Biergarten or San Angel Inn???

[tinacaplan]

We're scheduled for lunch at Biergarten, but I keep thinking that maybe that's not quite right and the atmosphere for my DH and I might be better at the San Angel...thoughts? Anyone had lunch at San Angel recently?

Thanks!

 

[james'mommy]

I've eaten at San Angel Inn before and it is my least least favorite of all restaurants I have ever eaten at my entire life. I would rather stick toothpicks in my eyes AND eat at CP than eat at SAI. Biergarten is a great restaurant. I love the food and the atmosphere. The only part I don't like is the banquet seating.

 

[TigerLilly28]

Im going to have to agree with the above poster.... I've eaten at San Angel Inn twice, and it was bad.... really bad. I wouldnt feed it to my dog. I don't know HOW you can mess up Mexican food.... but TACO BELL is a four star restaurant compared to my two experiences at San Angel Inn.... (ya, that bad....)

 

[BuzzLiteyear]

I've been to both. San Angel Inn is just so-so. Biergarten is awesome. For me the choice would be pretty easy.

 

[Pygoplites]

Unfortunately, I have to agree about San Angel Inn. Granted, I haven't been there in about 13 months, so maybe it has changed. But my 10-second Simon Cowell-esque review would include the phrase, "wretchedly, mind-numbingly abysmal."

 

[2 Little Mermaids]

I just got back and loved the Biergarten. I was a little worried about this place and it ended up being everyone's favorite. We were all stuffed and had the best time!

 

[DisFan10]

Im going to have to agree with the above poster.... I've eaten at San Angel Inn twice, and it was bad.... really bad. I wouldnt feed it to my dog. I don't know HOW you can mess up Mexican food.... but TACO BELL is a four star restaurant compared to my two experiences at San Angel Inn.... (ya, that bad....)

Can you elaborate please? What exactly was so bad about the food? How was the service?

 

[FozzieFan]

The food at San Angel Inn was fabulous when I was there. What you have to remember is IT IS NOT TACO BELL. San Angle Inn is more authentic mexican food, not tex-mex, not fast food mexican. If you go in expecting tacos, you'll be disappointed, do yourself a favor look at a menu and see if you like anything, if not go with Biergarden, if it looks good go with San Angel.

I asked my waitress between two steaks (and I don't really like steak) she told me to get the Filete Montuleno. It was the best steak I've ever had, literally melt in my mouth, sauce was great, plantains were awesome it was an all around great meal. I had the bread pudding for dessert, I don't think they have that anymore.

Enjoy yourself whatever you have for dinner

 

[Jen_in_NH]

I've never eaten at San Angel, but I can tell you the Biergarten was awesome! We were there about a week and a half ago. The food was very good, the server was excellent, the atmosphere was nice. Out of a party of 10, only 1 didn't like it (a 10yo boy being a snot because he wanted a hamburger, so therefore there was no food he liked there ) Even my 2 yo DS ate like a horse - I'm suprised they didn't charge us for another adult considering how much he ate

 

[Pygoplites]

It's good to hear that you had a great meal. But the problems with SAI, which are well-documented on this board, generally have nothing to do with authenticity of cuisine, but rather with haphazard preparation and inconsistency. I'm sure you don't mean it, but your post comes across as condescending, as if someone who doesn't like SAI must be some sort of regional Mexican dining novice. I LOVE Mexican food and am lucky enough to have access to the best the U.S. has to offer.

Here's what I've experienced on various visits: Grossly overcooked steak and chicken, fish that smells like a household cleaning product and curdled flan. With so many other options in WDW, it's hard for me to justify giving them another chance.

The food at San Angel Inn was fabulous when I was there. What you have to remember is IT IS NOT TACO BELL. San Angle Inn is more authentic mexican food, not tex-mex, not fast food mexican. If you go in expecting tacos, you'll be disappointed, do yourself a favor look at a menu and see if you like anything, if not go with Biergarden, if it looks good go with San Angel.

I asked my waitress between two steaks (and I don't really like steak) she told me to get the Filete Montuleno. It was the best steak I've ever had, literally melt in my mouth, sauce was great, plantains were awesome it was an all around great meal. I had the bread pudding for dessert, I don't think they have that anymore.

