Board Walk-Big River Grill and Espn??

[yolie912]

I would like to try one of these restaurants on the dining plan. Are they any good? I don't see many people talking about them. Is it even worth a TS ??
Thanks!

 

[CathieArms]

I've not been to either, but I was just looking at the reviews for both yesterday. I was STUNNED at the overwhelmingly negative reviews that the Big River Grill was getting. I usually take this information with a bit of a grain of salt, but the incredibly bad reviews finally decided me against BRG.

 

[SusieBea]

Although it was several years ago, we didn't enjoy BRG and my husband will not go back. ESPN, on the other hand, is a must do for me for lunch. I like their wings better than any other that I've had, and enjoy other things they serve as well.

 

[tlhbdm]

ESPN is good, but I honestly think if you are going to go I would just pay cash, it is pretty inexpensive and wouldn't really be worth a TS credit.

 

[madalex]

I love Big River Grille and go there at least once each trip for lunch. I was just there a couple weeks ago and it was great! My girlfriend had a mahi mahi sandwich which she really enjoyed and I had a delicious turkey and avocado sandwich. I also tried the beer sampler which was really good!

ESPN, meanwhile, is atrocious. Simply terrible food. This is the only place in all of WDW which I have vowed never to return to. I gave it a chance and tried it several times over the years, but each time it was terrible, A few years back, I finally said "no mas" and I will never go there again.

 

[ccgirl]

I would like to try one of these restaurants on the dining plan. Are they any good? I don't see many people talking about them. Is it even worth a TS ??
Thanks!

I didn't think either was on the dining plan. Have they changed that?

 

[focusondisney]

We actually like both of these. We haven't eaten at BRG since Dec 2009 tho . The times we have eaten there, I had the salmon which I loved. DH had a steak & he was happy with it. We are not drinkers so we didn't try any of the "brews".

We are from Buffalo, NY, birth place of the chicken wing. My DH loves the wings at ESPN. I've like them, too & I think I've had a good pulled pork sandwich there. Last summer we split a dining credit there, we were on the deluxe plan. DH wanted the wings. The server counted that as the appitizer, I ordered a large salad that had chicken on it (entree). The salad was delicious. DH had a dessert, don't remember exactly what it was, but some kind of cake. He liked it a lot.

I thought that was a good way to use a dining credit, plenty for both of us. The server was fine with us splitting the credit, no problems with it at all. Both places are noisy & the ESPN club has lots of TVs with sports on all the time. Good luck deciding!

 

[focusondisney]

I didn't think either was on the dining plan. Have they changed that?

They have both been on the plan for as long as I can remember. We have used credits there many times over the years.

 

[hannahdrewmom]

I'll join the ranks of thinking Big River was gross. We went this past summer on adult only trip. It was nice because we could walk up.... however that shoud have been the sign for us. It was terrible. There was no one there and the waiter still wasn't attentive. The food was blah and the bill was... Disney. You can get much better food at your local pub.

 

[ccgirl]

They have both been on the plan for as long as I can remember. We have used credits there many times over the years.

Really??? How the heck did I miss that one. We stayed at BWV last May on the dining plan and didn't know they were on it. Darn! We know now.

Thanks!

 

[John Tag]

When we first stayed at Boardwalk we did dine at BRG, Food was bland and not that great. Almost like food had been sitting ready to serve for hours and micd for 30 seconds. We also did visit ESPN Club..That was great!! WE now every year make a point while in Epcot to walk over to ESPN Club to get some great food at nice prices. We also do pay cash here as prices are low. Food is great and they there meals are great size. We also like it as kids enjoy the show with triva show and win prizes. Its a fun time to boot!!!

 

[momabaarjo]

BRG has great adult drinks...awesome adult cherry lime. We had only an app there because the service was awful and we overheard 3 out of 6 tables around us having issues with food ranging from cold, overbooked and served wrong...I would not waste a TS!

 

[Jessica527]

On our trip in 2009, we tried both of them. We were not a fan of their food on the DDP. However for drinks and watching the games, it was a nice break from Mickey for my DFi. (I never need a break )

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Neither is exceptional, which is why you can get in without ADR's. BRG, has really good beer, decent food, not exciting but what makes it for me is in good weather (in other words, not stiking hot) getting a table outside and enjoying the view of the Boardwalk and the water! The restaurant is odd shaped and a little clausterphobic for me.

ESPN, likewise does not have great food, just decent, just don't order a salad (very bad) but the sandwiches are good. It's biggest downfall for me is the noise level!

Pick your poison, BRG has a slight lead over ESPN!

 

[photobob]

They are a good deal paying OOP, and I like them both.

 

[yolie912]

Wow, well that really is a bummer because the menu's do look tasty. I will need to give my ADR's another quick look. Thanks for everyone's honest opinion.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Wow, well that really is a bummer because the menu's do look tasty. I will need to give my ADR's another quick look. Thanks for everyone's honest opinion.

It's affordable, in the end , it's just one meal and you might have a whole different take on it! I like reading other people's reviews but I still like to try things for myself!

 

[Hopefully]

We have enjoyed both in the past and I would return to both.
Neither is amazing gourmet, but they both have decent food and nice atmospheres.

 

[focusondisney]

It's affordable, in the end , it's just one meal and you might have a whole different take on it! I like reading other people's reviews but I still like to try things for myself!

I agree with this. If they look good to you, give them a try. Several people, myself included, have had good food at both. I know when you're trying to plan those ADRs, it feels like you must get everything exactly right. Name any restaurant & you will find some people who don't like it. Do what feels right for you & your family & I'm sure you'll have a great time!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

This past December my Dad and I went three times to the ESPN Club only because we planned to watch some Hockey games from there. However we also thought their food was very good. Some of the items we ordered was their Bacon Cheeseburger and their Chicken Wings, so we plan on going back there in the future.