Universal Orlando continues to display creativity regarding temporary tribute stores. In recent days signs on Revenge of Mummy construction walls point guests to the Sahara Traders gift shop. The sign indicates a tribute store to the Universal Classic Monsters will be popping up. At piratesandprincesses.net, we will update when that temporary tribute store opens.

However, the latest example of temporary tribute stores reminds us that Universal staked their claim to fame on horror. The old school monsters define an era in Universal’s history. The “Horror Make-up Show” pays homage to this era. In some years, Universal’s Classic Monsters appear during Halloween Horror Nights with their own themed houses/mazes.

One of the older well themed quick service dining locations at Universal Studios Florida offers many ways to interact with classic monster’s items and videos. The Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Café offers many themed elements guests can explore within this quick service place.

The menu faced many changes over the years. The recent addition of the Smoked Brisket Mac and Cheese Bowl Combo appears as the latest shift. This meal, which comes with either apple cobbler or pineapple for dessert, costs $16.99.

So, how is this menu item? Is it worth our time?

First, let me say, I think it might be worth your time. I know that functions as non-answer. Hopefully you will see why I say that. The recent return of brisket to the BBQ themed menu at Monster’s Café excited many Universal Orlando veterans. The macaroni and cheese functions as a solid side dish for meals here. The concept of smoked brisket combined with that cheesy flavor brings hope. My preference for non-traditional theme park style food saw an additional menu item to promote.

However, the reviews on the brisket itself rate as mixed at best. Some guests felt the combination of flavor and texture merited admiration. Still, several found the current version of brisket to be dry and lacking real flavor. My assumption involves this recipe for brisket depended on cheese flavor to bring it to life. Based on some reports, guests felt the cheese starred as the key to this dish. However, many felt the cheese flavor failed to compensate for lack of flavor of the brisket.

At basically $17, this menu item needs to taste consistently better for this portion size. Currently, this mac and cheese bowl ranks behind the Nashville hot chicken version sold at the food truck in San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida.

In conclusion, this menu item functions as slightly above average for theme park food. However, this individual entrée would fail to make my top 10 food options within just Universal Studios Florida right now. If you find yourself dining at Monster’s Café, there exist better options on that menu that this mac and cheese bowl. If you decide to order this, may the brisket odds ever be in your favor.