Universal Orlando Resort’s upcoming Epic Universe park, opening May 22, 2025, introduces Dark Universe—a land where classic monsters come alive. Beyond thrilling attractions, Dark Universe offers immersive dining experiences that transport guests into the heart of gothic horror.
Dark Universe will be “a world where Universal’s classic monsters are reimagined in an OMINOUS and CHILLING experience.”
Molly Murphy, President Universal Creative
At Dark Universe, you will be immersed in a world of monsters once you walk through the portal into the village of Darkmoor. There will be monster meet-and-greets, which is mind-blowing to think that this is happening.
It was previously announced that guests would have the chance to meet and greet Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Wolf Man, the Invisible Man, Dracula, and Ygor. During the panel, the team confirmed that the Phantom of the Opera and the Creature from the Black Lagoon will also join the lineup.
And if you’re feeling out of place, there’s the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. Dr. Pretorius’ old lab is now a parlor where you can be made up as a werewolf, vampire, mummy, or even better, something more frightening.
You might run into a roaming musician performing spooky tunes from the days of yore right before walking into Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, where you can get your fix of Dark Universe merchandise.
And what about the music running throughout the land? Danny Elfman (Beetlejuice, Nightmare Before Christmas), who also created the logo music for the Dark Universe film, has been given the reigns to create my soon-to-be favorite soundtrack.
This is a theme park and there’s the Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Curse of the Werewolf for your riding pleasure.
I’m more excited about the dining than anything. Since the 1990s, themed dining restaurants have been my thing, and they’re made even better when the creators are 100% committed.
Dark Universe will have the Das Stakehaus, the Burning Blade Tavern, and De Lacey’s Cottage.
In the meantime, the countdown is on for us monster fans…and in May 2025, we’ll be able to scream at the top of our lungs, “It’s Alive!”
Dark Universe Dining Spots
As visitors explore the eerie realm of Darkmoor, they’ll encounter three hauntingly delicious dining spots: Das Stakehaus, The Burning Blade Tavern, and De Lacey’s Cottage. Each location offers spine-chillingly good food and drinks.
Das Stakehaus
Step into this vampire-run steakhouse built over ancient catacombs. Adorned with vampire artwork and artifacts, Das Stakehaus offers a menu featuring succulent carved strip steak and the unique Lobotacotta—a brain-shaped vanilla panna cotta dessert. Notably, the menu is garlic-free, catering to its nocturnal hosts.
Das Stakehaus Food
Stakes – Sink your teeth into a mouthwatering meal served on a stake, with three tempting options: Fish on a Stake (blackened salmon steak), Bird on a Stake (grilled, dry-rubbed chicken tenderloin), or Bits and Pieces (seared and glazed wild mushroom brisket meatloaf). Every dish comes with roasted vegetables and charred green onion mashed potatoes.
Das Burger – Seared Angus burger with tomato pepper chutney, white cheddar cheese, grilled onions, hot cherry peppers, bacon, on a black bun with fries.
“Blood” Orange Chicken Sandwich – A flash-fried, marinated chicken breast drenched in a wickedly delicious blood orange sauce, served on a sinister black bun with tangy pickles, crisp slaw, and a side of golden fries.
Darkmoor Black Wings – Spicy chili-dusted fried chicken wings with smokey cheddar, charred scallions and soy chili garlic sauce with a pimento cornbread skull and side of coleslaw.
Carved Staked Steak – Carved strip steak served medium with a hint of blood, charred green onion mashed potatoes, roasted baby carrots, acorn squash, crispy maitake mushrooms with a bloody jus.
Our Favorite Vegan Familiar’s Stuffed Cabbage – A plant-based delight featuring Impossible meat wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, bathed in a rich bell pepper tomato sauce, and paired with vibrant beet bucatini.
Crimson Glazed Pork – Char siu-style roasted pork belly with bloody roast pork dipping sauce, charred green onion mashed potatoes, roasted baby carrots, acorn squash, crispy maitake mushrooms.
Forager Salad – Crispy maitake mushrooms, acorn squash red beets, blue cheese, arugula and bibb lettuce tossed in a blueberry pomegranate dressing with a grilled chicken stake
Labotocotta – Greek yogurt vanilla panna cotta brain with raspberry sauce
Red Velvet Death – Red velvet heart “beet” coffin cake with chocolate crumbs and puffed rice maggots.
LITTLE STAKES – FOR CHILDREN 9 AND UNDER
Tender Skewer – Crispy chicken tenders served with grapes and fries.
Meatloaf Skewer – Grape jelly glazed brisket meatloaf served with grapes and fries.
The Burning Blade Tavern
Once an old mill, this tavern now serves as a haven for monster hunters. Dine amidst trophy heads of legendary beasts and enjoy hearty fare like burgers, bratwurst, and wings. The atmosphere is electrified with tales of victory and fiery eruptions from the tavern’s windmill several times an hour.
De Lacey’s Cottage
Inspired by the character from Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” this quaint eatery offers delightful treats like Warm Hearted Cinnamon Bites—donut holes topped with cream cheese icing and cinnamon streusel. It’s a cozy spot to indulge your sweet tooth amidst the eerie ambiance.
Plan Your Visit
Dark Universe at Epic Universe promises a fusion of thrilling rides and thematic dining. Whether you’re savoring a steak at Das Stakehaus or enjoying fiery tales at The Burning Blade Tavern, each restaurant offers a unique glimpse into the world of classic monsters. Prepare for an unforgettable culinary adventure when the park opens on Thursday, May 22nd, 2025.
For more details and updates, visit the official Universal Orlando Resort website.