The Burning Blade Tavern is a quick service restaurant located in Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe and serves hand-crafted cocktails, a selection of draft beer and mead, plus light bites. The Burning Blade Tavern is a monster hunter’s retreat in the old mill located at the very edge of Darkmoor Village. You will likely encounter a monster hunter who will make sure you have not been bitten by the Wolf Man and will even give you tips on how to stay safe in Darkmoor. The windmill atop the tavern catches on fire every 20 minutes. This effect is an homage to the 1931 Frankenstein Universal film, in which the finale concludes with the mill catching on fire.
One important thing to know about the Burning Blade Tavern is that food is only available via mobile order in the Universal Orlando app. You can also order any of the draft beers or mead, but you must go inside the tavern to order one of the four signature cocktails. When your order is ready, you will pick up your food from the outside window to the right of the tavern. There is also covered outdoor seating in this area.
“Don’t feed the animals… especially the werewolves.”
The indoor seating at Burning Blade is somewhat limited and will likely be very crowded in the months after the opening of Epic Universe. The atmosphere is dark, with aged wood beams and rock walls lit by lanterns. Tables consist of high tops and chairs, plus standing room around the mill’s old rotor hub.
The monster hunters’ latest kills are mounted on the walls behind the bar, including a shrunken Gill-man head and a werewolf.
The Burning Blade Tavern Food Menu with Prices
Hunter’s Garlic Stake (vegetarian) – crispy garlic butter pretzel with garlic dipping sauce – $11.99
The Hunter’s Garlic Stake is not to be missed! The pretzel is soft and chewy, and the garlic flavor is intense. This is an Epic Universe must-have snack and can be shared with two people (or by yourself). Trust me – no vampires will get near you the rest of the day after this pretzel!
Burning Blade Cheddar Bites (vegetarian) – crispy fried poppers with sriracha ranch – $11.99
The Burning Blade Cheddar Bites are also a must-have snack! The cheddar inside the popper is reminiscent of a pimento cheese with just enough spice. Couple the melty cheese with the spicy, creamy ranch, and each bite is perfection.
Charred Loaded Potato – hickory char-crusted, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, jalapeño bacon, and chives – $11.49
Burning Blade Burger – 4 ounce black angus patty with American cheese, caramelized onions, jalapeño bacon, on a potato bun and served with kettle chips – $12.99
Staked Grilled Chicken – char-crusted chicken skewer with garlic naan, garlic tzatziki sauce, shave cabbage, and salsa roja – $11.49
The Burning Blade Tavern Drink Menu with Prices
Monocane (mocktail)- Monin pineapple, blue raspberry, and passion fruit syrups, Sprite, and emerald luster dust – $12
Lagoon’ita – BACARDI Superior, Pallini limoncello, lime, blackberry puree, and garnished with a mint sprig – $16.25
My Only Weakness – Hayman’s London Dry gin, Aperol, Bols cherry brandy, lemon juice, simple syrup, Angostura aromatic and orange bitters, soda water, and garnished with a lemon wheel and cherry – $16.25
Pure of Heart – Misguided Spirits Hinky Dink’s Workingman’s Whiskey, The Bitter Truth Violet liqueur, DeKruyper Creme de Cassis, lime and pineapple juice, honey syrup, blackberry essence, and topped with ginger beer – $18
The Pure of Heart comes with a very cool presentation where the drink goes through a purification process with smoke to keep you safe from monsters during your visit to Darkmoore Village. This cocktail was surprisingly sweet and is a fun choice for everyone, even if you normally don’t drink whiskey.
The Burning Blade Tavern Draft Menu with Prices
Reaper’s Reserve (made by Crooked Can exclusively for Dark Universe) – a classic brown ale with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove – $13
The Reaper’s Reserve tastes just like a holiday ale in the best way possible! The cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove really comes through but is still light enough to enjoy on a summer day.
Darkthorne Mead – blackcurrant-boysenberry session mead infused with pink peppercorn – $14
The Darkthorne Mead is another menu favorite! The sweetness from the boysenberry is coupled with the peppercorn flavor and is served chilled. This one goes down way too easy but you may find it too sweet to order a second round.
Crooked Can High Stepper IPA – $12.25
Duvel – $14.25
Crooked Can Seasonal Rotating Tap – $12.25
Strongbow Hard Cider (on draft but not featured on the menu)
Modelo (on draft but not featured on the menu)
The details of The Burning Blade Tavern continue all the way to signing the check with a tentacle pen… Creature from the Black Lagoon, is that you? The Burning Blade Tavern is one of the immersive experiences that ties together the story of the Darkmoore Village and its residents. Even better, the food and drinks are some of the best we’ve had at a Universal park!
