• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

OFF On The Go

Welcome To OFF On The Go! We share the best reviews around the world and more!

OFF On The Go
  • News
  • About Us
  • Disney Parks
    • Magic Kingdom
    • EPCOT
    • Hollywood Studios
    • Animal Kingdom
    • Downtown Disney
    • Movie Reviews
  • Sea World
    • Discovery Cove
    • Aquatica
  • Universal
    • Universal Studios
    • Island Of Adventure
    • City Walk
  • Attractions
  • Special Events
  • Hotels
  • Food
  • OFF On The Go
  • Just a Day Away
  • Area Information
    • Orlando Deals and Specials
    • Did You Know
    • Top Picks
  • Sponsors

NBA City Review

by Jason Mayhew
August 12, 2014August 12, 2014Filed under:
  • City Walk
  • Food
  • News
  • Universal

DSC_0073

When you say the three letters NBA, certain things cross your mind. Some say those three letters remind them of a better time when Michael Jordan shot a fade away at the buzzer to win the game. Some say it reminds them of the time that the dream team was lead by the greats Pippen, Bird, Jordan, Barkley, and Johnson & won the gold in the 1992 Olympics. Here in Orlando, however, those three letters remind most of us of the restaurant at CityWalk at the Universal Studios Florida Resort. I had the pleasure of going to the restaurant, taking a tour, and having an amazing food review. Lets look into what makes NBA City more than just 3 letters!

Atmosphere

NBA City has 3 components that I need to mention: The NBA Store, The Arcade, and, of course, the restaurant. The NBA Store has all the NBA licensed merchandise that you could want! Being that this is Magic territory, a majority of the items come in the home town’s colors, however, the store carries a ton of other teams including the Heat! The arcade has a ton of basketball games and some other arcade games including some first person shooter and pinball games. Then there is the restaurant and bar. Lets focus on that topic for a while!

DSC_0047 DSC_0043 DSC_0045

The restaurant is set up with everything NBA related. Some of the booths are set up like lockers, there are TV’s everywhere playing NBA and other professional sports, and there are a ton of photos showcasing some of the best players from the old days of the NBA. Enough of the appearance of the restaurant and lets get to the real starting lineup for the NBA Cafe at Universal, the food!

 

Food

Appetizers:

DSC_0041

We started our review with the 5 on 5 platter which includes almost everything on the appetizer menu. The platter included Parmesan Chicken Tenders, Grilled Chicken Quesadillas, Wings your way, Steamed Shrimp, and Southwest Shrimp and Chorizo Eggrolls.

  • Parmesan Chicken Tenders- Fresh chicken tenders seasoned and encrusted with a Parmesan and Japanese breadcrumb mixture. The tenders are served with an Asian honey mustard sauce. These tenders had a nice crunch on the outside and had moist chicken inside. The sauce went great with these tenders!
  • Grilled Chicken Quesadillas- Large flour tortillas stuffed with smoked chicken, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, bell peppers, red onions, and fresh cilantro. They are served with pico de gallo, shredded lettuce and drizzled with sour cream. These quesadillas were full of flavor and had a nice kick to them.
  • Wings Your Way- The wings are signature oak-smoked chicken wings, lightly fried and tossed with your choice of sauces. We had our wings with Buffalo wing sauce. The wings had a nice crunchy outside and a ton of flavor. The wood smoke flavor really came through on these wings for me and I highly recommend them!
  • Steamed Shrimp- The shrimp were steamed with the shell on and had a great taste to them. Sometimes when you have shrimp they taste like they have been frozen, but these did not have that taste. They were served with a cocktail sauce and were a great addition to the platter.
  • Southwest Shrimp and Chorizo Eggrolls- Eggrolls filled with a mixture of shrimp, Chorizo sausage, corn and black bean relish, herbs and spices. The rolls are then fried lightly until crispy. The eggrolls are served with a cream sauce and were my favorite appetizer of the night. I want the recipe for these eggrolls because they are the best I have had in a while! Everyone at the table loved the rolls as well!

Entrees:

DSC_0050

Jaca had the Blackened Mahi Mahi for dinner. The Mahi Mahi is a 8 ounce piece of fish coated with a blackened seasoning, grilled over an oak fame and served with wild rice and spinach. The fish is then topped with a shrimp curry sauce. Jaca said the fish was very flavorful and moist. The curry sauce enhanced the flavor of the fish and the shrimp was the icing on the cake!

