While a visit to a theme park might be a superb setting for a family getaway, not all vacations are for the minions. Sometimes mom and dad need an escape without children. Hence, we’d like to offer these spirited suggestions for finding an adult beverage or few in a fun themed environment. Of course, we do hope and encourage you to handle your pour judgment with a degree of responsibility when it comes to consuming.
Continuing our virtual pub crawl, our next stop is just a few steps away from the magic of Kings Cross Station. Across the Universal Studios Florida show lagoon brightly colored attractions announce the themed area known as Springfield USA. Three themed bars share space with food trucks, games and attractions on this iconic animated street known as Fast Food Boulevard.
Formerly home to the simulator Back to the Future and a nondescript food court, this corner of Universal Studios Florida has been brilliantly transformed. Now home to the Florida version of Springfield USA, life-sized representations of the long running Fox animated series, “The Simpsons,” the area even includes its own Kwik-E-Mart. Springfield offers a trio of Simpsons themed adult (and non-alcoholic) beverage destinations. Each location delivers Duff. For all three locations, the (Duff) beer is provided exclusively for Universal Studios Florida by the Melbourne Florida based brewery Florida Beer Company.
Duff Gardens
Skirting the show lagoon, next door to Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, Duff Gardens delivers Simpsons themed refreshment. Anamorphic beer bottle-shaped topiaries of Tipsy, Queasy, Surly, Sleazy, Edgy, Dizzy and Remorseful (otherwise known as the Seven Duffs) greet guests in front of the bar.
From Homer’s favorite beer, Duff and Duff light on tap (available in a souvenir cup which includes discounted refills), Duff, Duff Dry and Duff light in bottles to non-alcoholic beverages like Buzz Cola, Flaming Moe, and Squishee frozen drinks, the outdoor venue is conveniently located next to its own “brewery” (souvenir stand).
Moe’s Tavern
Attached to the cleverly themed food court of Simpsons restaurants (Krusty Burger, Cletus’ Chicken Shack, The Frying Dutchman, and Lisa’s Teahouse of Horror), Moe’s Tavern serves the same beverages as its neighbor, Duff Gardens, across the street. This life-size recreation of the infamous Simpsons watering hole delivers delightful details from the animated series. From whimsical wall décor to a statue of town drunk Barney, there’s a lot to discover (hint: be sure to check out the phone at the end of the bar).
Flaming Moe’s
Located in the food court collection of dining options is a small station featuring Moe Szyslak’s famous fiery concoction. In addition to the namesake non-alcoholic amusement, this specialty beverage bar also offers Groovy Juice (orange juice, lemonade, blood orange), Mr. Teeny (pineapple juice, lemonade, Blue Curacao syrup), Mt. Swartzwelder Apple Drink (apple juice, apple syrup, lemonade, tea) and Duff Beer.
Though limited in their over-21 refreshments, these themed watering holes offer fans of Fox’s first family, “The Simpsons,” a clever cartoon crafted escape. Duff Gardens, Moe’s Tavern and Flaming Moe’s deliver delightful drinking distractions, making them worthy well-themed watering holes.
Looking for more magical adult beverage excitement? Take a sip of our first story on the topic: Raising the bar part one: wizarding watering holes. As always, please be sure to drink responsibly.
