Are you wondering if The Cowfish is worth the visit at Universal’s CityWalk?
Look no further, I’ve got you covered!
Figuring out where to eat at Universal’s CityWalk is one of the best parts of planning a trip to Orlando or when looking for a fun new dining experience.
There are so many outstanding locations to grab a bite and all are so very different from one another.
With unique menus filled with a variety of stellar food, incredible theming, and a vibe for every mood, Universal CityWalk has something for everyone and every craving.
CityWalk is nicknamed the Epicenter of Awesome after all, so it only makes sense that the one-of-a-kind dining location of The Cowfish lies within.
So, let’s sink our teeth into why The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is one of Universal CityWalk must eat places!
The Cowfish Restaurant at Universal’s CityWalk at Glance
Voted #6 Top Burger in the U.S. in 2023, The Cowfish restaurant has excelled at blending two of our favorite foods seamlessly onto the same scrumptious menu.
They were ingenious when they came up with the concept of The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar.
Taking guests on a surf and turf experience, the burger/sushi combination meals are so insanely good they will send your taste buds on a wild ride.
But don’t worry, they aim to offer something for the entire family. Mouthwatering appetizers for sharing, entree-sized salads, homemade desserts, and a fun kid’s menu.
Whether you are a burger lover, sushi enthusiast, or an adventurous foodie who loves trying new dishes, you are sure to be served some absolutely creative food options.
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What Are the Hours for The Cowfish Restaurant at Universal’s CityWalk?
What makes The Cowfish a great place to eat at Universal’s CityWalk is that it is open every day of the week with evening hours.
Serving lunch, dinner, and finger-licking appetizers, The Cowfish is always dishing up something tasty.
Hours
You will be happy to know that their hours run along with Universal CityWalk opening hours. Their operating hours are Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight.
So, you will have more than enough time to make your way over to one of the most popular restaurants in CityWalk Orlando.
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Atmosphere
The Cowfish has the ability to cater to families, date nights, and “big kids” seeking unique dining experiences.
It is one of the restaurants in Universal Citywalk that is well-balanced for most travelers.
The vibe inside The Cowfish is a bit loud with everyone’s excitement and energy being out at the theme parks. This can be a little off putting if you were expecting a relaxing lunch or dinner.
The Cowfish is a super popular restaurant inside of CityWalk so you can expect it to be a little busy.
But the great alternative is asking a Universal Team Member if you can sit on their outdoor patio to enjoy your meal as this may help cut your wait time in half.
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Dining and Reservation Details of Cowfish at Universal’s CityWalk
The menu at Cowfish serves up unique dishes giving you a chance to experience many types of flavors.
Fresh, innovative, and delicious, the sushi segment of the menu is far beyond what you’re accustomed to at most restaurants.
The all natural, creative, and hearty burgers will have you drooling with their enticingly fresh, never frozen, ingredients and bold flavors.
Spiked hand-spun milkshakes, cold and hot premium sakes, craft beers, wine, specialty cocktails, and mocktails round out a huge bar menu that is sure to please.
Best Food and Drink Options on The Cowfish Bar Menu:
- Blackened Tuna Nachos: Crispy wonton chips topped with crab Rangoon dip, avocado salsa, tomatoes, and seared blackened tuna
- Parmesan Bacon Truffle Fries: House fries with truffle and Parmesan cheeses, applewood smoked bacon, and chives
- Buffalo Chicken Burgushi: Shredded buffalo chicken, jalapeño cream cheese, coated with panko and flash fried, topped with applewood smoked bacon and bleu cheese
- The All-American Bacon Double Cheeseburgooshi: Seasoned premium black Angus beef, yellow cheddar cheese, white cheddar cheese, and applewood smoked bacon wrapped in soy paper and potato strings then flash fried. Topped with dill pickle, red onion, and Roma tomato, served over our house-made Cowfish sauce, topped with ketchup and mustard
- The High-Class Hillbilly – Southern Style Bar-B-Q-Shi: Pulled pork, caramelized onion, and BBQ sauce, potato wrapped and flash fried. Topped with house-made bacon coleslaw and chives
- The Cowfish Has Officially Left The Building: Full-pound beef burger, creamy peanut butter, fried bananas, applewood smoked bacon, brioche bun
- Dion’s OMG! Roll: Tempura coconut shrimp, kani, and English cucumber inside, coated in tempura flakes. Topped with mango, avocado, spicy honey marmalade and coconut flakes
- Butta Pecan Spiked Shake: Ole Smoky butter-pecan moonshine cream liqueur, rich vanilla ice cream, salted caramel, house-made praline crumble, topped with an Ole Smoky moonshine infused cherry
- Strawberry Fig Cocktail: St. Augustine vodka, fresh lime juice, agave syrup, fig and strawberry jam
Read: Your Ultimate Universal Orlando Packing List Guide
Do You Need Reservations for The Cowfish at CityWalk?
