Visitor
Jun 2, 2026
Universal Studios Hollywood draws millions of visitors every year, and most of them never venture more than a few hundred yards from CityWalk. That's a mistake. Just five minutes south of the theme park sits Studio City — a neighborhood with its own identity, its own food scene, and a stretch of Ventura Blvd that offers a much more authentic LA experience than anything inside a tourist complex.
Start with Real Food
After a day of $20 theme park burgers and $8 churros, your taste buds deserve better. Roadside Taco on Ventura Blvd is the first stop — handmade corn tortilla street tacos with fresh avocado, craft margaritas, and a patio where you can finally sit down and relax without someone in a character costume bumping into your table.
The restaurant is at 10628 Ventura Blvd, a quick five-minute drive from the Universal Studios parking structures. Whether you're finishing a day at the park or looking for a pre-park dinner spot the night before, the food here is in a completely different league from what's available inside the gates.
Walk Ventura Blvd
Studio City's main drag is Ventura Blvd, which runs east-west through the neighborhood and is lined with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. Unlike CityWalk — which is essentially an outdoor mall — Ventura Blvd is a real neighborhood street where locals actually live and shop.
Walk east toward Tujunga Village for boutique clothing stores, specialty coffee, and bookshops. Head west for more dining options and nightlife. The boulevard is flat, tree-lined, and walkable in either direction.
Evening Drinks and Nightlife
If your Universal Studios day ends before sunset, Studio City has options for extending the evening. The bar program at Roadside Taco is a destination in its own right — Ben Goglia's craft margaritas are made with fresh-pressed juices and homemade syrups, and the happy hour deal (Buy One Margarita, Get One for $5, daily until 6PM) makes it an easy start to the night.
Beyond Roadside Taco, Ventura Blvd has a mix of cocktail bars, wine bars, and restaurants with late-night menus that cater to the entertainment industry professionals who live and work in the area.
For Families
Studio City is family-friendly in a way that feels authentic rather than manufactured. Parks, ice cream shops, and casual restaurants line the neighborhood. If the kids are still buzzing from Universal Studios, a plate of tacos on Roadside Taco's patio will refuel everyone without the sensory overload of another theme park environment.
For Groups and Events
Planning a Universal Studios trip for a larger group — a birthday party, a corporate team outing, or a reunion? Consider booking dinner at Roadside Taco as part of the itinerary. The restaurant handles group reservations and private events, and the space works well for parties coming off a long day at the park. Check the events page for details.
A Sample Day
Here's a plan that combines the best of both worlds:
Morning — arrive at Universal Studios when the gates open. Enjoy the rides, shows, and attractions through the afternoon. Late afternoon — leave the park by 4:30 PM and drive five minutes to Roadside Taco on Ventura Blvd. Catch happy hour (daily until 6PM) for Buy One Margarita, Get One for $5. Evening — settle into the patio with a plate of al pastor tacos, watch the Ventura Blvd foot traffic, and decompress from a full day of theme park energy. After dinner — if you're up for it, walk the boulevard, grab dessert, or head back to your hotel knowing you ended the day with a genuine LA dining experience rather than a CityWalk chain restaurant.
Getting Around
Studio City is easily accessible from Universal Studios via Lankershim Blvd or Cahuenga Blvd. Rideshare apps work well in the area — a Lyft or Uber from Universal to Roadside Taco typically costs under $10.
For visitors staying at hotels near Universal Studios, Studio City is closer than Hollywood, Santa Monica, or any of the other tourist-heavy neighborhoods people usually trek to for dinner. The smart move is to stay local and discover what the neighborhood has to offer.
Roadside Taco, 10628 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604. Call 818-452-9007.