Brisket Queso & Chips Review: Is This NBC Sports Grill & Brew Appetizer Worth $16.95?
Is the $16.95 Brisket Queso & Chips at NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal CityWalk Orlando worth ordering? We examine the spicy kick level, portion size, overall flavor, and value.
What Is NBC Sports Grill & Brew?
NBC Sports Grill & Brew is a full-service sports restaurant at Universal CityWalk, located just outside the entrance of Universal Studios Florida. It opened in fall 2015 on the site of the former NASCAR Sports Grille and launched with a huge HD stadium screen over the entrance and nearly 100 HD TVs inside. We have previously reviewed the End Zone Bowl, a football season menu item.
Where to Find NBC Sports Grill & Brew and When It’s Open
The restaurant sits in CityWalk right by the Universal Studios Florida entrance, which makes it an easy stop before or after a park day. One guide lists hours of 11 AM to 11 PM Sunday through Thursday and 11 AM to midnight Friday and Saturday, with reservations available by phone or online. Parties of six or more should know that an 18 percent gratuity is added.
What’s in the Brisket Queso & Chips?
According to Universal’s official NBC Sports Grill & Brew menu, the Brisket Queso & Chips costs $16.95 and is described as jalapeño queso loaded with chopped brisket, cilantro, pico de gallo, crispy Tabasco onions, and serrano peppers. It lives in the Starting Line Up section of the menu, alongside the pretzel, wings, nachos, and fried cheese bites.
The menu description doesn’t mention the chips themselves. In our visit, they were thick, wonton-style chips. That tracks, since the kitchen already uses wonton chips for the Touchdown Tuna Nachos.
How Does the Brisket Queso & Chips Taste?
The short version is that this is a safe and satisfying pick. The brisket queso is decent quality, and the portion size is good for the price.
The toppings are where the spice lives, so here is what to expect. The crispy Tabasco onions are very theme park spice level, meaning they add crunch and flavor but are not likely to make you reach for your drink. The jalapeños bring more of a kick, so you will notice some heat as you work your way through the dish. The thick wonton style chips are a fun twist on the usual tortilla chip. They give the dish a different crunch than the kettle chips on the Crunch Time Nachos.
How the Price Compares to Other Starters
At $16.95, the Brisket Queso & Chips sits in the middle of the Starting Line Up pricing. Here is how it compares:
- Wisconsin Fried Cheese Bites: $14.95
- Large Warm Soft Pretzel with jalapeño queso: $15.95
- Game Day Flatbread: $16.95
- Brisket Queso & Chips: $16.95
- Crunch Time Nachos (pulled chicken, jalapeño queso, kettle chips): $18.95
- Touchdown Tuna Nachos: $18.95
The smoked meat adds a little cost, but it is still $2.00 cheaper than the Crunch Time Nachos. For comparison, the Smokehouse Angus Beef Brisket entree runs $25.95, so the queso is $9.00 cheaper and still gets brisket on your table. It is also a better fit for sharing than most of the entrees.
Tips Before You Order
- Share it. The portion is good, which makes it a great starter for the table.
- Mind the jalapeños. If you are sensitive to heat, pick them out. The Tabasco onions will not scare anyone.
- Add a drink. Fountain sodas are $5.00, and the restaurant is known for its exclusive draft beers.
- Know the other jalapeño queso options. The soft pretzel and the Mac and Cheese Burger also use jalapeño queso if you want to branch out.
Is the Brisket Queso & Chips at NBC Sports Grill & Brew Worth It?
The Brisket Queso & Chips is a safe order with decent quality and a good portion size. It is not going to blow your mind, but it delivers what you expect from loaded queso, with some jalapeño heat and a fun wonton chip twist. If you want a dependable shareable appetizer at NBC Sports Grill & Brew, this is a solid pick.
For more theme park dining reviews, visit MSM News every weekday at noon Eastern Time. Additionally, we sometimes post bonus theme park dining reviews. As always, eat like you mean it!
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