Avoid the Big River Grille and Brewing Works !!

[LarryNabisco]

Ate at this place yesterday, and cannot even believe this establishment is on WDW property.

We were seated at a table that could barely hold 2 plates of food, next to a wall in front of the bathrooms- it was a bizarre set up, wish I took pictures.

Steak was thin, and TERRIBLE. I don't know what is going on at this place, but the way its designed it is SO LOUD. There were not many people in the restaurant, but for whatever reason the NOISE was out of control !!

The server, could not hear us, and we could not hear him.

This was a total rip off, as far as quality of food and the overall experience.

I give credit to the server, he was decent but this establishment in my opinion is by far the worst on Disney property.

Avoid Avoid Avoid

 

[Tina]

I've given this place a chance twice. We'll never go back. Our last visit was over 5 years ago. I can't believe enough people still go to keep them in business. Food is horrible, horrible, horrible. Service is horrible. Its a waste of good Disney real estate.

 

[LarryNabisco]

I've given this place a chance twice. We'll never go back. Our last visit was over 5 years ago. I can't believe enough people still go to keep them in business. Food is horrible, horrible, horrible. Service is horrible. Its a waste of good Disney real estate.

I wish I had read the various reviews on the internet prior to going !!
I do not think there is a restaurant at WDW that is so consistantly ripped to shreds in nearly every review. We learned the hard way!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I actually ate there twice in the past week, and like the place. We stick to the burgers and sandwiches, and the beer has always been good.

It can get loud, we saw quite a few people flood over from conventions at the S/D.

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

We have eaten there many times. Never had a problem. We liked the food and the service was great. I think the noise level varies with the time, the crowd, where you happen to sit.

 

[Amy&Dan]

We enjoy Big River, but ONLY if we can sit outside. Inside is too noisy and it has the brewery smell. We love to have an early lunch, sit outside and admire the boardwalk and view.

The food has always been fine for us, but we generally stick to the burgers and I have had a couple of good salads.

 

[of the seas]

It is loud, hot, and stinky in there.

 

[Captjacksfamily]

Not one of our favorites but it is not bad for a quick lunch if you sit outside and stick to a burger or salad.

 

[MomofKatie]

We have always liked it.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

I have been there twice and have to agree it is possibly the worst food/experience we have had on Disney Property.

 

[marmalade]

We have only eaten there once and it was lunch and we were sitting outside but we loved it. In all honesty that was my favorite meal of that trip. No ADR's, it wasn't crowded, the waiter was fantastic, and so was the beer and steak.

We took the boat after lunch to Epcot and I had no idea there was a completely seperate back entrace. It also never dawned on me when we boarded the boat that there was no river in front of Epcot?

Maybe that's why I enjoyed my meal, I am oblivious to minor and major details.

 

[TiggerDadof2]

I agree! We went in 2006 and were very disappointed in food and atmosphere.

 

[Luv2Roam]

We don't go there a lot. But do go there occasionally. Only once we had a royal pain of an experience and bad service, and it was during a beer tapping earlier this year I think.
Probably have learned NOT to go during a beer tapping. (Although we were there during one in early November and it was fine.)
If I recall correct yesterday late afternoon was a beer tapping. They started giving out free appys, and I think with that it has just created choas. They do not seemed prepared or equipped enough for so many at one time. The place is too small for that.

 

[athenna]

We've eaten there a few times and enjoyed it a lot I guess it's like anywhere else, some people like it, some people don't.

 

[DARuss]

We've eaten there on two occations and liked it both times. It is a little loud but we don't let the noise bother us. We also love WCC and I have read reports here that some people hate that place too because of the noise.

 

[JerseyJanice]

We tried to eat dinner there in 2008, but both mine and my husband's entrees came out completely burnt to a crisp. I forget what DH ordered. I know mine was supposed to grilled meatloaf, but what came out was like a piece of coal. It wasn't edible.

Shame because we both had drinks we liked. DH had a bloody Mary, I had a beer flight and DS had a grilled cheese sandwich that was fine. We complained to the waiter who sent a manager over. DH and I didn't feel hungry anymore at that point, so we told him we'd pay for our drinks and DS's sandwich and call it night.

The manager was nice enough to comp our entire check, so we made sure we left the waiter a nice tip. The food was awful, but they were so nice about everything, it was hard to be angry about it.

 

[rachel09985]

We ate there in 2007 and I really liked it. The server was awesome and we were probably the only people in there, it was for lunch. I had salmon and my boyfriend had a burger. We both enjoyed the restaurant but wouldn't go there for an ADR.

 

[Pumbaa_]

It is like 2 different restaurants - the inside is LOUD and cramped. Outside can be wonderful! great to sit outside and watch the world go by

 

[kat3668]

I ate there in May for the first time and enjoyed it....Loved the artichoke dip and the chocolate confusion cake isthe best dessert i've ever tasted! We were on the DDP and out waiter was so nice and boxed up out entrees to take back to the hotel. Yes I agree it is noisy in there but the food was yummy! I guess it is another your miles may vary resteraunt. There are so many in WDW!

 

[gojoe]

[FONT=&quot]I sent the following e-mail to a[/FONT][FONT=&quot] Restaurant Guest Services Manager[/FONT][FONT=&quot] who served me at Boardwalk. We talk a while and he gave me his card. I assumed my e-mail would end up in his junk or spam file but he did reply. Big River is not Disney operated. Too bad such a nice location. Sounds like they could use new management.

I write this under the assumption Big River is not operated by Disney. Well, we have a very picky eater in our group. She is fifteen and often orders off the child's menu, Mac & Cheese, Pizza and Chicken Strip are her only diet. We always get a positive response when we asked for a Child's Menu. That was not the case at Big River. My daughter was holding the pager and reported to the hostess. I followed the group and noticed she had forgot to ask for a child's menu so as I past the other hostess I asked for a child's menu. As I approached our table the hostess seating us was in a conversation with my wife. Neither had a pleasant look on there faces. When I inquired about the conversation my wife told me the hostess would have to check if it was alright for her to order off the child's menu. This I understand but she never came back to tell us about the outcome. Our server came introduced herself "Destiny". She asked for our drink orders and said she would be back to take our order. She returned with our drinks and asked if we were ready to order. When it came time for my daughter to order off the child's menu she stopped her and looked around. Again she said she would have to check if it was OK. Well she too never returned to let us know but we assumed it was OK when our meals arrived. Living in RI as you have done I'm sure you know we speak our mind but my wife asked me not to say anything and let it go.

Well I can't, so I'm writing you to let you know the displeasure I felt with our service. Now that I have vented I would like to tell you we have never had a bad server at any Disney property restaurant and always have had cast members go out of there way to serve. I'm sure you know Providence has some of the finest dining in the North East (with a lot of thanks to Johnson& Whale) but none can compare to the servers you fine at a Disney restaurant. Thank you for your time and it was a pleasure meeting you. Congratulation on a fantastic staff! We are truly amazed at the level of service at all the Disney resorts. If you are ever back in Providence look us up, we can dine on the Hill.[/FONT]