Happy Hours Universal City Walk

Question

Starting to gather some ideas for possible restaurants to visit at Universal. Wondering if anyone is aware of restaurants/bars with good happy hour prices? Being from Canada the exchange kills us so any deals are welcome. We are staying at Aventura.

Some places I have in mind are Vivo, Jake’s, Bar 17, Hard Rock and Margaritaville (huge fan, don’t care if it’s not highly rated). Any others to consider?

Thanks!

Answer

Universal CityWalk in Orlando has a number of restaurants and bars that offer happy hour specials, which are perfect for visitors looking to save a bit while enjoying good food and drinks. Since you’re staying at Aventura, you’ll be just a short walk from CityWalk, making it convenient to hop between venues.

Some popular options with known happy hour deals include:

Vivo Italian Kitchen – They usually have happy hour specials on select appetizers and drinks, typically mid-afternoon to early evening. Try their small plates or pasta dishes paired with a cocktail.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville – They often run happy hour on drinks, especially their signature margaritas, as well as discounted appetizers. Great spot for a casual, fun atmosphere.
Hard Rock Cafe – Offers a “Rock Star” happy hour with reduced prices on drinks and some appetizers, often early evening. It’s a lively environment with classic American fare.
Bar 17 – This rooftop bar tends to have specials on cocktails and beers, usually in the late afternoon, with a nice view over CityWalk.
Jake’s American Bar – They sometimes have discounted beers and small plates during happy hour. A more relaxed spot for unwinding before or after park visits.

Other places to consider for happy hour deals include:

Bread Box – Often has combo deals or discounted small bites and drinks.
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food – Occasionally runs specials on margaritas and appetizers in the late afternoon.
Red Coconut Club – Known for creative cocktails and sometimes offers discounted drink specials during off-peak hours.

Tips:

Happy hours are generally in the late afternoon to early evening, around 3–6 PM, but times can vary, so check each location’s website or ask when you arrive.
Many places will have smaller plates or appetizers available at discounted prices, which can help stretch your budget.
Even if a venue doesn’t list a formal happy hour, some restaurants will run specials mid-week or during off-peak hours, so it’s always worth asking.

Overall, for a fun experience with decent deals, Margaritaville and Bar 17 are great for atmosphere and drinks, while Vivo and Hard Rock are solid if you’re hungry and want the classic CityWalk vibe.