Are you visiting the parks and not sure which Harry Potter restaurant you are in your park, or even if you should take the time to visit? In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of Leaky Cauldron and the Three Broomsticks Tavern to help you choose a magical dining choice for you and your party.

Overview

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the title for the overarching lands, attractions, and restaurants featuring the Harry Potter and Wizarding World stories at Universal Orlando. For dining Universal Studios Florida features Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron; Islands of Adventure hosts The Three Broomsticks. When Epic Universe opens in 2025 the Wizarding World will expand to Paris and feature a new French cuisine-inspired restaurant.

Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks are open from the park opening to the park closing and breakfast is served daily till 10:30 am. Our readers rate the Leaky Cauldron a Much Above Average 89% and Three Broomsticks Above Average 86%.

Location, Location, Location

If you are visiting only one park then your one choice is easy – whatever restaurant is in the park you’re at.

Universal Studios Florida is home to the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley. You can find it in the back right of the park, look for the giant, themed wall of London facades and head through the brick openings inside. Once inside look for the hanging sign shaped like a cauldron.

Islands of Adventure guests can find Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade Village. Three Broomsticks is found in the middle of Hogsmeade Village on the back right of the park. Look for the three brooms placed in a triangle and antlers above the door across from the entrance to Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure

Atmosphere & Setting

Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks are large dining venues with ample seating for hundreds of guests. Both restaurants operate with Mobile Order and Counter Order table service – place your order, receive your puck to place at your table, and a Team Member delivers your food.

Three Broomsticks is a rustic tavern with a dark wood interior that feels like a lodge plucked right out of a wintery town. A fake second-story lodging space covers the massive amounts of ductwork that keep this restaurant cool. The back wall is covered with an impressive trophy wall covered in antlers and the far left wall is the bar where an enchanted boar’s head grunts at guests. Three Broomsticks was created by and for weary travelers and locals alike.

Leaky Cauldron feels built between large buildings, with wide open spaces and a layout designed for the capacity and efficiency required for a city. The eponymous cracked cauldron is located at the head of the room as long tables and benches sprawled in front. Leaky Cauldron patrons are looking for a quick meal while shopping in Diagon Alley or a day at the Ministry.

Seating Options

Leaky Cauldron’s seating is long tables and benches in a main hall, great for large parties or those who need more space. Smaller tables and booths are located under the arches to the left and right of the main hall for smaller parties and those who want a quieter meal. All of Leaky Cauldron’s seating is indoors, including a large indoor queue area.

Three Broomsticks features a mishmash of tables and chairs in a way that screams “You’re at an Italian family’s house for Christmas dinner”. Tables range in size from a sung two-seater to massive ten-people tables, plus Team Members are more than happy to push tables together for parties.

Behind the restaurant is outdoor seating that overlooks the Islands of Adventure lagoon, including an up-close look at the VelociCoaster. Seating is tables and benches and most seats have covers or umbrellas. The outdoor seating is available for all guests, not just those dining at Three Broomsticks, just walk through the Hogs Head pub out the back door or the outdoor pathway between the Hogs Head and restrooms.

Food & Drink

Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks both feature fish and chips and Butterbeer, but otherwise, the menus are very different. Leaky Cauldron in Universal Studios Florida serves British pub fare like pies and sandwiches; the Three Broomsticks in Islands of Adventure focuses on rotisserie chicken, ribs, turkey legs, and salads. Kiddos have the option of fish & chips and mac & cheese at both restaurants, Leaky Cauldron has exclusive mini pies and Three Broomsticks has the way better chicken leg or chicken tenders option.

Butterbeer!

Both dining locations feature the following Butterbeers:

• Regular – cold soda, foam topping
• Vegan – cold soda, vegan topping
• Frozen – iced soda, foam topping
• Warm – butterscotch flavored hot chocolate with whipped topping
• Packed Hard Ice Cream – flavored hard ice cream
• Potted Cream – butterscotch flavored cream with vanilla topping

Butterbeer is also sold at bars and kiosks Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, no need to wait and order at Leaky Cauldron or Three Broomsticks.

Conclusion

The Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomstick restaurants rank among the best counter-service meals in their respective parks. If you must, and can, choose we suggest the Three Broomsticks over Leaky Cauldron for more seating options, a menu more in line with our taste preferences, and a cozy feel.

TouringPlans Touring Tips

• Save Time and dine during off hours. Lunch crowds appear from 11:45 am till 1:30 pm and the dinner rush comes at 5:00 pm till an hour before park closing.
• Place your order using the Universal Orlando app and Mobile Order to skip the order queue.

Do you prefer the Leaky Cauldron or Three Broomsticks? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!