

Source: Kingdom Media
I genuinely did not expect this.
After spending the night making my way through the food offerings at Halloween Horror Nights 35, I think I’ve found the best thing I’ve eaten so far.
And yes…I know that’s a bold statement.
There are plenty of flashy foods at HHN 35. There are things that look incredible in photos, things covered in sauces and toppings, and plenty of options that immediately grab your attention.
But the thing that impressed me the most? Wasn’t even close to what I expected.
👀 THIS ONE CAME OUT OF NOWHERE
Going into the night, this wasn’t the food item I was most excited about. Honestly, it wasn’t even necessarily at the top of my list.
But after taking that first bite, I immediately thought: “Wait… this might actually be the best thing I’ve eaten tonight.”
And the more I ate it, the more convinced I became. The flavors work. The textures work. It’s satisfying.
And unlike some theme-park foods that are primarily about presentation, this one actually feels like a genuinely good meal.
🚨 HERE’S WHERE I MIGHT LOSE SOME PEOPLE
Because my pick for the best food I’ve tried at HHN 35 is…CATFISH & GRITS.
I can already hear the arguments.
“Catfish?!”
“At Halloween Horror Nights?!”
“THAT’S your favorite?!”
YES. And I’m completely prepared for this to be a controversial opinion.
🔥 THE CATFISH IS REALLY GOOD
The catfish was the biggest surprise for me. It’s flavorful, crispy and satisfying without feeling like you’re just eating another novelty theme-park snack. And then you pair it with the grits? GAME OVER. The combination just works. There’s something about having a comforting Southern-style dish in the middle of a night filled with haunted houses, scare zones and monsters that makes it even better. One minute you’re getting chased by a creature. The next you’re sitting down with a plate of catfish and grits.
This is why HHN IS GREAT.
🧀 DON’T SLEEP ON THE GRITS
The grits are what really bring the whole thing together. They’re creamy and comforting, and they work perfectly with the crispy catfish and crunchy garlic. And you get a side of hot sauce to kick things up if that’s your thing. This is what separates it from some of the more gimmicky HHN food options.
📍 SO WHERE CAN YOU GET IT?
If I’ve convinced you to give this surprise champion a shot, here’s where you need to go:
🎸 HEAD TO CAFÉ LA BAMBA
The Annie’s Juke Joint Catfish & Grits is part of the Sinners-themed menu at the Sinners booth in Café La Bamba. It’s currently listed at $11.99.
🗣️ BUT I KNOW THIS IS GOING TO BE POLARIZING
Food is subjective. Maybe you don’t like catfish. Maybe you’re not a grits person. Maybe you think there’s another HHN 35 item that absolutely destroys this one.
And that’s okay.
I’m not claiming this is objectively the best food at the event. I’m saying that after what I’ve tried so far, this is the one that impressed me the most.
And honestly? That’s what makes these rankings fun.
🏆 SO YES… I’M GIVING IT THE CROWN
After one night of eating my way through HHN 35, my biggest food surprise is officially: CATFISH & GRITS.
Now I’m curious: What’s YOUR favorite HHN 35 food?
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