I sauntered into Margaritaville at Universal CityWalk (6000 Universal Studios Plaza, Suite 704), just in case I needed a reminder that I’m on vacation—even though I live here. Doors open daily at 11 a.m. and don’t shut until 10 p.m., which is perfect if you’ve been bouncing around theme-park chaos and suddenly crave tacos and salt air somewhere that isn’t on the roller coaster.
Walking in, everything greets you with tropical swagger—tiki bars, surfboard props, a volcano that looks ready to erupt margaritas, and music that makes your shoulders loosen up. There are bars like the Volcano Bar and the LandShark Bar, and even the Porch of Indecision (which sounds as brilliant as it is) where you can decide if the drink menu or the menu menu is calling your name. Servers move with breezy ease, chipper and ready with “Another margarita?” before you’ve fully blinked.
Speaking of the menu, oh, you’re in for choices. Grab bites like the Cheeseburger in Paradise, Lava Lava Shrimp, Conch Fritters, peel-and-eat shrimp that come with a lime-kick sauce—and for the serious, that Volcano Nachos is a mountain of chips, cheese, chili, guac, and fire. For larger plates, you’ve got Caribbean NY Strip, Shrimp & Grits, Pineapple Chimichurri Chicken, Fish & Chips, Jambalaya, and Fish Tacos dancing with key lime crema and island rice. And if that isn’t enough, margarita flights and late-night boat drinks (I’m looking at you, Bama Breeze and Havanas & Bananas) are ready to make friends with your taste buds.
I couldn’t resist ordering the Volcano Nachos. Picture this: tortilla chips peeking out under gooey cheese, salsa, guac, sour cream, and jalapeños—all roaring with vibe and spice that made me smile before the first chip cracked. It was messy and satisfying, like the kind of food you should laugh a little while eating.
Then I snagged a bite of fish tacos—light, crispy, limey, with avocado ribbons and that key lime crema doing a mellow happy dance. The island rice on the side leaned tropical without trying too hard—that’s balance, in my book.
The décor and tunes aren’t just set dressing—they make your mouth feel like it should be thinking of beaches, breezes, and flute sections in its soundtrack. Every server I crossed—whether dropping off chips or refilling my drink—had a little spark of island-humor. I let that flow in.
Sure, this place leans up on the fun and the flash. But the food backs it up. It’s not just Instagram-pretty; it salutes flavor right back at your tongue. Every plate I tried came with a wink and no flavor apology.
I floated out into the CityWalk evening glow, feeling like I’d had a mini beach break without getting sand in my shoes. Margaritaville didn’t just bring island vibes—it brought a little taste of “this is living.”