Where to eat at Universal Orlando including menus...UPDATED REGULARLY

A few questions...

We will be there between Christmas and New Years, what’s it like trying to find a table at counter service places? We were also thinking of just making a reservation at Lombard’s to guarantee us a place to sit and get away from crowds. Any reviews or opinions on Lombard’s?
 


Ate there in October and it was great


Had been skipping the place the past 5 years as had very few times that the food was worth it

Completely new menu this time and everything we had was well cooked and prepared and service was excellent this last time

It is back on my list for future visits
 
We ended up going to Cowfish for lunch. DH wasn't happy with his bento box but I got the Burgushi and loved it :)
 
Does anyone know if the Thanksgiving Buffets at the Hotels (specifically Hard Rock) include drinks (sodas, tea etc...)? Trying to decide between a buffet or Emeril's. Thanks.
 


Lunch at 3 Broomsticks or Leaky Cauldren? I can only pick one.

My Family is going during Christmas and after some lurking and research, I found the following:
  • Three Broomsticks has a slight edge over Leaky Cauldron because of the connected Hog's Head Pub.
  • However, TB has a somewhat similar menu to Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park which has been mentioned as one of the best counter-service restaurants in IOA.
  • The LC serves even more British pub food than TB, but I believe both serve the Family Feast at $65.
  • Also keep in mind, that LC has the Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour nearby to get your fix of Butterbeer ice cream, but can get very crowded.
  • My rule of thumb is pick one and eat outside of the traditional dining times -> Avoid: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
 
Three Broomsticks also has the butterbeer ice cream. The Holiday feast is now at both restaurants and not the Family feast. The holiday feast includes turkey, sausage, potatoes, veggies, harvest salad, gravy, cranberry sauce. I also second Thunder FAlls Terrace
 
What are the best counter service restaurants in US and IOA other than Leaky Cauldron or Three Broomsticks? I already know that we're gonna try those, but want to know where else to eat. I've gotten mixed reviews about every one of them and want to know if any of them have good food, not just good theming. Or are they all just standard theme park quality?
 
What are the best counter service restaurants in US and IOA other than Leaky Cauldron or Three Broomsticks? I already know that we're gonna try those, but want to know where else to eat. I've gotten mixed reviews about every one of them and want to know if any of them have good food, not just good theming. Or are they all just standard theme park quality?

I've read Thunderfalls Terrace in IOA gets mentioned....
 
What are the best counter service restaurants in US and IOA other than Leaky Cauldron or Three Broomsticks? I already know that we're gonna try those, but want to know where else to eat. I've gotten mixed reviews about every one of them and want to know if any of them have good food, not just good theming. Or are they all just standard theme park quality?

If you check out the first post, there is a link to the recommendations from this board via some polls.
 
If you check out the first post, there is a link to the recommendations from this board via some polls.

Coupled with the polls mentioned, here's some additional info I pulled from a variety of websites:
  • IOA Thunder Falls Terrace, Jurassic Park, Rating: 83%, Best bet for a great meal at a decent price, chicken & ribs, corn on the cob, seasoned rice
  • USF Fast Food Boulevard, Springfield, Rating: 87%, very fun atmosphere, wide assortment of food, contains items you can’t get anywhere else in the park -> pulled pork sandwich, chicken & waffle sandwich, tater tots and seasoned curly fries
  • IOA Doc Sugrue’s Kebab House, The Lost Continent, Rating 80%: beef/chicken kabobs, hummus, yogurt, pretzels, much less of a wait
  • IOA Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous, Suess Landing, Rating 75%, Fried chicken combo w corn bread or corn on the cob and mashed potatoes with homestyle gravy. Everything else on the menu is just average.
  • USF Beverly Hills Boulangerie, Hollywood, Rating: 89%, Hot breakfast sandwiches; soups; paninis; turkey, roast beef, tuna, ham and Swiss sandwiches; veggie sandwich; pastries; coffee
  • USF Mel’s Drive-In, Hollywood, Rating 60%, don't make a special trip, burger place, chicken fingers, grilled chicken sandwiches, fries
  • IOA Captain America Diner, Marvel Super Hero Island, Rating 70%, sub-par, kids burger is same size as adult burger
  • USF Classic Monsters Café, Production Central, Rating: 56%, don't make special trip, avg burgers, chicken, ribs, huge pizza slices for $8, there's nothing served here that you can't get better somewhere else.
 
A new Character Dinner is starting this Thursday, the Marvel Character dinner buffet Thu-Sun only

It's $49 for adults and $25 for kids, it needs to be booked in advance to guarantee a spot:

https://blog.universalorlando.com/whats-new/marvel-character-dinner/

My family did the Marvel Character dinner. The food was okay, but not great. My husband described it as “theme park average”. The service was great. They had plenty of employees there to clear plates, refill drinks, take pictures, etc. The character interaction was also great. We saw Spiderman, Captain America, Wolverine, Storm, Rogue, and Cyclops. The characters came to each table, interacted with all the guests (there were especially good with the children), and posed for several pictures. We got 3 (I think) digital downloads as part of the package, but I haven’t viewed them yet.
 
My family did the Marvel Character dinner. The food was okay, but not great. My husband described it as “theme park average”. The service was great. They had plenty of employees there to clear plates, refill drinks, take pictures, etc. The character interaction was also great. We saw Spiderman, Captain America, Wolverine, Storm, Rogue, and Cyclops. The characters came to each table, interacted with all the guests (there were especially good with the children), and posed for several pictures. We got 3 (I think) digital downloads as part of the package, but I haven’t viewed them yet.

I was actually thinking about doing this, but it's only offered on Sunday and Saturday during the time I am there. Sunday is my first day at the park and I think I'll be too tired from travel and everything and Saturday is my last day, the only day the park is open late while I am there and I don't want to use 2 hours of night time on my last day.
 
Is the superstar character breakfast no longer offered? We loved this last visit and wanted to book again for our upcoming February visit. Loved the special viewing for the afternoon parade that came with it.
 

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!





Latest posts

Top