Review - Biergarten

[mdelano4]

It was our first time there, except for myself who was there 25 years ago (before buffet). Let me preface these comments by saying inconsistency is a staple of dining at the World. At any given restaurant, some nights can be good and some not so much.

As a rule we enjoy the buffets, but this is one we will not go back to. Got about 10 minutes of the show before they went on break. Overall, the food was a big disappointment. The three kinds of german sausages with sauerkraut were good. The rest of the meat was way overcooked and dry (beyond sauce help).

The desserts, on the other hand, were absolutely delicious. That being said, it's a bit pricey for a "dessert" meal.

Let me also say this was the only unsatisfactory meal we had out of 8. I will post the other reviews in the coming days.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I agree with you. I was at biergarten last week and I wasnt very impressed either. After reading positive reviews from most ppl on this board, I guess i expected more. Some of their meat texture was strange. Like their meatloaf, it was like a hotdog texture. WTH? I didnt like the taste either. One of their sausages had way too much garlic. Im glad i tried it, and the entertainment was good, so was the desserts (although i find their selection kinda pathetic)....but i wont be going back.

I have to say thou, I remember reading from many on this board that the seating arrangement was odd, they felt uncomfortable, etc etc. This was so not the case with us. I am a very social person, so maybe thats why i didnt find it uncomfortable, ditto for my son. We had a great time chatting with the folks at our table.

 

[Coconuts]

Sorry about your disappointing meal. I agree, the food at Biergarten was so so, and by far not my favorite at WDW. But the show totally made up for that, and my kids had so much fun they insisted we return on our next trip. We also came part way through the show, but then wound up being there for the beginning of the next show.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I have to mention, before going to biergarten for the first time last week, it cracked me up when people tried to convince me how amazing and fun that place is by indicating how much their children loved to dance at that place. I have an 11 yr old PRE-TEEN boy who is so picky about "his image"...you think a pre-teen boy like him would be up there dancing? hahahaha. Not a chance! I can see how much fun it is for 3-5yr old little girls thou. While there, I asked him jokingly if he wanted to dance. He gave me the "are you kidding me?" look. hahahahaha. You had to have been there. It was priceless.

 

[RMulieri]

Wow..Suprising ...We have always had fantastic meals here.As for the band, we always seem to get seated late and miss them entirely or only hear 5 mins or so of their set.

 

[vettegirl]

We have eaten there several times and the last time the meat was way to dry for us. We decided we had enough and went to Tutto Italiainstead. This next trip we are trying Rose and Crown!

 

[Edgehopper]

Once you have a liter of beer, you'll be a lot less judgmental about the food...

 

[princessSunshine]

It's too bad some of you had a bad experience with the food at Biergarten. My family really likes it and it's a must do every year, but I guess all places have off nights

 

[mom2princesses2]

It's a must-do for my DH every trip but he loves German food. I've always had a good meal there too and enjoy the whole atmosphere.

Sorry it wasn't so good for you.

 

[Pats Dragon]

We have always loved biergarten and found the food good to wonderful. We are fond of the beer and the ambiance.

 

[Bellamouse]

We love it too. So much that you can't normally get like spaetzle, red cabbage and all the different salads - herring, beet, cucumber, etc. I can't remember what all else - haven't been since 08 but we love the Biergarten! But we are germans, so maybe that helps Sorry you were disappointed!

 

[Bellamouse]

I agree with you. I was at biergarten last week and I wasnt very impressed either. After reading positive reviews from most ppl on this board, I guess i expected more. Some of their meat texture was strange. Like their meatloaf, it was like a hotdog texture. WTH? I didnt like the taste either. One of their sausages had way too much garlic. Im glad i tried it, and the entertainment was good, so was the desserts (although i find their selection kinda pathetic)....but i wont be going back.

I have to say thou, I remember reading from many on this board that the seating arrangement was odd, they felt uncomfortable, etc etc. This was so not the case with us. I am a very social person, so maybe thats why i didnt find it uncomfortable, ditto for my son. We had a great time chatting with the folks at our table.

