As we were in Hogsmeade, we obviously went to Three Broomsticks for a late lunch:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade: Three Broomsticks
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade: Three Broomsticks
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade: Three Broomsticks — Fish and Chips
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade: Three Broomsticks — Pear Cider and Pumpkin Fizz
Three Broomsticks is known for "The Great Feast," which consists of rotisserie chicken, ribs, corn on the cob, and vegetables, but despite many tables having ordered this, it just seems utterly boring and not particularly Harry Potter-themed, or even UK-themed. (Read: It's typical American BBQ food.) A missed opportunity here for not offering Sunday roast instead, which would have been a much more appropriate "Great Feast" considering the theme of this park. Alas, there is not a Yorkshire pudding in sight.
What we really wanted to try here was the fish and chips, which have rave reviews all over the Internet. And THEY WERE RIGHT. This was maybe the best fish and chips I've ever had. The cod is tender, flaky, and plush — almost melt-in-your-mouth — and the batter is thin, golden, and perfectly crispy. With a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of tartar sauce on every bite, it was SUBLIME. The chips are, similarly, ultra crispy, nicely salted, and on the thicker side, so they hold up to copious amounts of malt vinegar exceptionally well (the proper way to eat chips in a fish and chips). I don't know how this compares to the fish and chips in the UK, but both Minji and I thought this was truly spectacular and really hit the spot. I would get this over "The Great Feast" any day.
To drink, a Pumpkin Fizz for me and a pear cider for Minji. The Pumpkin Fizz is quite literally the carbonated version of pumpkin juice, so basically, it's delicious and particularly perfect to pair with fried foods. The pear cider was also good — less sweet than pumpkin fizz, pumpkin juice, or Butterbeer — but I didn't think it really tasted that much more pear-like than apple cider (which they also offer). Still, a good carbonated option for those who don't like pumpkin spice. Now, compared to Leaky Cauldron, Three Broomsticks is bigger and has far more individual tables, but it's also — in my opinion — not as interesting to look at, nor decorated as nicely. Leaky Cauldron also offers way more menu options, as well as more traditional British fare, so if you're only going to have time to eat at one of them, take this into consideration.
Three Broomsticks
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade
Universal Islands of Adventure
6000 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32819, USA
(407) 363-8000
