Disney’s Hollywood Studios is best known for exciting roller coasters and immersive, themed lands. But that doesn’t mean you should sleep on the EATS in this park! At the very least, you’ll need the fuel to get you from Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to Rise of the Resistance to Tower of Terror to Slinky Dog Dash…you get the picture.

So what snacks and meals should you choose to power your Hollywood Studios day? There are a lot of good options, but we’re here to help you narrow it down. We’re in Disney World every single day, and we’ve tried just about everything there is to eat there. We’re can help you find the best possible food, drinks, and snacks for your upcoming trip! Come along with us to see the best places to eat in Hollywood Studios.

In this post, we ranked the 4 best table service (sit-down) restaurants, the 5 best counter service (fast food-style) restaurants, and the 5 best places to get a snack or treat. Of course, there are more options than what’s listed here, but we focused on only the BEST eats for this list. If you want to see the rankings for ALL the restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, check out our video below.

Now on to the best eats!

Table Service Restaurants

You will need a reservation for table service restaurants in Disney World (although sometimes you can join walk-up waitlists, depending on availability). You can start making those reservations 60 days before your trip. These meals tend to be more expensive than most counter service meals, and they’re also usually bigger and fancier. But which table service spot should you choose? We’ve got the answer.

4. 50’s Prime Time Café

You know when you’re home for a family reunion and you’re surrounded by cousins and relatives and your mom and grandma are both shouting at you to eat your veggies and get your elbows off the table? Those are the vibes that 50’s Prime Time Café strives for. The dining rooms at this spot are meant to look like 1950s-style kitchens, complete with little black-and-white TVs that show mid-century shows.

You’ll dine on comfort food like fried chicken, meatloaf, and pot roast, and your server will treat you like family…literally. Sassy antics and shenanigans thrive at this spot! The food is really good and reasonably priced, and the unique atmosphere makes this a great choice for lunch or dinner. However, the meal can take a long time (you may not want to sacrifice your time in the park for it), and the interactive environment could be an introvert’s nightmare.

PROS:

• Best for those looking for comfort foods aplenty
• Fun servers that add a wacky twist to an already unique dining room setting
• Seriously – SUCH good milkshakes

CONS:

• Not great for those who want a quick meal and not a restaurant that’s going to take a chunk of time out of the park day
• Foods can be a little *too* familiar for more adventurous eaters
• Not the place to go if you’re looking for a peaceful, romantic meal

OVERALL: 7.5/10

Check out our recent review of 50’s Prime Time Café here.

3. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

We’re moving from one unique restaurant to another! Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is designed to look like a drive-in theater. You’ll sit in a car-shaped booth while you watch short (and cheesy) sci-fi clips on the big screen in front of you. Don’t worry about the rain — this drive-in is indoors. The setting alone is a good enough reason to stop by.

The food here is mostly burgers, shakes, and fries (think diner food), and it’s decent. The dining arrangement is a little bit awkward if you wanted to have conversation during your meal, as everyone is turned to face the screen instead of each other. The main reason for visiting is definitely the unique theming, and we think kids especially will love it!

PROS:

• Best for those looking for an EPIC themed dining experience with super-retro vibes
• Hearty portions with classic foods
• Great for those who are looking for dinner and a show

CONS:

• Seating can make it difficult to talk to your group/may be bad for those uncomfortable with small spaces
• Not great for those looking for something different than the usual American fare
• Takes a lot of time out of your park day to experience

OVERALL: 8/10

Check out our recent review of Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater here.

2. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

Mama Melrose’s combines Italian cuisine with California charm. Confused? Yeah, we don’t blame you. Apparently the backstory is that Mama Melrose moved to Cali to become an actor, but her Italian cooking was the real star of the show. This spot combines her two loves!

So how is Mama Melrose’s cooking nowadays? In our experience, it’s pretty inconsistent. Sometimes it’s great, and sometimes it’s just a bit disappointing. But when it’s great, it’s really GREAT. The menu isn’t cheap, so you’ll want to consider whether it’s worth the risk to you!

