Picture this: you just spent the day at Epic Universe, came face-to-face with DRAGONS, visited the magical Wizarding World, and raced through Super Nintendo World. Phew! It’s time to head back to your hotel and get something to eat. Where should you eat? How about the Galaxy Grill and accompanying Galaxy Bar at Universal Stella Nova Resort?

We’re visiting the gorgeous new Universal Stella Nova Resort, a colorful new hotel inspired by the”infinite vastness of the universe.” How poetic! We’ve already had a chance to visit the hotel, and now we’re back for a far-out meal at the Galaxy Grill and Galaxy Bar. Let’s eat!

Atmosphere

The Galaxy Bar is right near the GIANT pool at the Stella Nova Resort, and this pool bar area has plenty of seating.

There’s a nice, long bar, along with some lounge-style seating.

The design is very retro-space-inspired, and we’re LOVING all that vibrant, colorful tilework behind the bar.

There are two Coca-Cola Freestyle machines here, too, which are great for loading up on a sweet drink as you relax by the pool.

Now, on to the Galaxy Grill! To find it, follow the signs to the order and pickup area.

As you follow the path, you’ll walk right up to the window to order your food. They give you a pager and when it goes off, you can head back up to pick up your meal.

Menu

Galaxy Bar is a full-service bar that serves classic beer and wines. If you’re looking for a refreshing drink, you can try The Orion cocktail, with vodka, Mandarin orange syrup, citrus-sour juice, and orange juice. There’s also a drink called The Calypso, which is made with a frozen blend of tequila and tropical fruits. You can order your drinks at the bar or while sitting, and all of the specialty drinks come in a fun souvenir cup that you can keep.

Galaxy Grill is a separate grill with a menu that features burgers, quesadillas, and salads. The menu features some fun snacks and poolside drinks. We spotted a Hottie Chicken Sandwich, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, and Southwestern Salad Bowl on the menu.

Eats

At Galaxy Bar, we tried the Stellar Collision for $16. This is a combination of the two other Stellar Frozen items on the menu. All three of the Stellar Frozen drinks are $16, so you can get them each individually or mix the two for a fun combo drink.

One layer of the Stellar Collision is the Pleiades which is Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, banana liqueur, blue curacao, and piña colada. The second layer is the Calypso made with Carazon Blanco Tequila and tropical fruit mix. The drink might be named for being out of this world, but it’s very tropical in nature!

Both of these layers were incredible. They’re blended perfectly with the perfect consistency and have a great balance of sweetness and fruitiness without being overwhelming. You can taste the alcohol so they feel like they’re worth the money without being too strong and unpleasant. Both layers are equally delicious and refreshing, making all three Stellar Frozen drink options refreshing pool drinks.

Over at Galaxy Grill, we picked up the Stella Burger from the walk-up window for $15.50. Items from the Grill + More section of the menu, including the burger, come with your choice of french fries, sweet potato fries, or a small tossed salad. We opted for the sweet potato fries with our burger!

The menu says this is a double smashed beef patty with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and cosmic sauce on a brioche bun, but it’s not really a smash burger. There are two patties, but they aren’t smashed thin, they’re pretty thick patties with a char-grilled taste. It’s a peppery and very flavorful meat. However, it’s not like a super high-quality burger like you’d find at a nice sit-down restaurant.

What we really enjoyed most about this burger and what stepped it up was the brioche bun and the cosmic sauce, which is like a 1000 island-style sauce. It’s really loaded with toppings, especially pickles. The cheese is perfectly melted on the burger and has crisp edges adding a fun textural element. Overall, this burger was incredible with all the varying elements. This burger is also available at Cosmos Café.

Nosh or Not

Moonwalk on over to the Galaxy Bar and Grill if…

• You’re planning to lay by the pool and you’re looking for some great drinks and delicious eats.
• You want a quick, yet yummy bite and a refreshing drink.
• You’re looking for a simple burger that you know you can count on.

Abandon ship if…

• You’re looking for a fancier meal. This is a pool bar and grill location, so there’s nothing overly fancy about it.
• You want a sit-down option instead of having to order and pick up your food at a walk-up window.
• You want more than a simple sandwich or salad. While the food here is more than your basic theme park food, it’s still a small, simple menu.

We’re always trying new food at Universal AND Disney, so if you want to keep up with all our reviews, stay tuned to DFB for more!

REVIEW: We’re Still Daydreaming About the Breakfast Options at Universal’s NEW Hotel Restaurant

Will you be staying at Universal Stella Nova Resort soon? Let us know in the comments!