May 22, 2013 – We’ve just gotten word that Universal is in the process of opening a new restaurant on the Lower Lot, titled “All-You-Can-Eat T-Rex Barbeque” above Jurassic Park: The Ride. The new eatery takes the place of the former “Treetop Cafe,” which had been operating on a seasonal schedule.
Update: jmills from USHForums.com has generously sent some photos in of T-Rex Barbeque in action. Scroll down to read his initial impressions alongside our latest updates on T-Rex’s latest development.
Like Treetop Cafe, T-Rex Barbeque will be a sit down restaurant located on the secluded patio above the Jurassic Park splashdown.
Details are currently scarce, but sources have told us that the new restaurant will host an all-you-can-eat barbeque – similar to that of Big Thunder Ranch BBQ at Disneyland Park. The new eatery is expected to undergo soft-openings this Memorial Day weekend.
Reasons for this unexpected development are unknown, but we’ve been told that T-Rex Barbeque has been seen as a temporary replacement for Mel’s Diner located on the Upper Lot near the former Wild West arena.
The future of Mel’s Diner – which has been closed throughout the Spring season – remains unknown.
May 25, 2013 – Reports are trickling in, and initial impressions have been positive. From many accounts, T-Rex turned out to be a relative hit, and attendance is expected to increase as the summer season approaches. Universal appears to be expanding the idea given the reaction thus far, so don’t be all-too surprised to find the patio inaccessible to normal park guests. Still no update on Mel’s, but its future isn’t looking good.
Editor’s note: jmills went to Universal Studios Hollywood on May 25 to experience T-Rex Barbeque first hand. These are his photos. (doink-doink)
T-Rex Barbecue – located above Jurassic Outfitters and near the Jurassic Park splashdown. According to Jonathan, prices are $21.95 per adult, $9.95 per child.
Sit-down seating with servers – a first for Universal.
From Jonathan: “The cheeseburger, hot links and chicken were good. The ribs, not so much.”
“The pulled pork was quite tasty.”
“I don’t care for bread pudding, but this was wonderful.”
Jon Fu is the editor-in-chief of Inside Universal.
Jon originally founded InsideUniversal.net in 2006 as a summer hobby aimed at providing families and fans a resource for all things “Universal Studios Hollywood.” Since then, the website has taken him throughout the United States and around the world – including to places like Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore.
Jon currently resides in Santa Cruz, California with his bamboo plant. You can reach him at jon@insideuniversal.net.
