Have you ever wished you could step inside an episode of “The Simpsons”? Well, at Universal Studios Hollywood, you totally can. Welcome to Springfield, U.S.A. Here, you’ll get to play arcade games like Bart, drink Duff Beer like Homer, and scarf down burgers like Krusty the Clown. In the words of Homer himself: Woo-hoo!
The town of Springfield offers tons of games, dining options, and of course, The Simpsons Ride! It can be tough to know where to start, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our complete guide to everything you need to eat, drink and do in Springfield, U.S.A at Universal Studios Hollywood.
WHAT TO DO
The Simpsons Ride
No trip to Springfield, U.S.A. is complete without a spin on this virtual thrill ride. Strap in for an adventure through Krustyland — one of Krusty’s oh-so-many business ventures — with the whole family on The Simpsons Ride. Jam-packed with memorable characters and quippy jokes, you’ll feel like you’re inside a (very action-packed) episode of the iconic TV series.
PRO TIP: Lines for this ride build up pretty quick. Avoid long waits by setting a Wait Time Alter in the Official Universal Studios Hollywood app — it’ll let you know when the line’s gotten to your desired length. That said, the queue is lined with TVs playing classic Simpsons clips on loop, so you’ll stay entertained.
Krustyland Games
After you laugh and scream your way through The Simpsons Ride, go old school with some classic carnival games. Only these ones are, naturally, “Simpsons”-themed. They’ve got Dunk or Flunk with Principal Skinner, the Full Nelson, Wild and Willie, and so many more.
Kwik-E-Mart
One of the most iconic Springfield, U.S.A. establishments is open for business at Universal Studios Hollywood! Take a spin through Apu’s beloved convenience store. It stocks all kinds of “Simpsons” souvenirs, from T-shirts with Bart’s face on them to Duff Beer mugs to Itchy & Scratchy plush toys.
WHAT TO EAT
Krusty Burger
Yet another Krusty the Clown business venture to put on your list. Krusty Burger has burgers for everyone in your group, from the Clogger Burger (double patties and bacon) to the Mother Nature Burger (an all-vegan sandwich with plant-based meat), with gluten-free buns available for substitution.
PRO TIP: Head upstairs to eat in Krusty’s Klown Room, an ode to Krusty featuring photographs of — you guessed it — Krusty himself, plus his prized memorabilia, including his motorcycle jacket and fireman’s hat.
Lard Lad Donuts
You know what you need? A donut that’s larger than your head. Pop over to Lard Lad Donuts — with Chief Wiggum, predictably, parked right outside — for a coffee and a breakfast treat at any time of day. The donuts come in several flavors: The Big Pink (as seen above), the Chocolate Glazed Donut, and more.
Cletus’ Chicken Shack
How does fried chicken literally always hit the spot? Hit up Cletus’ Chicken Shack and you’re bound to leave happy. The go-to to-go spot serves the classic southern dish with sides like corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy. My favorite, though, has got to be the chicken and waffle sandwich, which comes complete with maple mayo sauce. Mmmmm…
More Dining Options
Springfield, U.S.A. is one of the best places to eat in Universal Studios Hollywood. With a plethora of dining options, this land’s got you covered, no matter what you’re in the mood for. Here’s a quick run-through of the other delicious eats available:
- Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck: ¡Ay Carumba! You can’t walk a single SoCal block without discovering unbelievable Mexican food. Swing by this truck in the Duff Beer Garden for loaded nachos and tacos topped with chicken, carnitas or carne asada.
- Suds McDuff’s Hot Dogs: This spot serves up carnival favorites with a “Simpsons” twist, including Marge Hair Cotton Candy, Ralph Wiggum’s Choo-Choo Churro, and, of course, Krusty’s Non-Kosher Hot Dog Kombo.
- Luigi’s Pizza: Sometimes you just need a good slice. When that moment hits, head to Luigi’s Pizza for meat-heavy and vegetarian classics alike. If it’s pasta you crave, go for Fat Tony’s Witness-Protected Pasta.
- Phineas Q. Butterfat’s Ice Cream: A hot day at the theme park calls for an iced treat. Dig into an Ice Cream Conan (real fans get that reference), or a Mr. Teeny’s Banana Delight to cool off.
WHERE TO REST
Duff Brewery Beer Garden
This is my favorite spot at Universal Studios Hollywood to take a breather. The Duff Brewery Beer Garden is the perfect reprieve from your go-go-go day. There, you can throw back a cocktail (even a Long Island Iced Tea, Marge’s vice of choice), a glass of wine, or, of course, a classic Duff Beer. Grab a bite from Suds McDuff’s or Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck to make it a full snack break — just don’t forget to snap a photo with the statue of the Seven Duffs before you go.
Moe’s Tavern
There’s perhaps no activity more Homer-esque than bellying up to the bar at Moe’s Tavern. Located adjacent to Krusty Burger, this classic dive serves up a similarly broad drink selection as the Duff Beer Garden, including some seasonal Duff brews and even the (extremely delicious, non-alcoholic) Flaming Moe.
DID YOU KNOW: The Duff Beer you can drink at Moe’s is locally brewed especially for Universal. Cowabunga!
WHO TO MEET
Keep your eyes peeled for your favorite “Simpsons” characters bopping around Springfield, U.S.A.! (They shouldn’t be hard to miss, they’re the big yellow ones.) Specifically, you might catch a glimpse of…
- The Simpsons Family. Yep, all of ‘em. They might not all be out together at the same time, but if you linger outside the Kwik-E-Mart long enough, you might be able to grab a selfie with television royalty.
- Krusty the Clown: Everyone’s favorite down-on-his luck, chain-smoking children’s entertainer makes appearances in Krustyland, just outside The Simpsons Ride.
- Sideshow Bob:AHH! Sideshow Bob! The carnival act appears from time-to-time in the arcade area, too. Take a picture with him — just make sure your name isn’t Bart Simpson.
HIDDEN GEMS
Keep an eye out for the kinds of hidden gems only a true fan of the show would catch. Without giving too much away, I recommend…
- A visit to The Hey Hey Club on the second floor of Krusty Burger
- Looking up at the ceiling in Cletus’ Chicken Shack
- Taking a call at Moe’s Tavern
That’s a wrap on our guide to Springfield, U.S.A. at Universal Studios Hollywood! What’re your favorite spots in the Simpsons’ hometown? Let us know in the comments below.
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