Epic Universe cheap eats: Best budget-friendly food, snacks for under $15
Discover where to find budget-friendly food and snacks at the new Universal Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Fla., from a “Mario Kart” calzone to a vampire hunter’s garlic stake.
I took my first bite of Epic Universe food earlier this year at a preview event — and I knew instantly we’d be in for a treat. To say Universal Orlando Resort’s culinary ambitions have grown leaps and bounds with the opening of its newest theme park would be an understatement. Here, each fanciful forkful is an attraction in and of itself.
Epic Universe has redefined “theme park food,” introducing over 30 new dining locations and 100+ new dishes. There’s a little something for every palate, from approachable mac and cheese cones in Isle of Berk (they live up to the hype!) to elevated seafood dishes at the park’s full-service restaurant, Atlantic.
I’ve dined at all Epic Universe food locations, trying around 70 dishes. Along the way, I’ve discovered the park excels especially well in the snack department. In many cases, these snacks could make a complete lunch, or at the very least save up room to try more eats.
Disclaimer: “Cheap” is a relative term — especially in theme parks — but I’ve compiled a list of my favorite eats I’m deeming affordable in this context. For these purposes, I’ll define “cheap” as $15 and under. Happy and Epic eating!
Here are the best cheap eats at Epic Universe.
Celestial Steamed Bun: $12.99, Star Sui Bao
Description: Vegetable Blend Bun with Bok Choy, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Vegetarian Oyster Sauce
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, Celestial Park’s full-service restaurant, is a total home run — but it’s an investment in time and money. For a taste of Asia flavors on the go, the unassuming Star Sui Bao snack stand in Celestial Park hits all the right notes. In the Celestial Steamed Bun, the crunch from the vegetables is a nice pairing with the fluffy, fresh bao bun. I appreciated that the side sauce is actually spicy, and not “theme park spicy.” The price is a little high for just two buns, but can easily comprise a filling meal.
Hunter’s Garlic Stake: $11.99, The Burning Blade Tavern
Description: Crispy Garlic Butter Pretzel with Garlic Dipping Sauce.
Pretzel lovers rejoice! In Dark Universe, we have two options for the carby snack. I found the $8.99 Frankenstein pretzel (served at De Lacey’s Cottage snack stand) to be forgettable, with the exception of the addictive white cheese sauce it’s served with. In contrast, the Hunter’s Garlic Stake far exceeded my expectations and has been consistent across the several times I’ve ordered it. In each case, the pretzel has been soft, fresh, and loaded with garlic flavor. Vampires be damned! The price hike to $11.99 is a tough pill to swallow, but nevertheless, this is the snack I will keep going back to, especially when paired with the exclusive Reaper’s Reserve draft beer.
Barf and Belch’s Duo Plate: $9.49, Mead Hall
Description: Mac & Cheese Bites, Grilled Sausage, Carrots, Nordic Fries, Grapes on the Vine.
I often opt for a kid’s meal when I’m hurrying my way around parks. It’s a good way to further my budget, and I often find the portions of adult meals too large if I’m flying solo. I’d never suggest ordering a kid’s meal at a table-service restaurant, but since Epic Universe’s quick-service restaurants rely on the mobile app for ordering, it’s not a problem.
Barf and Belch’s Duo Plate served in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk’s Mead Hall is going to be in regular rotation for me. It’s a well-rounded, fairly-priced meal with protein, carbs, vegetables, and even fruit that won’t weigh you down before heading to Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. The sausage is well prepared and juicy, and has a nice snap. Plus, the presentation is adorable. I highly suggest kindly asking for a side of the berry bbq sauce, with notes of boysenberry, to dip the sausage and fries into.
Kids Meatloaf Skewer: $9.50, Das Stakehaus
Description: Grape Jelly Glazed Brisket Meatloaf Served with Grapes and Fries
First thing’s first: I’ve never enjoyed meatloaf. But in the name of *science* I timidly took a bite of the meatloaf from Das Stakehaus (both available in a children’s portion and a full-sized entrée), and I kept going back for more. The meat itself is well seasoned and of quality, which contributes to making this dish a winner. The glaze adds just a hint of sweetness that balances the savory components of the meat.
Red Shell Calzone: $12.99, Yoshi’s Snack Island
Description: Calzone Filled with Italian Meat Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese.
When I first learned Orlando was getting a version of the Super Nintendo World Japan calzone, it became my most hyped snack to try at Epic Universe. While the Asia version is filled with yakisoba and cheese, this is a twist on the perennial favorite: pizza. Served at Yoshi’s Snack Island, it’s the Hot Pocket of my dreams. A soft, fresh exterior is packed with pizza ingredients and a flavorful marinara. This is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
King Oyster Mushroom Ceviche: $15, Atlantic
Description: Marinated Mushroom, Tomato, Cilantro, Jicama, Lime.
Atlantic in Celestial Park could rest on its atmosphere alone: it is visually stunning, and maybe the most beautiful theme park restaurant in the U.S. The welcoming respite has delivered from the get-go with a well-rounded menu, including a standout sea bass and burger. It would be an injustice to call this “theme park food.”
Surprisingly, my favorite dish here is totally vegan. The mushroom ceviche is prepared in a way that the texture bafflingly mimics seafood. It’s bursting with flavor, from the fresh vegetables and tang from the lime. It’s a perfect light meal for a hot day.
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