Is the San Angel Inn Really That Bad?

[SeeJackRunn]

We're running out of places to go in the World Showcase and love mexican food, yet we've been hesitant to try this place due to negative reviews. Should we give it a shot or skip it? Would you go to the Rose and Crown instead?

Thanks

 

[FireDancer]

I had a good meal there. It wasn't spectacular but I enjoyed the food and I loved the atmosphere. The food is a bit more authentic then the standard Tex-Mex that most Mexican restaurants serve but I wouldn't call it completely authentic.

I would rate it higher then Rose and Crown and would say give it a try. Restaurant experiences are so subjective that taking my, or anyone's, word is a crap-shoot. I could sit next to you, order the same meal prepared the same way, and have a completely different experience based on my expectations, criteria for liking a meal, and pallet.

 

[MissionMouse]

I guess I would start by saying that you can find negative reviews regarding 5 star restaurants too. We have dined at San Angel Inn many times and always had great dining experiences. Mexican, Italian, etc have a large range of ethnic variations too, so people have expectations of a specific type of Mexican...from Tex Mex, Santa Fe, Taco Bell to Mexico City.

I would also note that Disney food is above the average amusement park food you find at other parks, but guest experiences are definately impacted by their server and who may be working in the kitchen the day you dine.

I would give it a try unless you prefer another types of cusine. Personally, for us Rose & Crown is a great place for drinks, but find their food offerings less than inspiring.

 

[jennylyn_b]

I know that San Angel Inn has gotten a ton of bad reviews but to be completely honest, we have never had a bad meal, bad service or bad table. The food has always been fresh and tasty (yes, the tortilla chips are from a bag but who cares? the salsa is great). Our servers have always been attentive and quick to refill drinks, etc...

Its one of our favorites and we love mexican food!

 

[OKW Lover]

Ummm, yeah it is that bad.

Take a look at the dining reviews here on the DIS and compare them to just about any other restaurant around World Showcase for comparison.

While its certainly true that even a 5* restaurant will get bad reviews; and its also true that even a 1* will get good reviews, when you look at the overall ratings you'll see that SAI is lower than the others.

Now, as Kevin says on the PodCast, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try it. Your opinion is what counts here so go ahead. And let us know what you thought afterwards.

 

[WillieBearsMom]

My husband and I loved San Angel Inn. It was our favorite meal out of a 7 day trip to Disney in December. This is only time we've been there, but we thought it was excellent.

We were both disgusted with Rose and Crown, food and atmosphere. We went there in December as well, and had an awful experience.

Of course, these are only our opinions, but I would definitely return to SAI.

 

[Pakey]

We have eaten at all but 5 TS restaurants at WDW and SAI is one of two that we will not return to (we always give every place 2 tries and this place failed both times).

I don't care that it doesn't taste like the Mexican food I'm used to here in California or in Mexico, I care that it doesn't taste good.

 

[catne]

Guess it really is very subjective, but we liked it in Sept. 2009. Link to my review is below, with some pictures (SAI is on page 4/post 46)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2255028&page=4

 

[PlutoLuvr]

We ate at San Angel last week for the first time. We'd been to Disney hundreds of times, but never went here because of its reputation.

We thought it was awesome.

The chips are no longer from a bag. And the salsa is freshly made. It's the same you get in the tequila bar next door.

We were seated promptly at our ADR time, got a nice center table about two rows in from the river. Our server quickly took our drink orders from us -- the margarita menu is pretty much the same as the tequila bar from next door, too -- and returned quickly with hot fresh chips, salsa and our drinks.

We ordered the guacamole which was also very obviously made fresh with micro cilantro greens nestled on top, as well as the crab tortillas for our appetizer. Both were outstanding.

The three of us (my mother, hubby and I) all ordered the mahi for our entree. The portions were huge. None of us could finish. The fish was cooked perfectly.

Now, granted, we like all forms of Mexican cuisine. San Angel reminded me of a very high-end, authentic, "expensive" Mexican restaurant. This is not a mom and pop dive type place (no disrespect to mom & pop dives ... we love them, too!).

Interestingly, we weren't so impressed with the food at Rose & Crown. I doubt we'll return there for anything other than the beer cart. But San Angel is now on our must-do list. Everything we ordered was fresh, fresh, fresh.

