Even though Count Dracula is out to drink your blood, that doesn’t mean that all of the food at Epic Universe’s new classic monsters-themed land has to be gross! As a matter of fact, the team at Universal has put in some incredible effort to make sure that guests not only eat good at Epic, but that they taste the creepy in every bite! Almost like a permanent Halloween Horror Nights food stall, these deadly dishes aren’t going anywhere, and represent some of the best of the highly-themed cuisine that guests will be able to experience at Epic Universe when it opens May 22nd, 2025.
Dark Universe
“Shrouded in mystery, Das Stakehaus is an old inn and dining hall built over the ruins of ancient catacombs. Here you can enjoy a meal surrounded by vampire artwork and artifacts. In fact, the restaurant is run by vampires’ “familiars”, or servants. Just don’t venture down to the catacombs below, or you might find yourself on the vampires’ menu.”
The main restaurant housed within Dark Universe is Das Stakehaus, a themed dining experience with just as much storytelling flair as the attractions it shared a land with. Through Das Stakehaus, guests will be able to experience the culture of Darkmoor as the vampiric residents become the main focus of the narrative. With the story told from the point of view of the monsters in Dark Universe, it’s no surprise that the residents of Darkmoor have a very particular view of the monsters that rule the streets.
But you’re not at Das Stakehaus for a history lesson, you’re there to dig in! And as a… tourist to the area, you have your pick of several specialty items, like the Bird on a Stake. This meal offers three different protein options served with roasted veggies and flame-charred green onion mashed potatoes. And yes! It is served on a stake. Better hold onto that. You know – just in case. You never know when a wooden stake is going to come in handy, that’s all!
If you favor flavor over, say… preparedness, then maybe the Bird on a Stake will take a back seat to some of Das Stakehaus’s other options, like the “Blood Orange” Chicken Sandwich. With crispy fried chicken breast oozing blood orange sauce and served on a signature black bun (complete with pickles and creamy coleslaw), this chicken sandwich option is the cousin of some of the most popular monsters-themed Halloween Horror Nights food of yore. Served with French fries, this item is a must-try for anyone who has ever chowed down on any of its predecessors over at the other park!
If chicken isn’t your thing or you’re looking to stick to some dietary guidelines, Das Stakehaus does also offer at least one vegan option, with the Familiar’s Stuffed Cabbage. Vegan Meat wrapped in tender stewed cabbage leaves is a comfort food everyone can enjoy, and paired with the beet bucatini served in the bell pepper tomato sauce this dish is nestled in, this vegan option is sure to be rich and flavorful.
Another chicken option, Das Stakehaus also offers the Darkmoor Black Wings. A spicier option, this dish features chili-dusted fried wings, doused in a soy chili garlic sauce, with smoked cheddar and flame-charred scallions completing the dish. Served with a pimento cornbread skull, a side of coleslaw, and maybe even a fire-extinguisher if you’re lucky, guests are definitely going to want to indulge in the included sides as a reprieve from the heat of the Darkmoor Black Wings. Just make sure your taste buds aren’t too shot – you still need to be able to enjoy the Red Velvet Death.
The Red Velvet Death, also available at Das Stakehaus, is a slide of Red Velvet cake served in an eerie coffin shape, and is actually made in the style of the original Red Velvet Recipe, using beets instead of food coloring to achieve its signature red color. Wanting to play on the idea of a red heartbeet cake, explains Chris Colon, executive sous chef of research and development at Universal Orlando: “There may be some hearts in there as well!”
Let’s hope not!
But Das Stakehaus isn’t the only iconic restaurant guests will be able to visit in Dark Universe; those brave enough can venture into The Burning Blade Tavern, nestled right in the base of the burning windmill outside of Frankenstein Manor. This fast-casual dining restaurant actually bursts into flames several times an hour, and features two different types of fuel used to achieve this effect, ensuring that guests can easily see the burning windmill no matter what time of day it is!
The Burning Blade offers a variety of fast options, allowing guests to get their food quickly so that they can continue to run for their lives from the monsters beating the doors down! It’s all about convenience in the modern age, after all. Food options like the Hunter’s Garlic Stake – a crispy, cheesy garlic soft pretzel – or Burning Cheddar Bites – fried cheddar poppers – are staple items at this restaurant that are perfect for monster hunters on the go! If you want something a little more hearty from this restaurant, the Burning Blade Burger is also available, giving guests a hearty beef patty topped with spicy tomato jam and jalapeño bacon that’s arranged in a criss-cross pattern to mimic the wind turbines of the windmill. Also served on a black brioche bun, this burger is a delicious counterpart to the chicken sandwich offered at Das Stakehaus.
But whatever you do, don’t let them get their hands on you! This place is quick-service for a reason, and if you linger too long underneath the Burning Blade, there’s no telling what sort of monsters are going to come for you.
Universal’s Epic Universe officially opens May 22nd, 2025, and will feature five distinct lands including Dark Universe! Check back for more information on the dastardly details that Universal has released as we grow ever-closer to the opening date of this incredible new park!
