I noticed this is a new dining option at the Boardwalk Inn. Any DIS beer geeks like me been there yet? How are the beers? What styles are they offering? Please tell me they have a good IPA. Any photos? Thanks! I'd like to visit this brewpub next time I'm at WDW.
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Any beer geeks been to Big River Grille & Brewing Works?
- Thread starter mr.bungle
- Start date
Well, my husband is the beer geek, (actually a beer guru), and we went to BRG&BW in 2008.
He wasn't impressed, which means the beer must have really sucked, because I've even seen him drink Bud out of a can when he's desperate! LOLOL
From my perspective; the carpeted floors were beer-soaked, which smelled a little funky, I thought. The food was ok, your usual brew-pub variety. We're from New England, where there are many excellent brew pubs, so maybe we're spoiled. We won't be going back there to eat (or drink) but perhaps things have turned around in the past year (maybe they've replaced the carpeting). We did get some really cool coasters, though!
For a real beer treat, head to Biergarten in Epcot's Germany.
He wasn't impressed, which means the beer must have really sucked, because I've even seen him drink Bud out of a can when he's desperate! LOLOL
From my perspective; the carpeted floors were beer-soaked, which smelled a little funky, I thought. The food was ok, your usual brew-pub variety. We're from New England, where there are many excellent brew pubs, so maybe we're spoiled. We won't be going back there to eat (or drink) but perhaps things have turned around in the past year (maybe they've replaced the carpeting). We did get some really cool coasters, though!
For a real beer treat, head to Biergarten in Epcot's Germany.
Cool thanks for the info! I'd be curious to know what styles they're brewing there. I was really happy when I went to the Biergarten @ Epcot. They had my favorite German beer Spaten Optimator.
And yes, you're extremely lucky to be in New England! I used to be in So Cal which was just as good!
And yes, you're extremely lucky to be in New England! I used to be in So Cal which was just as good!
Brocktoon
21st Century Schizoid Man
- Joined
- May 5, 2006
I'm a huge beer geek ... the Big River Grille has been around for years and is not actually owned or operated by Disney. I've been there a few times. It's pretty middle of the road, but it is a nice place to sit outside and hang out on the boardwalk while enjoying a burger and a few beers.
Compared to the beer selection in WDW, I'd say the beer is above average, but again it's nothing to write home about. I've had an IPA there before, but I don't think it's in thier regular rotation. They usually have a pilsner, wheat, pale ale, red/amber, and some sort of light beer on tap. Also they'll have a seasonal or special brew that rotates.
I've had the best luck with the red ale, as it's got a nice maltiness and sort of reminded me of Stone's Pale Ale, or Lagunitas' Censored (Chronic) Ale (not nearly as good as those two though). The Big River Pale Ale wasn't too bad, but was light on the hops so it won't even come close to an IPA. Their Pilsner and Wheat did nothing for me.
It's worth checking the place out for an outside drink and quick bite, but I wouldn't do an inside dinner there.
Compared to the beer selection in WDW, I'd say the beer is above average, but again it's nothing to write home about. I've had an IPA there before, but I don't think it's in thier regular rotation. They usually have a pilsner, wheat, pale ale, red/amber, and some sort of light beer on tap. Also they'll have a seasonal or special brew that rotates.
I've had the best luck with the red ale, as it's got a nice maltiness and sort of reminded me of Stone's Pale Ale, or Lagunitas' Censored (Chronic) Ale (not nearly as good as those two though). The Big River Pale Ale wasn't too bad, but was light on the hops so it won't even come close to an IPA. Their Pilsner and Wheat did nothing for me.
It's worth checking the place out for an outside drink and quick bite, but I wouldn't do an inside dinner there.
Brocktoon - thank you. I think the red would be fine to try! You can imagine my excitement when I saw there was a brewpub at Disney. Last time we went, we sort of drank our way around Epcot over a few days. That was cool, I'm just huge on American craft beers. I had my bachelor party in San Diego and we started out at Stone for lunch.
Have a Troegs Nugget Nectar for me! Thanks again!
Have a Troegs Nugget Nectar for me! Thanks again!
Uno Mas
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2008
Never had an IPA there - maybe it's been rotated in as one of the special offerings but I haven't seen it yet. I always get the Red too - seems to have the best hop offering than any of the others. If you are familiar with the Gordon Biersch brewery - they are the chain that actually owns Big River. We always stop in for a couple beers to take a break from drinking around the countries but I would steer clear of the food - not very good at all. I've noticed that many of the hotels are now carrying Dog Fish Head 60 Minute on tap - the Swan and Dolphin, the Crews Cup Lounge and the Martha's Vinyard Lounge in the Yacht Club - so at least you may come across one "real" microbrew while you are there! Let us know if you find anything new!
60 min is one of my favs! Good to know they have it. We were DL annual passholders and would go to CA Adventure and the Grand Californian to grab beer. Nothing too special there, they have Karl Strauss which is quality wise equal to Gordon Biersch. Still better tham BMC (bud/miller/coors). Karl Strauss actually had a halfway decent IPA, but they only had it at a small bar in the Grand California hotel.
I'm looking forward to my next trip to WDW knowing that I can get a decent beer or two!
I'm looking forward to my next trip to WDW knowing that I can get a decent beer or two!
2infinityandbeyond
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2003
The beers at BRG seem to be dumbed down a bit, so they have more mass appeal. Compared with really good beers of the same style (i.e. Victory Prima Pils, Victory Hop Devil, Racer 5, etc.) the BRG beers are noticeably lighter in body and less flavorful. I've also been the BRG in Nashville, and their beers (same/similar selection to the WDW BRG) were lousy.