PROS:

• Best for people looking for a sit-down Italian meal in the park
• Cutesy dining room with fun Californian/Italian decor
• Simple and approachable food

CONS:

• Not great for those wanting something a little more adventurous
• Heavy pasta dishes + Hot day in the park + multiple thrill rides = a possible recipe for an upset tummy
• Potential of paying a hefty price for an “okay” meal

OVERALL: 8.5/10

Read our full review of Mama Melrose’s here.

1. The Hollywood Brown Derby

And the #1 spot for a table service meal in Hollywood Studios goes to the iconic Hollywood Brown Derby. This is one of the most delicious and historic dining experiences in all of Disney World. It’s a replica of the famous Hollywood restaurant, and it’s also the signature restaurant of Hollywood Studios. Reservations fill up quickly for this spot, so get yours quickly if you want ’em!

Note that the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge is a good option if you can’t get those reservations — it accepts walk-up guests and has many of the same classic menu items as the full restaurant. Some of our favorite eats here include the Famous Cobb Salad, Free-Range Chicken à la King, and Grapefruit Cake. As a signature restaurant, this spot is on the pricier side.

PROS:

• Best for those looking for a romantic signature restaurant to dine at (which will immerse you in those old Hollywood vibes)
• Consistent top-notch gourmet selection
• The lounge is a solid alternative if reservations are filled

CONS:

• Not great for those looking for a lighter meal before riding a whole bunch of thrill rides back-to-back
• Pricey (it’s called *signature* for a reason!)
• Walk-ups for the lounge can get crowded during the lunch and dinner rush

OVERALL: 9/10

Read our latest review of Hollywood Brown Derby here!

Counter Service Restaurants

Now we’re moving on to the counter service restaurants in Hollywood Studios. You don’t need a reservation for these spots, and they tend to be much cheaper than the table service options — but that doesn’t mean they’re not as good! In fact, we sometimes prefer these eats to the fancier table service meals.

Check to see if the restaurant you choose has Mobile Order available. That can save you time because you won’t have to wait in line to order!

5. ABC Commissary — Mobile Order Available

ABC Commissary used to be a definite “pass” for us, but recently they’ve re-vamped their menu, and the new eats have definitely impressed us! The restaurant is themed after a production studio commissary, with posters and props for TV shows and movies all around. There’s a lot of indoor seating here, which is a definite plus.

The menu has some good options like the Pork Carnitas Tacos, Curry Rice Bowl with Shrimp, and the Watermelon Margarita. We also really liked the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

PROS:

• Best for those looking for more unique fast food options on a budget
• Mobile ordering availability
• Good portions for what you pay for

CONS:

• Not great for those looking for a fun and immersive setting
• Definitely still more *unique* options out there
• If you actually preferred the old chicken tenders and burgers menu, you’re going to
  have to look elsewhere

OVERALL: 7/10

See our latest review of ABC Commissary here.

4. Woody’s Lunch Box — Mobile Order Available

Looking to dine in Toy Story Land? You’ve only got one option (for now): Woody’s Lunch Box. This restaurant literally looks like a giant lunch box, and the only options for seating are outdoor tables with umbrellas. If you’re lucky, you might get to sit on a giant Babybel cheese! (Disney partnered with Mini Babybel for this restaurant.)

Some good options on the menu here are the Totchos (nachos but with tater tots), BBQ Brisket Melt, and Lunch Box Tarts. Those tarts might just look like fancy pop tarts (and OK, maybe that’s exactly what they are), but we love ’em all the same! There are often specialty flavors for different seasons. On a cool day, you can’t go wrong with a grilled cheese and tomato soup here, either.

PROS:

• Good mix of sweet and savory options for both breakfast and lunch/dinner
• Affordable menu

CONS:

• Not many options for kiddos
• All seating is outdoors (and with that Orlando sun, sometimes eating a hearty cheese sandwich when it’s sweltering outside isn’t the best of times)

OVERALL: 7/10

See a recent review of Woody’s Lunch Box here.

3. Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo — Mobile Order Available

Over in Batuu (AKA Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), Docking Bay 7 is one of the quick service restaurant options. It’s run by Proprietor Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs, who honed his skills in the kitchen of Maz Kanata. There’s some indoor seating available here, though not a ton.

You’ll find some familiar eats with a twist here, along with more bizarre options. The Fried Endorian Chicken Tip Yip is a safe option (it’s just fried chicken), and we also enjoy the Topato Stir-Fry and Roasted Endorian Chicken Salad.

PROS:

• Best for Star Wars fans who don’t want to fight tooth and nail for a reservation at Oga’s Cantina
• Unique quick service options
• Fun Batuu backstory and theming

CONS:

• Not the greatest option for pickier eaters
• Not a huge selection of kid-friendly options
• One of the pricier quick service locations

OVERALL: 7/10

Check out our latest review of Docking Bay 7 here.

2. Ronto Roasters — Mobile Order Available

Docking Bay 7 is pretty good, but we actually like the other dining option in Galaxy’s Edge even better. Introducing Ronto Roasters! When you walk into the restaurant area, you’ll see a pitmaster droid busy at work turning a mechanical spit to cook up your meal. Seating is all outdoors here (the whole restaurant is open-air), although most of it is under a roof to keep the rain or sun off.

Ronto Roasters has very few menu options, but what’s on there is GOOD. The Ronto Wrap is one of our favorite things to eat in this park, and the breakfast version (the Ronto Morning Wrap) is super popular as well. And don’t ignore the plant-based Zuchii Wrap either! This might not be the best place for very picky eaters or little kids (as there isn’t much to choose from on the menu besides those wraps), but the eats aren’t so bizarre that they would scare off most eaters.

PROS:

• Best for those who want the QUICKEST food option in Batuu
• A more adventurous hot dog with a plant-based alternative

CONS:

• *Potentially* too adventurous for some – especially with such a limited menu
• Seating is limited

OVERALL: 8/10

Read our recent review of Ronto Roasters here.

1. Backlot Express — Mobile Order Available

Our top pick for counter service (fast food) restaurants in Disney World is (drumroll, please) Backlot Express! This “warehouse of good eating” is themed as a production warehouse, so be sure to get up and look at all the props and decorations during your meal. The food here isn’t mind-blowing — it’s mostly burgers, sandwiches, and salads — but most everything is pretty good.

A huge perk of this restaurant is the plethora of indoor seating available. And with a mix of familiar favorites and some more interesting eats, there’s something for everyone on the menu! The stand-out item here has to be our beloved Wookie Cookie (two oatmeal cookies sandwiched together with vanilla cream).

PROS:

• Best for picky eaters
• Has a LOT of dining room seating
• WOOKIE COOKIE

CONS:

• Not the best if you’re kind of tired of typical theme park fare
• WAY better burgers in Disney World for you to choose from
• Though we *do* love that Wookie Cookie, dessert options are otherwise limited here

OVERALL: 9/10

Read our recent review of Backlot Express here!

Snacks/Dessert

Looking for a quick snack, treat, or drink in Hollywood Studios? We’ve got you covered. Here are the 5 best spots for a quick bite!

5. Oga’s Cantina

We’re about to say something shocking, so just prepare yourself. Oga’s Cantina just might be a *little bit* overrated. This Star Wars-themed bar does have incredible theming, we fully admit. But sometimes the drinks and eats (especially the eats) leave something to be desired.

Now, don’t get us wrong — a big Star Wars fan will LOVE the opportunity to hang out in this bar, and for the atmosphere alone you might want to book a reservation. But those reservations are hard to get (some of the most difficult to find in Disney World). If you do go, make sure to try the Fuzzy Tauntaun (for the 21+ crowd) and the non-alcoholic Blue Bantha!

We recommend skipping the eats here — there are only a couple of snack options, and neither has impressed us in the past. Seating is very limited as well, so you’ll probably find yourself standing at the bar. Reservations have a 45-minute limit, so don’t expect to spend your entire evening at this spot!

