Review: Fat One’s at Universal CityWalk — what we tried and what to know before ordering
Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice is now serving at Universal CityWalk Orlando, bringing Joey Fatone’s specialty hot dog concept to the entertainment and dining district just outside the gates of two theme parks.
Ahead of the opening, Attractions Magazine spoke with Fatone and business partner Joe Mulvihill about bringing the brand to Universal Orlando. We also got an early taste of several menu items, from a Korean-inspired hot dog to a vegan option.
And after sharing that first look on our channels, one subject dominated the conversation: price.
Fat One’s isn’t built around the traditional hot dog-and-fries combo. Its menu centers on loaded, specialty hot dogs with toppings and flavor combinations that turn the hot dog into the entree.
Here’s what we tried — and what guests should know before ordering.
Fat One’s hot dog prices
Hot dogs at Fat One’s start at $10.49, while the most expensive option, The Fat One, costs $15.99.
The Fat One is also an outlier on the menu. It’s a footlong loaded with roasted pork, pepperoni, chili beans, cheddar cheese sauce, red onion sauce and Pop Fries.
Fries are not automatically included with the hot dogs. They’re a separate menu item, something guests should factor into the total price if they were hoping for a traditional hot dog-and-fries meal.
Universal Orlando annual pass discounts are available.
Review: What we tried at Fat One’s
Dirty K-Pop
Of the hot dogs we sampled, the Dirty K-Pop was the early favorite.
The Korean-inspired dog combines several textures and flavors, but it was the crunch that particularly stood out. The crispy topping kept a heavily dressed hot dog from becoming one-note, and the combination worked well enough that Attractions Magazine Publisher Matt Roseboom called it his favorite of the tasting.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
For someone visiting Fat One’s specifically because they want something different from a conventional hot dog, this is a strong example of what the concept is trying to do.
Johnny’s Pizza
Johnny’s Pizza takes the hot dog in another familiar direction, topping it with pepperoni and pizza-inspired ingredients.
The pepperoni flavor is prominent — prominent enough that Roseboom noted it can overpower the flavor of the hot dog itself.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
The Angelo
The Angelo goes Mediterranean, with feta and tzatziki among its toppings.
The feta is a particularly strong flavor here. Someone who enjoys feta-heavy Greek salads and sandwiches will probably know whether that personally sounds appealing.
Vegan dog
Fat One’s also has a vegan hot dog, and it isn’t treated as an afterthought. Our tasting found it flavorful, with mustard and pickle/relish flavors coming through prominently. There was also a little kick to it.
It was served to us on a gluten-free bun, although guests have flexibility when ordering.
Loaded Pop Fries
The loaded Pop Fries we sampled came topped with bacon, cheese, ranch and chives.
The fries themselves are relatively thick, which helps them stand up to the toppings. They’re filling enough to function as a substantial side, but remember: fries are ordered separately from the hot dogs.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
Can you customize a hot dog at Fat One’s?
During our visit, we were told guests can make substitutions, customize toppings and simplify their orders. The menu showcases elaborate combinations, but guests aren’t necessarily locked into them exactly as pictured.
Does Fat One’s have gluten-free buns?
Yes. Gluten-free buns are available.
Guests should still ask about preparation and cross-contact if they have celiac disease, a wheat allergy or another medical need. Availability of a gluten-free bun by itself does not establish that the finished meal is free from cross-contact.
Things to know before eating at Fat One’s
- Hot dogs start around $10. The least expensive options are $10.49; you don’t have to order the $15.99 Fat One.
- Fries don’t come with the hot dogs. If you want fries, budget for a separate side.
- The concept is specialty hot dogs. The menu is designed around loaded combinations, not primarily plain hot dogs.
- You can customize your order. Guests have flexibility with toppings and substitutions.
- Gluten-free buns are available.
- Check the toppings before ordering. Several dogs have assertive flavors — feta, kimchi-inspired toppings, pepperoni, mustard and more — so view the menu carefully.
Photo by MagicCityMayhem Mikey
Is Fat One’s worth the price?
Whether a $10-$16 specialty hot dog fits someone’s CityWalk budget is ultimately personal. Our group enjoyed what we tried, but wouldn’t necessarily make a special trip just to visit this casual spot.
Fat One’s is at its most distinctive when it isn’t trying to be a basic hot dog. The Dirty K-Pop was our standout, while the rest of the tasting showed just how differently the same basic format can taste depending on the toppings.
Photo by MagicCityMayhem Mikey
Variety is ultimately the point of Fat One’s: taking a familiar food and having some fun with it. There is plenty to explore, with enough room for customization.
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