60 Minute IPA on tap in WDW??? Maybe they're finally waking up to the demand for something other than Bud/Miller/Coors.
60 Minute IPA on tap in WDW??? Maybe they're finally waking up to the demand for something other than Bud/Miller/Coors.
Maybe they're finally waking up to the demand for something other than Bud/Miller/Coors.
Wouldn't that be refreshing!
Tim/Hawk
sharadoc
Visit WDW since '86, driving since '94.
- Joined
- May 6, 2008
Wouldn't that be refreshing!
Tim/Hawk
Well, they DO have Yuengling, too! But, we're from PA, so that's our "regular" beer.
2infinityandbeyond
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2003
Yuengling doesn't quite qualify as a craft brewed beer. It's made with corn, not barley, so it's more in line with the Bud/Miller/Coors stuff than the Stone/Brooklyn/New Belgium/Victory/Troeg's stuff.
It's not new. It's been there for as long as I have been going to Disney World (first trip was in 1997).
That being said, the beers are pretty good and a nice change of pace from the rather ordinary selection that can be found in most of the rest of WDW.
Brocktoon
21st Century Schizoid Man
- Joined
- May 5, 2006
I remember seeing the Dogfish 60 minute in bottles a while back at the Swolphin, so it's great to hear it's getting carried on tap.
I don't know where the threads are, but from time to time this discussion comes up ... there are some decent beer treasures to be found around WDW property, but they tend to be hidden around the resorts and not in the parks.
I know the Flying Fish on the boardwalk sometimes has Flying Fish Pale Ale (from Flying Fish brewery in Cherry Hill NJ). Also, I've seen Red Hook ESB at the Wilderness Lodge and Abita Purple Haze and Amber at Port Orleans (yet no Turbodog?). Various Wolaver's at the Wave in the Contemporary. Also, you can get Kona Pale Ale and Lager at the Poly.
As far as the parks - there's the Holy Grail at Le Cellier in Epcot that's always mentioned ... they carry Unibroue's stuff, so you can get Fin du Monde and Maudite for a Belgian fix. But, you'll need a Le Cellier ressie to get at it. Don't know why they don't add a cart outside the Canadian pavillion to sell the Unibroue
I don't know where the threads are, but from time to time this discussion comes up ... there are some decent beer treasures to be found around WDW property, but they tend to be hidden around the resorts and not in the parks.
I know the Flying Fish on the boardwalk sometimes has Flying Fish Pale Ale (from Flying Fish brewery in Cherry Hill NJ). Also, I've seen Red Hook ESB at the Wilderness Lodge and Abita Purple Haze and Amber at Port Orleans (yet no Turbodog?). Various Wolaver's at the Wave in the Contemporary. Also, you can get Kona Pale Ale and Lager at the Poly.
As far as the parks - there's the Holy Grail at Le Cellier in Epcot that's always mentioned ... they carry Unibroue's stuff, so you can get Fin du Monde and Maudite for a Belgian fix. But, you'll need a Le Cellier ressie to get at it. Don't know why they don't add a cart outside the Canadian pavillion to sell the Unibroue
Uncleromulus
Plain grey will be fine
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2001
Anchor Steam is available at California Grill. Sierra Nevada Pale also.
Alas, I think FF has dropped the FF Ale--hasn't been there the last 4 times we've dined there. Wish I knew why as it was a perfect fit!!
Alas, I think FF has dropped the FF Ale--hasn't been there the last 4 times we've dined there. Wish I knew why as it was a perfect fit!!
Hidden beer gems are always nice! I'd love to see a beer and food pairing at one of the nicer restaurants (Le Celier, Cali Grill, Artist Point).
I'm not a huge fan of Unibroe, but I can certainly appreciate that they're represented.
Thank you all for the tips and info in this thread. We should have like a sticky for a "where to find beer" thread. Next time I go to WDW, I'll make sure to snap some pics and post up about tap and bottle lists at different places.
It is kind of a bummer that the BRG&BW is sort of a let down to most. That's how I feel about Rock Bottom Brewery/restaurant. I don't understand why they can't focus on the quality a bit more? Perhaps they're trying to cater to the BMC drinker who doesn't want to try "extreme"(to them) beers. Pub grub doesn't have to be nachos and chicken wings either. I am thankful though that at least a part of the beer culture is represented.
I'm not a huge fan of Unibroe, but I can certainly appreciate that they're represented.
Thank you all for the tips and info in this thread. We should have like a sticky for a "where to find beer" thread. Next time I go to WDW, I'll make sure to snap some pics and post up about tap and bottle lists at different places.
It is kind of a bummer that the BRG&BW is sort of a let down to most. That's how I feel about Rock Bottom Brewery/restaurant. I don't understand why they can't focus on the quality a bit more? Perhaps they're trying to cater to the BMC drinker who doesn't want to try "extreme"(to them) beers. Pub grub doesn't have to be nachos and chicken wings either. I am thankful though that at least a part of the beer culture is represented.
2infinityandbeyond
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2003
FF hans't had FF for years.
I think they might have cut back to what is owned and/or distributed by Anheuser Busch. Widmer Hefeweizen, for example, was on tap by FF and is distributed by AB.
keishashadow
Proud Redhead...yes, I have some bananas!
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2004
we thought it subpar (especially the food) a shame as it could be something special. Service was lacking and to describe the atmosphere as 'funky' is charitable...nothing worse than a wobbly table.
It was a default resturant when the line for ESPN was too long, which should've been a hint as to what would follow.
It was a default resturant when the line for ESPN was too long, which should've been a hint as to what would follow.
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