What they call "meatloaf" is really not meatloaf, that's why it was strange. You probably had something called "leberkaese" which is in a loaf shape, but it's more like bologna which is probably why you thought it tasted like a hot dog. It's definitely a very popular German item, but if you're expecting American meatloaf (which, who wouldn't unless you know what it is?) then I think they've set you up to be disappointed becuase you're not going to get what you think. I wish they would label things better. Maybe German food is an acquired taste? Although I have to admit, leberkaese is not my favorite thing either - give me Sauerbraten! That's my favorite - pickled roast beef.....

 

[Coconuts]

Once you have a liter of beer, you'll be a lot less judgmental about the food...

True that.

 

[goofyintoronto]

What they call "meatloaf" is really not meatloaf, that's why it was strange. You probably had something called "leberkaese" which is in a loaf shape, but it's more like bologna which is probably why you thought it tasted like a hot dog. It's definitely a very popular German item, but if you're expecting American meatloaf (which, who wouldn't unless you know what it is?) then I think they've set you up to be disappointed becuase you're not going to get what you think. I wish they would label things better. Maybe German food is an acquired taste? Although I have to admit, leberkaese is not my favorite thing either - give me Sauerbraten! That's my favorite - pickled roast beef.....

Ah I see. Makes sense now. I know what you mean. Dont get me wrong, there were plenty of items that were delish. I enjoyed the fave items i had on my plate. But its one of those things, been there done that. No need to go back. Know what i mean? Only cause i like trying new things, and until i try everything, I will try not to repeat a restaurant unless it knocks my socks off.

One more thing, I dont get the big deal about spaetzle. its nothing special to me, but everyone seems to drool over it. Its like a plain noodle.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

mdelano4: What time was your ressie? Just wondering if the food is "dryed-out" later at lunch and dinner.

 

[Villains_Rock]

I have always loved Biergarten. From the beer to the food to the entertainment and atmosphere. It is really very hard for me to book elsewhere. This year we are trying Rose and Crown, however I had asked everybody in our group twice if they were sure they wanted Rose and Crown. Nobody really had an oppinion so it was up to me to keep it...and it was hard. Like PP said...we are German and I grew up on German food. We have limited places that serve German food here and even when we find it in this are it seems to be a Polish twist on German food (large Polish community in the Cleveland area).

Just wished everybody loved it as much as we do

 

[GeorgeG]

I really like the Beirgarten back when it was menu service and was disappointed when it went buffet. Still, I think the buffet was one of the best for many years and has slipped only in recent years along with many Disney restaurants. I still enjoy the Beirgarten for the atmosphere and entertainment and can still find more than enough good food at the buffet. I agree that the food tastes better after a liter of beer. Ein Prosit!

 

[mdelano4]

I have always loved Biergarten. From the beer to the food to the entertainment and atmosphere. It is really very hard for me to book elsewhere. This year we are trying Rose and Crown, however I had asked everybody in our group twice if they were sure they wanted Rose and Crown. Nobody really had an oppinion so it was up to me to keep it...and it was hard.

No worries. We did R&C as well (in fact I did a review on a separate thread) and absolutely loved it. Wasn't even a close call for us.

Enjoy!!

 

[mickeysbestfriend]

Biergarten every other trip unless we have a newbie in the group then they get initaited.

We love the food.....that said...there are items that are inconsistent from trip to trip but I love German sausages and they are about as close to what I had in the Biergartens there.

Even my picky wife finds plenty of things on the buffet that she likes.

I remember when it was table service, but I left still hungry and now I NEVER leave hungry...

bill

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Our Ratings of Biergarten: (rev 5/11/11)
. . . food price value: C
. . . food quality: C
. . . food quantity per serving: A
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: C
. . . seating quantity: B
. . . seating comfort: C
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: B
. . . staff friendliness: C
. . . staff helpfulness: B
. . . characters: B (entertainment, not characters)

NOTE: Seating is on long beer-hall tables , so
other families will be seated with you. Although
entertainment at lunch and dinner, the dinner
show is far more fun. Epcot likes to Americanize
its food, Biergarten remains relatively authentic.
It is good, average comfort food. Do not expect
gourmet.