Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food At Universal CityWalk Review

This week I went to the opening night media event at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food at Universal CityWalk. The first thing I noticed was that it is just a cool place. The outside of the building is bright and fun, and begs you to sit down for a drink and some chips and salsa.

Antojitos is actually two restaurants in one. Downstairs you find a mixture of wood and metal, with neon lights, graffitied walls, and a large stage where a Mariachi Band plays Top 40 hits. It is the perfect balance of funky and fun. Antojitos Up has more of a classy restaurant feel, complete with leather seats and a menu with a higher price point. Both levels have open kitchens and incredible food.

The Food
Let's talk Mexican Food. It is my favorite. The whole night I was torn between trying to practice moderation so I could try everything, and eating enough to officially no longer fit into any pair of pants I own. I think I fell somewhere in the middle.

That's a lie. I ate everything.

I started with Talmolitso Fritos, which is little fried balls of roasted corn tamale served with guajillo aloli. It was amazing. I restrained myself from turning up the bowl of guajilo aloli and drinking it straight.

We were given three versions of enchiladas. The Enchiladas Vegetarianas was the best vegetarian moment I have ever had, the Enchiladas Verdes had a green sauce that achieved verdes perfection, but the Enchiladas Oaxaca with house made mole sauce and lime crema was my favorite of the three.

Mexican food isn't complete without tacos. From a traditional chicken taco with a pineapple kick to a taco with duck confit, there are tacos for every taste.

The thing I went back for thirds for (yes, thirds, I have no shame when it comes to Mexican food) was the Carne Asada Brava - coffee crusted ribeye with fire roasted vegetables and espresso butter.

I can not express in words how amazing it was. Or how I want all my butter to be espresso butter. Forever.

The Guacamole
Yes, guacamole gets its own section. I love it that much. On both levels of Antojitos you can have fresh guacamole prepared tableside for $13.95. This was something I was very much looking forward to, and I am happy to report that it did not disappoint.

The guacamole was perfect with the fresh-made, house prepared tortilla chips and salsa.

The Drinks
I didn't try the alcoholic beverages, because that is just not my thing. But I was impressed by the number of unique mixed drinks and the 200 tequilas they offer. I didn't even know there were 200 different kinds of tequila in the world.

The big drink excitement for me was icy cold, glass bottles of authentic Mexican Coke. If you haven't tried it, you might not know that Mexican Coke is different from regular American Coke, but it is. Made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, it is sweet without the slight aftertaste that you are used to having. They also have Mexican Sprite and Original Fanta.

The Desserts
After all of that eating, it was time to have dessert, and I tried each one.

The Molten Cajeta de Leche was my friend Lee's favorite dessert. The lava center is made with a caramelized milk that was amazing, and the cake was perfectly light and fluffy. The scoop of ice cream is actually sour creme flavored, which was really unique. It was an unexpected taste, but I really enjoyed the contrast of taste with the dark chocolate.

My favorite dessert was the Coffee Creme Brulee with Churros. The best way I can describe it is a creamy flan with a crunchy coffee layer on top. You have to try dipping the churros in the creamy flan. Dessert perfection. I also enjoyed the chocolate banana cake and the cinnamon sorbet, but the Coffee Creme Brulee with Churros has my heart, and is the dessert I encountered in my dreams last night. Plan on buying all the dessert when you visit Antojitos. You won't be sorry.

The Fun
After you eat, you can pick up a hand painted keepsake mask. There are ten different masks to choose from with Luchador or Dia De Los Muertos designs, but they will also add special details or extras if you ask. It is fun to watch them paint the masks, and have something to take home with you.

Antojitos is a lot of fun. The food is amazing. The atmosphere is unique.

We had a great night.

Did I mention that the food is amazing? It is.

You can check out the menus for Antojitos and Antojitos Up at Universal Orlando CityWalk. It is open from 5pm to midnight each night. It would be the perfect stop after a day spent at the theme park, or just for a great night out.

*I was given free food at Antojitos, but I was not required to write this post, say nice things, or eat my weight in guacamole.

Tweet