Having previously stopped for lunch at Diagon Alley’s Leaky Cauldron, I knew that one of the top spots on my “to-do” list for future visits was a meal at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, the little village nearby Hogwarts that (in the muggle world) is located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure park.
I have eaten a meal at the Three Broomsticks once before as a gluten/dairy eater and have stopped by for a butterbeer several times before getting sick (it’s a nice way to beat the long lines waiting in the elements at the outdoor butterbeer dispensaries).
Just as the Leaky Cauldron is the lone restaurant in Diagon Alley, the Three Broomsticks is your only option for “real” food in the magical village. You can have only so many butterbeers and Honeyduke’s treats before needing a nice square meal to soak up all the sugar, so the Three Broomsticks’ offers up hearty British fare featuring dishes both familiar and not. Once ordering, the Three Broomsticks offers much more than food and valuable air conditioning as glimpses of magical mischief can be seen in the shadows, nooks, and crannies of the old pub where Harry and the gang had their first butterbeers.
Winding through the cue line, magical menu boards display the fare, which is heavily meat-and-potatoes based. Similarly to the Leaky Cauldron, orders are placed and paid for up front. Then, you are directed to a serving line to receive your food and then directed to a table inside or outside of the restaurant.
Once ready to order, I informed the cashier that I had food allergies. She promptly produced a “food allergy” binder that had information for all the major allergens as well as some minor ones as well as ingredients lists (see that allergen menu here). I was sure to snap a picture of what is- and is not- safe and have included it on a separate post to keep this one not too lengthy. I ended up ordering the rotisserie smoked chicken platter with a side of split pea soup.
Once selecting my meal, the cashier was sure to put in the allergen warning into the system to let the kitchen know to get my meal from the back where cross contamination can be minimized.
When receiving my food, the split pea soup initially did not come out. After inquiring about the order, it was realized that the cashier never put the soup on our tab. Nevertheless, the team member serving us ladled up a bowl without question. She put some individually wrapped saltines on the side, but I didn’t raise a question given that there was no cross contamination risk.
The soup itself is thick and has a fairly smooth consistency. The split pea taste is unmistakable and far better than the canned varieties I’ve had before and definitely hit the spot. While the ample serving size does get the most bang for your buck, the soup is a bit heavy and would not be advised on warmer days.
The rotisserie chicken platter also impressed with the amount of food for the price tag. Laden with a whole half-chicken, ear of corn, and several roasted red potatoes, this meal is sure to satisfy the hungriest of magical folk. The chicken, juicy and cooked perfectly, was well-seasoned. Messy to eat, be prepared to have wet wipes on hand, but it’s worth it to get every bit of meat. The potatoes were not overly oily, which I liked, and had a nice rosemary flavoring. The surprise winner though, was the corn on the cob which was delicious, juicy, and sweet. Normally one to avoid corn altogether, I really liked this rare serving.
Once again, the folks at Universal hit it out of the park with providing food, atmosphere, and service that surpasses my expectations. It’s easy to lose yourself in the magic of the experience, and nothing is more magical than ordering a gluten and dairy free meal with ease. I left with a stuffed stomach and smile on my face. I dare say that of the two Wizarding World of Harry Potter restaurants, the Three Broomsticks has my vote for its expanded gluten and dairy free offerings and ease of ordering.
The Basics
Address: Universal Studios Islands of Adventure; 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819
Price: See above menu with prices for entrees
Accessibility: Easily wheelchair accessible
Special Features: From entering the pub to dining, keep your eyes peeled for enchanting details that provide an insight into the wizarding world! There is a passholder discount for those with a premiere or preferred annual pass.
Disclaimer: Restaurant reviews are based upon the information I have at the time of the review and do not reflect changes in ingredients or availability of items. Please contact the restaurant directly for up-to-date information and feel free to to contact me with any questions or comments. I was not compensated for this review and it is a reflection of my personal opinion.
