The Best Food At Universal Orlando
From giant pink doughnuts to turkey legs, these bites will fuel your vacation
You're an adult. You get up for work every morning, endure long hours and long weeks, and then you do it all over again. But sometimes you feel like spending a few days in one of America's favorite theme parks, stuffing your face with chocolate and riding the Jurassic Park- and Harry Potter-themed attractions until you're sick to your stomach. Guess what? You deserve it.
On one such lucky diversion, I had the pleasure of eating and drinking just about everything Universal Studios Orlando has to offer. (And, no, I'm not talking your basic chicken fingers and fries here.) From the quick bites you can grab in the parks to the quieter sit-down dinners in surrounding CityWalk, Universal is pumping out some very good eats. Many of them also happen to bring to life iconic films and TV shows, and that's certainly fine by me.
As a guide for your next visit, here's everything you need to devour at Universal Studios Orlando. Just remember to give yourself a short break before hitting the Incredible Hulk Coaster.
Giant Pink Doughnuts from Lard Lad
You've gotta start here. Located in the Simpsons-themed Springfield portion of the parks, these sweet, dense and absolutely massive pink-frosted doughnuts are the best way to get a sugar high. Universal sells a remarkable 50 dozen of them every day.
Butterbeer Ice Cream
About that sugar high: Keep it going with the most magical treat in all the land. Creamy soft-serve ice cream, plus ribbons of golden butterbeer? Yes, please.
Oversize Turkey Legs from Thunder Falls Terrace
Because you need to walk around Jurassic Park posing with animatronic dinosaurs and displaying your ridiculously large serving of meat. You just need to.
Over-the-Top Milkshakes from Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
The latest addition to Universal's dining offerings is a massive, chocolate factory-like, 19th-century steampunk-themed restaurant called Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. In addition to a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, the Willy Wonka chocolate paradise is home to desserts, candy and insane Black Tap-esque milkshakes with flavors ranging from red velvet to espresso buzz to Key lime pie. You need to get your hands on the strawberry cheesecake and cinnamon fantasy versions. Trust me.
Duff Beer from Moe's Tavern
Wash down all of that sugar with a classic brew; Homer Simpson's favorite beer is actually a surprisingly delicious and refreshing pint, brewed specifically for the parks. With classic, dry and "lite" varieties, there's something for everyone on a hot Orlando day.
Burgushi from The Cowfish
The appropriately named fusion restaurant at Universal's CityWalk specializes in both fresh sushi and inventive burgers. Sometimes, it even combines the two. Think sushi rolls stuffed with Angus beef, smoked bacon, spicy mayo, jalapeños and tempura flakes. For someone who's allergic to fish (like yours truly), this is a dream come true.
Chocolate Almond Bread with Salted Caramel Butter from Toothsome
I know, I know. This is NOT the most photogenic dish you've ever seen. But this sweet and savory chocolate loaf is heaven. It's one of the more understated chocolate offerings on a menu full of dessert, but it deserves all of your love. I mean, you can slather it in caramel butter!
The Original Butterbeer
Do not leave Universal without having a glass of this sweet, refreshing, frothy and golden Hogwarts favorite. Sip it while walking the streets of Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, and bring your childhood dreams to life.