Considering Universal Orlando quick service dining? Why not! From The Today Cafe to Thunder Falls Terrace, and The Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House, there are tons of options. There are even Harry Potter ones: Three Broomsticks, anyone?
I get it: you want to maximize your park time at Universal. There are so many rides, so many shows, so many things to experience, so obviously fast dining may be a better option for you if you are on crunch time.
But, opting in for Universal Studios quick service dining doesn’t mean having to skimp on experience or taste. Whether you’re looking for snacks at Universal Studios or a full meal, your options are endless, and we are here to help guide you on where to stop and enjoy! And if you decide it is not for you, go enjoy the other restaurants and dining areas of the park!
Best Universal Studios Quick Service
1. The Leaky Cauldron
We already love being in Diagon Alley, so why not eat here? Quick service dining in Universal Orlando cannot be easier for all witches and wizards.
The theemign is amazing: you’re truly in Harry’s world, and the food matches. Fish and chips, Bangers and Mash, Fisherman’s Pie, and a Ploughman’s Platter? You cannot go wrong. Mobile ordering is availble too!
2. Today Cafe
If you need breakfast at Universal Orlando, look no further than the Today Cafe. It has cute theming, and despite its small seating area, this is an amazing place for breakfast, a cup of coffee, and even lunch.
There are several different sandwiches: I personally love the egg white one, but there is also soups, flatbreads, and salads. Pair anything with an espresso and you’ll be good to go all day!
3. Louie’s Italian Restaurant
Pizza is a the prefect quick service option. What to eat at Universal Studios Orlando has never been easier to decide on: Italian, of course!
Order an entire pie for your party, or a slice. Get a combo meal if needed for a side salad. And for those who want something nicer, grab spaghetti and meatballs. I LOVE the vegetation spaghetti bolognese. Cheap and quick, what is better? Quick service is available, and refill options with the Coke Freestyle Machine.
4. Central Park Crepes
Savory or sweet, the charming crepe stand gives off food truck vibes! These mouth-watering crepes are to die for. And they are prefect for lunch or dinner, or a snack if you want to split them!
Sometimes Universal Studios Orlando dining options that are the best are these tiny stands that get overpassed easily. But I LOVE the street corn Crepe, and the vegan berry is also great for when I want something sweet. The reasonable prices are always welcome, too.
Best Islands of Adventure Quick Service
1. Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House
This is, hands down, my favorite of all favorites. Quick service in Islands of Adventure is great, but this Kebab House is top notch. A Mediterranean-inspired grill? What’s not to love? Great prices and options for all? Also great! And never a long line? Sign me up!
Sadly, there is no mobile ordering here, but the Greek Salad, and Vegan Meatball Kebabs have me going back every time I visit the park. Snacks like hummus, pita chips, fruit and churros are also available. And the smells? I can’t walk by and not purchase something. It is my top pick for Islands of Adventure quick service dining, truly.
2. Thunder Falls Terrace
I know most people get sick of the burgers and chicken sandwiches that most quick service places offer, so that’s why I love Thunder Falls Terrace. It is most famous for its platters and combos, and is open for lunch and dinner.
From chicken and rib platters, to salads, the BBQ approach of this restaurant makes it stand out as one of the best Universal Studios Orlando quick service restaurants. I mean, rotisserie chicken and mango glazed BBQ ribs over corn and potatoes? Yum!
3. The Three Broomsticks
Of course another Harry Potter restaurant is on here! Some of the best Universal Orlando food comes from the Harry Potter world, and the Three Broomsticks is no exception.
You MUST try their breakfast: a traditional English breakfast? Or of you want something smaller, the American Child Breakfast is an option too. Otherwise continue to channel your inner London witch or wizards with Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Beef Pasties, and more. Butterbeer available here! Talk about some of the options for best quick service dinner at Universal Orlando!
4. Green Eggs and Ham Cafe
It sounds gross, I know. But this is some of the best quick service breakfast at Universal Orlando, as well as best quick service lunch at Universal Orlando. I mean, green eggs and ham and tots?! Yum!
I personally love the vegan pizza tots, but so many people enjoy the Buffalo chicken tots. I mean, how can you not enjoy loaded tots with cheese and protein and more? Especially big portions for a cheaper price!
Best Volcano Bay Quick Service
1. Kohala Reef Restaurant & Social Club
If you are looking for Universal Orlando fast food and you aren’t at the traditional parks, no worries. Volcano Bay’s Kohala Reef and Restaurant & Social Club is the best of the best.
Sadly, most of Volcano Bay’s restaurants feature traditional theme park foods like burgers, pretzel dogs, and fresh fruit. But there are a few that stand out! Like Kohala Reef. Try their mango pulled-pork BBQ sandwich, or the coconut-crusted friend chicken.
Best City Walk Quick Service
1. Hot Dog Hall of Fame
The best counter service at Universal Orlando doesn’t have to actually be in the park! Try City Walk! Despite not always wanting the traditional “theme park food” the ball park hot dogs are something worth trying.
They serve famous dogs from ballparks across the US: try the New York, the Chicago, the San Fransisco, and more. Topped with things like yellow-mustard, relish, pickle spears, onions, tomatoes and more, this stands out.
2. Red Oven Pizza Bakery
Universal Studios dining options are easy with places like Red Oven. This quick-service/fast and casual dining allows you to order your food and pay for it at the counter, and then go sit.
Food is brought to you, and it is big and cheap! Order different types of pizzas– Bianca, or Pear and Fig– or go for a salad if you wish. Just know it is fresh, and hot!
Worst Quick Service Restaurants at Universal Orlando
1. The Minion Cafe
Advertised as a “fun” minion themed location– this place is overwhelming. Multiple options that are advertised as “healthier”… but different colors? Also, you must mobile order here. How inconvenient. And the minions are terrifying.
2. Mel’s Drive-In
Despite it’s cute theming, don’t go back in time and “rock around the clock.” All they have are burgers, thick shakes (too thick!), chicken sandwiches, and an overcooked impossible/beyond burger.
3. Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-Pendous
Despite it’s recent re-branding, this place is still lackluster. The theming, again, is overwhelming, but there is a lot of room to sit at the very least. The food continues to be bland: big top burger, meatball cone, and chicken and biscuit? The only good thing is the new curly fries.
4. Panda Express
My rule of thumb is to not eat at chains when on vacation. And to me, a day at the parks is a vacation. So, don’t waste time, even in City-Walk in places you know, and places that will continue to be sup-par. Panda Express has their typical menus, but with sky-high prices.
And there you have it, folks. The best (and worst!) quick service options. Universal Orlando quick service doesn’t have to be awful: in fact, there are options for everyone, and for every part of the day. Plan strategically and you’ll be able to get some bang for your buck, and enjoy more time in the parks! Universal Orlando fast food is where it is at.
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