Where do YOU eat at Universal??

[Tootles]

OP: I think you are getting suggestions for IOA as well because the topic says 'Universal' and I've noticed on this forum that 'Universal' is most often used to refer to both parks and US = Universal Studios and IOA = Islands of Adventure to refer to each park specifically.

Yes, I'm noticing this too....

I just keep referring to my on-line map to find all these places mentioned. When I find some from IOA, I just scratch them. We only have one day/one park passes so eating at IOA more than once isn't possible. I'd rather stay in the park (US) to eat rather than taking the time to eat at City Walk, for lunch anyway. I've gotten some great ideas so far though...thanks to everyone! I LOVE the idea of a light sandwich lunch (San Fran. Pastry & Boulangerie suggested) and I think the kids would like either Midway Grill or Amity's).

I noticed Monster Cafe wasn't mentioned anywhere...Hmmmmmm.....

Everyone is being SO helpful!

 

[damo]

Monster Cafe hasn't been mentioned because it is closed for renovations.

 

[bubba's mom]

We usually use Mels Drive In, or Richters.

no offense to you, but we found these two to be the "least good tasting" food...to put it nicely....

That said, there's only 2 TS places in the Studios: Lombard's and Finnegan's.

Everything else is CS and with the exception of the 2 I quotes, and IFFF, they're all good.

A pizza at Louie's is always a good choice for a quick, good family lunch/dinner.

Then again, like many others, we usually go to CW for dinner.

 

[Moon Child]

Nathan's hot dog stand at the Studios is pretty good.I love there chili dog and fries w/a cold one.Its right next too Jaws.

That stand is sooooo good! I had a Nathans dog with fries and cole slaw
on the hotdog~yummy! And a nice cold beer is right

 

[donaldduck352]

That stand is sooooo good! I had a Nathans dog with fries and cole slaw
on the hotdog~yummy! And a nice cold beer is right

 

[truck1]

no offense to you, but we found these two to be the "least good tasting" food...to put it nicely....

That said, there's only 2 TS places in the Studios: Lombard's and Finnegan's.

Everything else is CS and with the exception of the 2 I quotes, and IFFF, they're all good.

A pizza at Louie's is always a good choice for a quick, good family lunch/dinner.

Then again, like many others, we usually go to CW for dinner.

None taken. Everyone has their favorites for their own reasons.

 

[truck1]

Monster Cafe hasn't been mentioned because it is closed for renovations.

With the length of time theyve been renovating,(how long now) Itd be better then new when if it reopens.

Im thinking, its time for construction intervention.

 

[starseed]

We only have one day/one park passes so eating at IOA more than once isn't possible. I'd rather stay in the park (US) to eat rather than taking the time to eat at City Walk, for lunch anyway.

It's your first time to Universal, right? If so, you may find that the walk over to CityWalk for lunch is quite convenient. The one thing about Universal I appreciate is the close proximity of US, IOA and CityWalk to one another.

Especially if you happen to be toward the front of the park (close to the main gate), it is quite a short walk over to CityWalk. That said, I understand that you are wanting to be as efficient as possible with your day, so I am sure you will find a suitable lunch option for you inside US.

 

[Metro West]

I noticed Monster Cafe wasn't mentioned anywhere...Hmmmmmm.....

Monster Cafe is open "seasonally" so if you want to eat there you will need to visit during HHN and Mardi Gras. I was never fond of the food there. I would suggest Louie's if you're looking for CS.

 

[Tootles]

It's your first time to Universal, right? If so, you may find that the walk over to CityWalk for lunch is quite convenient.

It's been 12 years since we were there last (pre-kids). So, basically, it's like my first time!

I want to eat, basically for that purpose. Just to get something in our stomachs, that tastes fairly good. We don't need a rest, as I'm sure we'll get LOTS of that waiting around in long lines.

After the park closes, which is I think around 6pm in the off season, we'll plan on sitting for a comfortable dinner at one of the City Walk restaurants. Yes, I'm one of "those" people. I don't make lists, but I do like to go commando style! Get to the parks early, and spend as much time as possible. There is plenty of time to rest and relax AFTER we get home....

 

[truck1]

If youre planning to go during the off season, which it sounds like, you shouldnt have any problems waiting in lines. We go every few days to once a week, and during the off times, weve just about walked on every ride. Esecially just before this summer.

 

[Victoria3]

I'm not a big fan of the CS food options in Universal. I usually go to Panda Express or Moe's in City Walk.

 

[Tootles]

If youre planning to go during the off season, which it sounds like, you shouldnt have any problems waiting in lines. We go every few days to once a week, and during the off times, weve just about walked on every ride. Esecially just before this summer.

Thanks truck1! That's fantastic to hear! We'll be there the first week in November.

 

[lamb616]

can anyone confirm that Monster cafe is only open seasonally? My DS loves all things monster and is DYING to go there when we go early March. If it is open only for Mardi Gras, not sure if it would still be open 2 weeks later when we get there.....

 

[xApril]

can anyone confirm that Monster cafe is only open seasonally? My DS loves all things monster and is DYING to go there when we go early March. If it is open only for Mardi Gras, not sure if it would still be open 2 weeks later when we get there.....

Yep, I still have yet to see it open since that one day in late March.

 

[truck1]

can anyone confirm that Monster cafe is only open seasonally? My DS loves all things monster and is DYING to go there when we go early March. If it is open only for Mardi Gras, not sure if it would still be open 2 weeks later when we get there.....

Yes.
The only time Ive seen it open recently, is during HHN. It may be open 1 or 2 more times after that, but Ive never seen it open during the day for the last 2 or 3 years. Special events only.

 

[truck1]

Thanks truck1! That's fantastic to hear! We'll be there the first week in November.

Welcome.

 

[nhrenee]

I ate at Finnegan's last Thursday. It was very good. Dd had fish and chips and I had the veggie burger. Great service and resonable (for theme parks, lol).

 

[dizneyjill]

It's been 12 years since we were there last (pre-kids). So, basically, it's like my first time!

I want to eat, basically for that purpose. Just to get something in our stomachs, that tastes fairly good. We don't need a rest, as I'm sure we'll get LOTS of that waiting around in long lines.

After the park closes, which is I think around 6pm in the off season, we'll plan on sitting for a comfortable dinner at one of the City Walk restaurants. Yes, I'm one of "those" people. I don't make lists, but I do like to go commando style! Get to the parks early, and spend as much time as possible. There is plenty of time to rest and relax AFTER we get home....

You're my kind of people..We never stop to rest..rest is for sissys.

 

[kangareaux]

Nathan's hot dog stand at the Studios is pretty good.I love there chili dog and fries w/a cold one.Its right next too Jaws.

Cannot bear to pay that price for a Nathans Hotdog when i can get one at Sam's Club with a drink included for $2.50!