Cletus’ Chicken Shack at Universal Studios is the BEST Thing I Ever Ate!

Are you ready for a good ole time at Cletus’ Chicken Shack in Universal Studios Florida?

I’m taking it to the south for this week’s Best Thing I Ever Ate series!

I’m a southern theme park gal whose roots are in central Florida.

When we eat, we eat!

It becomes more like a spiritual experience than a moment of must have sustenance.

It’s no wonder that Cletus’ Chicken Shack over in the Simpsons Land at Universal Studios has my foodie heart with its savory but sweet Chicken and Waffle sandwich.

Universal Orlando Resort cletus Chicken Shack at Universal Studios in Springfield Simpsons Land

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Cletus’ Chicken Shack Restaurant at a Glance:

  • Located in Simpsons Land at Universal Studios
  • Based around the Cletus’ family
  • My favorite thing to eat is the Chicken & Waffle Sandwich which comes with double battered, extra crispy fried chicken breast between two waffles with maple syrup mayo, and tater tots
  • Be sure to use Mobile Ordering to skip the line and pick up your food faster

Keep reading to see how to get one of the best things to eat at Universal Studios!

Welcome to Simpsons Land at Universal Studios: Springfield U.S.A

The Simpsons inspired restaurant can be found in the Springfield area of the park next to Moe’s Tavern.

Cletus' Chicken Shack entrance with people eating: Universal Studios Orlando
Cletus Chicken Shack: Universal Studios Orlando

Springfield U.S.A has officially been around since the summer of 2013 and has quickly become a fan favorite after its arrival.

Universal Orlando Resort Flaming Moe's in Simpson Land at Universal Studios Florida

It makes you feel as if you’ve been placed directly inside of America’s favorite city as a real tourist.

You’ll also get to discover all the incredible places mentioned throughout the years of the cartoon franchise.

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What to Expect at Cletus’ Chicken Shack in Springfield U.S.A.

While you’re here, you become a part of Cletus’ family as he gets ready to serve you the best parts of the chicken in true hillbilly style!

Springfield USA Simpsons Land Cletus Chicken Shack Family Mural Painting at Universal Studios Florida

From Chicken Thumbs to my favorite, the Chicken in Waffle dish, you’ll fall in love with all of favorite Southern comfort food here!

Cletus’ Chicken Shack Menu at Universal Studios Florida

Now we’re we to the best part…the food! Let’s go over what you can expect on the menu at this Simpsons restaurant.

Mouthwatering Crunchy golden Chicken and Waffle Sandwich from Cletus' Chicken Shack with glaze maple syrup mayo on a bed of bright green lettuce and red tomatoes.
Mouthwatering Chicken and Waffle Sandwich at Cletus’ Chicken Shack

Food at Cletus’ Chicken Shack in Universal Studios

  • Chicken & Waffle Sandwich Double battered, extra crispy fried chicken breast between two waffles with maple syrup mayo, and tater tots
  • Double Batter Chicken Platter Corn flake crusted, battered fried chicken with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and coleslaw
  • Chicken Arms Choice of Buffalo or barbeque chicken wings with bleu cheese, celery and tater tots
  • Chicken Thumbs Fried chicken tenders with tater tots and choice of barbeque sauce or honey mustard
  • Thrilled to be Grilled Chicken Sandwich Grilled chicken with lettuce and tomato on a specialty bun with tater tots
Universal Orlando Resort cletus Chicken Shack at Universal Studios in Springfield Simpsons Land

Drinks at Cletus’ Chicken Shack in Universal Studios

  • Fountain Beverages Coca-Cola products
  • Buzz Cola
  • Milkshake 100% “Mammal Milk” (Chocolate or Vanilla)

Hipster Power Tip: Be sure to take advantage of the mobile ordering service at Universal Studios Florida. It will allow you to order your food from your phone. You’ll then be able to skip the line to pick up your food once its ready!

Cletus’ Chicken & Waffle Sandwich

As you can see, the menu at Cletus’ Chicken Shack is small but mighty!

Although you can’t go wrong with any item on the menu, my favorite pick is the Chicken and Waffle Sandwich.

Crunchy golden Chicken and Waffle Sandwich from Cletus' Chicken Shack with glaze maple syrup mayo on a bed of bright green lettuce and red tomatoes.
Chicken and Waffle Sandwich from Cletus’ Chicken Shack

This theme park presentation of a southern classic hit it out of the park for me.

Springfield workers preparing the delicious delights at Cletus' Chicken Shack.
Springfield workers preparing the delicious delights

The crispy, golden chicken breast was sandwiched between two small waffles with fresh, crunchy iceberg lettuce, a tomato slice, and a maple syrup based mayo sauce.

Springfield workers preparing the delicious delights at Cletus Chicken Shack in Universal Studios Florida

The sweet and salty combination was so intoxicating and well put together that it made me forget I was even eating food from a popular theme park such as Universal Studios.

Hipster Power Tip: Ask for extra maple syrup mayonnaise on the side to kick your sandwich up a notch!

What to Know Before You Go to Universal Studios Florida

Before you make your way out to Universal Studios, you may have a few questions that you need answered to make your trip go perfectly.

Giant Simpsons Lard Donuts Boy at Universal Studios in front of Cletus' Chicken Shack

Your first question may be:

What’s the best itinerary for Universal Studios Orlando?

You’ll want to save time on your Universal Orlando trip, so you must have a game-plan to save time and see the most popular attractions.

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More questions you may have are:

What time does Universal Studios open?

Universal Studios Florida is open 365 days a year from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. in the regular season and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the peak season.

Simpsons Universal Studios Florida with various characters painted on gray fence next to Cletus' Chicken Shack

Hours may change based on the busyness of the park.

Read NEXT: The best days to go to Universal Studios Florida this year!

How much does it cost to go to Universal Studios in Florida?

The cost of admission starts at $119 (prices subject to change), but I like discounts so I use Groupon to find cheap Universal Studios tickets.

Universal Orlando Resort Cletus Chicken Shack at Universal Studios

What should I do first at Universal Studios Orlando?

One of the best Universal Studios Orlando tips that I can give you is to start at Diagon Alley first.

This Harry Potter-inspired area will fill up quickly making the line for the two attractions (Escape from Gringotts and Ollivanders wand experience) extremely long.

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My Final Thoughts on Cletus’ Chicken Shack at Universal Studios Florida

The next time you make your way to Universal Studios Orlando be sure to try Cletus’ Chicken and Waffle sandwich.

This delicious dish is this month’s Best Thing I Ever Ate.

Universal Orlando Resort cletus Chicken Shack at Universal Studios in Springfield Simpsons Land

It will be money well spent and if you are a Passholder you will be able to receive a 10% discount on the purchase as well.

Universal Orlando Resort cletus Chicken Shack at Universal Studios in Springfield Simpsons Land

Have you ever ate at Cletus’ Chicken Shack? If so, what was your favorite dish? Let us know in the comments section below.

If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:

Until next time, Happy Dining Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

Are you planning a Universal Orlando vacation soon? Read the Universal Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!

(Original Article Date: October 8, 2014/Updated February 22, 2024)

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5 thoughts on “Cletus’ Chicken Shack at Universal Studios is the BEST Thing I Ever Ate!”

  1. That looks delicious! I have never been to Universal, I need to change that, lol. I recently started watching the Harry Potter Movies so I can fully appreciate Diagon Alley and Hogwart’s Express. My husband is very excited about the Simpsons area as he is a huge fan!

    Reply
  2. I was in universal in California in October and had this sandwich and I am truly addicted. This is the best sandwich that I have ever ate.

    Reply

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