If you’re planning a trip to Epic Universe’s Dark Universe section, you absolutely can’t miss Das Stakehaus – the vampire-themed restaurant that’s got everyone talking.
This spooky eatery sits atop ancient catacombs (how cool is that?) and delivers an immersive dining experience that’s both deliciously creepy and satisfyingly tasty.
Here you’ll explore flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and spark your curiosity as you’re guided on a foodie adventure by the “familiars” AKA vampire servants.
Today I will give you my first impressions of this new restaurant and what to expect on your trip!
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Key Takeaways
- Das Stakehaus offers a unique dining experience inspired by local monsters, particularly vampires.
- The restaurant’s spooky atmosphere is enhanced by its location over ancient catacombs.
- Menu highlights include the Darkmoor Black Wings and the creatively themed Red Velvet Death dessert.
- Quick-service dining with mobile ordering provides a modern twist to the themed restaurant experience.
- Das Stakehaus is a must-visit for fans of immersive dining and Universal Monsters.
Keep reading to get everything you need to know BEFORE you go!
Atmosphere
The moment you step into Das Stakehaus at Epic Universe, you’re transported into a vampire’s lair.
Think gothic architecture, eerie lighting, and monster-inspired décor that creates an ambiance perfect for thrill-seekers and food enthusiasts alike.
The restaurant cleverly balances the spooky factor without going overboard – though parents might wanna consider if it’s too intense for little ones.
The attention to detail is impressive, with every corner telling part of the vampire story.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Be sure to place close attention to the paintings around the restaurant as they depict vampires as heroes in their own stories, providing a unique perspective on Darkmoor’s history.
Menu Breakdown
Das Stakehaus offers a monster-inspired menu that’s as creative as it is appetizing.
Some standout items include:
- Carved Staked Steak: A hearty main that lives up to its name
- Darkmoor Black Wings: Perfect for sharing or as an appetizer
- “Blood” Orange Chicken Sandwich: flash fried marinated chicken breast, blood orange sauce, pickles, with a familiar slaw, on a black bun with fries
- Fish on a Stake: Perfect if you want something that’s not too heavy as it comes with blackened salmon and charred green onion mashed potatoes, roasted baby carrots, acorn squash, crispy maitake mushrooms
- Crimson Glazed Pork: char siu-style roasted pork belly with bloody roast pork dipping sauce, charred green onion mashed potatoes, roasted baby carrots, acorn squash, crispy maitake mushrooms
- Red Velvet Death: A coffin-shaped dessert that’s moist and decadent (though the Rice Krispies “maggots” are a bit texture-jarring)
Each dish incorporates the vampire theme while delivering on flavor, making dining here a truly immersive experience.
Dining Tips and Details
Das Stakehaus operates as a quick-service restaurant with mobile ordering available – a huge plus when the park gets busy.
I’d recommend visiting during off-peak hours if possible, as the unique theming makes it a popular spot.
Mobile Ordering
Be sure to download the Universal Orlando app BEFORE your trip!
It will help you get comfortable with everything so that you’re not stressed about the many features on the app when using it on your visit.
You’ll also want to add your credit information in the wallet section to help speed the process up when mobile ordering your food.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Don’t rush through your meal! Take time to absorb all the spooky details around you – from the architecture to the smallest decorative elements. That’s half the fun of dining here as the restaurant is built atop ancient catacombs, adding to the eerie ambiance and lore of the Dark Universe.
My Review of the Food
After sampling a bunch of dishes, I can honestly say Das Stakehaus really nails it with both the theme and the flavors.
The Fish on a Stake was perfectly cooked and generously portioned, while the Darkmoor Black Wings offered a flavorful punch.
My friends got the Crimson Glazed Pork and the “Blood” Orange Chicken Sandwich. They both enjoyed their picks but they told me that the Crimson Glazed Pork was the winner.
This one came with char siu-style roasted pork belly with bloody roast pork dipping sauce (which they drizzled on in front of us for a cool effect), charred green onion mashed potatoes, roasted baby carrots, acorn squash, and crispy maitake mushrooms.
The Red Velvet Death dessert was a highlight – visually stunning and delicious, though I agree with other reviewers that the texture combination could use some refinement.
Overall, the food quality exceeds typical theme park fare in my opinion, making it worth the slightly premium pricing.
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My Final Thoughts
Das Stakehaus is definitely a must-visit destination for foodies exploring Epic Universe.
The combination of immersive theming, quality food, and unique concept makes for a dining experience you won’t soon forget and a destination that you must add to your Universal Orlando Itinerary!
Final Score and Review for Das Stakehaus
- Ambiance: 10
- Food: 10
- Prices: 8
- Drinks: 10
- Service: 10
I give this restaurant a 9.6 out of 10 on the ThemeParkHipster dining scale and I know you will definitely enjoy it too!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
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