PROS:

• Best for Star Wars fans who wanna try it all!
• Exciting intergalactic cocktails
• Lively and vibrant energy

CONS:

• The hardest reservations to get in Hollywood Studios
• Not best for those wanting a snack alongside their drink (very limited, strange, and pricey options available)
• Crowded

OVERALL: 6.5/10

Read our review of a famous drink at Oga’s Cantina here.

4. Epic Eats

With a name like that, your expectations are probably very high for the Epic Eats snack stand. And rightfully so — this is where you can find funnel cakes! (OK, so maybe the menu isn’t exactly “epic,” but who doesn’t love a funnel cake?) The funnel cakes here are served with various toppings, like soft-serve ice cream.

There’s no seating here, so expect to take your funnel cake to go. You’ll probably be able to find a table on the other side of Echo Lake, at the Dockside Diner, or just pick a bench somewhere along the lake.

PROS: 

• You like funnel cakes at the fair? You’ll like these!

CONS:

• Funnel cakes only here – so don’t be expecting any *light* sweet treats

OVERALL: 7/10

Read our recent review of Epic Eats here.

3. BaseLine Tap House

BaseLine Tap House is another bar/lounge in Hollywood Studios, but it’s very different from Oga’s Cantina. For one thing, the theming here isn’t quite so in-your-face. And for another, the snacks on the menu are WAY better.

This is a good place to grab a beer, and don’t forget to try the charcuterie board or the Bavarian Pretzel (with beer cheese fondue!). There’s some indoor seating, but there’s quite a bit more outside. And while this is a great spot to hang out with some adult friends, it doesn’t have the most kid-friendly menu (unless your kids love charcuterie and spiced almonds?).

PROS: 

• Best for those looking for a selection of cold beers on tap
• One of the better pub-like options on Disney property
• Also, one of the better soft pretzel options on property (all hail the beer cheese!)

CONS:

• Replaced Writer’s Stop (and it still feels like salt in a wound)
• Limited indoor seating
• Not the most kid-friendly snack stop

OVERALL: 7.5/10

Read a recent review of BaseLine Tap House here.

2. Kat Saka’s Kettle

Kat Saka’s Kettle is a DIVISIVE little snack stand in Batuu (Galaxy’s Edge). This stand serves 2 different kinds of popcorn: Buttered Blue Grains (blue-colored buttered popcorn) and Outpost Popcorn Mix.

That Outpost Mix is a fairly strange combination of sweet and spicy flavors, and it’s definitely not for everyone. However, some people really love it! So if you’re feeling adventurous and want a twist on a classic theme park food, this would be a fun option to try.

PROS:

• Traditional and unique popcorn in a fun Star Wars setting

CONS:

• What even* is* the Outpost Popcorn?

OVERALL: 8/10

Read our review of Kat Saka’s Kettle here.

1. The Trolley Car Café

If you already know that Trolley Car Café is the Starbucks location in this park, you might be questioning our decision to put it in the #1 spot. But if you further know that this is the home of the beloved Carrot Cake Cookie, then you will definitely agree with us!

If you go to Hollywood Studios and DON’T eat a Carrot Cake Cookie…did you even really go? It’s a fan-favorite staple at this park, and for good reason. And while you’re here getting the cookie, you can grab your favorite coffee, too.

PROS:

• CARROT CAKE COOKIE
• Great for those looking for their Starbucks fix

CONS:

• Starbucks drinks mirror the ones you’ll find back home
• Can get pretty busy – especially first thing in the morning

OVERALL: 9/10

Check out the Carrot Cake Cookie here.

There you have it! All the best restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal, a quick bite, or just some dessert. With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World.

We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2022 at checkout for 25% off.

And keep following the DFB Blog for more updates on all the newest eats in Disney World.

Click here to find the BEST restaurants in EPCOT.

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What’s your favorite thing to eat at Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments.

The post We’ve Eaten at Every Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These Are the BEST. first appeared on the disney food blog.