A Guide to Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort

@annemcdade

Universal CityWalk is its own bustling destination, with plenty to see and do — and eat and drink! Whether you’re on a date night, family excursion, or a night on the town with your best crew, CityWalk has a lot to offer. You won’t want to miss any of it, so here is a complete guide to everything CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort has to offer.

JUMP AHEAD

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT   |   ADULT NIGHTLIFE   |   DINING   |  SHOPPING

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT:

Universal’s Great Movie Escape

Escape into the movies like never before. Test your skill and challenge your nerves in a unique problem-solving adventure that only Universal could create. It’s a totally immersive, totally interactive experience that puts you right into the action of some of your favorite films.

Universal Cinemark

After a full day riding the movies, why not watch one? With stadium seating and luxury recliners, this is not your ordinary movie theater. Plus, you have access to all of your fave movie snacks AND a full bar for ultimate movie-watching refreshment.

Hollywood Drive-in Golf

Everyone loves the friendly competition of a game of mini-golf, and you can take on one or both of CityWalk’s courses: The Haunting of Ghostly Greens, which is a slightly spooky haunted house theme, or Invaders from Planet Putt, a set of alien invasion holes. Or try both if you’re a true mini-golf fan!

Hard Rock Live

Some of the best musical acts and comedians stop here when they make their way through Florida, so if you are thinking about catching a show, you have to try the Hard Rock. Adults can also enjoy the attached full bar. I recommend the Rhythm & Rose’ Mule.

ADULT NIGHTLIFE:

Pat O’Brien’s

In addition to an incredible atmosphere that rivals Bourbon Street, this bar features dueling pianos and delicious Cajun food. Be sure to try a Hurricane — the world-famous tropical rum drink that is a staple of Pat’s — as well as a Po’Boy sandwich to feel like you’re truly embracing the New Orleans vibe.

Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Jamaica as you walk into this open-air courtyard full of Bob Marley memorabilia, photos, and music. If you’re new to Jamaican food or not sure what to try, the Taste of Jamaica appetizer gives you a chance to try some of my favorite staples: veggie & beef patties, jerk wings, and yucca fries. Wash it all down with an Uncle Wray’s Rum Punch, a rum drink with orange and pineapple juices and banana liqueur,  and you’ll be mentally in the tropics.

CityWalk’s Rising Star

There’s karaoke and then there’s karaoke with a live band. This is a blast of an experience to live out your dreams as a rock star with your friends, family, and the rest of the crowd cheering you on.

Red Coconut Club

With two different floors for music and dancing, this club is the place to be for a true nightclub experience.

DINING

FULL SERVICE | QUICK SERVICE | DESSERTS & TREATS

FULL SERVICE DINING:

Bigfire

Whether you like steaks, fish, or something in between, you can get a truly unique meal here, all capturing the smoky deliciousness of having been cooked over different woods. There are even smoky drinks and tableside s’mores to round out the fire-themed meal.

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen

The steampunk motif of this restaurant grabs you before you even walk in the front door and is just as impressive on the inside. With showstopping desserts and classic entrées, everyone in your group will find something to like.

Check out Discover Universal’s Dine and Ride: Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen episode to learn more about this venue!

NBC Sports Grill & Brew

How many places can you get great food and play a game of foosball at your table? This is the perfect spot for fans to enjoy a huge selection of beer, live sports, and fun right at your table, all with bar food that is anything but ordinary.

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

If the colorful building and cute cowfish out front aren’t enough to lure you in, the fusion of burgers and sushi waiting inside should. Purists can have standard sushi OR burgers, but for a real adventure, try Burgushi, which combines the two in a way you won’t find anywhere else. Or get a bento box to try the best of both worlds.

VIVO Italian Kitchen

The only thing better than Italian food is fresh Italian food made right there in front of you. VIVO has all the things you could ask for — fresh bread, cheese, pasta and pizzas, all delicious and handmade each day. If I’m feeling especially fancy, the Short Rib with risotto and asparagus is my pick, but the Bucatini with Meatballs is an elevated twist on spaghetti and meatballs, which is one of my fave comfort foods.

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food

You might be tempted to fill up on chips and tableside guac while you enjoy the atmosphere here — including live Mariachi music on select nights — but don’t forget to leave room for some Mexican classics elevated to new levels. Other than the aforementioned guac, the Tapas Trio appetizer is one of my favorites because you can try chicken tinga sopes, beef picadillo gorditas, and carnita tostadas. If you’re not the type to get an app for your meal, any of the taco options are delicious. I love the Beef Birria tacos because of the dipping sauce, but the Al Pastor Tacos are a close second with the amazing pineapple tomatillo salsa on them. 

Pro Tip: You’ll definitely want to make a reservation for full-service restaurants! Use the official Universal Orlando app or call 407-224-FOOD (3663).

Check out Discover Universal’s Dine and Ride: Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food episode to learn more about this venue!

Hard Rock Café

Music fans need to add this to their itinerary. Not only is this the world’s largest Hard Rock, but every inch of it is filled with memorabilia you can’t find anywhere else. Eating a meal surrounded by all of this incredible history is an experience that can’t be missed.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

If you’re at Universal Orlando to immerse yourself in movies, you need to see this restaurant and its many, many “Forrest Gump” references — and yes, there is a huge variety of different preparations of shrimp.

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

Beyond an incredible volcano-themed bar serving — you guessed it — margaritas (among other things), here you’ll find a menu that will transport you to the warm beaches of the Florida Keys. I’m known for my indecisiveness amongst my friends, so my drink choice here is the Margarita Flight, that way I don’t have to choose. I haven’t had any food here I didn’t love, but I keep coming back to the Fish Tacos for a true Key West vibe.

