Big River Grille or ESPN Club?

[StuckInKS]

Which is better?

The menu at BRG looks better to me, but I would want nachos as an app and my kids would want a burger. Problem is (according to WDWinfo) they only serve kids burgers during lunch and nacho apps during dinner

The Dinger sandwich and the pulled pork look okay on the ESPN menu, but nothing I'm really excited about. I would love the hickory bacon burger at BRG and DH would probably like to have the ribs (though he likes pulled pork just as well.)

Any very negative or positive reviews for either? Any chance I can get the nachos AND my kids burgers at lunch or dinner?

 

[deej696]

We've been to both several times, and they are both, well, equally ordinary. I like being able to sit outside at Big River, as its usually quite nice, especially toward dusk. But then again, the sports nut in me likes ESPN. As far as food goes, neither is anything to write home about, although I do remember the nachos being really good. Long story short, both have great atmospheres, but food that's just ok. If it's been a long day, and you think a beer will be needed, then Big River is your choice...

 

[Cinderumbrella]

We far prefer ESPN to Big River Grille. The nachos at ESPN club are HUGE and more what I think of as "nachos". The nachos at Big River Grille were small without a lot of stuff on them. We were highly disappointed.

 

[xipetotec]

BRG is a must for our group. Sometimes twice in a trip. We like the food, the hand crafted beers. But above all, being able to sit right on the boardwalk on a nice day to eat.

 

[DSLRuser]

ESPN is standard below average bar food. It is what it is. You go there for beer and a sports game on TV.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I'm not sure why these two places get compared so often. They're both located on the Boardwalk and both serve pub food, but the similarities end there. I would go to the ESPN club for a drink and to watch a game, but not for any other reason. It's often noisy and crowded, and the food is of middling quality. I don't feel as claustrophobic in Big River, and it has better—still not great, but better—beer and food. As a previous poster mentioned, it's also nice to sit outside there.

 

[hannahdrewmom]

We thought big river grill was gross when we tried it. The beer was warm and the food luke warm. We will not be going back. We have not been to ESPN.

 

[madalex]

I go to Big River at least once every trip for lunch. The sandwiches and beer are quite good and the service has always been good as well.

I have tried ESPN several times over the years and each time the food has been truly horrible. Finally, a few years ago, I said "no mas" and vowed never to return there for a meal (and, for the record, ESPN is the only place in all of WDW to which I have had this reaction).

 

[corvair]

Does the big river have wine? On the menu beer is listed but no wine or mixed drinks?
thanks
amy

 

[Sweet Melissa]

Does the big river have wine? On the menu beer is listed but no wine or mixed drinks?
thanks
amy

I can't remember offhand what wines they offer, but they definitely have a full bar.

 

[CDX4]

We definitely prefer Big River Grille over ESPN. Different quality of food IMO.

 

[Ro Z]

We like both. ESPN to me is a place you might hang around a little longer watching sports TV. BR we just eat and leave. Last time at BR I had a chicken sandwich that was not on the dinner menu. I just asked and the server told me it was no problem. So I don't think you will have a problem ordering what you want. The nachos at ESPN are more of a traditional nacho and are huge. But I really like the nachos at BR. Smaller with less stuff on them but very tasty. BR has a smaller dining area. We actually do both each trip! This probably doesn't help you much because we like both!

 

[snowdrift7]

Every year, DH and DS insist we go to ESPN at least once to watch baseball, basketball, hockey, etc and I've always hated the food. Then two yrs ago we ordered appetizers instead of sandwiches etc. and really enjoyed them (dingers, wing and nachos). So I'd avoid the entrees and keep to the appetizers and you'll be fine. The desserts aren't very good but the Boardwalk Bakery is next door - so you're never far away from something yummy. Never eaten at BRG before but we're staying at BWV so we'll try it for sure.

 

[StuckInKS]

As a note, neither of us will likely be drinking. I'm pregnant and nursing and DH orders a beer about twice a year.

Both seem to have very mixed reviews so far, but I'm glad to hear that I might be able to get the nachos at BRG during lunch.

Has anyone specifically had the dinger sandwich or pulled pork at ESPN or the hickory burger at BRG. I really like the burgers at cheeseburger in paradise and was hoping it would be comparable in taste.

 

[cdtommie]

I've had the pulled pork at ESPN and it was lousy. My wife did like the Philly cheese.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

This past December my Dad and I went three times to the ESPN Club and thought it was very good, so I would highly recommend it. I enjoyed The Angus Chuck Burger and their Chicken Wings are also very good. The next time we go there I want to try their Macho Nachos For Two.

 

[John Tag]

We have done BRG on past visits. But last few we just choose ESPN. WE just returned and did ESPN again,Cuban Burger is GREAT and there wings are HUGE and yummy!!! Our whole family like always left happy with there meals and full to point they couldn't finish there meal's. Best time to go is after 5:30 when dinning section is open near big screen while they do there triva show. Our kids love being part of the show. We always request center area tables always lots of fun there. Great prices to boot.