Bites, camera, action! Hollywood Studios has some of the best rides at Disney World, but the excitement doesn’t stop with the attractions. The food is also a star, if you know the best places to eat.
From a must-try space hot dog to a restaurant themed to a dine-in movie theater with cars instead of tables, Hollywood Studios is home to some of the most fun and out-there restaurants at Disney World. But in a good way.
In our Hollywood Studios Dining Guide, food takes center stage. We’re going to let you know the best places for a table service meal, a quick lunch, or a satisfying snack.
Let’s roll out the red carpet and dive into the best spots to grab a bit to eat at Hollywood Studios.
The Best Table Service Restaurants at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios has the best lineup of themed table service restaurants at Disney World. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that you couldn’t get anywhere outside of a theme park, this is the place for you.
Here are four of our favorite restaurants for a sit-down meal at DHS.
1) Brown Derby
If you want a taste of old Hollywood luxury, make sure to get a reservation for the Brown Derby. Modeled after the legendary Los Angeles eatery of the same name, this Disney Signature Dining restaurant evokes the glamor and glitz of the Golden Age.
I’ll admit, it’s a bit odd to walk into a high-end steakhouse that’s just a few yards away from the Disney Jr Dance Party, but that’s also part of the charm.
To match the old-school vibe, the menu offers some classics. The iconic Cobb Salad is a must-try, and it can be quite filling with the chicken or shrimp add-ons. I personally have a hard time picking between the Filet Mignon and the Lamb Shank. The iconic Grapefruit Cake is the perfect way to say “That’s a wrap!” on your meal.
With a luxe atmosphere and decadent dishes, the Brown Derby is ideal for a celebration meal, like a birthday or anniversary dinner. I’ve always left here feeling very full, so I usually opt for a late dinner.
2) Sci Fi Dine In
Ever dream of digging into a juicy burger under the stars while an alien attacks on a big movie screen? No, just me?
The Sci-Fi Dine In Theater has one of the coolest interiors of any restaurant at WDW. It’s always movie night at the Sci-Fi Dine In, even at 11 am, thanks to the drive-in movie theming. Your table is a classic car, with rows in the front seat and the back seat. All of the cars are positioned to provide a view of a massive screen, playing cheesy B-movies from yesteryear.
It’s a ton of fun, especially for families with kids.
Food here has been hit or miss in the past, but the menu has improved in recent years. You really can’t go wrong with one of their burgers or the chicken salad sandwich. However, I think the stars of the show are the milkshakes. I personally prefer to get an appetizer and a milkshake as a snack rather than go for a full meal here.
3) 50s Prime Time Dine In
Another restaurant with a great theme, and another chance to have a culinary blast from the past.
At the 50s Prime Time Cafe, you’ll dine inside a restaurant themed to a 1950s home. It’s cute, kitschy, and nostalgic fun… for mostly everyone.
Before I get into the food, I need to address the most controversial aspect of the 50s Prime Time restaurant. The wait staff acts in character as your aunt or uncle (or distant cousin). They’ll poke fun at you, encouraging you to clean your plate or not put your elbows on the table. It’s a schtick that some people find hilarious and some people find off-putting. Just know that this is part of the charm of the restaurant.
If don’t want a interactive character experience, then steer clear of this restaurant.
4) Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Shrink down to the size of a toy at the world’s first Toy Story table service restaurant. At Roundup Rodeo BBQ, you get to eat inside the Wild West-themed eatery that Andy built for his toys to eat in. The inside is bright and colorful, with figures of Jessie, Trixie, and Bo Peep. Some people have complained that it feels like eating inside the Toy Story Mania queue. My response: What’s the problem?
As the name implies, this is a barbecue restaurant. The platters of house-smoked meats and variety of sides are served family style. The Prospector’s Homemade Cheddar Biscuits is a hit, but don’t fill up on them. Because there’s still some delightfully named dishes headed your way, like Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs and There’s a Sausage in My Boot.
Don’t eat meat? Roundup Rodeo has you covered, with smoked cauliflower and an Impossible Rib Chop.
Now, the menu here isn’t going to win any awards from BBQ purists. But the food is tasty, the atmosphere is a lot of fun, and there are some great options for vegetarians.
The Best Counter Service Restaurants at Hollywood Studios
With all the action packed rides at Hollywood Studios, your script may call for a quick bite to eat. Luckily, there are some fantastic counter service eateries throughout the park.
1) Ronto Roasters
I have three words for you: space hot dog.
