Must-Try Fries and Tater Tots at Universal Orlando Resort

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why is it fries? I mean, that is the correct answer, is it not? To me it’s a no-brainer — I’ll take ‘em any every day in all shapes and forms: as tots and shoestrings, savory, sweet, curly, wedged, crinkle-cut, on the side, as the main dish and, why not, with dessert or in a milkshake. So, believe me when I tell you I took this blog seriously: I asked Universal Team Members, Annual Pass Holders, influencers, friends and family to share with me their favorite fries at Universal Orlando Resort. Then, I went around tasting each and every one of them. Tough job, huh?

So, without further ado, here are the best fries and tots at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal CityWalk and hotels. You’re welcome.

CityWalk

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen

Totchos

Some people come in for the milkshakes, some come in for the chocolate. As for me? I’m the person who comes in for the tots. Toothsome’s famous Totchos are famous for a reason: there are no tater tots like these. Think of a gourmet version of loaded fries, only they’re, well, tots and much better. Crispy on the outside with soft chunks of potato on the inside and covered with spicy green chili, crispy pork belly, and andouille sausage queso. A game-changer.

NBC Sports Grill & Brew

Parmesan Fries

I do share food, but I will not share these fries. And I bet neither will you. So, make this your self-care moment of the day: grab a spot by the glass windows (I like the foosball tables!), order a pint of your favorite beer and put in an order of NBC’s Parmesan Fries. Try them with the Beyond Smokehouse Burger or just order a few side-size servings. Who says fries aren’t a full meal?

Hot Dog Hall of Fame

Chili Cheese Fries

In a corner of Universal’s CityWalk lies a hidden gem. Although the hotdog menu is full of big hitters from around the country (I know, bad joke), it’s their fries that truly knock it out of the park (all right, I’ll stop). Well, as you can see, I simply could not choose between Chili Cheese Fries or regular fries, so I ordered both. Pair ‘em with the Foot Long Dog for a true homerun (geez, what’s wrong with me?).

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

This spot deserves a double-feature!

Parmesan Bacon Truffle Fries

I’ve got a feeling this one is going to make the top of your list, it’s definitely on the top of mine: crispy shoestrings covered with cheese sauce, truffle oil, parmesan, applewood bacon, and chives. Oh, and there’s an extra layer of cheese sauce beneath it all — because those fries at the bottom deserve some love too!

Sweet Potato Fries

I don’t even try to fight it anymore: fries are a consistent part of my diet. And well, it doesn’t hurt to make healthier decisions every now and then. And these sweet potato fries are really worth it. They’re crispy and delicious and have that subtle sweet aftertaste that I love. Plus, they’re fiber-loaded and have lower calories. A win-win, truly. And at Cowfish you can order them as a side to your favorite roll (mine is the Firecracker, by the way).

Take it to the next level: If you’ve ordered sushi — which I really hope you did — you already have soy sauce and wasabi at the table. Now, mix them together and dip your sweet potato fry in it… I know, how good is that?! And if the server looks at you funny, blame it on me. 

Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches

Tater Tots

It’s been a long day at the theme parks, but you’re still up for a savory snack before heading out. Well, these tots will certainly satisfy your craving — they’re just a handful of crispy bites that’ll still leave room for dinner (why not order one of the many options of melt sandwiches while you’re at it?).

Islands of Adventure

Green Eggs & Ham Cafe

Green Eggs and Ham Tots

If tots are your deal, then this is the place to be. There are multiple varieties of tot toppings and I can tell you it was challenging to pick a favorite. I went with a classic, the Green Eggs and Ham tots: green eggs, diced ham and white cheese sauce. But there’s no going wrong with any of them — there’s even a vegan version of the famous pizza tots!

Wimpy’s

Curly Fries

Curly Fries. Do I really have to say more? I mean, I will… Crispy curly fries. It comes as a side to this spot’s famous platters, such as the Wellington Cheeseburger, but after bravely plummeting 75 feet on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, I say go ahead and order an extra side of these.

The Burger Digs

French Fries

Fancy fries with toppings are delicious, but the true mark of greatness is when you can nail a classic. The Burger Digs fries do exactly that: they’re just good crispy regular fries. Since I usually go there for lunch, I get them on the side of the Herbivore Burger Platter or the Grilled Chicken Sandwich — yum.

Take it to the next level: The ambiance here surely helps: there’s just something about grabbing an order and sitting by the patio with a thrilling view of Jurassic World VelociCoaster that just somehow makes the fries even more wonderful?

Universal Studios Florida

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill

Wedge Fries

I never quite understood menus that give you the option “served with your choice of fries or side salad” — is that even a fair choice? At Finnegan’s, saying “I’ll have a salad with that” takes a level of willpower I am not acquainted with, after all, we’re talking about wedge fries here — and I just refuse to be a person who says no to wedge fries. Especially these ones, seasoned with malt vinegar and just.so.crispy.

Mel’s Drive-In

Chili Cheese Fries

Come in, grab a booth, pick your favorite classic from the jukebox and order the Chili Cheese Fries. Or just regular fries. Or both.

Take it to the next level: Treat yourself to a milkshake, too  — my favorite is the Swirl with chunks of Oreos on top — and dip your fries in it. Yes, dip your fries in it. Don’t judge before you try.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

Urban Pantry at Universal’s Aventura Hotel

French Fries

How magical it is to embrace two of life’s simple presents at once — fries and sitting by a pool? And I’m not talking about any pool — the one at Aventura Hotel is an oasis. And I’m definitely not talking about your regular french fries — here, they’re perfectly cut, perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned. Grab yours and go sit by the water and just take it all in.

Jake’s American Bar at Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Jake’s Cheese Fries — or any of their fries, really

When it comes to fries, they know what they’re doing at Jake’s American Bar — or as I like to call it, french fry heaven. I knew before I got there that I was going to order Jake’s Cheese Fries, an exclusive lunch option — but then I saw their menu. Long story short, I ordered all of their french fry options: the Cheese Fries, covered with a cheddar cheese fondue sauce, pico de gallo, diced tomatoes and jalapeños; the Truffle Parmesan Fries, crispy cuts topped with parmesan and truffle oil; the Sweet Potato Wedge Fries, which you can only find here in all of Universal Orlando Resort; and the ZTF French Fries, traditional fries that are just spot-on. Please don’t make me choose one as a favorite — they all are.

Take it to the next level: For dessert, order the Churro Bread Pudding and dip your fries in the dulce de leche ice cream for an explosion of flavors.

Bonus:

Pizza Fries at Halloween Horror Nights (HHN)

If you have ever attended Halloween Horror Nights, you’ve probably tasted this classic dish. Or smelled its wonderful aroma. Or heard someone nearby raving about how delicious it is. Either way, you knew when you opened this blog that these would be here because they are an absolute must for anyone fry aficionado. Pepperoni, sausage, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce all over tasty crinkle-cut fries. My mouth is watering just typing this out. You can catch me with these in-hand every day of this year’s HHN from September 2nd to October 31st.

Well, what do you think? Did I miss any of your favorite fries or tots at Universal? Let us know in the comments below or by tagging us on social media…

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