Universal CityWalk: A Complete Guide to Restaurants, Entertainment, and Shopping
Universal CityWalk is an entertainment, dining, and shopping hub located between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. It offers a wide array of options for visitors of all ages, making it a worthwhile destination for a pre- or post-park experience. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this guide will help you navigate the many choices available at Universal CityWalk.
Dining at Universal CityWalk
When it comes to dining, Universal CityWalk truly has something for everyone. From quick bites to full-service restaurants, the options are endless. While some establishments cater to tourists, others offer unique culinary experiences that even the most discerning foodies will appreciate.
Quick Service Restaurants
For those on the go, CityWalk offers a variety of quick-service options:
- Auntie Anne's: Enjoy iconic pretzels and lemonade at this popular kiosk.
- Cinnabon: Indulge in delicious cinnamon creations from this fan-favorite spot, now conveniently located in a cart.
- Coke Icon: Grab quick bites and Coca-Cola-powered sips at this unique kiosk shaped like a Coke bottle.
- Dippin' Dots: Savor the famous spherical ice cream in various flavors at this Universal location.
- Dockside kiosk: Wind down your day with beverages and spectacular views at this waterfront stand.
- Riverfront kiosk: Offering different drink selections and appetizers from Dockside and Shoreline.
- Shoreline kiosk: Similar to Dockside, offering beverages and beautiful visual backdrops.
- Voodoo Doughnut: This Portland-bred doughnut dream needs no introduction - just expect tons of deliciously (and interestingly) flavored doughnuts.
- Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches: Located on the landing between the first and second levels of CityWalk, serving gourmet sandwiches for the whole family.
- Burger King Whopper Bar: The CityWalk BK slings a unique menu of bold burgers, complete with a loaded bar of condiments and toppings.
- Cold Stone Creamery: The CityWalk Cold Stone has all the sinfully sweet ice cream mash-ups that you know and love.
- Hot Dog Hall of Fame: A surprise home-run for CityWalk, Hot Dog Hall of Fame has been praised for the quality and authenticity of its classic hot-dog selection.
- Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: Known for its self-serve froyo and gigantic bar of toppings, this weigh-by-the-ounce dessert spot is a fun stop for kids and adults alike.
- Moe’s Southwest Grill: Quick, easy, and delicious, Moe’s is a great option for families on the fly. The location serves up burritos, quesadillas, and more.
- Panda Express: The fast-food Asian eatery features an assortment of familiar dishes in a cafeteria-style setting.
- Red Oven Pizza Bakery: Choose from menu selections or create your own individual pizza with a delicious array of toppings.
- Starbucks Coffee: The worldwide coffee chain has a pretty big presence towards the entrance of CityWalk. Expect the usual menu of java and other treats.
Full-Service Restaurants
For a more relaxed dining experience, consider one of CityWalk's full-service restaurants:
- Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food: Known for its tableside guacamole, live music, and colorful building, Antojitos serves up Mexican fare with flair.
- Bigfire: One of CityWalk’s newer restaurants, Bigfire is known for its tableside s’mores and a menu of bold, artisan flavors.
- Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom: This bar is decorated to match the appearance of Bob Marley’s Jamaican home while serving major reggae vibes and an excellent menu.
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market: You’ll find a dancing shrimp outside of Bubba Gump; inside, you’ll find a delicious seafood menu and fun, kitschy decor. The "Forrest Gump" inspired restaurant has an outpost at Universal CityWalk.
- The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar: Who would’ve thought that sushi and burgers go together so well? Cowfish does it right with impressive dishes throughout its interesting menu.
- Hard Rock Cafe Orlando: American entrees are to be had at the world’s largest Hard Rock restaurant.
- Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville: Join Jimmy’s island state of mind with signature margaritas and a full food menu of tropical flavor.
- NBC Sports Grill & Brew: This gigantic, heavily television-adorned establishment has a vast food and drink roster that makes it one of the top recommendations for big groups.
- Pat O’Brien’s: This recreation of a New Orleans gem features dueling pianos, Bourbon Street-style cocktails, and hearty fare.
- The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen: The steampunk aesthetics and massive milkshakes will bring you in, but Toothsome’s assortment of unique food flavors will keep you coming back.
- VIVO Italian Kitchen: Italian lovers, look no further than VIVO - this chic restaurant has pastas, pizzas, and tons of entrees that will satisfy all your cravings. Nothing hits the spot like handmade Italian cooking.
Drinks and Lounges
If you're looking for a place to unwind with a drink, CityWalk has several lounges and clubs to choose from:
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- Fat Tuesday: With a walk-up location on the second floor of CityWalk and a kiosk on the water, Fat Tuesday is your best bet for strong, fruity, frozen cocktails.
