CP: Biergarten or Spice Road Table?

[leebee]

We are doing a non-Disney vacation in December, but we'll have a ONE DAY park hopper; the plan is to do AK during the day, then hop to Epcot for dinner/CP and the fireworks. I was hoping to do the Candlelight Processional on Christmas Eve, but all that is available is 4pm at the Biergarten. I can get 5:30 at Spice Road Table, but only on 12/23. Which would you choose??

I guess another option on Christmas Eve would be breakfast at Ale and Compass... but that seems like a lot of running around (Disney Springs hotel bus to a park to a Yacht Club bus to breakfast, then bus to AK...)

 

[Christine]

I'm probably going to be in the minority here, but I did not care for Spice Road Table. I don't know why. I love that sort of food and we have plenty of place locally that serve the same fare. I don't know if it was the timing (last night of my trip and we had to run in and have dinner there early to avoid a massive thunderstorm) or what. I had planned to go there, but when we got our food, nothing about it please me. Nothing was wrong, it was just blah. I can't even tell you what I ordered at this point.

It's been years since I've done Biergarten and I'm probably due for a trip back, so I'd nominate that one, but plenty of people LOVE Spice Road Table. It is a very different type of experience from Biergarten in every way so the two aren't really comparable. It's going to be about what your tastes are, do you want a more quiet experience, or a fun, lively experience with a buffet.

 

[Christine]

Oh, just stumbled upon this a few minutes ago. I realize that reviews can be all over the place though:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/spice-road-the-tonys-town-square-of-epcot.3769454/#post-61065817

 

[piccolopat]

If you really want CP on Christmas Eve, I would book Biergarten. We're not a fan of it anymore because we much preferred the menu before it went to a buffet and because we never liked the community seating. Are you OK with a buffet that can sometimes be mediocre and with sitting with other people? We liked the one time we went to Spice Road but if seeing CP on Christmas Eve is more important to you, Biergarten might be a better choice.

 

[leebee]

Oh, just stumbled upon this a few minutes ago. I realize that reviews can be all over the place though:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/spice-road-the-tonys-town-square-of-epcot.3769454/#post-61065817

Thanks for the link. It's morning and I wasn't searching, just focused on my own dilemma. It's hard for me to make a decision as I've had bariatric surgery so don't eat much anyhow. Also, I realized that my "vision" of Spice Road Table is of a collection of small plates and a bottle of wine (or pitcher of sangria) with DH, not the full meal that CP offers. And then there's the reviews...

As far as Biergarten goes, we go almost every trip; it's a favorite of both DH and DD. I was thinking of trying someplace different, but maybe this is the way to go. DH loves German food, and as I said, I don't eat enough to really care (but I sure do like their beer and wine). It's also early- 4pm- so I'd have to juggle the rest of my plans again. ARRGH!

 

[DISNEY1975]

Spice Rd is one of 2 TS restaurants in the 4 theme parks and all resorts I have never been to. The menu doesnt appeal to me at all and Im not hugely adventurous (Tiffins is the other).

I do like Beirgarten. Its not amazing out of this world, but definitely enjoyable and good.

 

[Christine]

Thanks for the link. It's morning and I wasn't searching, just focused on my own dilemma. It's hard for me to make a decision as I've had bariatric surgery so don't eat much anyhow. Also, I realized that my "vision" of Spice Road Table is of a collection of small plates and a bottle of wine (or pitcher of sangria) with DH, not the full meal that CP offers. And then there's the reviews...

As far as Biergarten goes, we go almost every trip; it's a favorite of both DH and DD. I was thinking of trying someplace different, but maybe this is the way to go. DH loves German food, and as I said, I don't eat enough to really care (but I sure do like their beer and wine). It's also early- 4pm- so I'd have to juggle the rest of my plans again. ARRGH!

You know, I think if you do stick to the small plates, you'll be happier than going with the entrees, which I think are their downfall. We didn't get small plates and should have. So, with that, and since Biergarten is something you always do, I might give the small plates at Spice Road a try.

 

[DSLRuser]

Biergarten

Has consistently been a family favorite for many years. Great food quality and variety.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Definitely Biergarten...we went there for CP a few years ago and it had such an awesome holiday vibe. It was decorated really nicely for the holidays and they added in some Christmas music to the performance. I remember them singing Silent Night where they covered the first verse on German (Stille Nacht) and then the audience came in after and sang along in English. We've eaten at Spice Road as well, but I think I like Biergarten a little bit better and definitely prefer the atmosphere for the holidays.

 

[Moliphino]

You know, I think if you do stick to the small plates, you'll be happier than going with the entrees, which I think are their downfall. We didn't get small plates and should have. So, with that, and since Biergarten is something you always do, I might give the small plates at Spice Road a try.

That doesn't work with the CP dinner package, though. It's appetizer, entree, dessert.

I like both restaurants and think you can't really go wrong with either one. I've had the skewers at SRT twice and enjoyed them. The chimichurri they come with is delicious.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Spice Rd is one of 2 TS restaurants in the 4 theme parks and all resorts I have never been to. The menu doesnt appeal to me at all and Im not hugely adventurous (Tiffins is the other).

I do like Beirgarten. Its not amazing out of this world, but definitely enjoyable and good.

I agree with everything here 100%. Im adventurous enough, but the menu for spice road table doesnt appeal to me at all. Although I dont eat shellfish or lamb, and thats half of the menu lol.

I do like Biergarten as well....its not amazing, but its good! It has a unique atmosphere which i like.

 

[leebee]

CP bookings are crazy; one minute they're here, the next they are gone. SOMEHOW (because this hasn't been available until right now) I snagged a dinner reservation at Biergarten on 12/24. Show is at 5, dinner at 7, and I think the fireworks will be at 9:30. Works for me! I'm going to keep looking, though, just in case anything else shows up (I like the later show, but it probably doesn't matter much)!

 

[Harambe]

CP bookings are crazy; one minute they're here, the next they are gone. SOMEHOW (because this hasn't been available until right now) I snagged a dinner reservation at Biergarten on 12/24. Show is at 5, dinner at 7, and I think the fireworks will be at 9:30. Works for me! I'm going to keep looking, though, just in case anything else shows up (I like the later show, but it probably doesn't matter much)!

Good for you! I love Germany pavilion for the Nutcrackers, Pickle ornaments, and the overall Christmas vibe - so I think it would be fantastic for your Christmas Eve dinner!