Daily food budget

[biggles1998]

hi, I'm looking to make sure i budget my cash the best i can, and cannot remember what the general concession prices ranged from for food etc when i attended for a few days back in 2016.given exchange rate, i need to try and plan the cash accordingly.whats people general expected daily spend on food (on field)?cheersmike

[Kyle Boatright]

hi, I'm looking to make sure i budget my cash the best i can, and cannot remember what the general concession prices ranged from for food etc when i attended for a few days back in 2016.given exchange rate, i need to try and plan the cash accordingly.whats people general expected daily spend on food (on field)?cheersmike

You could probably eat at Sacred Heart for $6-8/meal. Vendors inside the fence will be a few bucks more. A jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread from the camp store would bring your daily costs down considerably.

[biggles1998]

A jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread from the camp store would bring your daily costs down considerably.hi - yes i was thinking of raiding target for a cool box and a few bits of food and leave in the car for a (boot) picnic.. but if I can plan effectively i hope it'll stop me carrying to much cash around. ( since i did like having a burger near the flightline ;-) )thanks

[Auburntsts]

Lots of variables here that can affect what you actually spend but without going data diving I’d recommend a conservative $30 a day and you’ll be covering all of the options.

[CarlOrton]

The great thing about Oshkosh is that there is no wrong answer - just about anything goes.

Since you mentioned stowing things in the boot, I'm ignorantly assuming you'll be staying in the dorms. If so, freeze a couple of water bottles; they're only $2 on the field, but if you drink alot, that can add up. Of course, there's plenty of clean water available for free on the field - it's just not cold. You mentioned a cooler; there are plenty of cheap, limited-use foam coolers for just a few dollars at any store; you don't need an Igloo or better brand.

Kyle mentioned Sacred Heart, but didn't mention its location. It's right next to the Bus Park area, just a short hike from the main gate. They have a decent variety of easy-to fix meals like burgers, hot dogs, eggs in the AM, etc. They are one of the best bargains out there. Not gourmet, but it sates the hunger.

If you prefer to dine on-field for lunch, I always go for the Member Special. Most of the concessions have them. You get an item, potato chips (crisps) or french fries (chips) and a drink. Usually in the $8-11 range. I have to have at least one Bratwurst each year.

There are also options other than peanut butter that don't require refrigeration. On the days when I don't want to make the hike from the flight line all the way back to Sacred Heart, I either make a PB&J and carry it in a rigid sandwich case; I hate a squashed sandwich! In addition to that, you could pack two slices of bread, and carry either a can of Deviled Ham or a pouch of pre-made tuna salad mix. It's easy to find a plastic knife, spoon, or other utensil to just make your own sandwich. Although I love PB&J, a guy's just gotta have some variety.

If you *are* in the dorms, don't just surrender to eating in the Uni cafeteria. Good food, but Oshkosh offers so much more. A short drive to the east side of the field is Ardy & Ed's drive-in. It's a '50's era burger & icecream shack where the wait staff gets around on roller skates. If not traveling with mates, it's easy to just pull up in your car and they'll take care of you. Or get out and sit at one of the picnic tables. Standard Oshkosh rules: "Mind if I share a table with you? Thanks! Where you from?"

There's also many other fine eateries in/around the area. Check the tables in the dorm lobby; all the restaurants have stacks of menus, etc., to entice you.

[Bill Berson]

Good tips.
Last year for lunch I carried 6 slices of bread and a can of tuna. Opened the can for lunch with my Leatherman. All part of the fun.

[biggles1998]

Thanks for the great ideas, ill have to look at the opening and closing times of the other off field eateries. when i came last time my jet lag was in full effect and was eating breakfast with copious amounts of coffee in Perkins at 5am, and through main gates just after 6 waiting for the main gate to issue tickets LOL..ill plan on $30 as mentioned, but considering i'm in for the whole week, i'll be looking at easy cheaper alternatives and PB&J bagels may be on the cards by friday ( bagels don't squash as much :-) )do they allow those small tin foil pop up BBQs in the carpark?cheersmike

[DaleB]

I can also recommend the Subway. They have reasonably healthy food selections available, and are not expensive. I ended up eating at least half my meals there last year and the year before.

[CHICAGORANDY]

As others have mentioned, supplement your larder with Walmart dry goods and beverages for carried in snacks, a quick meal and late nite dorm chow. One year I think I spent near $30 just buying frozen lemonade drinks and cold Gatorade, dang it was a HOT one. lol

Other than that the whole event is not unlike camping inside a food court at a mall. Slightly overpriced, non-nutritive bulk that tastes FANTASTIC after hours of schlepping around the massive grounds.

Some of the best advice I've ever been given when travelling abroad is "Pack half the clothes and twice the money".

