5 Best Breakfast Places Near Universal Studios Orlando

As a regular visitor of Universal’s incredible theme parks, I have figured out that eating breakfast before a long day out is a good idea. While the parks & adjacent Citywalk are home to some fun themed restaurants, decent breakfast options are a bit limited. Plus, the food is super pricey.

After a few days enjoying Starbucks at your hotel, or picking up a quick pastry from a park stand, you may be seeking something a bit more filling to hold you over until lunch. I would also recommend trying out something local on one of your off days from the parks. This a great time to try out something new now that you are not rushing to get to the parks right at opening.

In my guide, I’ll share a few of my favorite picks in the city. Each restaurant/cafe is located no more than 5 miles from the park entrance.

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

Keke’s is a Florida based chain which offers a big menu of both sweet and savory dishes. The ambiance resembles your typical diner. The décor is minimal, although the café is clean with a welcoming vibe. Keke’s fitting slogan is “It’s like your hometown diner grew up and moved to the city.”

The menu is fairly large and includes options for those who love a basic eggs breakfast, and those with a sweet tooth. From waffles and pancakes, to Stuffed French toast and omelets, there is something here for everyone. I recommend a delicious scrambler or veggie packed omelet served alongside potatoes and toast. This should provide you with plenty of energy to last you through the morning hours.

Their coffee is also excellent so no need to hit a Starbucks afterwards! I find most diner coffee pretty weak, but the coffee here had a little more flavor.

The closest location to the park lies on Doctor Phillips Blvd, just 3 miles from the entrance. Dr. Phillips is a nice high end suburb of the city. There is a lot of high end shopping here, plus spas, golf courses, and some really nice local parks if you are looking for something to do on an off day.

• Distance from entrance: 3 miles
• Address: 7512 Doctor Phillips Blvd Ste 100 Hours: 7:00am-2:30pm, 7 days a week
• Menu highlights: Banana Split Waffle, Granola Crunch Pancakes, Portobello Omelet, Veggie Scrambler, Turtle Stuffed French Toast
• Vegetarian/GF options: The menu is conveniently marked for allergens. Vegetarian highlights include: Blueberry waffles, Apple cinnamon French toast, Greek Omelet, Southwest Omelet. They offer GF toast if you ask.

First Watch

This wonderful American restaurant chain is based in University Park, Florida. Although they also serve lunch, you really cannot beat the fresh breakfast offerings here. I am not usually big on chains, but they are usually consistent no matter where you travel, thus making them a great vacation pick. First Watch has been one of my favorites for years. I can always rely on great coffee and many vegetarian/healthy choices.

First off, their coffee is totally delicious and unlimited. There is no need to go anywhere else for your morning cup of joe. Take a seat, relax, and enjoy a full pot. Second, the food is all made fresh on-site. No frozen or processed junk food here! I appreciate the many healthy offerings (which is quite rare for a breakfast chain). I love their Market Skillet: it’s an excellent vegetarian choice which also happens to be super filling.

The diversity of menu offerings should please everyone in your party. And thus, you do not need to sacrifice quality for convenience. Healthier fare includes an egg white power wrap, coconut milk chia seed pudding, fresh smoothies and juiced drinks, and steel cut oatmeal. For anyone seeking something a bit heftier to take you through the morning, the Multigrain pancakes should please.

• Distance from entrance: 2.8 miles
• Address: 7500 W Sand Lake Rd #A101 Hours: 7am-2:30pm, 7 days a week
• Menu highlights: Triple Berry Acai bowl, Huevos Rancheros Tostadas, Farmstand Breakfast Tacos, Market Skillet, Biscuits with Turkey Gravy, Lemon Ricotta pancakes, seasonal Pumpkin Pancakes
• Vegetarian/GF options: Yes, there are numerous optoins. Vegetarian highlights include: Frittata Rustica, Multigrain pancakes, Floridian French toast, and various fresh juices. GF highlights: Many of the bowls are naturally GF and you can also request GF toast.

Hash House A Go-Go

Hash House first opened in San Diego in 2000. Since then, new locations have popped up in various states including Nevada, Connecticut, New Jersey, Utah, and Florida. The unique menu offerings consist of “twisted farm food and crafted cocktails.”

