More than two years after its permanent closure, the former home of Starbucks at Universal CityWalk Hollywood has been encased in construction walls.

Our latest visit to Universal CityWalk Hollywood revealed the former Starbucks finally behind walls. The outlet suddenly closed in April 2021, right before the nearby Universal Studios Hollywood reopened from its extended COVID-19 closure.

Fortunately there are two Starbucks outlets in the park as well as another within CityWalk so guests can still get their Frappuccino fix.

One of the siren signs has been tarped over, although the second siren logo and lettering for Starbucks Coffee are still visible.

The characteristic “Pardon our stardust” signs are hanging along the blue work walls. No plans have been announced for this space as of yet, but it’s likely that a new tenant for the food and shopping space has finally been found.

The space is located next to IT’SUGAR in Universal CityWalk Hollywood. We’ll be watching this space closely for new developments.

Were you disappointed to lose this Starbucks location? Let us know in the comments below!

Toothsome at Universal CityWalk Hollywood

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen finally opened its third full-size outlet at Universal Studios Hollywood in January, following locations in Orlando and Beijing, so we decided to stop in and give things a taste.

The West Coast version of Toothsome began construction in 2020, with this being the former home of the Hard Rock Cafe from 1996 to 2020. The exterior has a faux brick facade with steampunk touches like gears, pipes, and a tall cooling tower outside the front. The color scheme is mostly black and gold.

Stepping inside, we’re greeted with a similar steampunk vibe, down to the employees’ costumes. Black and gold are the primary colors throughout, with white accents to set them apart. Straight ahead after entering is the two-story dining area.

To the right is the gift shop, which sells take-home treats and some souvenirs.

Off to the left is outdoor seating and access to the milkshake bar.

Menu

The menu is quite nicely housed in this pleather book with the restaurant’s logo emblazoned on the front.

The first page describes the story of the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and its founder, as follows:

Jacques landed the dirigible in front of a small cottage home in London, England.  Professor Doctor Penelope Tibeaux-Tinker Toothsome was overjoyed to share her experiences and experiments with her family. 

She quickly stepped from the cockpit of the airship and dashed up the cobble pathway.  She threw open the front door, soaking in her childhood home. 

Except…It was empty.  All that remained was the old Victrola in the corner of the living room. 

Penelope stepped into her mother’s kitchen recalling the first time she ever tasted chocolate.  There was a song in her head.  She couldn’t recall the name of it, but it was French and Jazzy.  There on the kitchen floor was a note from her parents.

Dearest Penelope,   We have set out to join you in your adventures.  Surely the world isn’t so big that we can’t find you.  We shall look for you wherever chocolate can be found.  Love, Thomas & Violette Toothsome

Penelope knew immediately what she had to do.  She would take everything she knew about chocolate and develop a fully industrialized, state-of-the-art chocolate emporium!  Until the day she was reunited with her family, she would share her love and knowledge of chocolate with the world! 

With the old Victrola in her arms, Penelope made her way back to the dirigible.  Jacques quickly lifted them into the air.  They were off to chase their destiny and find the perfect location for the worlds foremost chocolate emporium.  There would still be discoveries to be made, but she was determined to make them all.

That is the story of Professor Doctor Penelope Tibeaux-Tinker Toothsome.

Or at least… so I’ve been told.

Plenty of cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits are available to complement your meal.

Available items on offer for appetizers include the chocolate almond bread or the coffee and chocolate stout wings.

Soups and salads are also available to start.

Pizza options are available as flatbreads, including margherita, BBQ chicken, and pepperoni.

Don’t feel like a burger? Chicken, steak, and ham sandwiches are all available, including a reuben and a croque monsieur.

There’s some pretty massive burgers on the menu here though, including the Tour de France and the May Contain Bacon.

Feeling like pasta? You can get some gnocchi, fettuccine alfredo, or risotto as well.

Steak, chicken, and fish are all on the menu as main entrees as well.

Don’t feel like a shake for dessert? Get a crepe or some waffles instead!

French toast and quiche are quite the contrasts — sweet and savory options!

But of course the highlight of Toothsome is the over-the-top sugar bomb milkshakes, which feature a whopping of toppings!

There’s so many choices, from red velvet to key line, confetti to pineapple upside down, it’s so hard to choose!

A more traditional experience can also be had through the sundae selection, which can even contain a piece of cake within!

For those who may not want a gigantic diet-crushing milkshake, some more subdued desserts including a chocolate creme brulee and bread pudding are also available.

Kiddos also have some small options in case a monstrous hamburger and huge milkshake would bounce them off the walls too much.

Check out our full tour and review here on Universal Parks News Today.

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