Pretzels provide a filling snack for many theme park guests. Also, pretzels provide a safe snack that most people enjoy. At Universal Orlando, you can buy a pizza stuffed pretzel in the parks if you need more pretzel style. For guests looking for more than a well marketed “Super Pretzel”, the full-service restaurants offer excellent pretzel appetizers. Arguably, the best pretzel on Universal Orlando property comes from NBC Sports Grill and Brew. However, when you see it listed on the menu, you will not be impressed.

The “Large Warm Soft Pretzel” costs $13.95 at NBC Sports Grill and Brew. The menu describes this pretzel as “lightly salted, (served with) jalapeño queso, (and) Bertman Ball Park mustard. Even if you are not a fan of this appetizer, the menu description undersells this item.

Several of my theme park friends lovingly refer to this appetizer as the “Crucified Pretzel” based on the presentation. Sometimes guests seeing this appetizer being brought to another table show amazement at it’s size.

In my opinion, this pretzel looks slightly larger than similar one at Jock Lindsey’s at Disney Springs.

So how does it taste?

The flavor of the pretzel itself far exceeds standard pretzel quality. NBC Sports Grill and Brew generally offers a nice crispy on outside and soft on inside pretzel. Their preparation avoids many of the pitfalls of dry tasteless pretzels. The slight addition of flavoring on outer crust increases quality of this pretzel. The queso and mustard enhance the pretzel flavor. If you are a fan of a good mustard dipping sauce for pretzels, this appetizer has you covered.

The queso also offers solid quality. However, this queso provides marginal “heat.” Clearly, this queso is supposed to match the pretzel not provide spice. It does not compare to a good traditional Mexican style queso.

Would I order this again?

The answer rings as resounding-YES! In fact, I have ordered this several times. Now, the price point has increased over last few years which will slow me down a bit.

During the last trip, my spouse insisted we order it. I may not be the smartest man but when you spouse says order a pretzel with queso and good mustard, you should always say yes. The appetizer functions easily as sharable.

However, as might become apparent in future review, I would not suggest ordering a pretzel bun burger after having this as an appetizer. I made that mistake once. I will avoid repeating that error.

As always, eat like you mean it!