Reservations are not mandatory to come dine at The Cowfish, but I will be honest it is a super popular restaurant inside of CityWalk.
If you are planning to eat here during the standard lunch or dinner time, then I definitely highly recommend making reservations.
As soon as you know that you want to visit this place, then I suggest making your dining reservation ASAP!
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My Review of The Cowfish at Universal’s CityWalk
Now here’s the tricky part, this restaurant can be hit or miss depending on the day you go.
We have been on a few occasions and have been underwhelmed with the customer service and the food.
During our experience, the food lacked flavor and the Team Members at the door seemed frustrated and annoyed (as noted on a solo visit from our Editor).
Also, the waiter was a bit “out of it” and didn’t stop by the table much to check on our Editor.
However, if you do decide to come, you can never go wrong with any of their tasty fusion specialty rolls or burgers.
One of the top favorites is the Mark’s Roll, which has fresh tuna, Jalapeno, cream cheese, krab, and scallions on the inside, then it’s rolled in crispy panko and fried, and topped with kewpie mayo and sriracha.
Before you leave you must grab one of the over-the-top milkshakes that doubles as dessert. The Gimme More S’More Shake will leave you speechless!
With vanilla ice cream with double dark chocolate, marshmallows, crunchy graham crackers, and topped with a toasted marshmallow it is one heavenly escape.
If you are looking to try a delicious fusion of flavors to end off your meal, then I recommend the Lucky Yuzu Cheesecake with silky vanilla cheesecake, yuzu-blueberry compote, and fortune cookie “crust.”
4 Easy Tips to Remember Before You Visit this Universal CityWalk Restaurant
Here are a few first-timer tips to ensure your dining experience at Cowfish Burger Bar is one to remember.
1. Download the Universal Orlando Resort App
The Universal Orlando Resort app makes life so much easier and can save you time on your dining experience at The Cowfish.
You can set up Universal Pay making it seamless to scan to pay for your food and drinks.
You can also take a look at their up-to-date menu before your visit to The Cowfish and check out their Everyday Menu, Dessert, Drink, Beer, and Wine Menu so you know exactly what you want to order.
Because trust me when you see the menu it will be hard to decide, it all looks so incredibly tasty!
2. Dress Casual
There is no need to pull out your finest attire, they do not enforce a minimum dress code requirement here.
This full-service Universal CityWalk restaurant is considered casual dining where surf meets turf for an overall relaxed and nice dining experience.
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3. Be Adventurous
Try one of their dishes that is a true testament to the restaurant’s fusion style. It is what the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is all about!
If you aren’t quite up for a combo of flavors just yet, then try one of their bento boxes where you can dive into a bit of everything.
The bento box lets you sample a mini-burger along with your choice of sushi roll and three tasty side items!
They also feature Cowfish specialty cocktails that are a fusion of pure liquid bliss.
Buffalos and Bacon is a liquid masterpiece with a fusion of Buffalo Trace bourbon, cherry liqueur, angostura and orange bitters, honey, and candied bacon.
4. Take Advantage of Free Parking if You Can
Regular parking at CityWalk does come with a fee starting at $30 for regular parking.
However, if you come after 6 p.m. you can take advantage of free parking at CityWalk Orlando.
Another way to avoid the cost of parking at Citywalk is to use the provided shuttle if you are staying at an on-site or off-site hotel.
Why waste such a great benefit and amenity?
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Is Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar Worth it at Universal’s CityWalk?
This is a unique dining spot for a date night, if you’re looking for a big meal after exploring all day, or just to treat yourself to something tasty.
If you are looking to grab a drink and a few appetizers after leaving both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, then you will want to consider The Cowfish too.
Even if you decide not to go, it is definitely worth the visit to Universal CityWalk for an incredible fusion of flavors and restaurant options that you won’t find anywhere else.
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Final Thoughts on Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
Talk about a unique dining experience with a menu full of culinary masterpieces and creativity.
Final ThemeParkHipster Score for Cowfish at Universal
- Ambiance: 8
- Food: 6
- Prices: 7.5
- Drinks: 10
- Service: 5
I give this restaurant a 7.3 out of 10 on the ThemeParkHipster dining scale. Whether you are a local or on vacation in Florida, the menu has so many things you will want to try that you may have to come back for a second trip as you may have a much better experience that we did.
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
(Original Article Date: November 6, 2014/Updated by Editor on July 10, 2024)