The Potato Patch

Literal best fries in the US. Try them with vinegar! A PA favorite!

Still the best thing to do while at Kennywood. Yes, I did say THE BEST THING to do. I mean yeah there are rides at the park and shows, but everyone, and I mean everyone, comes here for the fries to be had at The Potato Patch. Not just any of the fries, but the cheddar bacon fries. They are so damned good that you don’t mind if you burn your tongue with eating them.
I also have to say that I enjoy that they streamlined the way to get your order here. Instead of bum rushing the counter you stand in line to pay and then head up to pick up your order. So much easier and there is no evil eye to be given to the person behind/​next to you because you think they are trying to jump line.
It is a total must to come here and get these fries. If you come to Kennywood and do not partake, you are not getting the full effect of Kennywood.

If you live in Pittsburgh, you have to visit Kennywood and you have to eat at The Potato Patch at LEAST once. It’s just one of our rules. But why you’d stop at just once I don’t know, because these fries are great! They’re thick-​cut, fresh, and will be piping hot and covered in the toppings you want when they’re served — so as far as I’m concerned they’re everything you’d want from a really good batch of fries.
It’s not uncommon to see a line as you walk by The Potato Patch, but usually it moves very quickly so don’t let it scare you off! If you’re ready for lunch, just step in behind someone and start thinking about what you want on your hand cut fries. I usually just go for cheese and gravy and add some ketchup on the side, but they’ll also add on some vinegar and a few other ingredients if you want them. Once you order you’ll just have to wait briefly for the staff to hand you your container of fries and a fork, and from there, it’s chow time! There’s some seating available right next to the stand, although depending on the crowd that day you may have to eat while standing.
A few other notes from me about the Potato Patch: they just serve a standard sized order, so depending on how hungry you are you may want to share it with a friend. (Or not!) I also know from experience that sometimes the gravy isn’t particularly thick, resulting in most of it sliding to the bottom of the bin. Personally I’m fine with this, since it means the last few bites of fries are soaked in gravy and it’s absolutely delicious, but it may be something to keep in mind based on personal taste.
Overall though, 2 big thumbs up from this gal! Now when do I get to go back to Kennywood and get more of these fries?

I stopped by the Potato Patch while visiting Kennywood last Sat. Given that the Potato Patch is the most famed food stand in the park, I had to pay it a visit. Since I had a picnic lunch at the park, I waited until dinnertime, when I was sufficiently hungry to justify getting an order of the famed potato patch fries.
At the time of my visit, there was hardly any line, which was likely due to the weather, which had been threatening to rain all day. Even if there is a crowd, there are ten lines to order from, though, so I imagine it moves pretty fast. The way it works is that you put in your order and pay first, and then you step forward to the window to receive your fries. AFAIK, only fries are sold at this stand, so if you want something else, like a drink, you’ll have to get it from a nearby stand. (I hit up the nearby fresh squeezed lemonade stand.)
At the Potato Patch, a regular order of fries comes with one or more toppings, except for bacon, which is an upcharge. In keeping with tradition, I ordered my fries with cheese and bacon ($ 8.20). If you order cheese sauce, it will be poured over the fries unless you specify that you want it on the side – for my part, I wanted to enjoy the fries in their ooey, gooey glory, so this was fine with me. As for the fries themselves, they are of the boardwalk variety – thick cut and with skin left on – and come in a medium sized portion (there’s only one size), which was more than filling enough for me. I am something of a fry connoisseur, so I can say with some authority that while they weren’t the best fries I’ve ever had, they were quite good, and are definitely a cut above the usual theme park fare.
If it’s your first time visiting Kennywood, as it was for me, be sure not to miss the Potato Patch! Just make sure to go when your stomach’s settled, so you can enjoy the fries in all of their crispy, topping-​laden glory!
Note: I took a photo of the fries, as I usually do, but lost my phone before I could upload it. :-(

I know this is a «beloved» Kennywood classic, but I just cannot find reasons to love it.
First off, the wait was dreadful, but I’ll overlook that because it is located in an amusement park filled with hungry people. I ordered right off the menu – fries drizzled in cheddar cheese and loaded with bacon. That sounds delicious right? Well, what I got a pile of soggy fries drowned in grease and cheese with pieces of stale bacon on top that literally tasted like salty cardboard. Goodbye appetite, goodbye $ 7.
Final verdict: It was a $ 7 poorly spent. I am a huge french fries fan, but I am definitely NOT a fan of the fries at The Potato Patch.

