Universal Studios is a popular vacation destination for people all over the United States. It is one of the most well known and loved theme parks around. When you’re enjoying the theme park you will undoubtedly get hungry but may not know what is available. We have created a list of the best places to eat at Universal Studios to give you a good idea of what is available to you whether you are looking for a place you can take the kids or you want to find a more grown up place better suited to the adults. This list does not contain ALL of the eating establishments at Universal Studios but it will give you a great head start on some terrific places to get great service, great food and great atmosphere too.
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Visit: Karl Strauss Brewing Company
If you are looking for a place to unwind and get some excellent refreshment after a long day of fun, Karl Strauss Brewing Company is exactly what you want. The Universal City Restaurant menu is jam-packed with delicious items like the bacon macaroni & cheese, the mouth-watering juicy beer burger, or the tasty pork schnitzel sliders served on delicious pretzel buns. This is just the tip of the menu iceberg. Choose from one of 10 handcrafted brews offered on tap such as the favored Columbia Street Amber Ale or the full-bodied Wreck Alley Imperial Stout. If you don’t want a full meal you will have to try the soft pretzels with beer mustard as you relax with your craft beer. At Karl’s they have a passion for creating new and exciting dishes as well as a commitment to brewing exceptional tasting beer and a dedication to quality that you will taste in every bite of food from the menu and in every sip of beer from the taps.
Johnny Rockets
Visit: Johnny Rockets
Although Johnny Rockets is a chain restaurant, it doesn’t stop them from being dedicated to providing their guests with exceptional food and a fun, welcoming atmosphere. At Johnny Rocket’s they have a commitment to serving delicious All-American food in an environment that the whole family will love. The menu includes delicious items like the 100% beef, cooked-to-order burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs with chili, grilled cheese sandwiches, crispy, hot fries, salads and of course their famous hand-spun malts and shakes. They also offer a Veggie Boca Burger as well for those interested in a vegetarian burger choice. If you’re dining with the little ones, check out Johnny Rocket’s kid meals that offer several selections that are served with kid-sized fries and a kid’s beverage.
Saddle Ranch Chop House
Visit: Saddle Ranch Chop House
Saddle Ranch Chop House opened in late 1999 and has long since become a place where guests initially come to eat but end up sitting back and relaxing long after the plates are cleared away to enjoy the one of a kind entertainment that Saddle Ranch provides. The theme of the restaurant is “Rock Meets Western”. This is evident in the décor of the restaurant as well as how it is operated. The rustic buildings are made from stone and wood and look like they belong in in the middle of an old fashioned western town. The restaurant is decorated with plenty of western memorabilia and props that give it the feel of an old Western saloon complete with balconies. The large outdoor patio features a stone campfire pit where you can roast s’mores over the fire while enjoying a refreshing drink. The oval shaped bar in the center of the restaurant is a beautiful feature as well where you can order cocktails, beer or wine. Don’t forget about Saddle Ranch’s signature mechanical bull that provides plenty of entertainment to the diners. A night at Saddle Ranch will feel like a night with friends around the fire pit at home; that is the goal of the staff for every guest that comes through their doors.
Pink’s Hot Dogs
Visit: Pink’s Hot Dogs
If you love hot dogs you will love Pink’s Hot Dogs. It is the ultimate mom and pop hot dog stand that was started by Paul and Betty Pink who sold hot dogs from a cart at the corner of La Brea & Melrose back in 1939. The city fell in love with the delicious chili dogs and friendliness of Paul and Betty and they became a huge hit. 77 years later, Pink’s Hot Dogs is internationally known and a Hollywood landmark to boot. It is still run by Paul and Betty Pink’s family: Gloria, Beverly and Richard. They are known for their incredible variety of hot dogs and now hamburgers, their huge portion sizes and the great prices. This celebrity-visited hot dog icon has a fun atmosphere that everyone who comes here loves, including the late-night club crowd. Come try one of their 30 different varieties of hot dogs and who know… you may see one of the many celebrities that have come here to enjoy its food.
