From restaurants to clubs, CityWalk has many things to offer if you’re looking for a break from Universal’s theme parks. Grab your group of friends or your significant other with this ultimate how-to guide for Universal’s CityWalk!
The best spots to grab a bite at Universal CityWalk
Fun fact: the largest Hard Rock Café in the world is located right in CityWalk! If you’re a burger lover, this is the place to go. Their burgers are literally called “legendary steak burgers” on the menu. With around 14 burger options and Lionel Messi’s own “Messi burger”, there’s plenty of options for your taste bud!
Not a fan of the legendary burgers? No worries! Hard Rock Café is also known for their fajitas, pulled pork sandwich and baby back ribs. Make sure to pair up your meal with one of their signature cocktails or ice cold pints as that’s what makes this place one of our favorite CityWalk restaurants!
Hard Rock CAFE, 6050 Universal Blvd, 32819, Orlando, FL, United States
Photo credit Universal Orlando
Mexican food is a favorite of ours and CityWalk has one of the best Mexican places to go to! With its vibrant building sitting on the way to Islands Of Adventure, it’s hard to miss. On most weekdays tables are available when you walk up, but if you’re planning on going on a weekend we suggest making a reservation ahead of time!
Right when you walk inside, you feel like you’re at an authentic Mexican restaurant with live music playing on the stage. You’ll be met with free chips and salsa (something free at a theme park? say less!) and you have to pair it with one of their amazing margaritas. We recommend the blood orange one! Their fresh food options include a steaming plate of fajitas, chimichangas, tacos and if you want to splurge a little, go for some table side guacamole.
Photo credit Universal Orlando
Step into paradise at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville for one of the best restaurants on CityWalk! The tropical paradise adds an even more vacation feel to your visit to Universal. This restaurant is known for its vast outdoor patio with live music and its cheesy cheeseburgers that’ll make you want to come back again for more!
There’s also other options like fish tacos and a selection of delicious appetizers to choose from. Pro tip: order the volcano nachos for the whole table!
Photo credit Universal Orlando
Whether you’re a picky eater with a burger or wanting to try some new sushi, Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar brings two different food items onto one menu. Located above Vivo Italian Kitchen, Cowfish is a more unique restaurant to try on CityWalk that offers bold menu items.
Its famous “burgushi” combines elements from both burgers and sushi into rolls and bento boxes. Not feeling adventurous? No worries! Cowfish also offers a selection of regular sushi rolls and burgers for you to try.
The best bars and cocktails at Universal CityWalk!
Photo credit Universal Orlando
Arguably one of the most well-known CityWalk bars, this is a must-do after a long day at the parks or a night out with friends. The Red Coconut Club is located up the escalator on CityWalk and offers a vintage tiki bar theme when you enter. The best part is when they redecorate for Halloween and rename the bar the “Dead Coconut Club”!
The drink menu offers a variety of tiki drinks, signature cocktails, beer, wine and mocktails. We recommend the signature Red Coconut drink, which you can also get in a signature tiki cup if you’re looking to splurge a little!
Photo credit Orlando Informer
On the water sits the class Fat Tuesday’s bar that’s serves your favorite New Orleans original daiquiris. Although not the usual vast bar, Fat Tuesday’s just a booth on the river at CityWalk, but the drinks are so good we had to still add it to the list!
They’re known for their frozen drinks and we have some favorites. These flavors include mango, margarita, strawberry, and Cat 5 hurricane (tropical fruit punch, fruit juices, and rum). You can mix any of the flavors into a delicious daiquiri as well, but be warned…these drinks are strong!
Photo credit Universal Orlando
Coming back to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, the Lone Palm Airport sits just across the restaurant on the water and offers some of the best vibes on CityWalk. With Jimmy Buffet songs playing on the speakers and sitting at a makeshift tiki bar, you feel like you’re transported to the beach.
Our favorite drinks to order is the guava cocktail or the tranquil waters. You can also snack on some delicious food like the conch fritters or the asiago crab spinach artichoke dip!
Photo credit Universal Orlando
Step into a replica of the iconic Louisiana bar complete with Cajun inspired bites, Bourbon Street drinks, and live entertainment. Located up the escalator on CityWalk as well, this is one of the more hidden gems between all the bars and clubs!
Grab a table to enjoy classic cocktails like the hurricane with some Louisiana inspired snacks. Our go-to’s are the crab beignets with tarragon aioli while jamming out to some classic tunes! Pat O’Brien’s also offers a full menu to be able to grab lunch or dinner while enjoying some drinks.
The best things to do at Universal CityWalk!
Step into the universe of “Jurassic World” and “Back to the Future” in this new experience for guests at CityWalk to experience! Starting from $40, you can choose between either franchises and put your skills to the test in this next-level escape room.
Tickets can also be purchased for a private party starting at $240. The Great Movie Escape takes the concept of escape rooms and amplifies it for the whole group to enjoy. Since this is a newer experience, this is a must-do next time you’re at CityWalk!
Photo credit Universal Orlando
Ever wanted to belt out your fave tunes with the help of your own backup singers and live band? Head over to CityWalk’s Rising Star. This bar and karaoke club is the perfect place to live out your fantasy and soak up a little spotlight.
Don’t worry if you aren’t looking to show off your range, you can always go, grab a cocktail, and check out all the local talent. And if you’re feeling like a celeb, opt for A-list treatment with express entry, an exclusive seating area with table service, and a dedicated server. Would you believe that one of the top things to do at Universal CityWalk is being a SUPERSTAR?
Photo credit Universal Orlando
Who doesn’t love a round of mini golf? And lucky for us, Universal CityWalk has not one, but two mini golf courses! Play your way through 36 holes inspired by the horror and sci-fi movies of the 1950s. Ticket prices vary depending on when you’re going and if you want to do the 18 or 36 holes.
Choose from “The Haunting of Ghostly Greens” and “Invaders From Planet Putt” or opt for the double feature to play through both courses. This is a great family-friendly activity and a little competition is good for everyone, and one of our top things to do at Universal CityWalk.
Have a movie that you’ve been meaning to see? Universal CityWalk has an Cinemark that’s always showing the newest films on 20 big screens. Kick back in luxury loungers while you catch the newest flick.
Plus when the post movie munchies hit, you’ve got all the delicious options at Universal CityWalk literally right outside the door! A movie night is for sure one of the best things to do at Universal CityWalk! Parking is free at CityWalk after 6PM or you can buy two matinee tickets between 11AM to 6PM to get free parking as well.
Now that you have everything you need to know about CityWalk, grab your friends or family and plan the perfect day or night out at Universal’s CityWalk! Whether it be a standalone or after a day at the parks, there’s something for everyone to do.
Looking for more things to do in Orlando? Check out our weekend guide for stuff to do in Orlando!
Orlando local who loves to go to cheer on UCF and the Magic or a day at Disney🤍.