Just got back from Universal’s “Taste of Universal” event and boy, do I have recommendations for y’all!  We heard mixed things about the food while we were there but everything we tried was BOMB so if you like good food and want to know which items to use those 5 food and beverage credits on, keep reading this “Taste of Universal” foodie guide.

There are four main food options for large portioned meals: Three Broomsticks, Minions Café, Krusty Burger, and Hollywood & Dine.  There are also several additional stations where you can grab other snacks and such.  Since we came HUNGRY, we stuck to the main spots.

We used all of our vouchers between Minions Café, Hollywood & Dine, and Three Broomsticks.  The only reason we didn’t hit up Krusty Burger is that we really weren’t in the mood for a burger. (We heard the burger was pretty good though).

 

Minion’s Café Recommendations

Let’s start with Minions Café.  Here we got the Loaded Chicken Nachos, Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac ‘n Cheese, and the Hazelnut Banana Pudding.  All three were exceptional.   We were peeping at the other dishes from those who got them around us and I feel pretty confident that these are the top items to get here.

Loaded Chicken Nachos

The Loaded Chicken Nachos were by far the best meal item of the day.  The flavor profile is both fresh and satisfying, and the chicken was perfectly marinated. Plus the portion size was HUGE.

 

Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac ‘n Cheese

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac ‘n Cheese was a bit smaller than the nachos but they really piled on the chicken.  (The chunks were almost TOO big).  I LOVED the ranch flavored breadcrumbs (which I thought tasted more like garlic breadcrumbs).  I would have liked the mac ‘n cheese to be a little creamier but it wasn’t a deal-breaker for me.

 

Hazelnut Banana Pudding

The sleeper hit of the day was the Minion fondant Hazelnut Banana Pudding.  OH MY GOSH.  It tasted just like Magnolia Bakery’s famous banana pudding!  I was on the floor.  And it’s only $5.  This is a MUST get.

 

 

Three Broomsticks Recommendations

Three Broomsticks is my fav eatery in Universal Studios.  It’s a must-visit for me every single time I go.  I love everything from the Fish & Chips to the Shepard’s Pie. This time I didn’t use my vouchers on these items since I already knew that they’re amazing and regularly purchase on my visits.  Just because I didn’t get them on this visit, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. In fact, you should!

 

Fish & Chips

A fan favorite, the Fish & Chips at Three Broomsticks will transport you straight back to England (or for those from the Midwest, right back to your favorite Friday night Fish fry joint).

 

Shepard’s Pie

I actually enjoy the Shepard’s Pie even more than I love the Fish & Chips.  If you like this sort of dish, you will love it at Three Broomsticks.  It’s actually a really tough decision for me whenever I have to choose here.  I basically just flip a coin.

 

Butterbeer

There are a few Butterbeer stations throughout Hogsmeade where you can get either regular or frozen Butterbeer BUT if you want either hot Butterbeer or Butterbeer ice cream, then you’ll need to get in line for Three Broomsticks and order it there.  We did an entire Butterbeer challenge with all 4 this last visit so stay tuned for more on that.

 

Hollywood & Dine Recommendations

We rounded out the night with a stop at Hollywood & Dine.  We got the Korean Hot Dog, BBQ Brisket Slider, Clam Chowder, and Loaded Tots.  All were good and SUPER filling.  I definitely couldn’t finish all the food.

 

Korean Hot Dog

This was similar to your standard deep fried corn dog, only the corn bread batter was a bit sweeter.  It was like it was dusted with sugar.

 

Clam Chowder

This is supposed to come served in a bread bowl but by the end of the night they were all sold out. The soup itself was AMAZING.  This clam chowder is full of flavor and is very satisfying.

 

Loaded Tots

This is the best bang for your buck at Hollywood & Dine.  The tots come topped with chili and cheese and it’s a huge portion.  If you are trying to decide between the tots here and the tots at Minions Café, this is about double the size.

 

BBQ Brisket Slider

This one isn’t the best bang for your buck (one single mini slider) BUT the flavor is awesome.  And if you’re a fan of burnt ends, then you’ll really love this.

 

There are obviously a TON of additional options that we weren’t able to get to (it would be impossible to try it all in one day) but these are definitely the hot items and great options if you’re looking to maximize your 5 voucher credits.  (Almost everything mentioned was a $10 item).

If I could only choose 5 items, this is how I would spend my credits:

1. Fish & Chips ($10) – Three Broomsticks
2. Butterbeer ($8) – Three Broomsticks
3. Clam Chowder in Sourdough Bowl ($10) – Hollywood & Dine
4. Loaded Tots ($10) – Hollywood & Dine
5. Loaded Chicken Nachos ($10) – Minion’s Cafe

Bonus: Hazelnut Banana Pudding ($5) – Minion’s Café

I hope you enjoyed this “Taste of Universal” foodie guide.  Let me know which items you tried and what you would recommend spending your 5 credits on in the comments below.