Pat O’Brien’s CityWalk Review: Dueling Pianos, Hurricanes, and the Best Bites
Some places feel like a mini vacation inside your vacation, and Pat O’Brien’s at Universal Orlando CityWalk is that spot for me.
It’s the kind of place where you walk in expecting “just a drink,” and suddenly you’re clapping along to dueling pianos like you’ve known the whole bar since middle school.
Pat O’Brien’s is basically a little slice of New Orleans energy dropped into CityWalk, complete with the famous Hurricane drink, live music vibes, and comforting Cajun-style food when your theme park feet are begging for a break.
It’s been a CityWalk staple since February 1999, and it still hits that sweet spot of “lively night out” without feeling like you have to plan your entire evening around it.
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What to Expect at the Pat O’Brien’s Restaurant
Pat O’Brien’s is part bar, part restaurant, part “how did we all just start singing together?” experience.
You’ll find dueling pianos (yes, the main character of the night), a full food menu with Cajun favorites, and a layout that lets you choose your own adventure such as grabbing a table, hanging at the bar, or hovering near the piano lounge if you’re here for maximum entertainment.
One thing I love: it’s a bit tucked away compared to some of the flashier CityWalk spots, so it can feel like a hidden gem when the rest of CityWalk is shoulder-to-shoulder.
Hours:
- Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Friday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Piano Bar Nightly
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Atmosphere
You’ll love the overall vibe here which is French Quarter-inspired. Just think of colorful lighting, cozy brickwork, a little bit of Mardi Gras energy, and a whole lot of “let’s have fun tonight.”
Just know that it can get loud (in a good way, if you’re into the whole sing-along thing), especially when the dueling pianos get rolling and the crowd starts joining in.
And then there’s the patio moment (my favorite area because it reminds me of New Orleans): Pat O’Brien’s is known for its flaming fountain patio style setup, which is basically perfect for that “I need a breather, but I’m not ready to go back to the hotel” mood.
Menu Highlights
Let’s talk about the real glow-up here: you’re not stuck with “bar snacks only.”
Pat O’Brien’s has legit Louisiana-inspired comfort food that feels right after a long day of coasters and park miles.
Here are a few standouts worth putting on your “don’t overthink it, just order it” list:
- Pat O’Brien’s Wings: crispy wings with their signature sauce, plus blue cheese and celery (classic, reliable, crowd-pleaser).
- Nola Nachos: loaded with house-made cheese sauce and a little Louisiana flair (you can add chicken or shrimp).
- Gumbo Hand Pie: this one is such a fun, different pick: Cajun chicken & sausage stew tucked into a handheld situation.
- Mardi Gras Gumbo: hearty, savory, and the kind of bowl that makes you slow down and actually sit still for a minute.
- Cajun Pasta: penne with blackened chicken, shrimp, red pepper, and Cajun cheese sauce (a “vacation calories don’t count” classic).
- Crawfish Étouffée: rich New Orleans-style sauce with andouille and crawfish over rice.
- Jambalaya: andouille, shrimp, chicken, Creole sauce…and they even offer a vegan/gluten-free style alternative.
- Beignets: I mean, why would you come here and not get these New Orleans staples!
And obviously I need to talk drinks because Pat O’Brien’s is famous for a reason:
- The Hurricane is the headliner that’s made with rum and their hurricane mix (orange + passionfruit vibes), often served in a souvenir glass.
- Other fun picks include the Category 5 Margarita, the Mint Julep, and the wildly extra Blood Mary (yes, it’s basically a snack and a cocktail in one).
Dining Tips and Details
A few things I’d want you to know before you go:
- Hours can vary (and the venue can close for private events sometimes…something I’ve ran into on multiple occasions), so if this is a “must-do,” it’s smart to call ahead.
- They’re generally walk-in friendly, and according to Pat O’Brien’s Orlando, they don’t take reservations unless it’s a larger party (10+).
- If you want a slightly calmer vibe, aim earlier in the evening. If you want peak “everybody’s singing,” go later.
- Little perk: there’s a gift shop discount: show your receipt from the bar/restaurant and you can get 10% off your purchase.
- For the full experience, try to do one drink + one food item instead of only drinks as you’ll get both the vibe and the comfort.
My Review of the Food
Pat O’Brien’s is one of those places where the atmosphere is the main course, but the food absolutely pulls its weight.
When I’m hungry-hungry (not just “snacky”), I lean toward something hearty like the Cajun Pasta because it’s creamy, satisfying, and feels like the right kind of indulgence after a long park day.
If you’re more in a “give me something classic and filling” mood, the Jambalaya is a great choice due to its big flavor and good mix of protein.
Plus, it feels very on-theme for the whole New Orleans moment.
And for sharing (or for solo travelers who want to graze and people-watch), the Nola Nachos are a solid move, especially if you’re the type who loves a bite that’s a little messy, a little cheesy, and fully committed to fun.
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Final Thoughts
If you want a CityWalk dinner that feels like dinner + entertainment + a vibe, Pat O’Brien’s is absolutely worth it.
It’s lively, a little chaotic in the best way, and it delivers that “I’m on vacation and I’m going to enjoy it” energy without needing a theme park ticket to get the magic.
Come for the dueling pianos, stay for the Hurricane, and leave with the kind of happy, slightly sparkly mood that makes you forget your step count ever existed.
Final Score and Review for Pat O’Brien’s at Universal CityWalk:
- 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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