How long has Biergarten been there?

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I ate at Biergarten last week and absolutely loved it (hint to those who love Le Cellier's Cheddar Cheese Soup: Biergarten has an amazing one you should check out, as well). I was telling a friend about it and how he would enjoy it. He told me that he had dined in Germany in the past, but it wasn't a buffet. Also, he remembered eating osso bucco and loving it at this same restaurant. Now, I'm thinking that osso bucco is Italian, so maybe he was remembering a different restaurant. However, he was certain that it was Biergarten and that they have just changed the restaurant style and menu.


Can anyone confirm that he is correct or incorrect?

 

[mousermerf]

I ate at Biergarten last week and absolutely loved it (hint to those who love Le Cellier's Cheddar Cheese Soup: Biergarten has an amazing one you should check out, as well). I was telling a friend about it and how he would enjoy it. He told me that he had dined in Germany in the past, but it wasn't a buffet. Also, he remembered eating osso bucco and loving it at this same restaurant. Now, I'm thinking that osso bucco is Italian, so maybe he was remembering a different restaurant. However, he was certain that it was Biergarten and that they have just changed the restaurant style and menu.


Can anyone confirm that he is correct or incorrect?

Sometimes being the author of The Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia comes in handy

Biergarten has existed since Epcot opened - however it wasn't always the buffet.

The conversion happened in 1996 - taking over the intended exit corridor space for the abandoned Rhine Rive Cruise boat ride for the buffet itself. That's why it's up some stairs - the previous design would have had unloading boat ride guests "view" the restaurant and entertainment from an area where they could stop and watch at the rear. The ride was never built and Biergarten took over part of the space as it changed menus.

Notably, after Biergarten was made a buffet, Le Cellier was transformed into a regular sit down restaurant from it's initial design as a Buffeteria.

 

[mousermerf]

Also, references to the early Biergarten menu frequently mention various veal items - osso bucco is veal, so it's likely he's not wrong depending on the year.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

He went for the food and wine festival and was of legal age to drink. He turned 21 in October of 2004, so I'm thinking he's remembering a different restaurant, or is not remembering correctly that it was a buffet.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Oh, and thanks for mentioning The Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia. Just in case I didn't have enough Disney cites to waste time on, I can now add this one

 

[mousermerf]

He went for the food and wine festival and was of legal age to drink. He turned 21 in October of 2004, so I'm thinking he's remembering a different restaurant, or is not remembering correctly that it was a buffet.

Probably Italy's old Alfredo's then - none of the other locations are likely to serve it. If it was recent it's now Tutto Italia and it's on the menu.

 

[Hootch]

in Orlando for school when Epcot opened. A friend from high school was visiting Epcot and I joined in. We could not get in but they sounded like they were having a great time. I try to go as often as possible now.

(I remember Epcot had video stations then where you could ask CMs various questions. I wonder when those were removed.)

 

[Tinkerboy00]

I vaguely remember being able to order separate food from the buffet. We love Biergarten and I hope they never change it.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I vaguely remember being able to order separate food from the buffet. We love Biergarten and I hope they never change it.

Right there with you. I can't believe it has taken me this long to eat there! It and Akershus became must-dos for my husband and me this past trip. Love their soup. For me, it is just as good as Le Cellier's, but it is all you can eat and won't cost two dining credits.

 

[CanadianGuy]

RE: Video Phone Guest Services thingys

As recently as 2010 those were still there.. boarded up behind and to the side of the two gift shops on either side of the base of Spaceship Earth. The AT&T sponsored "video phones" allowed you to make dining reservations and basic guest services inquiries I recall correctly.

But they were still there recently ..

 

[princesspiglet]

Love, love, love Biergarten! It's our family's favorite. Been eating there for about 11 years now and we have only ever known it with the buffet.

 

[Robbi]

Thanks for posting this thread, OP. In all the years and 40+ trips, we have never tried Biergarten. We'll be sure to give it a try next time.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Thanks for posting this thread, OP. In all the years and 40+ trips, we have never tried Biergarten. We'll be sure to give it a try next time.

Definitely give it a try. My dad ordered a beer while there and the waiter asked him what size. Turns out, you can actually order a whole liter of beer in one glass. Of course, if beer isn't your thing, the food is equally good. Again, I'm sorry it took me so long to discover this gem.

 

[RMulieri]

It is one of our favorites in Epcot..I do think the communal seating is off putting to some people though( not us..We love to socialize)

 

[Luvchefmic]

I callef the dining line just this morning determined to book CP pkg
for lunch Sat so I could see Trace Adkins at this late date I wad shocked there was anything open...there were only 2 choices my decision was between Biergarten and Msrakesh in Morocco 30 years and 100 s of trips & I never ate at either !

I chose Biergarten based solely on recalling my Dad raving about how when he was

stationed in Germany he would tour the countryside take in the culture
and loved the food

Glad to read.good things about it

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I callef the dining line just this morning determined to book CP pkg
for lunch Sat so I could see Trace Adkins at this late date I wad shocked there was anything open...there were only 2 choices my decision was between Biergarten and Msrakesh in Morocco 30 years and 100 s of trips & I never ate at either !

I chose Biergarten based solely on recalling my Dad raving about how when he was

stationed in Germany he would tour the countryside take in the culture
and loved the food

Glad to read.good things about it

My family and I were talking about how great we thought Trace Adkins would do as a narrator at Candlelight Processional. Please let me know what you think of it/him. Also, I don't think you could go wrong with either of those options. I prefer Biergarten, but like Marrakesh just fine. In fact, the only restaurants that I wouldn't rave about would be located in the first three pavilions on your right as you enter World Showcase.

 

[SaraJayne]

Thanks for posting this thread, OP. In all the years and 40+ trips, we have never tried Biergarten. We'll be sure to give it a try next time.

Just be aware you'll be seated with strangers.

That is why we've never eaten there.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I'm sure he will be awesome I'll let you know for sure
I'll follow your suggedtion for the soup too any other thing I must
try ? I like the family style dining reminds me of when I lived NY and would go Amish country Lancaster PA good memories this is sounding more
& more like a win_win day for me

there are no strangers to me just friends I haven't met yet
besides its 3 days before Christmas there will be more
magic in the air

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I'm sure he will be awesome I'll let you know for sure
I'll follow your suggedtion for the soup too any other thing I must
try ? I like the family style dining reminds me of when I lived NY and would go Amish country Lancaster PA good memories this is sounding more
& more like a win_win day for me

Get both the apple strudel and the bavarian cheesecake

Oh, and did you know that you can dance to the oopmah band? Good times.

 

[crzy4mk]

Fond childhood memories of eating at Biergarten before it was a buffet...they used to serve a hearty bean soup and had baskets of really dark brown breads on the table to dip in it. Plus lots of other yummy German type foods! Began my love for this restaurant and now it is a must do on almost every trip...can't wait to eat there again in less than 3 weeks!

Oh, and for those who haven't tried it....if you are a beer drinker, the Spaten Optimator is WONDERFUL! Very dark, very rich and very strong!