How good/bad is San Angel Inn?

[Epcotgal8]

Originally posted by DisneyKidds
I think BrianD is on to something. Show up with an empty stomach, drink lots of margaritas, and who cares what the food or service is like .

Had to lol at this. The atmosphere (while it is dark and tables a bit close together) is nice. The margaritas ARE very good!! If you're from an area that doesn't have many Mexican restaurants you may be pleased with the food. I think that those who do live in an area that have quality Mexican (authentic Mexican as well as Tex- Mex and I DON'T include Taco Bell or fast food chains in this category) restaurants will be a bit disappointed with the food. But as the previous poster mentioned after a couple of margaritas you may not care.

 

[Dee & Greg]

I love the atmosphere... with the darkness and the volcano. And, yes, do try the true Mexican food... stay away from tacos, you can get those at home! As for being crowded... it is just like a Mexican cantina.. our last trip we were seated very close to a couple (no kids, like us) from England, and they were very interesting! Half of the fun for us is meeting people from all over the world.

 

[laurens mom]

It’s hard to find a more romantic restaurant than San Angel. It’s perpetual nighttime here in this softly lit hacienda filled with flickering candle-lit tables sitting alongside the inky Rio del Tiempo. Having grown up near the border, I call myself a Mexican food aficionado and I must say that the traditional dishes here are very good. The combination plates are the most popular, but consider branching out to the wonderful meat and seafood dishes prepared in a variety of piquant sauces. Those not used to spice may be in for a bit of a surprise, hopefully a pleasant one; however, not all dishes are prepared with chiles (your waiter can recommend a dish without the heat). Of course, you must try a frosty margarita and, if you’re in luck, the fabulous Mariachi Cobre will be performing during your meal. My only disappointment was the basket of store-bought tostados served upon arrival, but the yummy red salsa accompanying it made up for the lack of authenticity.

 

[jlambrig]

Great place to go. The mole poblano is excellent. I definitely agree with going for lunch.

 

[AbercrombieNstitch]

The first time we went I must say it was ICKY!! and expensive but the atmosphere was neat. We decided to go again last year and it was much better than the first time. The kids really enjoyed watching the boaters while we ate. All in all I think it is worth it to go at least once. You gotta try it!!


.................... 14 days and counting. Yeeeha..................................

Shay

 

[webray]

The food has really improved at san angel inn. It is really delicious now...and the atmosphere just adds to the enjoyment.

 

[Took]

Maybe we're more "authentic Mexican food"-deprived than we think here in IL, but we LOVE SAI. We always do the Chef Specials (Surgencias del Chef) and have literally never been disappointed.

We do try to get the earliest PS we can (11:30?) and to turn up early so that we're one of the first seated parties. That way, we always get a table by the wateer (which helps the experience) and generally get fairly good service (maybe it's not so crowded then?). Wait staff have generally been attentive but not especially friendly. Maybe it's a policy or something...

Anyway, give SAI a try. I hope you have a great time!

Took

 

[DisneyKidds]

The first time we went I must say it was ICKY!!

The food has really improved at san angel inn.

Just goes to show that you never really know what you are going to get when you go there. Our experience is the opposite of these two statements. The first time we went to SAI (almost 12 years ago) the food was very good and we really enjoyed the restaurant. Last time we went (6 months ago) it was not so good and the food wasn't as good as I remembered it to be. However, the great atmosphere hadn't changed. I do agree........................

All in all I think it is worth it to go at least once.

It may be hit or miss - you may love it, you may hate it. You never know unless you give it a try. The atmosphere alone makes it worth the risk that the food might not be to your liking.

 

[WDW2000]

The food wasn't terrible, just O.K, but we eat there every trip because of the atmosphere - best atmosphere of any WDW restaurant (IMO) . I would suggest going for lunch instead of dinner because the prices are very reasonable for lunch. I think the SAI is a must do restaurant at least once.

 

[Misti]

I'd recommend a late lunch or very early dinner. The tables are very close and you may enjoy the meal more during "off-peak" times when the restaurant isn't packed. Another bonus for lunch is lower menu prices. Sometimes, lunch seating can be as late as 4PM. You'll end up having an "early" dinner and you can save room for those yummy Epcot snacks across World Showcase.

Overall, the atmosphere is what sells me on the San Angel Inn. I'd say the good is mediocre, overall.

Happy Planning!

 

[disneybud]

Heck the food there was better than the Biergarten!

We had a PS at SAI our last trip. Bypassed a huge line. Made us feel great right there. I thought the food was good. The atmosphere was great. And after you eat you can just hop on the boat ride. We loved it!

 

[Pete W.]

Just called this morning for tuesday, Aug. 19 and attempted to get PS for 11:30 and was told that 12:00 is earliest. I don't know if that means SAI is now not opening until 12, or they open at 11:30 but don't accept PS until 12. I know I've gotten PS before 12 for other WS restaurants, but we've never eaten at SAI so I don't know if this is a change in policy or SOP.

 

[Belle5]

I have not been able to get any lunch PS's before noon this trip. Even places I used to be able to get in at 11:15 or 11:30. I've been asking if the earlier time slots have already been taken and they tell me no. Noon is when the restaurant starts serving. Weird!