One the «must do» things at Kennywood is to get the Patch Fries. I always preferred getting the cheese on the side so my fries would not get soggy. I was a bit disappointed recently when we were given cold fries. Not sure how this can happen when the lines is continuous. My expectations are high from the Patch because of my memories. Make sure to visit this place while at Kennywood.

Just not good. Tried several times. I wanted to like them but greasy and soggy.

I like cheese fries. Don’t get the bacon. It’s too greasy and will make you sick. I will be back here.

As someone who didn’t grow up in Pittsburgh, I wondred if the legendary Potato Patch fries would live up to expectations. After all, every single person that knew I was going to Kennywood said that if I ate one thing that day, it had to be these fries. They had a lot to live up to. I heard stories of waiting up to a half hour (or more!) for the fries, so I was worried that I’d wait a long time and be disappointed.
During our visit, there was a downpour and thunderstorm. All the rides were closed but the area where we were seeking shelter a quick jaunt from the famed stand. My husband braved the rain and got me an order with cheese, bacon and garlic salt. It was love at first bite. The fries were perfectly covered in warm cheese and an ample supply of bacon. They were HOT and had just the right amount of crispness. An awesome treat. I was tempted to get them again before leaving the park but decided to save the treat for a repeat visit later this summer.

Super long wait no matter what time you go or how busy the park is. It is totally worth the wait! A kennywood must! Don’t forget the cheddar and bacon they make it! I always feel bad for the guys having to slice the fresh potatoes and it is so amazing!

A Kennywood must try!
These are the best fries ever! Eating Potato Patch fries and going to Kennywood is part of the Pittsburgh summer. It’s almost worth the price of admission to Kennywood alone!
Yes, the lines are long, but they do go fast. They are always cut fresh right before being fried, unlike the fast food chains that double drop their fries.
I always get the bacon and cheese fries and add ranch dressing and ketchup. Other available topping include beef gravy, garlic salt, seasoned salt, and bbq salt.
You will defiantly need a hand full of napkins as you are going to get VERY messy!

This is painful for me to actually post this but I am giving the Potato Patch at Kennywood Park 1 star of 5. I grew up going to Kennywood Park and the Potato Patch was always something to look forward to with perfect fries and toppings like malt vinegar, gravy, cheese or just good old fashioned Heinz Ketchup and salt. When I went to Kennywood this past summer I stood in line for 30 minutes and the fries were horrible and VERY soggy with old hot grease (and perhaps the worst thing that I have attempted to eat in a very long time). I know that a lot of kids work at these amusement park stands but someone with a little more experience or seniority needs to put in some standards and return The Potato Patch to it’s glory days.

I have to second the former review.
Who goes to Kennywood and passes up the Patch? Lines may be long but they do go fast. The potatoes are cut in front of you and fried to golden brown perfection then smothered in whatever tickles your fancy. Yes, they are a bit messy to handle that’s why they give you a fork and yes, they will most definitely clog your arteries but just indulge yourself then make a couple more laps around the park.

here’s the deal: this place is a pittsburgh institution. you to kennywood, you eat potato patch fries. that’s just the way it is when you’re born & raised in the 412. if you don’t give this place 5 stars, you’re definitely not a true pittsburgher.
for those out-​of-​towners: the fries are hand-​cut, like steak fries. toppings include cheese (lots & lots of melted cheddar cheese that comes out of pumps but is still somehow delicious), beef gravy, garlic salt, seasoned salt, and bbq salt. oh yeah, and bacon. actually, fried bacon — perfection!
right by the thunderbolt & noah’s ark, it’s almost worth the price of admission to kennywood alone!
ps — i saw a guy buy baked lay’s here. at the potato patch. really?!