DSC_0052

Vivian had the Chicken Penne pasta. The pasta features oak-grilled chicken sauteed with fresh mushrooms, smoked bacon and sun-blushed tomatoes. This is then tossed with penne pasta in a pesto cream sauce. I had some of this dish and have to be truthful for a minute. When I am at a restaurant that has a wide variety of food I tend to stay away from pasta because it is normally bland and lacks flavor and complexity. With that being said, NBA City has completely ruined my opinion! The sauce was one of the best sauces that I have ever had. I know exactly what dish I will be eating when I return to NBA City!

DSC_0054

I had the Oak Smoked Baby Back Ribs. This dish had a full rack of tender, tasty baby back ribs rubbed with spices and slowly smoked over oak coals then basted with homemade barbecue sauce. The ribs are served with a homemade coleslaw and crispy french fries. For our regular readers, you will know that I have a soft spot for BBQ.  I am sometimes hesitant to get ribs from a place other than a BBQ restaurant but I went outside of my comfort zone.  I had the ribs here and I am glad that I did! The ribs were tender and fall off the bone! The ribs had a great mix of flavor from the spices and smoke as well as the fresh flavor of the sauce!

Dessert:

DSC_0060

We asked what was the most popular dessert and there was one clear winner. Our host Jose told us that the Towering Cheesecake was on the menu and went away a while ago. After a strong push from social media, the Towering Cheesecake made it’s return to the cafe menu! The Towering Cheesecake is a traditional favorite with a twist. 4 towers of cheesecake are lightly fried and rolled in cinnamon sugar. The cheesecake is accompanied by vanilla ice cream in a cinnamon tortilla basket on a plate of creme anglaise. This cheesecake was amazing and huge for our family of 3! The filling was amazing and the crunch of the outside was great and full of flavor.

Overall:

I have to admit that there is a idea for me about restaurants at theme parks. The idea is that they are all cookie cutter restaurants where you are paying for the name and that is it. There is also an ideal that the food is mediocre. I am happy to say that NBA City has wiped away that mindset for me and my family. The food was fresh and was full of amazing flavor. I will also say that even though NBA City is classified as a themed restaurant, they do not need the NBA name to make it in Orlando. Take away the basketballs, the pictures and the arcade and you still have a great restaurant that cares about quality food and customer satisfaction!

Orlando Fun and Food would like to thank NBA City and Jose Reyes for inviting us out for a great time! NBA City is a great restaurant and the food speaks for itself. If you are looking for a great restaurant at Citywalk, make sure you check out the NBA City! Have you ever been to NBA City? If so, what did you think? What was your favorite menu item? If not, will you be trying it next time you are in Orlando? Comment below and let us know what you thought!






 

Jason Mayhew

My name is Jason Mayhew and I am the owner of OFF On The Go. When not working as a Paramedic, I spend my time traveling bringing you all the fun this country has to offer! I love traveling and seeing the amazing and unique sides of the world! I also love meeting and interacting with my readers! If you want to know more about me? Just ask!!!

Tagged:
  • City Walk
  • Dream Team
  • Michael Jordan
  • NBA
  • NBA City
  • NBA City Orlando
  • NBA City Review
  • NBA Orlando
  • NBA Restaurant
  • Restaurants at CityWalk

Post navigation

Previous Post Mateo Blanco Unveils Sugar Artwork at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium
Next Post WWE and TNA Join Forces to Help Hope For A Single Mom!

Primary Sidebar

Welcome To Off On The Go!

Welcome to Off On The Go!!! We bring you the latest and greatest from Central Florida and beyond! We cover Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Seaworld Orlando, other Orlando Attractions, restaurant and hotel reviews, movies, special events and more! Hope you enjoy!

Search For Articles Here!!!

Check Out @OFFOnTheGo on IG!

offonthego

OFF On The Go Florida and Minnesota
Your guide to best travel and food ✈️
Fitness motivation 💪🏻
Brand Influencer
👇🏻Collabs DM/EMAIL👇🏻