QUICK SERVICE DINING:

Hot Dog Hall of Fame

You might think you’re an expert on this stadium favorite, but between the toppings and variety of sausages from all over, you’re bound to find something new and unique. There’s even a vegan dog with its own fun toppings. Be prepared to find all of the most popular condiments, as well as some fun regional faves. Think of eating here as taking a tour of the country through hot dogs.

Panda Express

From orange chicken and rice to egg rolls and everything in between, Panda Express is a great stop for freshly made Asian-inspired meals.

Bend the Bao

If you’ve never had a bao, this is a must-try spot for a twist on an Asian staple. If you have had a bao, then you know the delight you’re in for. You truly can’t go wrong here, but the Kimchee Fried Chicken Bao is definitely worth checking out.

Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches

This is a sandwich-lover’s paradise. There’s tons of options for both cold and toasted sandwiches, as well as sides and sweet treats so you can get your carb fix on the go. There are quite a few vegan options here, as well, including the Hot Vegan Sandwich, with portobello, avocado, tomatoes, caramelized onions, pepper jack cheese, arugula, truffle oil, and basil pesto on multi-grain bread. Yum!

Red Oven Pizza Bakery

This spot offers nothing less than pizza masterpieces — cooked in a special stone-lined oven, might I add. The Prosciutto & Arugula is super fresh and the Big Eye Pepperoni is a crispy, delicious version of the classic pepperoni pizza. These are so good that I recommend getting both and sharing with a friend!

Lone Palm Airport

Keep your eyes peeled for the seaplane near Margaritaville if you want to enjoy a peaceful waterfront drink and some of the best people-watching the resort has to offer.

Burger King Whopper Bar

If you are looking for a quick burger and fries, swing on by the Whopper Bar. One fun thing about this location is you can find a wide selection of specialty toppings here that you might not see at a typical Burger King, like blue cheese crumbles, spicy onions, and a variety of sauces — the blackened cajun sauce is amazing!

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Between the choices of meat, toppings, and sauces, you can come up with a lot of combinations for your burritos, tacos, salads, nachos, burrito bowls, and quesadillas. Plus, who doesn’t love chips and salsa to fuel the day?

Fat Tuesday

It isn’t exactly dining, but we can’t neglect to mention this walk-up bar and its refreshing frozen cocktails. The Pina Colada is a crowd favorite, but on a warm day, any of these adult beverages will cool you off and give you the perfect frosty accessory to carry around and sip while you shop.

DESSERT & TREATS:

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen

While this is a full-service restaurant, it also has a walk-up milkshake counter and chocolate shop in the front for any dessert emergencies you might encounter on your trip to CityWalk. These milkshakes are no joke, too — they are huge, decadent, and have plenty of garnishes and toppings. My favorite is the Heavenly Hazelnut, which leans heavily on Nutella, but the Right Side Up Shake is a fantastic shake version of a pineapple upside down cake — and it is vegan!

Cinnabon

If you find yourself drawn to the smell of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, chances are you’re heading in the direction of Cinnabon. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast on the way into the theme parks or dessert on the way home, there’s a treat for you here.

Starbucks

Caffeine might as well be its own food group and there’s no better place to grab a cup of coffee on the way into the parks in the morning.

Voodoo Doughnut

There’s a reason these donuts have a cult following — they’re big, delicious, and basically works of art. The Voodoo Doll is a signature must-try and the Universal Orangesicle is a unique offering you can only get at this Voodoo Doughnut location. Both are yummy and will give you the energy you need to take on your day (or evening!). Plus, there are tons of vegan donut options, including my favorite, the Voodoo Doll, a yeast doughnut filled with raspberry jelly topped with chocolate frosting and a pretzel stake.

Cold Stone Creamery

Here you can find ice cream, milkshakes and other sweet treats in a variety of unique flavors and with tons of toppings to choose from.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

Whether you like a few toppings or so many that you can’t see your frozen yogurt underneath, Menchie’s is your spot for a custom frozen treat.

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels

The walk to Universal Studios isn’t complete without a stop off for a fresh, warm pretzel. The real question — are you getting a sweet or savory pretzel for your journey? I’m going with a classic pretzel and hot salsa cheese, but the mini pretzel dogs often call my name, too.

SHOPPING

Universal Studios Store

If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir and didn’t grab one in the theme parks, this is the place to pick one up. From collectibles to clothes and a whole bunch of other great finds, this is your perfect one-stop shop for everything Universal Orlando.

Rock Shop

Located adjacent to the Hard Rock Café, the Rock Shop is full of music-themed apparel and souvenirs all surrounded by music memorabilia. The overhead art installation is worth a visit alone, but true music fans will be able to spend some time browsing this shop.

Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company

It isn’t shopping, per se, but if you’re in the mood to add some fresh ink, you can even do that here. Founded by renowned tattoo artist Carey Hart, this is the place to check out. You can also comb through their brand merch and grab a shirt if you’re not ready to commit to ink.

Kiosks

Scattered throughout CityWalk, between all of these amazing shops, restaurants, and bars are dozens of kiosks offering jewelry, gifts, hats, and all kinds of things. You can truly spend an afternoon shopping each of these, looking for the perfect souvenirs.

Where’s your first stop on your next CityWalk adventure? Share with us in the comments below or on social media!

​​Must be 21 years and older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.