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Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous New Menu: REVIEW

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Step right up, folks, for a whimsical treat! Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous is back – oh, what a feat! After months behind curtains, away from all eyes, they have jazzed up their menu, a delightful surprise!

Islands of Adventure’s Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous has opened its doors after refurbishment, revealing a menu bursting with creativity and flavor. Entrees include a poke bowl, meatball cone, chicken & biscuits, and more – and that’s just the beginning! Pair your meal with new side options like garlic popcorn and desserts such as Green Eggs and Ham Chocolate Cheesecake for the grand finale. 

Let’s take a closer look at the bites that await you under the big top!

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous Chicken & Biscuit 

Chicken & Biscuit from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
Chicken & Biscuit from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous

First on our list is the Chicken & Biscuit, a classic Southern dish reimagined with a whimsical carnival twist. The biscuit, uniquely shaped like a circus peanut, is generously drizzled with hot honey, adding a sweet and spicy dimension. While we noted the biscuit leans more towards a waffle in texture, it remains exceptionally delicious and one of our top plates.

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous Red Fish, Blue Fish, Poke Bowl

Red Fish, Blue Fish, Poke Bowl at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
Red Fish, Blue Fish, Poke Bowl from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous

Dig into this delicious poke bowl crafted with a mix of ingredients that includes blue glass noodles, ahi tuna, cucumber, edamame, and mango, with a splash of yuzu-honey sauce, finished with a sprinkle of furikake seasoning. 

The sweet mango pieces add a tropical flair. At the same time, a drizzle of yuzu-honey dressing brings a citrusy sweetness and a mesmerizing color change as you pour this sauce over the noodles, adding an element of entertainment to your meal. This poke bowl is recommended for those who appreciate a sweet nuance to their savory dishes, making it a standout choice for an entrée.

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous Roast Beast Sandwich

This seasonal Who-liday special is now a permanent fixture on the Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous menu. This mouthwatering creation combines a savory mushroom meatloaf with thinly shaved ribeye, rich cheddar cheese, and crispy onions, all assembled on a robust pretzel bun. What sets the Roast Beast Sandwich apart, beyond its delectable blend of fixings, is the whimsical touch of a mini sandwich placed atop the main bun. This playful garnish not only enhances the visual presentation, but also echoes the creativity and fun that the world of Dr. Seuss is known for.

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous Tamed Dragon Salad

Tamed Dragon Salad at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
Tamed Dragon Salad from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous

This salad is a harmonious blend of nutritious and flavorful ingredients, ideal for a fulfilling lunch on a warm Florida day. The Tamed Dragon Salad is composed of red dragon fruit, red quinoa, raspberries, mandarin oranges, almonds, baby spinach, and cucumber with a guava vinaigrette. 

Including red quinoa ensures that the dish is hearty and capable of keeping you satiated for extended periods. This base is skillfully complemented by the sweetness and acidity of raspberries, mandarin oranges, and dragon fruit, with the guava vinaigrette adding a tropical zest that ties all the flavors together. The Tamed Dragon Salad is perfect for those seeking a light yet fulfilling meal.

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous Magician Meatball Cone

Magician Meatball Cone from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
Magician Meatball Cone from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous

You notice that the trend with Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous’ revamped menu values the presentation of its dishes. This Magician Meatball Cone is no different, as this plate features meatballs and marinara cavatappi in a garlic bread cone. A vegan variation is available that includes plant-based Gardein meatballs as a substitute. 

Although the garlic bread cone was somewhat tougher than ideal, this did not detract from the overall enjoyment and delivered a fun spin on the traditional pairing of meatballs and marinara.

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous “Popcorn” Shrimp Box

“Popcorn” Shrimp Box from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
“Popcorn” Shrimp Box from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous brings a literal twist to the concept of popcorn shrimp, serving up a fun mix of crispy shrimp, popcorn, and curly fries. Although the dish was initially enjoyable, the uniformity in garlic seasoning across its components may become somewhat overpowering over time.

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous The Big Top Burger

The Big Top Burger from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
The Big Top Burger from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous

No, this isn’t one of Spongebob’s “Pretty Patties.” It’s The Big Top Burger, featuring a fresh beef patty with an excellent char, providing a rich, smoky taste and stacked with sharp cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and onion. These classic burger toppings are assembled on a red brioche bun and served alongside curly fries. 

The Big Top Burger is celebrated not just for its bold appearance but also for its classic flavors and the quality of its components, making it go beyond a standard theme park meal and a noteworthy choice for burger enthusiasts.

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous Pizza Pasta

Pizza Pasta from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
Pizza Pasta from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous

The standout highlight of the updated menu at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous is undoubtedly the Pizza Pasta. While the concept might initially seem unconventional, it expertly blends the quintessential elements of beloved childhood dishes. This culinary creation features cavatappi pasta enveloped in rich, baked macaroni and cheese, adorned with savory pepperoni, and smothered in a classic marinara sauce. For those preferring a vegetarian option, the Pizza Pasta can be served without the pepperoni, maintaining its delicious flavor profile.

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous Green Eggs and Ham Chocolate Cheesecake

Green Eggs and Ham Chocolate Cheesecake from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
Green Eggs and Ham Chocolate Cheesecake from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous

Let’s satisfy that sweet tooth with a serving of Green Eggs and Ham Chocolate Cheesecake. This dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream, deviating from Sam-I-Am’s iconic dish. Encased within a rich chocolate shell, you’ll discover a luscious chocolate cheesecake resting on a decadent chocolate crust. Topping off this exquisite creation is a chocolate “egg,” a nostalgic nod to the beloved children’s book. 

Biting into this sweet treat, we noticed its texture leaned more toward that of a mousse than the denser consistency traditionally associated with cheesecake. Despite this deviation from expectation, the dessert remains thoroughly delicious, offering a satisfying finale to a meal under the circus tent.

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous Caramel Popcorn Cupcake

Caramel Popcorn Cupcake from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
Caramel Popcorn Cupcake from Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous

Popcorn makes another appearance on the new Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous menu, but this time appealing to those with a penchant for sweetness. The dessert comprises a blend of caramel popcorn and buttercream icing, all generously drizzled with caramel and served in a mini popcorn bucket. This combination of sweet caramel and rich, creamy buttercream topped with crunchy popcorn provides an indulgent and memorable multi-textural sensation. 

Overall, the upgrades made to Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous are worth a visit during your time at Islands of Adventure. This dish transcends the typical theme park fare, offering unique options beyond burgers and chicken tenders. 

So gather ’round, friends, both big and small. Circus McGurkus is open – come one, come all! Discover the marvels that await on each plate in a dining adventure that’s truly first-rate!


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About Kelsey Bowyer

Kelsey hails from the land of chocolate, ketchup, and Mister Rogers – known to most as Pennsylvania. Her family’s annual visits to the sunshine state instilled a love of storytelling and theme parks at an early age. In 2015, she packed her bags for the Disney College Program but decided to make this move permanent and call Orlando home. When she is not roaming Orlando’s world-class Theme Parks with her husband, she can be found lost in a book, planning her next vacation, or petting dogs.