As servings are quite large, this is a great place to fill up before a long day at the parks. The ambiance here is trendy, yet casual, and thus, the perfect “vacation casual” vibe. On one negative note, I felt that the service was a bit disorganized and the restaurant could use a deep cleaning.

The most popular offerings here are their trademark hashes, which are served alongside a giant biscuit and 2 eggs on an iron skillet. For anyone trying to eat a bit healthier, the veggie option is fantastic. This dish is loaded with fresh artichoke hearts, mushrooms, spinach, and sundried tomatoes. As a vegetarian, I definitely approved. These hashes are super filling and you really can’t beat their tasty homemade biscuit: a tasty alternative to the usual toast.

• Distance from entrance: 1.9 miles
• Address: 5350 International Dr. Hours: 8am-2pm (3pm on Fri-Sun)
• Menu highlights: Roasted Chicken Hash, Veggie Hash, Griddled French Toast, Vanilla Waffle
• Vegetarian/GF options: There are numerous veggie friendly diet entrees including savory and sweet dishes. Highlights include: “Twisted Flapjacks,” Churro Waffle, Sundried Tomato and Basil Egg Scrambler. Most hashes are naturally GF if you omit the biscuit.

At the Diner

This modern eatery is super popular with foodies for their creative sweet menu offerings. If you love pancakes, this is definitely the place to go. The hardest part is choosing between all the goodies which includes everything from Reese’s Pieces, to Fruity Pebbles, to Oreo Crunch specialty pancakes.

If that’s not enough, they offer several varieties of French Toast including Blueberry Bliss, Strawberry and Nutella, and French Cannoli. I prefer omelets and scrambles, but Mike loves sweet and he approved of these fruity pebble pancakes! In fact, it was one of his favorite treats thus far in this area.

For anyone craving something a bit more ordinary, there are a number of benedicts, omelets, belgian Waffles, and bagels to choose amongst. The diner is a fairly new addition the restaurant scene having just opened in 2017.

• Distance from entrance: 4.6 miles
• Address: 5072 Dr Phillips Blvd. Hours: 7am-2:30pm
• Menu highlights: Greek omelet, Build-a-Benny, Florida Fruity French Toast, Blueberry Bliss French Toast, Fruity Pebble pancakes, Nutella and Strawberry Pancakes
• Vegetarian/GF options: There are a few veggie diet approved entrees, but not many GF choices. Vegetarian highlights include: Avocado Tomato Toast and a Veggie Omelet.

CFS Coffee

Since I lived in Tampa Bay for several years, I took many daytrips here to explore the local food scene. One of my favorite things to do is checking out new coffeeshops. My favorite find in this city is CFS, a wonderful local chain specializing in Colombian coffee.

They serve up their top notch drinks in the most beautiful colorful mugs. The ambiance is gorgeous as well with eclectic artwork adorning the walls and lots of cozy places to relax. I also love their healthy menu – there are so many great choices for those with specific dietary concerns.

For a filling breakfast before a long park day, I recommend the Sweet Toast. This simple, healthy, and satisfying entree consists of 2 pieces of multigrain toast topped with Nutella, peanut or almond butter, along with mixed berries, almonds, bananas, coconut flakes, and hemp seeds. I now make this at home fairly frequent because it is so filling and delicious (not to mention quite healthy compared to fatty, fried breakfast fare).

Acai bowls, smoothie bowls, and avocado toast are also great light options for the summer heat. They also serve omelets and pastries. While their regular coffee is quite delicious, a number of specialty drinks are available including a Lavender Rainbow Latte, Golden Milk Latte, and Mocha Frappe. I typically stick with black coffee only, but Mike loves their Mocha Frappe – it’s a real treat on a hot, humid day!

• Distance from entrance: 2.9 miles
• Address: 7535 W Sand Lake Rd. Hours: 7am-6pm (8am on Sat & Sun)
• Menu highlights: Sweet Toast, Protein Pancakes, Banana Berry Oatmeal, Vegan Breakfast Sandwich, Smoothie Bowl Dragon Fruit
• Vegetarian/GF options: There are a number of choices, conveniently marked. They offer Avocado Toast and a Veggie breakfast sandwich for vegans. Those looking for a GF entree can try the Yucca waffle topped with fresh berries.

You can read more about my experience with local coffeeshops.