Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [143]
Hard Rock Cafe. The Hard Rock—and this is the world’s largest, by the way—is munchie central, with indulgent snacks like potato skins, nachos, and the signature Pig Sandwich.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. The menu focuses on southern Florida and Caribbean foods, but you can also find cheeseburgers in Paradise. The Volcano Bar erupts margaritas regularly and entertainment consists of Buffett concerts on big-screen TVs and sometimes live music on the pleasant porch.
NASCAR Sports Grille. Expect good ol’ boy cuisine such as ribs, steaks, and fried chicken. Race fans will enjoy the memorabilia scattered around the restaurant, the servers dressed like a pit crew, and the rumble of race broadcasts on overhead TVs.
NBA City. It’s a basketball-theme restaurant that serves Shaq-size servings of steak, pasta, and sandwiches, as well as hearty appetizers such as buffalo wings and quesadillas. Basketball games, both current and classic, play on giant screens throughout the sports bar and restaurant.
Pastamore. This Italian restaurant doesn’t offer much entertainment, but the food is good and the lack of glitz makes it the easiest to slip into when CityWalk is crowded.
Some CityWalk restaurants are more suitable for adults:
Blue Man Group. The group plays in its own Sharp Aquos Theater next to Universal Studios. The 90-minute shows feature rock music, heavy percussion, audience participation, and lots of zany gimmicks, such as hurling food from the stage into the audience. The three Blue Men—who remain mute and eerily robotic with their shiny blue grease-paint faces—anchor the show, which is popular with older kids. Prices start at $64 for adults, $25 for kids 3–9. Check showtimes and order tickets in advance at www.universalorlando.com or by calling 407/363–8000.
Bob Marley’s. Modeled after Marley’s home in Kingston, Jamaica, this restaurant serves island-influenced dishes like jerk chicken, plantains, and tropical fruit salads. The outdoor patio is the perfect spot for casual eating and drinking, especially at night when live reggae bands play.
Emeril’s. The most upscale and expensive option at CityWalk, Emeril’s offers amazing food, such as crabmeat-crusted tournedos of beef and citrus-glaze duck. The restaurant is never stuffy or overly formal and is, in fact, the perfect spot for a parents’ night out. It never hurts to make reservations before you leave home, so call 407/224–2424 to get your name on the list.
The Groove. The most high-energy dance club at CityWalk, the Groove hosts a variety of theme parties, including hip-hop, trance, retro, progressive, Top 40, and alcohol-free teen-oriented nights.
Hard Rock Live. A 2,500-seat auditorium adjacent to the Hard Rock Cafe, Hard Rock Live has a “state of the future” sound system and offers an impressive roster of musical acts. The price varies by act; to check out who’s playing while you’re in town, visit www.universalorlando.com.
Latin Quarter. Some of the best food in CityWalk is served at Latin Quarter; examples of dinners include pork loin marinated in orange and cilantro, and broiled red snapper on yellow rice. Musicians play salsa and merengue music, while professional dancers and vacationing wannabes dance far into the night.
Pat O’Brien’s. This New Orleans import has a casual dining menu but is really known for its huge fruit drinks—especially the Hurricane, so named because it’s rumored to knock you level in two minutes flat.
Red Coconut Lounge. Another enormous lounge and nightclub with dancing and drinks, this time in a more tropical setting.
Rising Star. This 440-seat club offers karaoke with a live band and backup singers. Snack food like sliders, wings, and onions rings are available, along with cocktails with cute names