Are dinning rservations a must?

[Rneighh]

We will be at Universal 1/27-1/30 before heading to Disney. We are staying at RPH are ADR a must at Universal? I always make them for Disney but I am at a loss where to eat when at Universal. It is tough to find reviews and menus for the resturants at Universal. If they are a must, what are some good counter service and table service restaurants? We like to try new things. We are a family of four with two daughters 17 and 13.

Renee

 

[robvia]

I don't think reservations are a must, unless you are going to Emiril's.
Crowds should be light at the end of January.
A good idea is to visit the parks early, then go to lunch at 11:30am. On our last visit, that's when Mythos opened, but the times may vary. A good idea at Mythos is to share a meal to leave room for desert. Mythos is located inside IOA, here is my page with pictures.
http://www.nogodforme.com/mythos.htm
The appetizers (apps) at the Hard Rock Cafe (HRC) are good. Get a jumbo combo and let everyone share it. The HRC is located between the parks, you'll find it.

 

[patster734]

http://www.allearsnet.com/uni/uni.htm

Although the allearsnet website was originally created for Disney information, its been expanded to include Universal Orlando info now. Follow the links on the left to find the menus of restaurants located in Universal Studios, IOA and Citywalk. The resort restaurants are included too.

 

[gschmerl]

If you are staying on site you will get "next available seating" by showing your room key.
We LOVE Mythos is IOA. We also really love Tchoup Chop if you want some fine dining. Emeril's and Tchoup Chop would be the only restaurants where you would need advance reservations.

 

[metsfan11]

you shouldnt need a ressie because of the very light crouds around the end of january. but as said before, you might need one if you go to emerils. there it can be pretty packed. but anything else should be waitable. plus, also as said before, you can show your room key and get preffered seating. have fun!

 

[willis37862]

If you want to eat at City walk and don't have ressies for that night, there was a person in a booth on the path to the universal parks. We stopped there and made a reservation for that night at jimmy buffets no problem. Don't know if this helps but there it is anyway.......