Best non-park restaurants at Universal Studios.

[amshowers]

We are going back to RPR and looking for some great dining new recommendations. Here's the list of restaurants that we have done Tchoup Chop, Pastamore, Latin Quarter, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.,Hard Rock Cafe,
Margaritaville. Haven't done many resort restaurants, any you find a must do?

 

[JAL2525]

We tried Mama Della's at the PBH last Christmas eve. A good place to have a nice dinner without getting to stuffy. Remember it's vacation.

 

[rpbert1]

We always eat at The Islands at RPR, at least a few times when we go. Food and service is first class.

 

[La2kw]

Sal's Deli at PBR is awesome for a quick meal. We also like Jake's American Bar, Bula Bar, and Islands Cafe at the RPR.

 

[bubba's mom]

I don't think there are many non-park places that are duds.

I'd go to NASCAR or NBA City before any of the hotel restaurants.

and I've been to Mama Della's for dinner... The food was nothing special except the portion sizes were huge...which is why I guess they can justify the prices?

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

Margaritaville is our favorite when we are in a festive mood!! However, for a more "refined" dinner, we LOVE Emerils!! BTW, you can reserve both at Emerils and Tschoup Chop at http://www.opentable.com

 

[justprettynpink]

The pot pie at The Kitchen (HRH) was awesome! We will go back on our next trip.

 

[FloraFauna]

The Palm at the Hard Rock Hotel is delicious. We had a great meal there in Feb '08.

 

[FloraFauna]

Oh, Mamma Della's at the Portofino is also a GREAT restaurant. Very charming with the strolling singers in a very cozy atmosphere. The food was also delicious.

 

[derekburgan]

I'm not a NASCAR fan by any means, but the NASCAR restaurant is a great sports restaurant with a wide variety of food for a decent price. Always have a good time there, and since NASCAR races are few and far between, all the TVs are on ESPN, baseball, basketball, etc.

 

[JAL2525]

The pot pie at The Kitchen (HRH) was awesome! We will go back on our next trip.

I second the kitchen at the HRH...they have a nice variety and different dishes. The foods great and the atmosphere is neat.

 

[bubba's mom]

I'm not a NASCAR fan by any means, but the NASCAR restaurant is a great sports restaurant with a wide variety of food for a decent price. Always have a good time there, and since NASCAR races are few and far between, all the TVs are on ESPN, baseball, basketball, etc.

ditto that ^

No basketball or NASCAR fans here either..but we really like NASCAR to eat at and (happily) tried NBA City last year

Since the NASCAR remodel, the tv's include kids channels too I thought?

 

[amshowers]

Thanks for the responses. We may have to check out Nascar cafe, I even found a 10% off coupon. Now I just need to decide out which fine dining restaurants we want to try.

 

[ms_flo]

We may have to check out Nascar cafe, I even found a 10% off coupon.

Where did you find the coupon?? We may go there to watch the NCAA tournament on Sat.
Thanks!

 

[JessicaR]

Where did you find the coupon?? We may go there to watch the NCAA tournament on Sat.
Thanks!

http://www.orlandocoupons.com/directory_view.php?dir_id=38#coupon

They have many other coupons also. Make sure you look at all of them.

http://www.orlandocoupons.com/directory_cat_list.php?cat_id=1

 

[patster734]

Because you're staying at RPR, I'll toss out Jake's American Bar as a recommendation. It doesn't open until 3 or 4 pm though, so no lunch option. They have karoake on some nights and a band playing on other nights. The food is good, especially the Jake's wings.

 

[bubba's mom]

Where did you find the coupon?? We may go there to watch the NCAA tournament on Sat.
Thanks!

Why wouldn't you go to NBA City to watch that? There's happy hour there too

 

[ms_flo]

Why wouldn't you go to NBA City to watch that? There's happy hour there too

Because you made NASCAR sound so good!

No basketball or NASCAR fans here either..but we really like NASCAR to eat at and (happily) tried NBA City last year

Since the NASCAR remodel, the tv's include kids channels too I thought?

Seriously though, more people have said things about NASCAR than about NBA City. Plus I think DS would love the racing games. ...AND there's a coupon!

I may be running to or from the Mardi Gras parade depending on which game time we get on the 20th. Are both of these places about the same distance from the US entrance?

 

[bubba's mom]

ok....i will give you that. Of the 2, I like the selection on the menu at NASCAR better. NASCAR is closer to the Studios....across the lagoon from the entrance from the Studios, NBA City is on the other side of HRC.

did I mention there is a game room upstairs at NASCAR too?

 

[ms_flo]

did I mention there is a game room upstairs at NASCAR too?

Nope, but I saw arcade-like pictures somewhere. DS & DD should both enjoy playing the racing games.
What are the odds that there will be a bunch of rowdy basketball fans at CityWalk? I think DH is reluctant to watch the game at Universal for fear of making a spectacle of himself!