Travel Florida and Minnesota
Last week we stayed at the beautiful @hyattzilarac Last week we stayed at the beautiful @hyattzilaracanc in @visitcancun. We had the king swim up suite and loved every minute of it. I mean look at that view?!! From a private balcony overlooking the water, private pool, people bringing you drinks, and unlimited food and drinks!! You can’t beat it!! @visitmexico #offonthego #travelgram #hyattzilaracancun #cancun #allinclusiveresort #bestresort #mexico #swimupsuite #sunshine #privatebalcony #beachside #beachlife #beach
3 years ago today, I had weight loss surgery and i 3 years ago today, I had weight loss surgery and it was the starting point of the biggest change of my life!! Today, I celebrate my 3rd “rebirthday” of better health, better choices, and a great support system by my side!! I lost a lot in 3 years but I took back my health, happiness, and found @confidenceandpoise through it!! Who wants to celebrate with me today?!! #wls #vsg #vsgcommunity #vsgjourney #vsgtransformation #wlscommunity #wlsjourney #gym #gymrat #ironparadise #offonthego #xperiencefitness #weightloss #weightlossjourney #motivation #motivationalspeaker #support
I’ve been wanting to check out @themobmuseum nea I’ve been wanting to check out @themobmuseum near @fremontstreet in @vegas! So this last trip I made my way over and was not disappointed! This museum has 3 floors of memorabilia, artifacts, and hands on displays on the mob and the true history of how Vegas was shaped into the town it is today! A must see when your in Vegas!! #offonthego #mobmuseum #mobmuseumlasvegas #fremont #fremontstreet #lasvegas #vegas #mob #museums #gambling #prohibition #speakeasy
One of my favorite bars are tiki bars!! Well I hav One of my favorite bars are tiki bars!! Well I have found one of the best I have ever been to while in @vegas!! I went with @confidenceandpoise to check out the @goldentiki and fell in love!! The drinks, the decor, the atmosphere all were something to make me come back multiple times!! A must when your out in Vegas!! #offonthego #travelblogger #goldentiki #goldentikilasvegas #goldentikishelfie #polynesian #tikibar #bestinvegas #amazingbar #flamingdrinks
In a week, @confidenceandpoise and I will be landi In a week, @confidenceandpoise and I will be landing in @visitcancun for a week long getaway! Staying at the @hyattzilaracanc, visiting @xcaretpark, and seeing @cirquedusoleil #joya! Any other suggestions of things to do around #cancun?! If you would like me to come feature your attraction, restaurant, resort, show or place while I’m there send me a DM! #offonthego #travelblogger #cancun #mexico @playadelcarmenmexico #cancunmexico #playadelcarmen #travel #blogger #xcaret #xcaretpark #hyattzilara #hyattzilaracancun #cirquedusoleil #joyacirquedusoleil
Yesterday, @confidenceandpoise and I jumped off th Yesterday, @confidenceandpoise and I jumped off the plane in @vegas and headed to the @goldentiki. This place is one of my new favorite bars in Sin City!! Amazing cocktails, killer food, and the atmosphere is just what I look for in a hang out spot!! Definitely going back next time we’re back! 
#offonthego #travelblogger #goldentiki #goldentikishelfie #tikibar #lasvegas #bar #tiki #tikicocktails #tikimug #bestbarinvegas #datenight #polynesian #tikibar #tiki #tikidrinks #tikiculture #tikimug #cocktails #tikicocktails #tikilife #rum #tikistyle #tikiart #tikiroom #tikitime #mixology #tikimugs #cocktail #tikibars #tropical #tropicaldrinks
My journey has been amazing so far but it’s long My journey has been amazing so far but it’s long from over!! From loosing 130 pounds, leaving my comfort zone of @visitorlando, meeting @confidenceandpoise, and taking a brand new career, 2020 has been great to me personally! Life is about perspective and what you choose to do with the bad!! Make a daily choice to have a good day and help impact someone’s life!! Amazing to see where I was, where I am today, and where I may be tomorrow!! Big thanks to @xperience_fitness, @whoop, and my favorite workout brand @underarmour @projectrock for getting me where I am! Also big shoutouts to @therock and @davidgoggins for inspiring me to push harder and strive for my goals! 
#offonthego #fitness #motivationmonday #xperiencefitness #projectrock #underarmour #whoop #vsg #vsgcommunity #vsgcommunity #vsgtransformation #wls #wlsjourney #wlscommunity #fitnessinfluencer #gymaholics #gymmotivation #newday #travel #newdaynewstart #stayhard #riseandgrind #ironparadise #nolookingback #influencer #wlssupport #wlstransformation #monday
Hey all!! I have teamed up with @willowscoffee and Hey all!! I have teamed up with @willowscoffee and @ommiesnacks for a killer giveaway to help you get ready for the holidays!! 

🎄 We’re going to send you a bag of Willows Coffee, a pour over coffee system, and a 9 bar sampler pack from Ommie Snacks!! 😊 

To enter, make sure you follow:
👉🏻@offonthego 
👉🏻@willowscoffee 
👉🏻@ommiesnacks 

🤚🏻Comment and tag someone you would enjoy these snacks with! 

