheese cone at a theme park (SeaWorld Orlando’s version might ring a bell), but Busch Gardens has refined the idea. The brisket here is smoky, tender, and while the portion isn’t massive, it’s flavorful and does its job without overpowering the mac. The mac and cheese itself is rich, warm, and satisfying—precisely what you want from a BBQ-inspired dish.
Then there’s the cone. You might expect a sugary dessert-style cone, but this one is light on sweetness and structurally sound—sturdy enough to hold the mac and brisket without falling apart in your hand. It adds just the right crunch and also a hint of contrast without competing with the main event.
Better Than the Rest
We’ve sampled a lot of comfort food cones at theme park festivals, and this one ranks high on the list. Compared to SeaWorld’s Hatch Chili Mac Cone, which veers into spicy territory, the Brisket Mac Cone at Bier Fest is all about balance. No gimmicks, no excess toppings with this! Just a solid serving of cheesy mac and brisket wrapped in a cone you can walk around with.
Still, that’s really what makes this such a winning dish. It’s fun to eat, easy to carry, and gives you exactly what it promises. No tiny bites pretending to be a meal. No sauce explosions halfway through. Just brisket, mac, and a cone that can handle the job.
Where to Find It
You’ll find the Brisket Mac Cone at the Outta the Box food booth during Bier Fest. Trust us, it’s worth a stop. In fact, out of everything we sampled at Bier Fest on opening weekend (and we sampled a lot), this was the clear favorite. Pair it with a crisp lager or a smooth amber ale from one of the many local breweries on tap, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate theme park treat—portable, satisfying, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Brisket Mac Cone at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Bier Fest is all about bold flavors and laid-back fun, and the Brisket Mac Cone captures that perfectly. Whether you’re a foodie looking for something new or just a hungry park-goer wanting something delicious between rides, this cone delivers. It may look quirky. However, it is seriously good—and easily one of the most memorable dishes you’ll find at Busch Gardens this season. Don’t skip it.
If you want more theme park dining reviews, we publish one every weekday at noon Eastern Time at MSM News. Additionally, we publish bonus theme park dining reviews, such as this one. As always, eat like you mean it!
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