Dining with a steak focus - stuck on final choice (STK vs Boathouse)

[GillianP1301]

My son (11) and I travel to WDW each August. Last year, I decided to add a bit of a theme to each trip. Last year was #saveroomfordessert where we enjoyed all of the dessert parties offered, including MNSSHP.

This year, our them is #raisethesteaks and we plan on enjoying more than our share of red meat. My son is insane for steak, especially filet mignon. I'm stuck on my last selection. Here's what I have so far...

Yachtsman - no brainer, we have enjoyed this restaurant every year for the 5 last years.

Flying Fish - not a steakhouse, but the filet we had there last year was so good, that my son declared it his 2nd favourite ever, after Yachtsman, so it has now become a must do.

Le Cellier - not the best, but still pretty good and it's on the list because it's convenient for one of our in park lunches

Shula's - we are on the dining plan, but I have read nothing but incredible reviews so I am finally sucking it up and adding to the list paying OOP. Super excited for this one!

That brings me to our 5th and final choice. I don't have another open dinner spot to book both of these. I had originally booked STK, but I'm reading reviews about how it is very loud and I'm not sure it would be the best for a mom and younger son meal. I started to think Boathouse might be a better option. I have never eaten there and I'm reading pretty decent reviews on their steaks.

Anybody have any input or feedback on the STK vs Boathouse decision?

Please don't try to tell me that I'm eating too much steak on my vacation or that it's too many big meals, etc... I'm aware that I'm a bit crazy.

 

[smcabee]

I liked STK steak better than Boathouse steak. As far as the noise factor if you go early to STK the noise really isnt too bad. The first time we went we ate at 8:30pm and it was like a night club. The second time we at at 6pm and it was just like a normal restaurant.

 

[ncc1701]

Can't comment on the steaks at Boathouse but we enjoyed our meal ( had seafood). It is cramped and noisy but there are a lot of families . More like a park TS than a place like Yatchmans.

 

[epcotobsessed]

This is not what you asked but Yachtsman is my absolute favorite and the two other best steaks I've had at Disney were at Jiko and Tokyo Dining, both filets. Just throwing that out there - I think either is worth the trip and maybe a good tie breaker if you can't decide between STK and Boathouse (haven't been to either, sorry).

 

[NYCgrrl]

Boathouse serves a beautiful Porterhouse steak for 2 as well as a quite nice NY steak and fries entree. Can't speak on the filet since we tend to prefer steaks with a beefier taste.The restaurant is huge with several dining areas so chose where you want to eat and let your server know. We prefer the water view areas generally.

STK Orlando is not on my list to try as we've already eaten there at the original in NYC. Yes, it's loud and at least back home most go there to be seen not for the food.

 

[DisneyGirlMI]

Have not eaten at STK, but we really liked our steaks at the Boathouse. We had the porterhouse for two and it was excellent.

 

[lorilclevelandrn]

I recommend Day #5, Jiko. We had a fantastic steak here in December. U don’t have to worry about the noise, the resort is beautiful, and service top notch! What a fun idea.., kudos to U!! Ur son will remember this forever and most likely carry on the “themed” tradition w/ his kids one day

 

[lorilclevelandrn]

My husband wants me to have u check out The Bull and Bear @ Waldorf. He said u can thank him later. I know, sorry. I’m recommending steak restaurants not on ur list, but those 2 along w/ Shula’s are fantastic.

 

[Pygoplites]

in this case. STK is probably a better choice. It would be an interesting contrast between a classic steakhouse (Shula's) and a modern, night-clubby steakhouse. STK should actually be quieter than Boathouse if you book an early dinner.

Boathouse has good-quality steaks because they are Gibson's (famous Chicago steakhouse), but their focus seems to be more on seafood/other entrees. But STK sources excellent meat, too.

I agree with the PP regarding Jiko. Every filet I've had there has been perfect (better than Le Cellier, more consistent than Yachtsman, and a beautiful restaurant). Bull & Bear may be the best of all, but it is not on DDP and even more expensive and formal than Shula's.

What a fun culinary adventure for your son!

 

[GillianP1301]

I appreciate everyone's input. Jiko wasn't even on my radar, but the positive comments have me thinking of that instead. I'm not a huge fan of Disney Springs, so no big loss for me to cut that from my plan and we have no other plans for dining at AKL this trip, so it may just fit the bill. I'm also going to keep the Bull & Bear recommendation in my back pocket for a future trip. I'm already paying OOP for Shula's while on the dining plan and don't really want to add a 2nd pricey OOP meal, so I'll save that up for next time around. Thanks!