☕️ For every separate person you tag or comment with , you will get an entry!! Make sure you tag as many friends in separate comments as you can for unlimited entries! Open to the continental US!! 
#offonthego #travel #willowscoffee #ommiesnacks #giveaway #coffee #coffeetime #coffeelover #followme #freeentry #coffeeaddict #healthylifestyle #healthysnacks #pourover #coffeemachine #free #enternow #entertowin #tagafriend #snackbar #snackbargiveaway #contestgiveaway #healthyliving #healthyeating #vsg #wlscommunity #wls #fitness
Loving my new @smithandwessoninc handgun and @alie Loving my new @smithandwessoninc handgun and @aliengearholsters!! Went to @billsgs and spent some time shooting!! Who else loves the range as much as I do?!? 
#offonthego #travelblogger #smithandwesson #smithandwessonshield #aliengearholsters #gunrange #guns #gunsofinstagram #2ndamendment #rangetime #mandp2point0 #performancecentershield @vaulteksafe #vaulteksafe #gunsafety #gunowner
Who’s been following my fitness journey?!? This Who’s been following my fitness journey?!? This year has been a fitness focus for me, and I have been looking for tools to take me to the next level... well let me introduce you to @whoop! This fitness tracker helps take your life to the next level!! This everyday tracker showcases your workouts, sleep patterns, and exertion levels to help you recover faster and ultimately take your workouts further!! I’ll be showcasing #whoop for the next few months!! 
Who wants to checkout Whoop with me?!? 
#offonthego #whoop #fitness #fitnessjourney #wls #wlscommunity #wlsjourney #vsg #xperiencefitness #gym #fitnessgoals #hosted #projectrock #underarmour #gymday #gymdayeveryday #lifestyleblogger #fitnessblogger #productreview #influencer #onlyinmn #minnesotablogger
It’s the beginning of the most wonderful time of It’s the beginning of the most wonderful time of year!! While 2020 has been a bit of a letdown, @starbucks came through with their #christmas cups and drinks which start back today!! Make sure you get to your local #starbucks asap to get your reusable cup before they are all gone! #offonthego #travel #travelblogger #coffee #coffeeusa #eggnog #eggnogseason #eggnoglatte #christmasseason #thegiftofcoffee #upearly #offtothegym #redcup #starbuckscups #starbuckschristmas
While staying at the @hotelcrosby, I had to check While staying at the @hotelcrosby, I had to check out @matchstickbar which has one of the LARGEST selections of spirits I have ever seen! This scratch kitchen is everything I want in a restaurant... killer atmosphere, amazing selection of great tasting foods, and tons of drinks for everyone in your party!! If you go to @discoverstillwater, I highly recommend checking this place out!! @exploreminnesota #offonthego #travelblogger #exploremn #onlyinmn #stillwater #stillwatermn #matchstick #matchstickbar #foodie #minnesotafoodie #restaurant #waygu #drinks #musthave #minnesota #minnesotablogger #hosted
Had an amazing staycation with @confidenceandpoise Had an amazing staycation with @confidenceandpoise last night at the @hotelcrosby!! This is definitely a hidden gem in @discoverstillwater!! Our room had a private balcony which we enjoyed drinks on, had the outdoor hot tub to ourselves, an amazing dinner at @matchstickbar, and sat by the outdoor fire pits!! Such a beautiful spot and will definitely be back again!! #offonthego #travelblogger #hotelcrosby #matchstickspirits #matchstickbar #stillwater #stillwatermn #discoverstillwatermn #discoverstillwater #staycation #whiskey #exploremn #onlyinmn #minnesota @exploreminnesota #hosted
Yesterday, I had the chance to check out Phantom’s Feast at the @mnrenaissance. This dinner theater blew @confidenceandpoise and I away!! The food was great, the drinks were constantly full, and the host kept us engaged the entire time!! This is going to be a new #halloween tradition for us!! We even got to experience a seance where we encountered a few from beyond the grave!! Big thanks to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival for inviting us out!! 
.
What did you do for Halloween this year?!? 
#offonthego #travelblogger #mnrenaissancefestival #renissancefestival #phantomsfeast #onlyinmn #halloween #dinnertheater #seance #paranormal #ghost #ghosthunt #datenight #spooky
Brunch has become my favorite meal as of late... y Brunch has become my favorite meal as of late... yesterday I had the chance to check out @hazelwoodfood which is located in @bloomingtonmn right across from the @mallofamerica!! This scratch kitchen does brunch right regardless if your a sweet or savory fan!! Hazelwood focuses on fresh (and delicious) comfort food that has made me wish for more!! Brunch is offered on the weekends until 2p, so get there now!! Big thanks to @hazelwoodfood for having @confidenceandpoise and myself out!! We will be back soon!! @exploreminnesota 

