Hard Rock Cafe Great Dining at Universal Studios Florida

If you're going to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, you'll quickly realize the variety of restaurants to choose from. One of the most distinguished is the Hard Rock Café. After you reach the grounds of Universal Studios, but before passing through the gates, you can see why the restaurant is so unique.

The building is large enough to feature multiple floors of seating for guests as well as an area for concerts and shows. Outside, the lavishly decorated exterior features half of an old car, as if it has driven through the building, animated decorations such as a false water fall, and an overall design to resemble ancient ruins.

As soon as you arrive, you'll be asked about the number of people in your party and moved to a separate lobby area. While you await your table, a photographer will take a group photo in front of a piece of rock n' roll memorabilia that you can purchase later on.

Seating is ample in the Hard Rock Café. There are multiple floors of seating, a large bar in the center of the facility and the choice between a booth and table. The entire restaurant is decorated with souvenirs, collectible items, posters, and photos of anything and everything related to the music industry. Large flat screen televisions continuously play footage from concerts or rock videos. The great thing about these items is that the staff encourages guests to browse around and take photos throughout the restaurant.

The menu is huge and features anything for anyone. For starters, try the potato skins. The large servings are enough to be a meal for one, but as a starter, they are perfect for a couple or small family. The skins are perfectly cooked and topped with various cheeses, bacon, and spices with sour crème on the side for dipping.

If you're looking for a sandwich meal, try the Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich. It is served with a side of fries, ranch beans and homemade coleslaw. This isn't a sandwich for the light hearted; this thing is huge! The tender and juicy pork is piled high on a bun and seasoned with your choice of sauces.

Not in the mode for a sandwich platter, and looking for something a little different? Try the Twisted Mac, Chicken and Cheese. It's a huge helping of a perfectly spiced three-cheese macaroni and cheese, made from twisted Cavatappi pasta, topped with a grilled chicken breast. This meal is rounded off with a side of garlic toast.

Be sure to also look over the Hard Rock Café's extensive drink menu featuring various beers, wines, and flavored beverages. Check the "Alternative" section of the drink menu for a variety of non-alcoholic flavored drinks as well! And since you're at the Universal Studios Hard Rock Café, go ahead and purchase the souvenir drink glass while you're at it!

Whether you're looking for a place to catch a bite to eat after a long day at Universal Studios Orlando, or are just getting started, be sure to check out the Hard Rock Café at Universal. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is fun and festive. The fantastic exterior of the building is just a taste of what awaits indoors.