Best counter service choices?

[Cara]

Hi! I am counting down till my UO/IOA adventure. We will be spending four nights and five days of our Orlando fall break vacation at Universal!

We have reservations for Emeril's Tchoup Chop and plan to dine at Mythos and Bubba Gump's as well. That may be the extent of our table service meals.

So what are your favorite counter service eateries? Also, are there any snacks that we shouldn't miss?

Thanks!!!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I like to have pizza at Louies (Universal). It is pretty tasty and cheap as far as theme park meals go. Also, Cafe 4 (IOA) has a decent slice. Another great place for TS is Thunder Falls Terrace in IOA near River Adventure. After getting your food, try to get a table by the window. It is fun to watch the RA splash down from here. I have never seen this place crowded. Burger Digs (IOA again) is good too if you like burgers.

 

[Metro West]

I like to have pizza at Louies (Universal). It is pretty tasty and cheap as far as theme park meals go. Also, Cafe 4 (IOA) has a decent slice. Another great place for TS is Thunder Falls Terrace in IOA near River Adventure. After getting your food, try to get a table by the window. It is fun to watch the RA splash down from here. I have never seen this place crowded. Burger Digs (IOA again) is good too if you like burgers.

I agree with all of these places. I don't know if Thunder Falls Terrace is open now since it's open seasonally but if so...make sure you try the chicken wrap....it's GREAT!

 

[Cara]

Thanks for the ideas! Anyone else?

 

[holcomb-mania]

We ate at Enchanted Oak in December and enjoyed it. I hope to do TFT next time.

 

[Akdar]

I'm partial to The Enchanted Oak in IOA. (right across from Dueling Dragons) The burgers and corn on the cob are great and the servings are huge. The Alchemy bar is right there as well, great atmosphere, and good deals during Happy Hour!

 

[kellymonaghan]

As others have noted, Thunder Falls Terrace and Enchanted Oak are a cut above.

But you used the word "snacks" so that leads me to recommend . . .

Nathan's Famous in CityWalk, if you've never tasted the hot dog that made Coney island famous.

Latin Express, also in CityWalk and near Nathan's, has some very good Latino antojitos at reasonable prices.

Green Eggs and Ham (IF it's open!) in IOA. The signature Green Eggs and Hamwich is really tasty. Unfortunately, this place (the building alone makes it worth it) is seldom open and rumors abound that Universal will close it altogether. Boo. Hiss.

Also, I find Richter's in USF the best of the burger joints.

 

[Cara]

Thanks, everyone! Kelly, I love your Universal Orlando book. It's in my briefcase here at work right now. (And people think I carry work home...)

 

[Metro West]

Nathan's Famous in CityWalk, if you've never tasted the hot dog that made Coney island famous.

That was the biggest hot dog I have ever attempted...the thing was huge! I finally had to eat it with a fork.

 

[mslclark]

Nathan's Hot Dogs rule!! We love 'em! I really like the fries there too. Enchanted Oak was good too. It's a nice place to escape the heat, very cool theme.

 

[kellymonaghan]

Thanks, everyone! Kelly, I love your Universal Orlando book. It's in my briefcase here at work right now. (And people think I carry work home...)

It is work! At least that's what I tell my accountant.

 

[highlander447]

I like Louie's, monsters cafe, cinnabon, pastamore takeout is good as well

 

[DOOM1001]

Enchanted Oak is my favorite for sure.Over at Universal Louie's if you order the large pizza it's really inexpensive and good.And if it's not too hot outside since it only has outdoor seating Wimpy's in Toon Lagoon has a good burger.

 

[Ileana]

Circus McGurkus Stoopendous Cafe!!!

I have no clue if the food is still any good there, but when the park first opened, the food there was really good. (Back when they use to do the Character Breakfast there!!)

 

[sha_lyn]

Another vote for Enchanted Oak Tree in IOA

In US, we really enjoy International Food and Film Festival. It's the only counter service in US that we've liked. However most here said they didn't like it. OTOH we hated Monster Cafe. Food was horribly over cooked and bland. That was within 5 minutes of them opening.

 

[fairfax]

I would also agree with the votes for Enchanted Oak. The food is excellent, the view from the outdoor seating is wonderful.