Are you a sweet or a savory fan?!? 
#offonthego #travelblogger #hazelwood #foodreview #hosted #mallofamerica #bloomington #bloomingtonmn #minnesota #minnesotafoodie #onlyinmn #minnesotamust #brunch #bestoftheday #bloodymary #frenchtoast #eggsbenedict #deviledeggs
Who had snow storm before #halloween on their bing Who had snow storm before #halloween on their bingo cards?!? 

2020 threw me another curveball and brought me my first snow in @woodburyminnesota!! Like the year, we need to make the most of what is handed to us!! Time to find some snow boots, and make a car snow kit!! @exploreminnesota #offonthego #travelblogger #firstsnow #snowinoctober #woodbury #woodburymn #minnesota #onlyinmn #mnsnow #snow #snowfall #tooearly #timetohibernate #winterwonderland #snowday #firstsnowfall #firstsnowoftheseason
Had the chance to check out @rodiziogrillmaplegrov Had the chance to check out @rodiziogrillmaplegrove a few days ago! If you love Bacon then now is the best time to go to @rodiziogrill!! Not only do they have the full menu including unlimited beef, chicken, pork, fish, and lamb but also new bacon infused dishes!! Love the authentic food and flavors of Rodizio! 
.
.
.
#offonthego #travelblogger #maplegrovemn #rodiziogrill #baconfest #braziliansteakhouse #minnesota #twincities #twincitiesfoodies #minnesota #minnesotafoodie #influencer #hosted #foodblogger #steak #bacon #brazilian #onlyinmn @exploreminnesota
Anyone miss the @mnrenaissance as much as I do?!? Anyone miss the @mnrenaissance as much as I do?!?
Visit the village for the final weekends of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival on Parade! This once in a lifetime drive through experience features over 30 of your festival favorite foods, including turkey legs, unicorn cake, cheese curds and much more. Exciting entertainment, crafts and a chance to support the great Minnesota Renaissance family tradition from the comfort and safety of your vehicle!! 
what could be better? That’s right you’ll be driving your car right through the village!
Tickets are available for $20  per vehicle!!! We will be there this Saturday to showcase all the fun and food!! @exploreminnesota #offonthego #travelblogger #mnrenaissancefestival #renissancefestival #onlyinmn #minnesota #festivalonparade #renaissancefaire #renfaire #renfest #cosplay #larp #renaissance #costume #pirate #medieval #larping #weekendfun #weekendsinminnesota #thisweekend #liveentertainment
Spent the day exploring downtown @discoverstillwat Spent the day exploring downtown @discoverstillwater yesterday! Can’t wait to start showcasing the amazing communities that I call home now in @exploreminnesota!! Enjoy these arial photos I took from my @djipro from @djiglobal!! #offonthego #travelblogger #stillwater #stillwatermn #stillwaterminnesota #onlyinmn #minnesota #minnesotalife #drone #dronephotography #dronephoto #mavicpro2 #dji #djimavicpro2
Excited that I got to check out my first haunted a Excited that I got to check out my first haunted attraction in #minnesota last night! Got invited to @screamtownofficial last night to check out their 6 amazing haunted houses! This place was ranked one of the top haunted attractions in the nation last year! Timed entrance and a unique pattern to enter each house in order allows this massive attraction to be open! 
👻 
This place showcases a great mix of outdoor space, amazing scare actors, and props to keep me coming back!! I am so glad that I found a great spot to get my yearly scare with #Screamtown 
🎃 
#offonthego #travelblogger #screamtownofficial #screamtown2020 #hauntedattraction #onlyinmn #minnesota #halloween #screamactor #familytime #haunted #paranormal #beer #spooky #ghosts #fear @confidenceandpoise #chaska #chaskamn #influencer #mninfluencer #hosted #myopinion
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Follow Us!

Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on TwitterFollow Us on InstagramFollow Us on E-mail

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Welcome to OFF On The Go!!!

OFF On The Go Banner
Copyright OFF On The Go! All reviews posted were sponsored by the company thru hosting or paid advertisements, however, the opinions expressed are my own. OFF On The Go is not affiliated with any other theme park, restaurant or entity.