Recommendations at the Boathouse

[kbmartin]

My DH and I are going to try the Boathouse on our next visit, and I am looking for some recommendations.

I was wondering if there are any dishes you would highly recommend. We will not be on the dining plan. We like seafood and would probably pick that over steak, unless there is an extra special, amazing steak dish. For reference, we love the full steamed lobster at Narcoossee's and love eating fresh fish in general. We will not get dessert at the restaurant as there are other desserts we would like to have at Disney Springs.

Also, I have read that the Boathouse can be pretty busy and loud. I don't mind this, but I also don't want to be seated right on top of another group. Should we request a place to sit? Since we are going in August, we probably wouldn't sit outside due to the heat.

Finally, would lunch or dinner be a better option? Tell me about the ambiance during either of those times.

Thanks!

 

[cgattis]

We went for lunch and there was basically zero ambience IMO. The food was good, but I can't even tell you what we had. Do make a point of walking around the docks and looking at all the vintage boats; that was the highlight for me.

 

[NYCgrrl]

As far as seafood and fish these are the dishes we've had and enjoyed so far:

a bucket of steamers
fried calamari (ask for the sauce to be put on the side). Perfectly golden brown, not over breaded and tender.
various goodies from the raw bar. The last time we were there we ordered a dozen house oysters on the half shell. I would strongly recommend you bypass the house oysters and order named varieties like Wellsfleet. The house oysters were meaty but too briny. As usual the various homemade sauces were quite good w/ a particular nod to the cucumber mignonette at least as my preferences go; the man preferred the horseradish.
steamed mussels
fish tacos
a house special which was a broiled white fish with a lemon, parsley, and butter sauce.

Still haven't tried the lobster, scallops or crab in any form but but there's still time. Apparently we are trying to eat our way through the entire menu, LOL.
As for the decor? I enjoyed it and found it thematically on point, from the herringbone wood floors to the rafter ceilings that resemble the keel of a ship, and boat table in between. Reminded me of a restaurant we ate at on the Atlantic shore of Rhode Island. We've only ever eaten either on the outdoor patio or the room adjoining it, but there are several dining areas so maybe wander around a bit while waiting to be seated and find an area you prefer. You can also eat at the bar if you like.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

I went for lunch once and got a turkey sandwich. It was OK, but I didn't feel it was worth the price. Even though I like nautical theming, I'm not a big fan of this place. Haven't been there for dinner.

 

[monorailmom]

We love the Boathouse! Can highly recommend the Lobster Roll and the Dockside buckets.

 

[rosetava]

I had the lobster it was good. Nothing to rave about but then again I’m a New Englander.

 

[pmurph]

We have been three times and going for a fourth time this month!

My husband and teenage son enjoy the variety of oysters!
Off the menu...lobster mac and cheese...delicious!
Coriander ahi tuna....delicious!

Love the nautical environment and being on the water!

 

[Deb & Bill]

The lobster cocktail was very good. Similar to a shrimp cocktail, only lobster. I really liked the Baked Crab Stuffed Lobster. When I finish with it, only the shell is left. Prepare to get messy, but it is worth it. The two times we ate there, that was all I ordered. I wanted to make sure I enjoyed it fully. The Oscar Style Filet Mignon is also really good.

I agree with rosetava, though, Maine lobster is less expensive and really, really good. We never lived there but visited twice just for the lobster. But then, we are eating outside at a picnic table instead of at a table with a tablecloth in a nice dining room.

 

[hereforthechurros]

The lump crab + avocado dish was outstanding. Also recommend the oysters. From the service to the food and being on the water we really enjoyed Boathouse.

 

[Hisgirl]

I always eat at least two rolls but be warned they are sooo good and sooo filling. I like the blue cheese wedge with tomatos and bacon. It's huge and so very good! I also order the avocado and crab meat and add 2 cortez shrimp on the side. The shrimp are $4 each and fabulous. I think next time I'll just order more shrimp and leave off the crab.

Under the sandwich section of the menu you will see sliders. You get two of those rolls with sliced filet mignon and I must say, it is so very good. It's just the right about of meat for me and fork tender.

Husband loves the oysters too.

 

[ncc1701]

We had dinner there on our last trip. We shared the Lobster Bisque and Caesar Salad to start. Then we did the Coconut Shrimp and the Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Mac n Cheese. We really enjoyed our meal. Chances are that lunch will be quieter than dinner. We were in the area with the bar and it was tight seating but no worst than many restaurants at WDW .

 

[NYCgrrl]

I had the lobster it was good. Nothing to rave about but then again I’m a New Englander.

"Better than Cape May?" said in my most innocent voice, LOL.

I don't knock myself out for lobster far from home but I sure wish I was in FL more frequently during stone crab and conch season. Would love to see what a chef at WDW did with them.