- Lone Palm Airport: Sit alongside a seaplane from Jimmy Buffet’s personal fleet while sipping on margs and enjoying appetizers.
- Red Coconut Club: This two-story club has a tiki-chic, intimate atmosphere perfect for dinner and drinks.
Entertainment at Universal CityWalk
Beyond dining, Universal CityWalk offers a variety of entertainment options:
- Universal Cinema: Catch the latest blockbusters at this state-of-the-art cineplex, featuring 18 movie theaters, including an IMAX theater and a brand-new AMC PRIME theater with reclining seats. Before your show, grab a drink at the Director’s Lounge (if you’re 21 or older), whose playful menu is inspired by the shows and movies featured at Universal Studios Hollywood.
- 5 Towers Stage: Situated right outside Universal Cinema, 5 Towers Stage is a state-of-the-art, open air concert venue with over 5,000 LED lights.
- Escapology: Test your puzzle-solving skills at Escapology, where you can choose from over 10 different immersive escape rooms.
- Blue Man Group: Experience the world-renowned Blue Man Group show, a unique combination of comedy, music, and multimedia.
Shopping at Universal CityWalk
Don't forget to explore the many shops at Universal CityWalk:
- Universal Studio Store: This is an emporium of all things Universal Studios Hollywood: from dinosaur gear to wizarding robes to iconic monster tees, you can find all kinds of apparel, toys and souvenirs at this massive shop. Merchandise rotates in and out of stock, so never miss a chance to swing in and see what’s new.
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Store: The newest land in Universal Studios Hollywood is so epic, it has its own store at Universal CityWalk Hollywood. The SUPER NINTENDO WORLD STORE on CityWalk features all kinds of apparel, plushies, toys, bags, and more, all inspired by SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and the Mushroom Kingdom.
- KidZone Store: This family-friendly shop carries toys, plushies, souvenirs and clothes based on Universal Studios Hollywood’s kid-centric properties. Here, you’ll find “Minions,” “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Trolls” gear - and even not-so-scary dinosaurs and sharks, too.
- Universal Legacy Store: This rotating storefront is where you can find limited-time-only Universal Studios Hollywood apparel, merchandise and souvenirs.
- Take 2: Snag any last chance clearance items that you thought were probably gone forever.
- Universal Bazar: Want a hip new look while repping your favorite fandoms? Look no further than Universal Bazar, which features the fan- and fashion-forward, apparel line, UNIVERS.
- LINE FRIENDS SQUARE: Sells cute plushies, toys, apparel and accessories for K-pop lovers and theme park enthusiasts alike.
- NBA Store: The only official NBA Store on the West Coast is here on CityWalk! Find all kinds of NBA and WNBA merch and apparel, from authentic NBA jerseys to autographed memorabilia.
- Celebrity Authentics: Situated directly across from the Universal Cinema, this shop has a vast selection of posters, photos, toys, and props signed by beloved actors - no joke.
- Things From Another World: Your one-stop-shop for everything comic book. This shop has a range of comic books, including classic collections, art books and new releases, as well as action figures, statues, apparel, and more collectables.
- Billabong: Dedicated to these much-beloved California pastimes.
- Hot Topic: If you want to sport your favorite team’s logo, Lids is the shop for you. Get your favorite squad’s hat at Lids, then pop over to Locker Room by Lids for the rest of the getup.
- Karma and Luck: With an array of jewelry, gemstones, crystals and more spiritually-minded decor, Karma and Luck is unlike any other shop on CityWalk.
- It'Sugar: You’re about to feel like a kid in a candy shop. Literally.
- Sephora: Find all of your makeup, skincare, haircare and fragrance needs under one roof at Sephora.
- Shoe Palace: Sneakerheads, look no further than this footwear outlet.
- Sunsations: It’s seemingly always sunny in SoCal - protect your eyes and stay stylish all at once at Sunsations.
- Sock Culture: This quirky boutique has nearly every funky-patterned sock you can imagine.
- Quiksilver: This California-based clothing brand sells surf, skate, and streetwear for folks of all ages.
Tips for Visiting Universal CityWalk
- Parking: General Parking costs just five bucks if you’re catching a flick. We recommend purchasing your movie ticket and parking ahead online or through the AMC Theatres app. That way, you’ll get a barcode you can show at the gate on your way into the garage. If you come to CityWalk for a sit-down dinner, you can park like a VIP starting for just ten bucks (with validation).
- Dining Reservations: Dining reservations are now available for some of your favorite Universal CityWalk food spots.
- Lines: Lines at quick service restaurants can be massive at peak lunch meal times. If you’re dining at a table service restaurant in CityWalk, make lunch your main meal.
- Check for Updates: Venues are subject to change. This article is updated periodically to reflect the most current offerings at Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
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