Ok, at face value, that doesn’t exactly sound appetizing. But even considering Rise of the Resistance and Smugglers Run, the Ronto Wrap may be the greatest thing to come out of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You may think that’s hyperbole, until you try the pork sausage covered in peppercorn sauce and tangy slaw and wrapped in a pillowy soft pita.
It feels like it shouldn’t work, but it miraculously does.
You can find the Ronto Wrap at Ronto Roasters, located at the end of the marketplace inside Galaxy’s Edge. There are also breakfast and plant-based versions of the wrap, as well as some snacks and beverages.
While this kiosk has a limited menu, it does one thing so well that it earns the top spot on our list.
2) Docking Bay 7
While Docking Bay 7 doesn’t have a home run item like the Ronto Wrap, this Star Wars restaurant makes up for it with a variety of very good dishes and very cool theming, including a massive cargo pod that descends from the ceiling.
Standout dishes include the Smoked Kaadu Pork Ribs and the Fried Endorian Chicken Tip Yip, and the Outpost Puff is one of the best desserts in the park.
3) Woody’s Lunchbox
Giddy up for some comfort food! Woody’s Lunchbox is an outdoor counter service restaurant in Toy Story Land, serving up some tasty American classics.
My personal favorite item here is the BBQ Brisket Melt, which is a seriously delicious grilled sandwich. If you’re craving barbecue but don’t want to spend all that time in Roundup Rodeo, this is a great alternative.
The rest of the menu features more sandwiches, as well as some unique Lunch Box Tarts, which is Disney’s playful twist on a Pop Tart.
We’ve encountered some long lines here during lunchtime, so I definitely recommend using Mobile Order at this eatery.
4) Backlot Express
Hollywood loves a comeback story, and thankfully that applies to Backlot Express. With its prop storage theming that hasn’t changed in decades, this restaurant reminds me of my childhood visits to MGM Studios.
For many years, Backlot Express was pretty mid. The menu was full of hit or miss theme park fare, like burgers and chicken nuggets.
But thankfully, the food has been surprisingly good our past few visits. The burgers have significantly improved, and a cuban sandwich and teriyaki bowl has been added to the menu.
The Best Snacks at Hollywood Studios
1) Bavarian Pretzel – Baseline Taphouse
BaseLine Tap House’s signature item is the giant pretzel served with beer-cheese fondue and spicy mustard. Drinking an IPA and enjoying this pretzel instantly transported me back to my 20s, going to different breweries in LA with my friends. This is the best soft pretzel on Disney property.
2) Cold Brew Black Caf – Kat Saka’s Kettle
Part coffee, part breakfast, and part dessert, the Cold Brew Black Caf just shows that they do mornings on a different level in a galaxy far, far away. This is a cold brew coffee topped with a sweet cream cheese foam and Cocoa Puffs. It’s the perfect breakfast for smugglers on the go.
You can find this at Kat Saka’s Kettle in the marketplace in Galaxy’s Edge.
3) Totchos
The most iconic items at Woody’s Lunchbox are the Totchos, which are potato barrels (i.e. tater tots) covered with chili, cheese, queso, and corn chips (i.e. Fritos). The totchos are also available as a plant based version.
4) Popcorn
Popcorn is a fantastic snack at any Disney theme park. Just like movie theater popcorn, something about Disney popcorn just hits different. But getting a carton of popped buttery goodness feels most appropriate at the Hollywood-themed park.
The Best Treats and Desserts at Hollywood Studios
1) Jack Jack Num Num Cookie – Neighborhood Bakery in Pixar Place
The Jack Jack Num Num Cookie is a massive, warm, and delectable chocolate chip cookie. Be still my heart. As someone who loves cookie cakes, this is pure ooey-gooey goodness. This dessert is rich, decadent, and totally worth it.
2) Funnel Cake Topped with Ice Cream – Epic Eats
Funnel cake is one of the most perfect desserts ever created. Ice cream is one of the most perfect desserts ever created. What if you combined the two?
Well, you’d have one of the hands-down best desserts at Disney World, found at the Epic Eats kiosk next to Indiana Jones.
Once again, this is not a light dessert. It’s fried dough covered in ice cream. As of this writing, you can choose between vanilla soft serve or a mango Dole Whip topping.
3) Outpost Puff at Docking Bay 7
For a glorified galactic shipping yard, Docking Bay 7 has some serious culinary chops. Because this dessert feels more like something you’d find at an upscale modern restaurant than a intergalactic outpost. The Outpost Puff is described as a “Chocolate Pastry filled with Guajillo Chocolate Mousse finished with Thai Tea Panna Cotta, Spiced Pineapple, and Confectionary Debris.”