 

[zhazhazsu]

Dh and I had a very good lunch there in January. I ordered the chicken enchiladas, with a green sauce, very tender and tasty with great smokey chicken filling.

Dh ordered a strip steak and said it was on par with the steak he got at Le Cellier.

 

[tink&stitchsmom]

We ate there last fall. It wasn't our best meal, but it was still pretty good. We all really enjoyed the atmosphere - it was a great way to get out of the heat midday.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I would rate it higher then Rose and Crown and would say give it a try. Restaurant experiences are so subjective that taking my, or anyone's, word is a crap-shoot. I could sit next to you, order the same meal prepared the same way, and have a completely different experience based on my expectations, criteria for liking a meal, and pallet.

To support your point, I love Rose & Crown, and would rate it well above San Angel. I love the pub style, though I've never eaten outside, so I might have a different opinion of the atmosphere if I did.

 

[TDC Nala]

I have no problem with San Angel. They no longer serve bagged chips. It's the same chips they serve at Cava del Tequila and they cook them.

I like the Aztec soup but I've never seen anyone else say they like it. It's been on the menu a long time though

 

[walt's assistant]

Now, as Kevin says on the PodCast, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try it. Your opinion is what counts here so go ahead. And let us know what you thought afterwards.

Right!

DW and I love San Angel, one of our favorite all-around dining spots at Epcot (food+atmosphere+service).

Over the years we've dined in almost every TS restaurant in Epcot and can honestly say that none of them were what we would call "bad". And we've had "bad" many times outside of WDW.

So do let us know what YOU think!!!

 

[cheryterese]

We had a fantastic time there. I wouldn't say it was our best meal ever, or the best Mexican food we've eaten, but we would go again. In my opinion, the atmosphere can't be beat. We think it's so cool in there! We were seated right by the river so the kids were very entertained throughout dinner watching the boats go by and waving to people. They also went on the ride once while we were waiting to get seated, so that helped pass the time.

As for the food, we're vegetarians so I can't comment on the meat entrees. We ordered the guacamole when we sat down and thought it was fantastic. We loved their salsa that came out complimentary with the chips too (and just a note, the guacamole came with a whole other basket of chips). Dh and I also got the frozen rainbow margaritas and thought they were really yummy. Dh liked his so much that he got two (I'm a slower frozen drinker).

For dinner we each had their vegetarian plate which was refried beans and grilled vegetables over a flour tortilla. Very yummy and a huge portion. The kids had bean burritos and rice and ate everything. Our waitress was very friendly. We had a great time!

 

[Nadjalu]

In my opinion NO it is not bad, not bad at all.

We enjoy our meals there. They are always cooked to order and very tasty.
I think many people are disappointed because we are used to more TEX MEX style which San Angel Inn is NOT.
It is more traditional dishes, and not known very well to the mass public.

I know I was a bit shocked, but I learned about it before going, not when I sat down and they placed my food in front of me.

I will say the atmosphere is the best in any of the parks. It is very romantic and relaxing. Yes there can be kids and a bit of noise, but it is still relaxing. The movement of light and water along the "river" is peaceful.

I say you will find good and bad about EVERY restaurant at WDW, if the menu appeals to you........GO judge for yourself.

 

[DrMomof3]

We ate there in May, 2009. It was me, DH and 3 young children ages 5 and under. We were sitting right next to the "river." The children LOVED the atmosphere. I thought the restaurant was beautiful and fairly peaceful (for a Disney restaurant). We enjoyed our food and loved the margaritas. It's not typical Tex-Mex but we liked that. The kids would happily return there (as would we!). We did have an early dinner seating (I think 5:30pm reservations?) because my kids go to bed early.

Amanda

 

[budbeerlady]

I would pick Rose and Crown. We ate at San Angel in August because it was on the list of places we had never been. It was alright. It just wasnt good if that makes sense. It was edible but nothing wonderful. Dh said his steak was very bland and my vegetrian meal was alot of veggies. (Makes sense but it was hard to eat, I asked for some tortillas to help scoop it up.)

We did it once and most likely will not be back again with all the other great places to eat at Epcot.

 

[fireman1]

We ate there last Feb and we will be eating there again in two weeks.

 

[topmonkeygirl]

I love it, DH not so much. I love authentic foods, he likes the bland meat and potatoes standard fare. Yuck. We're so opposite. It all depends on what your taste is, at least give it a try it may be your new fav!