 

[NicoleLarson]

I've eaten here twice and have loved everything. The buckets are great, I've had the shrimp and the fish. The fish tacos are wonderful but they are pretty spicy. The crab cake was good but not great. The truffle fries are my favorite item. I haven't been through the whole restaurant but I don't think there's a quite table....anywhere. We always eat dinner there and have always been placed at a great table outside. I don't think I would eat inside unless it's extremely hot/cold or raining.

 

[Deb & Bill]

"Better than Cape May?" said in my most innocent voice, LOL.

I don't knock myself out for lobster far from home but I sure wish I was in FL more frequently during stone crab and conch season. Would love to see what a chef at WDW did with them.

If they have stone crab during season, I'd bet they would be listed as Market Price. Those things are expensive.

 

[LovesTimone]

We love the boathouse, and have eaten here several times.

The blue point oysters are soooooo good... expensive but soooo good. I have had the lobster roll and it was good, lots of meat but really wet, and I like a well toasted bun and that's more of a preference. The wedge salad while kinda old school bit is really done well. Cedar Salmon good it was a bit over cooked but still tasty. My favorite there is the crab cake, simply done but really good. DH has gotten the Shrimp and grits, and the Filet Mignon Oscar style both of these are his fav. We share a side, So far we have tried, the asparagus which he loved and I really wasn't into it... again just my preference. Brussel sprouts, I really enjoyed them he was like so so on the dish. One dish we do agree on is the mac and cheese...

It's crazy busy here... dinning later around 8:30pm on while still busy you the crowd is more adults and less younger kiddos, or go for a early dinner hitting around 4 to 5 mark. You must have dinning reservations... I have yet to see a walk up while we are there. Be prepared to wait even with reservations, due to the weather...

 

[NYCgrrl]

We love the boathouse, and have eaten here several times.

The blue point oysters are soooooo good... expensive but soooo good. I have had the lobster roll and it was good, lots of meat but really wet, and I like a well toasted bun and that's more of a preference. The wedge salad while kinda old school bit is really done well. Cedar Salmon good it was a bit over cooked but still tasty. My favorite there is the crab cake, simply done but really good. DH has gotten the Shrimp and grits, and the Filet Mignon Oscar style both of these are his fav. We share a side, So far we have tried, the asparagus which he loved and I really wasn't into it... again just my preference. Brussel sprouts, I really enjoyed them he was like so so on the dish. One dish we do agree on is the mac and cheese...

It's crazy busy here... dinning later around 8:30pm on while still busy you the crowd is more adults and less younger kiddos, or go for a early dinner hitting around 4 to 5 mark. You must have dinning reservations... I have yet to see a walk up while we are there. Be prepared to wait even with reservations, due to the weather...

Never had a salad there we didn't like and the wedge is one of my favs with or w/o bacon.

I have to say I noted the lobster roll is made with large chunks of meat instead of slivers but I'm a CT lobstah roll aficionado; yes to lightly toasted split top and nothing but melted buttah and meat.

Yes, definitely busy in the evenings..I read an article in a Orlando paper (Sentinel?) that said DS in general and Boathouse specifically had become a weekend draw for the locals. Water, live music, and good food- why not?

 

[bwang123]

I had a Caesar salad which was $8. Then I told them I wanted 6 shrimp.... turned into a $32 Caesar Salad.
It was really good though.

 

[LovesTimone]

Never had a salad there we didn't like and the wedge is one of my favs with or w/o bacon.

I have to say I noted the lobster roll is made with large chunks of meat instead of slivers but I'm a CT lobstah roll aficionado; yes to lightly toasted split top and nothing but melted buttah and meat.

Yes, definitely busy in the evenings..I read an article in a Orlando paper (Sentinel?) that said DS in general and Boathouse specifically had become a weekend draw for the locals. Water, live music, and good food- why not?

Your right on the locals, we love it.... We Uber over to Disney Springs for dinner and downtime on the weekends sometimes, as going into the parks when its this humid is absolutely miserable. I always try for a couple of spots, Boathouse, Morimoto, Can't wait to try the new Italian spot.. Terralina I think... Not sure on the spelling. The previous restaurant was a favorite. When we meet DD, DGS, and DSil, T-REX is our stop to go... he's three and Dino's rule right now...

 

[LovesTimone]

I had a Caesar salad which was $8. Then I told them I wanted 6 shrimp.... turned into a $32 Caesar Salad.
It was really good though.

They more that likely got the shrimp out of the front case at the end of the bar where the oyster are...Pricey but good... We have done them for appetizers to share if the blue points oyster are not available. I think you can get cooked ones from the kitchen... We went with another couple and she ordered the Wedge with the addition of shrimp from the kitchen, not sure what the price point on that was. She really enjoyed it.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

The tuna poke is one of my favorite dishes anywhere. Depending on the time of day, the dockside bar on the water can be comfortable, even in summer, thanks to ceiling fans and breeze. Have fun!