Shula's or Yahtsman's... GO!

[Disfan1968]

Grandparents will be watching our kids for the evening, so just the wife and I. I know Shula's is dimly lit and football oriented. We'd really like feedback on the food itself most specifically, but any general comments regarding service, etc. are always welcome too. Looking for feedback especially from people that have been to both locations if possible. Thanks in advance!

 

[jaminmd]

Grandparents will be watching our kids for the evening, so just the wife and I. I know Shula's is dimly lit and football oriented. We'd really like feedback on the food itself most specifically, but any general comments regarding service, etc. are always welcome too. Looking for feedback especially from people that have been to both locations if possible. Thanks in advance!

I only ate at the Yachtsman once and it was one of the worst steaks I ever had. I'm sure you'll hear plenty of praise but I thought it was a bad, overpriced meal.

 

[FSU Girl]

I've been to both (Shula's is by my house so haven't been to the Disney one) and I liked both. I loved Yachtsman. The food and service were impeccable, I can't wait to go back. In my signature is a link to my dining trip report the last restaurant I've reviewed there was Yachtsman if you'd like a more in depth look at the restaurant.

 

[Pipkin]

I have had two very good dinners at Shula and one bad one. That said, I posted a review and was contacted by management for the mealy tomatoes and tough rib eye, cold potato and coffee and was sent a $100 gift card. Of the two we prefer Yactsman. It is consistently good.

 

[steg]

Been to both Yachtsman (once) and Shula's (5 times). The one time I went to Yachtsman was the one and only time I was on the DDP, I got the porterhouse and mac and cheese. Mac and Cheese was drowned in truffle oil as were the fries which we could smell from the table next to ours, our server was blah. The Porterhouse was just okay, as was the lobster bisque. I would have been pissed if the DDP hadn't already paid for the $73 steak.

Every time I've gone to Shula's it's excellent, the quality of the meat, the sear on the meat, the sides and the appetizers always seem to be better than Yachtsman and Le Cellier.

STK in Disney Springs is the only thing that could give it any competition for me but they lose on atmosphere, it's like eating in a neon purple and white abercrombie and fitch. Even at brunch the music was a little loud, our server demonstrated how loud she has to speak at dinner time and I can't imagine heading there for dinner when the DJ starts up.

The only cut I urge you to stay away from at Shula's is the 48oz porterhouse, the sear on it wasn't as good as the smaller cuts and even though most of the steak was medium rare as ordered, nearest the bone was still super raw. At that size I dont think it can be successfully cooked to temps in the high temp broilers they use.

As for sides and apps the Crab Mac and Cheese is one of my favorite things on property, their oyster selection is on point as is the BBQ Shrimp appetizer. I haven't gone near their steak tartare as it's listed as "ground", and I'm sure they're using food safe practices but I prefer tartares that are chopped by hand as opposed to being run through a grinder which can expose the meat to higher than safe temperatures if not done properly, too much to risk while on vacation.

Shula's desserts are fantastic and some need to be ordered early as they take 30+ minutes to make including the chocolate souffle which I found to be as good if not better than the chocolate souffle at Victoria and Albert's.

Servers at Shulas are always energetic and funny and somewhat low-key given the environment.

 

[JZCubed]

Grandparents will be watching our kids for the evening, so just the wife and I. I know Shula's is dimly lit and football oriented. We'd really like feedback on the food itself most specifically, but any general comments regarding service, etc. are always welcome too. Looking for feedback especially from people that have been to both locations if possible. Thanks in advance!

Food wise: Yachtsman serves a typical plate that includes protein, starch & vegetable. Shula's is a la carte steakhouse. We prefer sharing the 'oversized' steak & seafood portions at Shula's, but some folks really want their own plate and Yachtsman is perfectly fine. **Chocolate Souffle at Shula's is a standout dessert; order ahead for lobster because they can run out early.

Service: Professional at both places. I will say this, however, Shula's does a table-side presentation of their meat and some people find this element of 'dinner-is-theater' to be either a positive experience or too much of a show of excess. I'm not bothered by the proverbial butcher shop in the dining room, but some folks can find this off-putting.

Ambiance: Here's the biggest difference for 'date night' - fewer children at Shula's. Oddly enough, the women I know seem to find the abundance of decorations at Shula's, albeit, with manly football memorabilia, to be charming.

 

[smcabee]

Between the 2 Shulas would be my choice. Every time we have been to Yachtsman it's been like eating from a salt lick. But since it seems your not in the dining plan and are looking for a good steak, I highly recommend The Bull&Bear over at the Waldorf. It's the best steak "on property" in my opinion.

 

[ktlm]

We are very picky about steaks, because we have a steakhouse at home that has the best steaks of just about anywhere. Until last fall, I never had a Disney steak that I felt was more than mediocre at best (yes- Blue Bayou at DLR that includes you). We have not been to Shulas, but we went to the Yachtsman by a fluke last fall. We were there during the hurricane, and when it became clear the hurricane was coming, I got online and picked up an ADR for Friday (people were cancelling all over). Luckily it was open, and while people were in long lines for box dinners, we were in Yachtsman enjoying a fantastic meal. We all agreed that it was by far the best meal we had ever had at WDW. DH and I both had the filet and it was perfect. Good quality meat, tender, well seasoned, and cooked perfectly (we both did medium). I can't remember what DD had other than the Mickey puzzle off the kid's dessert menu which she had a ton of fun with. Our server was fantastic. I would highly recommend the place. I can't speak to the other types of steak, but the filets were perfect.

 

[OKW Lover]

Been to both multiple times and YSH gets the nod from us. Really good steak, atmosphere and service. Shulas was OK too, but not worth the price.

However, if you're looking for the best go slightly off property to Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria.

 

[gillep]

Unfortunately I have had nothing but bad meals at Shulas, Yachtsman isn't the best steak I have ever had, but it has always been better than our meals at Shulas.

 

[jsbowl16]

We have been to both and our vote goes to Shula's. We had one in our area. They moved it and it didn't do as well because it was in a rough part of the city so they closed it. At the time we didn't realize how much we would miss it but now it has turned into the meal we are most looking forward to for our trip in July. It was our go to place for celebrations, new years, etc. We kept going back because it was always consistently good and the cuts of beef are all top notch. I would say at Disney for us steak order is Shula's, Flying Fish, Yachtsman.

 

[amberpi]

Both are very solid steakhouses. I give the nod to Shula's on sides and especially on atmosphere, it is much quieter and the drinks are far and away better. I do enjoy the break service at Yachtsman though and I can't say anything negative about it at all. However, as some have suggested, for a quick Uber, the Bull & Bear is outstanding.