Our latest Universal Epic Universe dining review covers the Huli Huli Pulled Pork Sandwich at Oak & Star Tavern. Find out if it’s a must-try.

The overall food game at Universal Epic Universe is significantly upgraded from several restaurants at the other Universal Orlando Resort theme parks. In fact, Universal Epic Universe dining offers better food at many of its quick service locations than several Walt Disney World quick service options.  

Oak & Star Tavern serves as a fair example of decent quick service food at Universal Epic Universe. We visited this location before the paid previews started. On that day, we ordered the Slow Smoked Brisket Sandwich. However, on our most recent visit, we went a different direction.

Oak & Star Tavern: Epic Universe Dining

The Oak & Star Tavern is an original dining experience located within Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe theme park. Designed to blend fantasy storytelling with immersive theming, the tavern is part of the Celestial Park area, which also serves as the central hub of the new park. The Oak & Star Tavern evokes the charm of a rustic, storybook-style inn where adventurers might gather before embarking on a magical quest. With a whimsical aesthetic and nods to classic fantasy tropes, it aims to create a welcoming and memorable atmosphere for guests of all ages.

The tavern serves various hearty, comfort-driven meals featuring smoked meats and artisan sandwiches. Thus, the menu is designed to complement the tavern’s warm, enchanted setting, which includes wood-carved details, twinkling lanterns, and whimsical decor. Also, guests will receive real silverware, not plastic forks and knives.

This place uses a mobile order and table delivery method. This is common with Epic Universe dining. Guests will need to use the Universal Orlando Resort mobile app to order from their table. Alternatively, they can go to a counter to the left as you enter the restaurant to order.

Huli Huli Pulled Pork Sandwich – $17.99

A handheld entrée option that Oak & Star Tavern offers is called the Huli Huli Pulled Pork Sandwich. The menu description reads, “Smoked kalua pulled pork, huli huli sauce, tropical coleslaw, on a pan sobao bun.”

The phrase “huli huli” originates from the Hawaiian language and means “turn turn” or “to rotate.” It became widely known through “huli huli chicken,” a Hawaiian dish where the chicken is repeatedly turned on a grill while basting with a sweet and savory sauce. The word huli reflects the traditional cooking method, where meat is cooked over an open flame and frequently turned to ensure even roasting. Over time, huli huli has come to symbolize not just a cooking technique but also a cultural expression of Hawaiian barbecue traditions, community gatherings, and island hospitality.

This barbecue sandwich reflects that idea of Hawaiian or Polynesian barbecue. Each Oak & Star Tavern table has four types of barbecue sauce. Huli Huli is one of the flavor options. We suggest using that sauce on the pulled pork if ordering this sandwich.

The pulled pork itself was fine. It offers a sweet and tangy flavor. Once you take a few bites, you probably encounter the little chunks of pineapple. At this point, the sandwich becomes more divisive. Some guests will love the taste and texture. However, others will be annoyed by it. We thought it worked well. Guests should also remember that the barbecue style does not convey as much robust flavor from the meat. The sauce, in combination with the meat, makes this work. Guests will need to add sauce. Thus, each table has sauce choices.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw on barbecue sandwiches can also be a controversial decision. Still, based on the Hawaiian concept, the slaw makes sense. However, the Hawaiian/Polynesian-style slaw seems like an odd choice with the restaurant’s theme. However, it is well prepared and blends well with pork preparation. Also, the portion size was slightly larger than the mac and cheese we had on our previous visit.

This sandwich qualifies as messy for two reasons. First, the pan soba bun does not hold up very well, and second, the amount of pork and slaw on this sandwich makes it challenging for any bun to hold up.

Epic Universe Dining: Barbecue

Overall, the barbecue here is good but great. It makes a wonderful “safe” place for picky eaters. However, it also has enough unique items to keep more adventurous diners interested. The sides are still too small for this price point. Nevertheless, guests looking to escape the excitement of Super Nintendo World will find this restaurant near the world’s portal for Epic Universe dining.

For more theme park dining reviews, visit MSM News every weekday at noon Florida time. As always, eat like you mean it!

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