[steve]

Use Google maps to look for "Oshkosh WI restaurants". Zoom in. There are hundreds of nearby choices. Budget between $30-$50 daily if you eat out 3x a day.

[Kyle Boatright]

I can also recommend the Subway. They have reasonably healthy food selections available, and are not expensive. I ended up eating at least half my meals there last year and the year before.

We visit the Subway almost every day, sometimes twice. It is near the confluence of Homebuilt Parking and Warbirds.

Our other frequent stop is SOS Brothers, which has a surprisingly good menu of brats, BBQ, fish sandwiches, etc. just outside the main gate (and under the big yellow balloon). PS, they sell beer too.

[Floatsflyer]

We visit the Subway almost every day, sometimes twice. It is near the confluence of Homebuilt Parking and Warbirds.

Our other frequent stop is SOS Brothers, which has a surprisingly good menu of brats, BBQ, fish sandwiches, etc. just outside the main gate (and under the big yellow balloon). PS, they sell beer too.

There is also a Subway on the north side of Theatre in the Woods. SOS is quite good but it's expensive if you're a budget concious eater.

The honest answer for you is that inside the OSH gates food is expensive, you're a captive audience, so if you want to eat cheaper, bring whatever you like with you. Sit anywhere, enjoy the sights and sounds and people watching. Two best places to eat your brown bag lunch are Warbirds and Ultralights. Lots of exciting activity to watch.

[CarlOrton]

*snip* ...do they allow those small tin foil pop up BBQs in the carpark?cheersmike
I don't think you can have an open flame anyplace other than an approved campsite, but I could be wrong.

[FlyingRon]

I don't think you can have an open flame anyplace other than an approved campsite, but I could be wrong.

Carpark is outside the gates. Don't think the EAA polices them much.

[gmatejcek]

Howdy, and welcome back! (I think this will be my 43rd.... but even with my shoes off I can't quite count that high...)
There have been lots of good suggestions, but I would highlight a couple things. First, if you are driving up from MKE a cooler in the trunk is an excellent idea, as is buying supplies down there or along the drive to avoid the convention prices. One of my fallbacks are my favorite granola bars. I never leave the campsite without a few in my backpack. Apples travel well in a backpack, too.

If you are on the grounds early, the Tall Pines Cafe down by the ultralights is probably the best bang for the buck for breakfast. A couple favorites off the grounds are, as previously mentioned, Ardy and Ed's, conveniently located directly under the final for 27. As in, when Aluminum Overcast lands you might just get hit with a drop of engine oil. They are an old fashioned American drive in with good food and excellent root beer. Another is Fratello's, home of the Fox River Brewing Company. They are on the banks of the Fox river near where it connects to the lake. Lots of out door seating in addition to the air conditioned indoors, great food, a Cirrus parked on the lawn, and usually live music. And, of course, lots of conventioneers. Right on the north fence of the airport is Friar Tuck's. Decent food, air conditioning, and close.

For what its worth-

[weedhopr]

Sign up to be a volunteer. Work a 4 hr shift, and get free mystery meat sandwiches, chips, and a pop, or water for lunch. I've been volunteering for the entire week every year for the past 15 years.

[izznsky]

I have been camping in scholler for about 10 years which makes it easy to bike back for lunch. Thank you for being a volunteer. Last year was my first year of volunteering and had a great time and met several other fun volunteers. Plan on volunteering again this year

[Tom Steber]

Don't forget the awesome fresh homemade cake donuts that are right by the IAC building. It's a daily breakfast treat for us. PS: They also have some other breakfast items too. I drive back and forth everyday from Green Bay, so I never have supper there. But for breakfast and lunch plus a couple bottles of water and possibly one of those frozen raspberry or lemon treats, I usually plan on about $30-$35 per person per day. But like it's been said, you can bring in your own lunch or hit the Church Tent by the bus stop in the parking lot.

[scuba72]

I make it a point to not eat on the grounds due to the inflated prices. Sacred Heart stand is the exception although its officially not on the grounds. Since I stay in Camp Scholler, I will usually head back to camp for meals. Chances are you will meet some new friends who will invite you to their camp for a free meal or two.

Nobody mentioned Walmart or Pick and Save. Both have a Deli where you can pick up some Fried Chicken and fixings for a decent price. Several buses a day run there.

Volunteering will get you a meal for free.

Grilling lunch and/or dinner behind your car in parking lot seems like another option. If the powers that be frown on it, my bet they would at least let you finish cooking before shutting you down.

[robert l]

I always keep some canned food in my truck just in case I get stranded somewhere or just need a quick snack. I carry Vienna Sausages in my back pack and canned ham, "potted meat", (or, as I like to call it, Spotted Dog) is always good and you can scoop it out with some crackers. No utensils necessary.
Bob