Startle

Circular Dining Room resides in Hershey, Pennsylvania, less than a mile from Hershey Park, though there’s a lot more than just milk chocolate on the menu at this Four-Star restaurant. Before you head to the restaurant, know these five facts:

1.The restaurant is from the original hotel. Circular Dining Room, which serves up contemporary American cuisine, is original to The Hotel Hershey, which opened its doors in 1933.

2. There’s a valid reason behind the design. The restaurant’s circular design wasn’t solely for aesthetic reasons: Candy bar creator Milton Hershey worried that bad tippers would be given tables in the corner, so he wanted a dining room without any. Instead the real-life Willy Wonka wanted a restaurant in which every table had a nice view.

3. It is most recently turned more casual. While the vibe is still on the more formal side, a recent change relaxed the dress code to resort casual. It’s more welcoming to the many families who stay at the hotel for its proximity to Hershey Park and all of the chocolate.

4. Pay attention to the operating hours. The hours of the restaurant are slightly unusual, with lunch only being offered on Saturdays and dinner on Tuesdays to Fridays. Keep in mind that these hours change depending on the season, so always call before heading out.

5. A smaller production of brunch is available on select mornings. While the restaurant is known for its decadent Sunday brunch buffet — with entrées like poached shrimp and pork medallions with zucchini, pistachios and brandy-cherry glaze, as well as lengthy list of chocolaty desserts, including double chocolate cheesecake and a chocolate fountain — a smaller version of the spread is available on select mornings during peak season. Call ahead to check.