San Angel Inn - Food's Bad

[TiggerTrigger]

Yeah...San Angel is just bad. I too don't always agree with the DIS team...although, my disagreements tend to go both ways with them. There are things they really like that we thought were downright awful and still can't fathom the positive responses. Oh well, as for San Angel...living in TX, we are well versed in the difference between true Mexican cuisine and Tex Mex, so it's not ignorance that led to us thinking it was bad like some posters suggest. It was just bad. It's a neat setting, but it's cramped, the service wasn't good, and the food wasn't anything like what we've had at true Mexican places either here or in Mexico. It's been a while, but I remember it being very greasy, items were overcooked, and the quality of the ingredients was poor. I have heard much better things about La Hacienda, but we decided it's silly for us to waste our time on Mexican at WDW when we know we have so many options at home. So, I can only go on hearsay.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I agree, San Angel is bad. Generally i do agree with disunplugged team about restaurants they find bad. But hey, to each their own.

 

[bphilb]

I have it scheduled on my November trip. Like others I've been sucked in by the atmosphere and want to give it a shot. We are on the deluxe plan this trip but are going to use three TS on one of our Epcot days to try San Angel and Morocco. We figure even if one of the meals is bad we will have plenty of food for the day anyway. I'm anxious to give it a try.

 

[ChanduTail]

I have it scheduled on my November trip. Like others I've been sucked in by the atmosphere and want to give it a shot. We are on the deluxe plan this trip but are going to use three TS on one of our Epcot days to try San Angel and Morocco. We figure even if one of the meals is bad we will have plenty of food for the day anyway. I'm anxious to give it a try.

You should enjoy yourselves even if you find that the food is not great. It's such a pretty restaurant.

The restaurant in Morocco is wonderful! It's never really busy and the food is delicious. I have never had a bad meal there.

 

[Minnesota!]

Better not eat at Le Cellier:
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/inspectionDetail.asp?InspVisitID=6336215&licid=2209564

Flying Fish:
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/inspectionDetail.asp?InspVisitID=6444291&licid=2213483

Akershus:
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/inspectionDetail.asp?InspVisitID=6378274&licid=2211261

Ohana:
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/inspectionDetail.asp?InspVisitID=6385804&licid=2208268

Boathouse:
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/inspectionDetail.asp?InspVisitID=6466870&licid=6728573

Shula's:
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/inspectionDetail.asp?InspVisitID=6257313&licid=2212089

Etc.

No restaurant is perfect. California Grill was close...

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

As opposed to what? There were a number of violations:

Routine - Food 08/22/2017 Met Inspection Standards
During This Visit
More information about inspections.
1 4 4
Violations:
A summary of the violations found during the inspection are listed below. The department cites violations of Florida's sanitation and safety laws, which are based on the standards of U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Food Code. High Priority violations are those which could contribute directly to a foodborne illness or injury and include items such as cooking, reheating, cooling and hand-washing. Intermediate violations are those which, if not addressed, could lead to risk factors that contribute to foodborne illness or injury. These violations include personnel training, documentation or record keeping and labeling. Basic violations are those which are considered best practices to implement. While most establishments correct all violations in a timely manner (often during the inspection), the division's procedures are designed to compel compliance with all violations through follow-up visits, administration action or closure when necessary.
Violation Observation
51-11-4 Basic - Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured. Observed next to the beverage cooler.
36-22-4 Basic - Floor area(s) covered with heavy standing water. Observed in cook line area.
08B-13-4 Basic - Stored food not covered in walk-in freezer. Observed uncovered containers of cooked stuffed peppers stored in walk in freezer. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4 Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed in bar area and in expo area. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-01-4 High Priority - Ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed in walk in cooler. Cooked pineapples preparation dated is 8/20/17 and discard date is 08/27/17. Cut tomatoes salse preparation date is 08/21/17 and discard date is 08/28/17.
31A-02-4 Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use due to being blocked by equipment. Observed in dish machine area. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4 Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. For washing basil, observed in bar area. **Corrected On-Site**
22-16-4 Intermediate - Reach-in cooler soiled with heavy food debris/ heavy mold like substance. Observed inside reach in cooler located in cook line area. **Corrected On-Site**
53B-09-4 Intermediate - Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. **Corrected On-Site*

Typically, they are given the opportunity to address these but it doesn't make me feel any better about eating there. Shouldn't happen at any restaurant, let alone one on Disney property for the exorbitant prices paid for aspiring Taco-Bell.

I encourage you to take a look at some of the restaurants in your area. I'm guessing you'll find some that you ate at at some point that had violations.

Should we want violations? Nope not at all but it is realistic. Restaurants around here that command a $$$$$$ price tag still have violations from time to time. I'm guessing your area is similar too.

