Pat O’Brien’s at Universal Orlando CityWalk – All the Exciting Energy and Flavors of Bourbon Street
When you’re in the mood for Cajun food at Universal Orlando CityWalk, your next stop is a no-brainer: Pat O’Brien’s.
But you should know, Pat O’Brien’s is so much more than just a spot to grab a delicious meal! Every night, this warm, inviting, and lively bar becomes a dueling piano battleground – not to mention a venue for impromptu sing-alongs and all kinds of mischief!
Grab yourself a set of Mardi Gras beads on your way in so you can fully immerse yourself in the Bourbon Street vibes, then order their signature Hurricane cocktail and settle in for a night of riotous revelry that you can’t get anywhere else.
Pat O’Brien’s has everything you need for a night of fun: great food, vibrant drinks, and live music that’s always inviting you to get up and dance. Let’s party!
Embrace the Spirit of Bourbon Street
If you’re an old-timey film buff like me, then “Pat O’Brien” probably has you thinking about James Cagney’s best friend and co-star, usually playing the role of a humble priest. (Who can ever forget that performance in Angels with Dirty Faces??) But this Universal Orlando CityWalk hotspot is actually a reference to a different Pat O’Brien – the famous bar in New Orleans!
Actually, it’s more than just a reference. Universal’s Pat O’Brien’s is an authentic replica of the best place in The Big Easy, so you can experience Louisiana life right here in Orlando!1
From the second you walk into Pat O’Brien’s, you’ll feel right at home in the best way. The atmosphere feels like a casual neighborhood hangout (the kind where everybody knows your name) and a vacation-worthy destination at the same time.
The theming embodies the lively spirit of the French Quarter with colorful mood lighting, cozy brickwork, and an atmosphere of energy and fun. The New Orleans-inspired décor features a mesmerizing flaming fountain that looks like a splendidly oversized Olympic torch, and the antique brick detailing evokes the vibe of a classic haunt on Bourbon Street.
A trip to Pat O’Brien’s is something everyone can indulge in. Come with a date for a unique and fun experience, or bring your whole family for a night of great food, laughter, and music. The versatility of the place is almost like magic.
Speaking of magic, the outdoor patio and large balcony overlooking CityWalk has an amazing view and can be reserved for private parties. Even if you’re just stopping by with your group, it’s worth trying to get a table there just to take in the beautiful sights.
Kick Back and Enjoy the Tunes
Of course, what really sets Pat O’Brien’s apart is the dueling pianos.
You heard us right. Every night from 5 pm to 2 am, this bayou bar becomes a stage for 2 skilled pianists to go head-to-head, proving their talents for your entertainment. These nostalgic tunes (often played at high volumes) and the sounds of colorful, lively guests singing along create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
Keep in mind, Pat O’Brien’s probably isn’t the place to go for an intimate conversation or a quiet, romantic night out. It’s the place to go when you’re in the mood to turn a meal or a drink into an entire evening of fun, entertainment, and camaraderie. Come ready for a (loud) good time, open to a night of pleasant surprises!
The Menu: Cajun Inspiration to the Max
Pat O’Brien’s serves lunch and dinner every day. But if you want to hear the dueling pianos (which we consider a must-see), you want to come after 5 pm for dinner or after-dinner drinks and dessert. The menu offers up Cajun specialties that will have you feeling like you’re right on the bayou.
Intriguing Appetizers to Start Your Meal on the Right Foot
Start your meal with Cajun-inspired twists on the classics. Craving seafood? Try the savory crab beignets or the Cajun mussels with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. In the mood for something heartier? Try the blackened chicken nachos with red beans and Cajun cheese sauce – it’s a perfect appetizer to share with the table while you browse the rest of the menu and plan out your meal.
Robust, Bajou-Inspired Entrees
Every dish at Pat O’Brien’s is filled to the brim with New Orleans flavor. We’re talking Mardi Gras gumbo, Cajun shrimp and grits, crawfish etouffee, Louisiana blackened redfish, and a classic-style N’awlins po’boy sandwich. Now that’s the stuff!
Every dish has a special Cajun twist that can’t be beat – like the blackened chicken Caesar with crispy Tabasco onions or the Cajun mac n cheese with blackened chicken smothered in a Cajun cheese sauce. There’s also a chicken sandwich with blackened chicken breast and Cajun-spiced mayo!
There are also great options for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone who loves indulging in meatless entrees. The jambalaya has a vegan and gluten-free alternative available with zucchini, squash, black-eyed peas, corn, and okra. And the Bayou Burger (which normally comes with a beef patty, Andouille sausage, bacon, cheddar cheese, a Cajun remoulade, and crispy Tabasco onions on a challah bun), can easily be made meatless by swapping out the beef patty with a black bean burger. If you’re avoiding meat, don’t worry! You can still enjoy delicious Cajun flavors in all their glory.
Specialty Cocktails to Get the Party Started
The Hurricane, Pat O’Brien’s house specialty cocktail, comes in a souvenir glass for you to take home and enjoy. With Pat O’Brien’s 151 rum and Hurricane mix (a delightful blend of passion fruit, orange, and light and dark rum), every sip is worth remembering.
Their cocktail menu offers a long list of drinks as lively and joyful as their atmosphere. Like Pat O’s Rainstorm (with vodka, melon liqueur, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and blue curacao) or the Tropical Depression (with vodka, coconut rum, Southern Comfort, crème de almond, orange, and pineapple juice).
If you’re in the mood to try a Southern classic, sip on a refreshing mint julep, the perfect summertime cocktail. Half the fun of Pat O’Brien’s is the laidback atmosphere, so come ready to sit back with a drink in one hand and a fork in the other while you listen to the dueling pianos (and the crowd singing along).
Draft Cocktails to Turn Your Brew Up a Notch
Beer drinkers don’t have to choose between their favorite drink and a delicious surprise. Pat O’Brien’s offers up signature blends of classic brews to turn a normal beer up a notch. Choose from options like Black Velvet (a sweet-and-bold blend of Angry Orchard hard cider and Guinness), Black and Blue (Guinness with a light, citrusy touch of Blue Moon), and Snake Bite (Angry Orchard and Harp Lager).
A Sweet End to Your Night
It’s not a night in New Orleans without a bag of beignets covered in a blizzard of powdered sugar! Pat O’Brien’s beignets come with a chocolate dipping sauce and are worth saving room for at the end of your meal. Or if you want something a little more upscale (and don’t want to cover your hands in powdered sugar), give the bread pudding a try! It’s served warm, accompanied by maple pecan ice cream, pralines, and creamy dulce de leche to set off the flavors.
It’s no wonder Pat O’Brien’s is a go-to destination at Universal Orlando CityWalk. Where else in Orlando can you go for a night full of music, laughter, and New Orleans-inspired eats?
When you hear live music in a wild atmosphere, do you sing along or prefer to kick back and observe? Let us know how you think Pat O’Brien’s is best enjoyed in the comments below!
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