We went to Universal Orlando for a quick lap around the parks a couple of days ago, and ended up having lunch at The Three Broomsticks, in Hogsmeade. As theme park fast food goes, this dine-in restaurant is in a class that we’d call “pretty good food”. And coming from folks who live in the Orlando area, surrounded by literally hundreds of world class restaurants, “pretty good food” is actually quite a compliment. We’re not actual foodies, but we have definitely raised our expectations since we moved here. There’s none of the deep fat fried stuff that prevails at most of the theme park restaurants, or at most other fast food stores for that matter. Well, okay, there is the fish and chips, but you would expect that in a Hogsmeade, Three Broomsticks kind of setting. There’s also shepherd’s pie, soup, salads, pumpkin juice and Butterbeer™.
The chicken and ribs meal at the Three Broomsticks is a refreshing alternative to deep fat fried cuisine at most fast food and theme park restaurants.
As we entered the restaurant, we couldn’t help noticing that the building itself was believable. You really could believe that you were in Hogsmeade and entering a real pub for a hearty meal. Our meal on this visit was roasted chicken and ribs, with corn on the cob and roasted potatoes. There was enough food in one meal for two of us, which made our lunch quite economical. On an earlier visit, we were with friends so we had the “Great Feast Platter”, which was more of the same, but served “family style”. There was supposed to be enough food for four people with this meal, but it was more like food for at least six!
