6 Best Nightlife Experiences in Universal Orlando

The best nightlife in Universal Orlando is located in and around Universal CityWalk, a purpose-built nightlife entertainment zone. Most places in CityWalk require a cover charge to enter. If you’re planning a full evening of Orlando bar hopping, then consider purchasing a Party Pass, which offers free entry to participating venues and special drinks promotions.

Live music is prominent at many of the venues, with bands and singers covering everything from country and western to Mississippi blues. There are also a couple of nightclubs offering the latest party tunes to get you on the dancefloor. Thankfully, families aren’t left out of Universal’s nightlife offerings, with many restaurants welcoming all ages (either until curfew or, in some cases, all night long).

Orlando Hotels

1. Hard Rock Café Orlando

Music-themed dining spot serving up tunes, burgers, and shakes

Good for: Food, Nightlife

Hard Rock Café Orlando, like pretty much everywhere else in this Central Florida city, goes big on just about everything, from the portions of their feel-good food to the size of the venue. It’s actually the largest Hard Rock Café in the world, with the complex comprising a restaurant/bar area and an onsite live music hall that can accommodate up to 3,000 people for special events.

You can find Hard Rock Café on Universal Boulevard. There’s no need to purchase a theme park day ticket to access the popular nightlife area. Charges may apply on the door for certain events, especially if there is a famous rock band booked to play. Read more

Location: Universal Orlando Resort, 6050 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Open: Daily from 11 am to midnight

Phone: +1 407-351-7625

2. Universal CityWalk

A dazzling dining and entertainment district

Good for: Food, Nightlife, Shoppers

Once the sun sets, Universal CityWalk is one of the busiest places inUniversal Orlando Resort— and for good reason! Here, you can watch electrifying live shows, listen to top musicians, enjoy a meal, shop until late, play mini-golf, or simply stroll the avenue.

CityWalk is free to enter and entices all ages and walks of life with its abundance of world-class attractions. Highly recommended is The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, Voodoo Doughnut, the Red Coconut Club, and the Great Movie Escape. Read more

Location: Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 8 am to 2 am, Friday–Saturday from 8 am to 12 am

Phone: +1 407-363-8000

Explore Universal CityWalk Hotels

3. Red Coconut Club

Tantalizing tiki lounge serving creative cocktails and food

Good for: Food, Nightlife

Live Latin bands, DJs spinning top 40 hits, and a rambunctious crowd are usually what’s in store at the Red Coconut Club. Split across two floors, you can choose to take a seat upstairs to sip drinks and people watch, or you can grab your crew and head straight to the dancefloor.

The décor may be reminiscent of the 1950s, but the kitschy faux palms and shimmering stars suit the tropical vibe perfectly. Don’t miss cocktails like the Martinique Martini and the Apple Fizz, which pair perfectly with small portion bites like banana spring rolls and drunken tuna.

Location: Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 5 pm to 2 am (closed Monday and Tuesday)

Phone: +1 407-224-2425

4. Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom

Honors the reggae star in a replica of his home

Good for: Food, Nightlife, Photo

Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom is a themed restaurant and bar dedicated to the undisputed king of reggae music: Bob Marley. Not only has the venue managed to recreate the look and feel of Marley’s former house, but the Jamaican theme also continues across the menu with jerk chicken, yucca fries, and oxtail soup.

Every night, a live reggae band performs in the courtyard and there’s plenty of Marley memorabilia to be found inside. The Bob Marley Foundation collaborated with Universal to recreate an authentic replica of the reggae legend’s house (found at 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica). It’s definitely deserving of vacation photographs.

Location: Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 5 pm to 2 am, Monday–Tuesday from 5 pm to 12 am

Phone: +1 407-224-3663

5. CityWalk’s Rising Star

Not your usual karaoke experience

Good for: Nightlife, Unusual

CityWalk’s Rising Star takes karaoke to a whole other level thanks to its professional live band. They boast an encyclopaedic knowledge of pop, rock and country hits from the last 60 years. Singing to a large room of people can be a little daunting, but this live music joint even has backing singers to help calm your nerves.

As with most late-night bars and clubs along Universal’s CityWalk, there is a cover charge, but getting up onstage is free. You simply select the song you want and wait your turn. If you’re with a large group, upgrade to VIP service which features exclusive seating with table service, dedicated wait staff, and express entry.

Location: Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Open: Sunday–Thursday from 7 pm to 12 am, Saturday from 7 am to 1 am

Phone: +1 407-224-2961

6. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

For American burgers and a fab volcano bar

Good for: Families, Food, Nightlife

Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville is a family-friendly nightlife venue with good-time vibes. Principally a restaurant serving a finger-licking bar menu of burgers, popcorn shrimp, and spicy nachos, all ages are allowed inside as there’s no set curfew.

For mom and dad, the signature list of cocktails and live music will ensure a fun night out, even with the kids in tow. The great thing about Margaritaville is that performances start at a family-friendly time of 6 pm. Plus, Orlando Magazine deems JBM’s as having the #1 Burger in Orlando.

Location: Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Open: Daily from 11 am to 10 pm

Phone: +1 407-224-2155

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.