 

[BachataMan]

What did you order? You said "entrees were mediocre" but didn't mention what you ate other than the free chips and salsa?

I had the tacos de carne one time and something else I forget the name of - was a pulled pork dish that I don’t think is on the menu anymore.

 

[brertoad]

I had the tacos de carne one time and something else I forget the name of - was a pulled pork dish that I don’t think is on the menu anymore.

Interesting. We never order red meat (pork/beef/buffalo,etc.), we get their chicken mole or chicken a la rajas and quite like them. Their chicken tostadas were good too.

 

[Dash7]

We like SAI. My favorite is the short rib that's in the combination. My husband likes the pollo a las rajas and the chile relleno.

 

[North of Mouse]

So true that 'all' restaurants have violations, some much worse than others. What's beyond bad IMO is the ones that can be 'seen' from the seating area!! I would never eat out anywhere if I let my imagination think of what may be going on behind the scenes!!!

Have never eaten at the Mexican restaurants at Disney. We have checked out the menus. We don't care for the refried beans or rice, and I make my own 'non greasy' enchiladas, tacos and fajitas which are our favorites - both beef and chicken. Would rather go to the restaurants that have food I don't prepare often, or seldom, at home.

 

[captaindavidhook]

Disgusting is a better word nasty food and service

 

[gharter]

I never had a problem with their service. Our server were always attentive and friendly.
Compared to good authentic Mexican food I have had, theirs was bland. I love good mole sauce and theirs was on the flavorless side. Maybe for the crowds they serve, the food must be on the bland side to not offend the masses.

 

[gharter]

I have it scheduled on my November trip. Like others I've been sucked in by the atmosphere and want to give it a shot. We are on the deluxe plan this trip but are going to use three TS on one of our Epcot days to try San Angel and Morocco. We figure even if one of the meals is bad we will have plenty of food for the day anyway. I'm anxious to give it a try.

You should enjoy Restaurant Marrakesh . The food was excellent as was the service. The atmosphere is really nice. It was never really crowded, but did fill. The dancers were a fun addition.

 

[coast2coastmickey]

When I ordered queso fundido in the heart of non tourist Mexico on my last trip there, I died and went to heaven. We’ve had the queso at San angel inn twice now and it’s just as good as the real stuff. Those dudes in the video didn’t know what they were talking about.

 

[OneinThree]

Those dudes in the video didn’t know what they were talking about.

You'd struggle to find someone with more restaurant experience than Pete Werner who isn't a professional food critic. As far as Disney goes, you'd struggle to find a more reliable source, period. No two restaurants on property get consistently negative reviews than San Angel and Tony's. When it sucks, it sucks.

 

[NYCgrrl]

I haven't eaten (and probably won't) at any of the restaurants at Mexico Pavilion or Coronado simply because they are all operated by the same company that runs Frontera Cocina. Ate there this past December and we wont be returning. Lovely restaurant atmosphere, acceptable service, great drinks so says the man but if you cannot season a basic dish like black beans properly I want no part of what you are offering.

 

[hertamaniac]

I only tried it once, a couple of years ago, and it (food) was well below average. I don't even recall what we got, but the food there is still looking for it's flavor.

 

[David Gardner]

I've never been a fan of Mexican food in general. That being said, I've eaten at the San Angel over my last four trips, always for the mole poblano and the ambiance. Never had a problem with the service, and the food has always been at least good.

 

[Raz4back]

You'd struggle to find someone with more restaurant experience than Pete Werner who isn't a professional food critic. As far as Disney goes, you'd struggle to find a more reliable source, period. No two restaurants on property get consistently negative reviews than San Angel and Tony's. When it sucks, it sucks.

Pete has been very clear that he isn’t a fan of Mexican food. In fact, Pete wasn’t even at SAI for the review. The poster was 100% correct. Kevin thought Queso Fundido was going to be Tex Mex style Queso (cheese dip) Anyone that eats Mexican food with any regularity knows that Queso Fundido is much closer to fondue than it is to cheese dip. That’s not a knock on Kevin, Mexican food probably just isn’t his thing.

 

[Huff]

I make my own 'non greasy' enchiladas, tacos and fajitas which are our favorites - both beef and chicken. Would rather go to the restaurants that have food I don't prepare often, or seldom, at home.

I've never had enchiladas, tacos or fajitas at San Angel when we go for dinner as those are not the the focus of their menu. I like the Mole Poblano, Pollo a Las Rajas, Pescado a La Talla etc. Items I would not make at home. San Angel isn't the typical fajita, burritos, chimichanga etc. type of place you may find in your home town.