The Oak & Star Tavern at Universal Epic Universe: Dining Experience and Menu Highlights
Nestled in the cosmic gardens of Celestial Park, The Oak & Star Tavern is a quick-service restaurant opening at the all-new Universal Epic Universe. This spot offers savory barbecue and cold beer, inviting guests to gather around a fiery hearth beneath an ancient, starlight-filled oak tree. Designed to be a welcoming space for families and friends, its atmosphere blends celestial themes with the warmth of a classic tavern.
With its unique setting and barbecue-focused menu, it’s positioned to be a popular stop for visitors looking to relax and enjoy hearty food during their day at the park.
Overview of The Oak & Star Tavern
The Oak & Star Tavern offers BBQ dining within the Universal Orlando Resort’s new Epic Universe theme park. Located in Celestial Park, the Tavern features unique theming inspired by both nature and cosmic elements.
Concept and Theme
The Oak & Star Tavern is designed as a quick-service BBQ restaurant. Guests gather around the fiery hearth of an ancient oak tree, which is central to the restaurant’s atmosphere and storytelling. The design blends rustic natural elements with a celestial, starlit motif, reflecting the broader theme of Celestial Park.
The menu centers on barbecue offerings, suitable for groups or individuals looking for hearty meals. The combination of fire, oak, and starlight aims to create a memorable and immersive dining experience. This setting allows guests to relax and socialize in a casual yet imaginative environment.
Universal Orlando has positioned The Oak & Star Tavern as a family-friendly spot. The quick-service model ensures speedy ordering and convenience for busy theme park visitors.
Location Within Epic Universe
The Oak & Star Tavern is located in Celestial Park, one of the main lands of Universal’s Epic Universe. Celestial Park acts as the gateway and central hub of the new theme park, helping visitors orient themselves before exploring other themed areas.
The Tavern is set within a lush “cosmic garden,” surrounded by greenery and interactive features. Its placement allows for convenient access from several major park paths.
Atmosphere and Design
The design of The Oak & Star Tavern places emphasis on a large, ancient oak tree, enhanced by starlight-inspired decor. Seating is arranged around a prominent hearth, which serves as both a functional and visual centerpiece.
Warm lighting, wood textures, and cosmic accents blend to create an inviting but otherworldly setting. The starlit oak tree stands out as a signature element, setting the tone for the restaurant’s atmosphere.
The space accommodates families and groups, with an open layout that encourages gathering. Ambient sounds and lighting shifts add to the immersive, garden-like feel of Celestial Park within Universal Orlando Resort.
Dining Experience
The Oak & Star Tavern at Universal Epic Universe offers a welcoming spot focused on barbecue and hearty comfort food. It stands out in Celestial Park with its relaxing atmosphere, making it a convenient option for guests seeking a casual meal amid the park’s themed dining outlets.
Menu Highlights
The menu centers around smoked and grilled meats, providing options such as brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. Each dish is served with classic sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread. The barbecue is prepared fresh and designed for quick service, so guests can enjoy their meal without a long wait.
Meat selections include:
- 14-hour Smoked Brisket
- Smoked St. Louis Ribs
- Smoked Sausage
- Banana Leaf Smoked Pulled Port
- Spit Roasted Citrus Herb Chicken
A noted favorite is the tavern’s mango bread, which sets it apart from other barbecue locations in the park. Vegetarian choices are limited, but salads and select sides are available.
While Oak & Star Tavern specializes in barbecue, nearby dining spots such as Pizza Moon, Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, and Frosty Moon offer a broader range of cuisines, so guests looking for something different have several options close by in Celestial Park.
Signature Drinks
The Oak & Star Tavern features a selection of local craft beers and cold beverages to complement its smoky menu. Diners can choose from a rotating draft beer list, which often highlights unique brews from Florida and the Southeast. Domestic and imported lagers are also available.
Non-alcoholic options include classic soft drinks, iced tea, and lemonade. The beverage menu is straightforward, focusing on drinks that pair well with barbecue, rather than specialty cocktails. Those seeking sweet treats or more adventurous drinks may be drawn to Celestial Sweets or Moonship Chocolates elsewhere in the park.
Table Service and Reservations
The Oak & Star Tavern operates as a quick-service restaurant, so there is no traditional table service. Guests place their order at the counter and either take meals to go or choose from several indoor and outdoor seating areas. The dining rooms have a nature-inspired design that fits the Celestial Park environment.
Reservations are not required or available at this location, unlike some of the more formal dining venues in Epic Universe. Seating is generally available throughout the day, but peak lunch and dinner hours may see lines.