Enjoy yourself whatever you have for dinner

 

[TigerLilly28]

The food at San Angel Inn was fabulous when I was there. What you have to remember is IT IS NOT TACO BELL. San Angle Inn is more authentic mexican food, not tex-mex, not fast food mexican. If you go in expecting tacos, you'll be disappointed, do yourself a favor look at a menu and see if you like anything, if not go with Biergarden, if it looks good go with San Angel.

I asked my waitress between two steaks (and I don't really like steak) she told me to get the Filete Montuleno. It was the best steak I've ever had, literally melt in my mouth, sauce was great, plantains were awesome it was an all around great meal. I had the bread pudding for dessert, I don't think they have that anymore.

Enjoy yourself whatever you have for dinner

I am a foodie... I went to culinary school, and was a sous chef at a four star restaurant for a few years before I left to have my son. Taco Bell is NOT what I was expecting.... I read their menu before I went, and It looked promising! What I got was steak that tasted like it had been cooked in the microwave....(it was gray for goodness sake....) everyones food at my table smelled and looked horrible, and after 2-3 bites, we left and settled with counter service. Its so sad, because this truly is a beautiful location! If you want further reviews, check out the allearsnet page. I have heard rumors that they have a new menu.... not sure Im willing to check it out, unless the entire restaurant is under new management. I hope someday they get it together! With so many great options at Epcot, Id steer clear of this one!

 

[SuzieN]

I had read all the bad reviews of San Angel Inn before my October trip but it was one of my travel companion's only requests so we had lunch there on 10/20. It was easily one of the best meals of our trip!!! Most of the recent reviews I've read have been very good. An old complaint was that the chips and salsa served was Tostitos and salsa from a jar. They now serve fresh tortilla chips and salsa. EVERYTHING we had was delicious - from the appetizers to dessert!! I like Biergarten too but I definitely thought the food was better at San Angel Inn!!! Check out the menus for both online and see which one looks better to you!!!

 

[MickeyNicki]

I love both but for lunch we both prefer SAI

 

[tinacaplan]

Thanks for the input...I'm not looking for tex-mex. I know that's not the case. We're also on the DxDP, so putting up with a bad meal, particularly a lunch, won't kill us. But some folks have posted recent (last few months recent) reviews of San Angel that sound promising...

 

[Art 1]

While not horrible San Angel Inn is just not worth the money, it's just average to below average food. Almost fast food. If you go take a flashlight to be able to read the menu.

I would rather eat at the Cantina de Angel if I wanted Mexican. To me the food seems better and is worth the money.

 

[NHTikiBeckie]

I can't imagine choosing SAI over Biergarten. Biergarten is me and my DH's favorite!

 

[Pugmalion1]

Thanks for the input...I'm not looking for tex-mex. I know that's not the case. We're also on the DxDP, so putting up with a bad meal, particularly a lunch, won't kill us. But some folks have posted recent (last few months recent) reviews of San Angel that sound promising...

I've never been to Biergarten, and I haven't been to San Angel in a couple years, but last I went, I thought it was very good for lunch. I'm not sure if I would go back for dinner, though, as there are so many other places in and around Epcot that serve a better dinner menu.

As to your choices, though, a San Angel lunch sounds good to me, especially if you're going to stop in at the tequila bar on the way in or out to grab one of their margaritas! From what I keep reading on here and other places, they sound delicious! Personally, I'd shy away from Biergarten for lunch, just because the menu sounds heavy, and I would really want to partake fully if I went. I'm not a big fan of stuffing myself on a midday meal. It looks pretty awesome, though.

 

[Anglefan]

I wouldn't want to sit by strangers, so that makes the decision in my eyes. I guess which one you prefer is in large part due to your preference in that area.

 

[jess20k]

We enjoy both places. We like San Angel Inn better for dinner, but for lunch I would go with Biergarten.

 

[Hoopfamily]

We love both, but Biergarten is my choice for lunch. The dinner menu is far better than lunch at San Angel, try the Mole Poblano.