Ale and Compass vs Big River Grille Dinner

[Little E]

Hi Disfriends!

I find myself wrestling with where to eat during our March trip. I am traveling with DH, DS (21), DS (18) and DS's buddy (17). On the day in question, we will be in AK earlier in the day, and I imagine we'll either want to end up at EP or HS during the evening. So, it makes sense to me to eat somewhere on the Boardwalk, so we have park options after dinner. We haven't eaten at either Ale and Compass or Big River Grille; I have reservations for dinner at both. I'm just trying to decide which reservation to drop.

Any ins and outs you could give me on both the dining experience/feel of the restaurant as well as the food would be great! We are always excited to try a new-to-us restaurant. DH, DS (21) and buddy (17) will eat just about anything. DS (18) is a picky eater (think nuggets/pasta/the basics). DH loves craft beer and DS (21) and I are more cocktail folks, if that helps.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[momtwoboys]

Ale and compass is way better food. but if in Ep why not grab dinner there?

 

[Little E]

@momtwoboys Good to know about Ale and Compass. We'll be in AK earlier in the day. I'm not sure where my guys will want to go after dinner...deciding between EP and HS, hence the interest in a Boardwalk area dinner. We are really most interested in trying a new-to-us restaurant. We have meal reservations in EP for other days during our stay.

 

[LoveDaisy]

Ale and Compass. Big River Grille was the worst meal we had last trip. I got the Mac and cheese. Pasta was way over cooked and it had some watery yellow ‘sauce’ at the bottom of the bowl.

 

[Aimeedyan]

They are pretty different, IMO. Ale and Compass dinner menu is "fancier" and pricier in comparison. We land at Big River often because it's relatively inexpensive and casual "pub" food. It's a much larger menu, too. And, eating outside on the Boardwalk with our restless toddler is a big help.

No doubt, the food is probably better at A&C - I love their breakfast and lunch, and have grabbed their burger in the lounge. The atmosphere is very nice, too.

Check out Trattoria, too. We have liked it as well!

 

[Beer Me]

I’ve never been to A&C

Big River Grille was ok and relatively inexpensive. I’m a beer lover (who would have guessed) and enjoyed trying a couple of their brews which were good but nothing special. Same with the food pretty much.

If this spot was in my hometown I’d probably be a regular but it’s pretty far down on my list to visit again at Disney.

 

[BridgetR3]

Ale & Compass would get the vote from my whole family. We LOVE the Parker House Rolls as an appetizer (honestly we just love it for the spreads but yeah!).

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Ale & Compass hands down. We only do Big River for a light lunch or for take-out to eat in our villa (we’re DVC with BWV as home resort). A&C has some of the best food on property at their price point as a mid-tier (non-signature) restaurant.

 

[nw6675]

BRG if looking for a wider, less pricy menu. It's loud and the A/C is cold. I like A&C for breakfast or lunch, but BRG if just looking for food and to kick back.