Complete Guide to Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort

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:

• Universal CityWalk is home to unique entertainment offerings including escape rooms, mini-golf, a movie theater and a world-class concert venue.
• If you’re looking for what to eat at Universal CityWalk, you can choose from a wide range of quick-service and sit-down restaurants, from authentic Mexican cuisine to a steampumk chocolate factory.
• For adults visiting CityWalk in the evening, you can hang out at themed nightclubs like Red Coconut Club or sing karaoke with a live band at Rising Star.

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 to:

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT | ADULT NIGHTLIFE | DINING | SHOPPING

Family Entertainment at Universal CityWalk

Universal’s Great Movie Escape

Escape into the movies like never before at Universal’s Great Movie Escape. 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.

Learn more about Universal’s Great Movie Escape in our deep dives into Back to the Future: OUTATIME and Jurassic World: Escape.

Universal Cinemark

After a full day riding the movies, why not watch one? With stadium seating and luxury recliners, Universal Cinemark 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!

Looking for more options of what to do at Universal Orlando as a non-roller-coaster rider? Read our guide here.

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 Live. Adults can also enjoy the attached full bar.

PRO TIP: You can simplify your arrival at Universal CityWalk by purchasing your daily parking prior to your arrival! Click here to learn more and purchase.

Adult Nightlife at Universal CityWalk

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 a tropical cocktail, and you’ll be mentally on vacation.

CityWalk’s Rising Star

There’s karaoke and then there’s karaoke with a live band. CityWalk’s Rising Star 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. Plus, depending on the time of year you visit, you can enjoy a themed overlay! Click here to learn more about the different seasons of Red Coconut Club.

Dining at Universal CityWalk

Jump to:

FULL-SERVICE | QUICK-SERVICE | DESSERTS & TREATS

Full-Service Dining

Bigfire

Bigfire is one of my favorite restaurants throughout all of Universal Orlando Resort, serving unique entrees that capture  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.

Toothsome offers limited-time menu items each year for National Chocolate Day! Click here to check out last year’s offerings.

NBC Sports Grill & Brew

How many places can you get great food and play a game of foosball at your table? NBC Sports Grill & Brew 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. I recommend kicking it all off with the Large Warm Soft Pretzel.

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 The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar 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 Tagliata 14 oz. New York striploin is my pick, but the Spaghetti with Meatballs 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 at Antojitos — 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 White Queso Dip and Mexican Street Corn appetizers are some of my favorites. 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 Universal Orlando Resort App or call 407-224-FOOD (3663).

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.

Read our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort for Music Buffs for more music-centric ideas to the theme parks.

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

Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice

The hot dog is a near-perfect invention. It’s tasty, portable and, at Fat One’s, covered in creative toppings! (Not to mention that they’re 100% beef.) You can also dig into loaded pop fries (choose from Cheese-Chili-Chives or Cheese-Bacon-Ranch-Chives), or satisfy your sweet tooth with the help of some authentic Italian ice.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

Sure, you can chow down on hot dogs, hand-cut French fries and milkshakes at Five Guys, but you can probably guess the main attraction here: Burgers! Burgers with over 250,000 potential topping combinations, to be specific. You can also grab a breakfast sandwich on your way into the theme parks to start your Universal day on a tasty note.

Bend the Bao

If you’ve never had a bao, Bend the Bao 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.

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.

Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches

Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches is a sandwich-lover’s paradise. There are 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

Red Oven Pizza Bakery 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 destination has to offer.

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 The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen 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 theme 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!

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 at Universal CityWalk

Universal Studios Store

If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir and didn’t grab one in the theme parks, the Universal Studios Store 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.

Universal Legacy Store

In the market for some merch celebrating some of Universal’s most beloved franchises? Pop into the Universal Legacy Store and browse to your nostalgic heart’s content.

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 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.