The Best Bars and Lounges at Hollywood Studios
1) Oga’s Cantina – Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
Oga’s Cantina feels like an otherworldly tiki bar. With unique drinks like the smoking Bespin Fizz, a killer soundtrack played by the amazing DJ R3X animatronic, and bartenders that give a party-like atmosphere, this cantina is a blast.
The drinks are very good, especially the Yub Nub and the Jet Juice. But there really isn’t much food. Yes, there’s the world’s strangest charcuterie board, but come here for the atmosphere and the beverages. Oga’s Cantina is a must-do at Galaxy’s Edge just for the theming alone.
2) BaseLine Tap House – Grand Avenue
Between the bavarian pretzel and the $12 charcuterie plate, BaseLine Tap House would be worth a visit. But this bar on Grand Avenue has an amazing lineup of beverages and snacks. They offer wine, cocktails, and cider, but the beer list is the star of the show.
I personally love the Stone Delicious IPA. It is gluten-reduced, which meant that my gluten-intolerant wife was able to enjoy it without any issues. (Although it is not certified gluten-free, in case you have a more severe allergy).
3) Tune-In Lounge – Echo Lake
Most people don’t know that 50’s Prime Time Cafe is also home to a really great bar. The Tune-In Lounge is a fantastic retro hangout, themed to a 50’s living room complete with a black and white TV playing Walt Disney specials.
Specialty cocktails include Dad’s Electric Lemonade and Grandma’s Picnic Punch. They also serve wine and beer.
This is a really cool hidden gem of a bar.
4) Brown Derby Lounge
While the name evokes something similar to the cozy interior Carthay lounge at California Adventure, the Brown Derby Lounge is actually an outdoor patio. With a full-fledged food menu, this is actually a fantastic place to grab lunch or dinner, especially using the Walk-Up list in the Disney World app.
If the weather’s nice, grab a table and enjoy a cocktail and appetizer. It can make for a luxurious break in the middle of your park day.
Where to find coffee at Hollywood Studios
Trolley Car Cafe – Hollywood Blvd.
It’s easy to miss the Starbucks at Hollywood Studios. It’s the Trolley Car Cafe, which is on the right hand side of Hollywood Boulevard, just before the intersection with Sunset Boulevard. Trolley Car features the full Starbucks menu, some items from the former Starring Rolls Cafe bakery, and Disney Starbucks mugs and souvenirs.
Joffrey’s Coffee Cart – Near Pixar Place and the entrance to Toy Story Land
If you’re looking for Joffrey’s at DHS, head towards Toy Story Land. Right after you pass Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, look to the left. Right before the path veers to Toy Story Land, you’ll find a pretty humble looking coffee cart offering Joffrey’s coffee and cold brew.
Kat Saka’s Kettle
If you want the park’s most unique coffee offering, head to Galaxy’s Edge. Kat Saka’s Kettle sells the Cold Brew Black Caf, which I already sang the praises of in the Best Snacks section. You can also get an adult version spiked with chocolate liqueur.
Character Dining at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood & Vine
Hollywood & Vine is home to two different character meals: Disney Junior Play n’ Dine at breakfast, and Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at lunch and dinner. The buffet returned last year, and it’s available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
We are big fans of the seasonal dining, especially the Halloween Dine and the Holiday Dine. It’s an opportunity to see Minnie, Mickey, Pluto, and Goofy dressed up in some rare holiday outfits.
The Best Outdoor Dining at Hollywood Studios
Table Service
- Brown Derby Lounge (Hollywood Boulevard) – Small plates and drinks. Limited seating available.
Quick Service / Kiosks
- BaseLine Tap House (Grand Avenue) – This bar/lounge is an excellent spot for beer, wine, and small plates with a great outdoor seating area.
- Ronto Roasters (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge) – The Ronto Wrap might be the greatest thing to come out of Galaxy’s Edge, behind Rise of the Resistance. Completely outside, limited outdoor seating, but good for eating on the go. Mobile Order Available
- Docking Bay 7 (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge) – This quick service restaurant has a pretty good menu and features limited outdoor seating. Must order/pick up food inside. Mobile Order Available
- Woody’s Lunchbox (Toy Story Land) – Very good quick service lunch stop. Completely outside. Mobile Order Available
- Trolley Car Cafe (Hollywood Boulevard) – Hollywood Studios’ Starbucks offers coffee and quick bites. Limited outdoor seating, but most of what you get here will be good for eating on the go.
Check out our full list of the Best Outdoor Dining at Hollywood Studios.
Disney World Dining Guides
If you want to know what to eat at the other theme parks, don’t miss the other parts of our Disney World Dining Guide!
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