Should I cancel our ADRs for lunch at San Angel Inn?

[lntsmom]

I have seen a lot of controversy about the food there. Now another site has posted an article in which it is singled out as the sole World Showcase restaurant that should be avoided.

Is it really that bad? We can grab something at the Electric Umbrella if so. I was booking it partially for the food, partially for the setting. (We thought it would be similar to Blue Bayou.)

Be honest, is this an ADR to cancel?

 

[Belle4mygrl]

I have been there twice. I don't think the food is avoidable. Not great not outstanding but ok. I think the amount of food for the value is bad.
nice atmostphere.

 

[F1Julie]

I haven't gotten around to eating there yet, but it's on the list. Even if the food isn't that great, the atmosphere is beautiful. I'd still go. You hear good and bad reviews about every WDW restaurant on these boards.

 

[ForeverDance]

We went there the last 2 years and have an ADR for lunch there again for this trip. The atmosphere is great. I find the food just okay but ds and dh really seem to like it.

 

[pinkminnie]

We just got back from the "World" on Monday, and I am planning to post a review of San Angel when I get the time. Just to let you know, of all the places we ate at (and we hit a lot places in about 9 days), we felt the San Angel was the best overall restaurant that we had. The food was fresh, hot, and delicious. The service was wonderfully friendly, and the atmosphere was not to be beaten. The manager of the restaurant made his way around to check that we were satisfied with everything (I always appreciate that). I had also read the recent reviews, but we decided to give it a chance anyway. We LOVED it and will definitely be eating there again next year. We ate at the House of Blues (one of my favorites) and paid nearly twice as much for the meal, and it was absolutely horrible. I was so disappointed. So, give San Angel a chance, you may be really surprised.

 

[Pakey]

I think it's the worst food we've ever had at Disney. But as I say that, please note that I'm from California and we have real Mexican food here on every corner. A lot of the reviews from people who think it's awful are like me and reside in parts of the country where this is common food for us. If you are expecing authentic Mexican or Tex-Mex, you will be disappointed. If not, you may love it.

I think anything is worth trying once regardless of what others say about it. If everyone truly hated it, I'm sure it would have been closed by now.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I also thought that our dinner here a few years ago was the worst meal we have ever had at Disney. That is relative though because even though it is the worst meal we've had on Disney property, it is certainly not the worst meal I have ever had. Our waiter was just awful ... slow, no personality. Our food came out cold and he was nasty about taking it back. The 2nd time wasn't much better but we ate it anyhow. Food was Ok ... not great but not awful. The atmosphere though is wonderful.

DS and I want to try it again this trip hoping that our first experience was not the norm. We are going for lunch, not dinner. Hopefully it will be a better experience for us.

It has been said before on the Dis, everyone has their likes and dislikes and there are usually as many good as bad reviews for any restaurant. So I say try it. You may end up having the best meal of your trip. If not, it is a beautiful restaurant. That is how we are looking at it.

 

[jtn]

Dining is a very subjective experience. That being said we ate there last week and had a very good meal.

We arrived about 5PM and were seated quickly one row back from the water. The wait staff was very attentive, brought the chips and salsa with our drinks fairly fast. The meals that we chose were the Plato Mexicano for myself and the Filete Motuleno for my bride. My steak looked like a strip cut. It was not the most tender that I have ever had but it was as flavorful as any I have ever eaten. The other items, a Chicken Enchilada and Beef Flauta were also good. Karens' steak was more tender than mine and she also pronounced it very tasty. Her plantains were also better than average.
The only downside of the meal was the drinks. I ordered Sangria for us and it was barely drinkable. Kind of bitter tasting.

Next to our table was a group of three ladies who also ordered the Plato Mexicano as I did. One finished the whole thing and pronounced it very good. The other two ate the mexican portions but only a bit of the steak. They told the waiter that they liked it but it was just too much.. Don't know if that was true or if they were just being polite.

I too have had some really nasty meals in the past at San Angel but it seems they have made a real effort to turn their operation around. I would eat there again without hesitation. As another poster pointed out maybe it was because we are from Indiana and do not have "real" Tex Mex here. All I know is that for the most part we enjoyed our meal and would come back.

 

[tinkerb]

First, I like to try each place for myself and make my own decisions. Its easy to read others "2 cents worth", but I would suggest trying it once. I have had some great meals there, and you will love the atmosphere as well.

 

[Conan the Librarian]

We've eaten at SAI several times and have enjoyed it every time!

The food is more traditional Mexican food as opposed to say Taco Bell, so, if you are looking for a taco, go to Taco Bell. If you want a nice meal (steak and the like) you will find SAI quite nice.

 

[RMulieri]

Try to remember that a persons review of a restaurant is entirely subjective.I personally dislike San Angels BUT that is only my opinion.I think it warrants a try at least once.

 

[lntsmom]

Thank you for the honest input!

I guess we'll go ahead and give it a try! I grew up in the Southwest, but have found that everyone has their own definition of what true Mexican food is.

It sounds like the most important thing is to hope we get a decent waiter! As long as the environment is entertaining and there are chips my boys will be happy!

Thank you for the input!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I've found the food there similar to Don Pablo's and the atmosphere is terrific. A nice cool nightime place at noon in Fl. Really unique.

That said. Since they got the sponsoship from Tostito's that is the chips and salsa that they serve. Bleh. My house brand is tastier. That is my "chip" on my shoulder. Taco bell has better chips.