Hard Rock Café Hollywood
Visit: Hard Rock Café Hollywood
When you first see Hard Rock Café Hollywood you will be impressed by the outside that looks like the Taj Mahal and the gigantic guitar fountain that is a Citywalk landmark since 1996 when its doors first opened. The inside of the Café is filled with authentic music memorabilia such as famous guitars, clothes worn by popular music artists and a beautiful, classic, 1957 car that is perched over the center bar and revolves. It is the perfect place to go to relax after a day at Universal Studios for a great meal and refreshing drink. Hard Rock Café Hollywood is the perfect place to go if you are a foodie or music lover and if you’re both, then you’re really going to love it. The house-made food is delicious and includes such popular items as their delicious jumbo wings with their signature dry rub on them, or a delicious burger or steak. There is definitely something tasty for every member of the family regardless of their age.
Café Sierra
Visit: Café Sierra
Inside the gleaming Los Angeles/Universal City Hilton next to Universal Studios is the wonderful Café Sierra. Here you can enjoy their delicious Seafood and Prime Rib buffet that will remind you of a Vegas buffet. There is plenty of crab, lobster, shrimp, BBQ Ribs, King Crab Legs, Peking Duck and so much more. You will be amazed at the selection of incredible food available to you on this buffet. There is also a breakfast buffet offered until 11:00 am each day. The buffets Café Sierra offers provides guests with a plethora of delicious, carefully prepared dishes that will leave you wanting to come back again and again. One thing is certain, when you visit Café Sierra, you will never leave hungry.
TonyRomas
Visit: TonyRomas
The staff at Tony Romas is ready to welcome you to their restaurant to enjoy their delicious ribs and steaks, exceptional service, and so much more. The menu is full of delicious appetizers and dishes made with chicken, seafood, steaks, and ribs as well as several salads, burgers, sandwiches and desserts too. The Tony Romas chain of restaurants go back 40 years and have become one of the most recognized names in the restaurant industry. You can choose from such delicious dishes as their mouthwatering signature ribs, seafood, chicken, steaks and their world famous onion loaf as well. It is a great place to go after spending the day at Universal Studios so you can unwind and relax with friends or your family and talk about the fun of the day.
Buca Di Beppo
Visit: Buca Di Beppo
When you want incredible Italian food after a day of fun at Universal Studios, what you want is Buca Di Beppo. All dishes are served family style with the small size feeding 2 to 3 people and the large size feeding up to 5 people. Buca has some incredible dishes for you to try including their spicy chicken rigatoni, the Penne San Remo or the Linguine Frutti de Mare. This is just the beginning of all that Buca has to offer. You can create your own pizza, create your own pasta dish or order the specialties they have already created. Buca di Beppo becomes everyone’s favorite Italian restaurant to dine at because they make every guest that comes through the door feel like they are family.
Wolfgang Puck Bistro
Visit: Wolfgang Puck Bistro
Wolfgang Puck is a well-known chef and restaurateur who has opened restaurants across the United States. The Wolfgang Puck Bistro is located right in the heart of Universal Studios and offers guests classic recipes and simple food that tastes anything but simple. The menu is full of Wolfgang’s signature dishes, sandwiches, pastas, pizzas, salads and delectable desserts that will provide something for everyone on your list. All of the ingredients that are used to create the wonderful dishes that the Bistro offers are the freshest available to always ensure the best tasting entrees, appetizers, and desserts you can imagine. At Wolfgang Puck Bistro you can enjoy dining inside the restaurant or on the outdoor patio where you can enjoy people watching with your fabulous meal.
Camanchos Cantina
Visit: Camanchos Cantina
The vibrant and exciting atmosphere of Camanchos Cantina is the perfect complement to the sights and sounds of the popular Universal Studios where it is located. Enjoy live Mariachi bands, incredible margaritas, mouthwatering, authentic, Mexican cuisine and incredibly friendly and competent staff when you dine at Camanchos. The menu is full of different kinds of nachos, soups, fajitas, enchiladas, burritos and much more that will satisfy your craving for exceptional Mexican food. Don’t forget to try the salsa bar where you can choose from a variety of salsas to go with homemade tortilla chips. Be sure to try one of their signature cocktails with your meal like the Mexican Molly or the Bon Bon. A meal at Camanchos Cantina is a dining experience that makes you feel like you’re right in the heart of Mexico.