Cedar Point Relocating Famous Daves BBQ Restaurant
Big changes are on the menu for Cedar Point’s dining scene as Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que makes a move from the park’s marina to a new home near Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort. The popular barbecue restaurant will take over the former Quaker Steak & Lube location on Cleveland Road, bringing its legendary smoked meats, signature sauces, and hearty flavors to a refreshed space with year-round service.
After nearly a decade in operation, Quaker Steak & Lube closed its doors on January 31, 2025. The restaurant, which first welcomed guests in May 2015, had become a familiar stop for visitors near the Cedar Point Causeway. Now, its prime waterfront location is undergoing a major transformation as it prepares to welcome Famous Dave’s in early May.
Famous Dave’s, which has been a staple at the Cedar Point Marina since 2004, is known for its St. Louis-style ribs, Texas beef brisket, BBQ chicken, and Georgia chopped pork, all slow-smoked to perfection. The restaurant also boasts a lineup of award-winning sauces, including its signature Rich & Sassy.
The new Castaway Bay location will feature dine-in service, outdoor seating, a full bar, and options for takeout and catering ensuring guests can enjoy mouthwatering barbecue any way they choose. Below is a sneak peek of what guests can expect at the new location.
Cedar Point operates the restaurant under a franchise agreement and is investing in extensive renovations to modernize both the interior and exterior of the space. The move to Castaway Bay not only offers a refreshed atmosphere but also ensures year-round service, making it a go-to dining destination no matter the season.
As Famous Dave’s settles into its new home, questions remain about what will take over its former marina location. Before becoming Famous Dave’s that space housed Cedar Point’s Boathouse restaurant, which served as a convenient dining option for both boaters and park guests. Cedar Point has yet to announce future plans for the site.
Famous Dave’s isn’t the only restaurant getting an overhaul for 2025. Over in the main park, Happy Friar, the beloved food stand near the Gemini roller coaster, is undergoing a major renovation. First opened in 1979, one year after Gemini’s debut, ”Happy Friar has long been known for serving up Cedar Point’s fresh-cut fries, a park staple dating back to 1942.
The upcoming remodel will introduce a brand-new facade, an indoor serving line, and a cafeteria-style setup designed to speed up service while allowing for potential menu customizations. Guests will also be able to enjoy their fries on an expanded outdoor patio, offering more seating near one of the park’s classic coasters.
As Cedar Point revitalizes its dining scene with a revamped Happy Friar and the relocation of Famous Dave’s, the park is also gearing up for the debut of major attractions in 2025.
The highly anticipated Siren’s Curse, a new ”Tilt” roller coaster under construction across from the Cedar Point Marina, will feature a dramatic 61-foot-long tilting track that holds riders vertically for up to 10 seconds before plunging them into a thrilling ride experience. The coaster is expected to open in early summer.
Meanwhile, Top Thrill 2, the much-hyped remake of the former Top Thrill Dragster, is aiming to make a triumphant return this spring after an extended closure in 2024. Zamperla, the rides Italian manufacturer, has been making modifications to the trains, with the goal of having the coaster fully operational when Cedar Point kicks off its 2025 season on May 3.
With new attractions, refreshed dining experiences, and the return of fan-favorite rides, Cedar Point’s 2025 season is shaping up to be one of its most exciting yet.
