Talk to me about Big River Grill...

[msujroot]

My DW and I have never been, but have always been intrigued. We're not beer drinkers, so it has never really been a priority. However, this April we are traveling with friends, and one of the things that they are really in to is brewing beer at home, so I thought it might be nice to try the place out.

Any info on food, atmosphere, or other general information would be appreciated (especially pics)!!!

Thanks!

 

[webray]

Hubby and I really enjoy Big River. The atmosphere is modern, light woods and brushed stainless steel/chrome. The food we have ordered has always been good. It is the usual, moderate priced burger/pasta/etc type place.

The beers are quite good, there is usally a seasonal as well.
My favorite, Rocket Red Ale. I believe they still do the taster.

If your friend are into home brewing and enjoy trying microbrews I believe they will enjoy this place.

If it is a nice day, (not to hot and humid, lol), sit outside, people watch and enjoy the Florida sunshine!

 

[HappyCamper87]

DH and I go every chance we get. It is a nice pub (not Irish but I can't find a better way to describe it right now) type restaurant with good, sometimes great sandwiches and salads. The daily special usually appeals to me and my hubby. We love to get a flight of beer and people watch. Their pale ale was very good. I too enjoy the Rocket Red Ale.

We find the staff to be very friendly and warm. The manager gave us a refresher on how their beer is brewed and really spent some time with us because DH was asking so many questions.

Okay I've gone on a bit, but one more thing... They did have the best cheese soup, and I believe it is a regular on the menu.

I hope you enjoy your trip whatever you decide.

 

[colinsdad]

I have a reservation there this Saturday September 13th. I've never been, but I LOVE beer and that was the draw for me.

Also as an FYI, they don't take ADR's through 407-WDW-DINE, but you can call them directly and get a "reservation" which I believe only puts you at the top of the list if there is a wait. We have an outdoor table reserved on the boardwalk using this process.

Another tip I received was to sign up online for their email club (30 days or less till your arrival-don't do it any earlier). You get a free appetizer with the purchase of 2 entrees which we were going to purchase anyway.

The free appetizer expires (is only good for 1 month from signing up) so don't sign up too early.

I'll post my dining review when I return. I've checked out their menu online and I'm thinking Ribs and the beer sampler.

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't recall, does this place have a bar that you can go to if you just want a beer?

 

[cdtommie]

I don't recall, does this place have a bar that you can go to if you just want a beer?

Yes it does - a nice spot for a nightcap after Illuminations.

 

[justcantwait]

We go here for our first dinner every vacation now. The food is very good, reasonably priced, good selection, and DH gets the beer flight every time We always sit outside and people watch. It's a nice relaxing way to start an otherwise hectic vacation. Hope you enjoy it!

Kathy

 

[smep013]

I hate to be the "one" but we did not have a good time here on our trip in August. I think I'm willing to try again, based on the reviews here.

We were there at opening for a beer and snack. Found there to be NO atmosphere and an odd smell. I think if we were there for dinner, we might have had a nicer time. (More people=more atmosphere).

I did enjoy my beer but the food was average. It is equal to a TGI Fridays, I think.

Hope no one takes offense!

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

We have eaten at Big River several times and have always been pleased.

We do not drink beer so I can't comment on that.

The food was excellent and the service outstanding. On our last visit we had the hummus and the artichoke dip appetizers -- both great. (Hummus at Tangerine Cafe is still better.) I had a ceasar salad -- huge! My DS had the grilled mahi mahi sandwich and raved about it.

 

[Inkmahm]

I have never been to the Big River Grill. I can tell you though at our family trip to WDW last December, my BIL never went to the parks exept for one morning. I think the rest of the time he spent at the Big River Grill sitting and eating/drinking. Seriously. He LOVED the place. Got there on Thurs and left Sunday night. Most of that time he was there.

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

I have been there twice and had the meatloaf once and the steak the other, both were great. And the beers are very good as well

 

[DebbieB]

I love their burgers.

 

[musicmom3]

Hate to be the naysayer, but we have tried twice, and found the place unacceptable foodwise both times. Would not return.

 

[KatrinaJ91]

We ate there for lunch this past summer and we loved it! We decided to take a boat over there from Epcot. My husband brews and wanted to try their micros. We absolutely loved the food, and the beer was really tasty! Get the beer sampler.....it's worth it! We will definitely go back the next time!!

 

[colinsdad]

I have to say that as someone who is generally happy when eating out, especially at micro-breweries, I was terribly disapointed in Big River.

I signed up online for their email club just before I went to Disney and got an email good for a free appetizer with the purchase an entree. We had the chicken quesidillas. This was the best part of our meal.

Big River was running a dinner special that was "really good" according to the door host, and it did catch my eye. Steak Diane, served with Grilled Shrimp and garlic mashed potatoes. It was $32. I had the dining plan which they accept, so I went for it. Bad choice. It was awful. Steak was chewy (steak tips), shimp was tasty but cool, and the potatoes were luke warm with little flavor.

We had just arrived at Disney one hour prior and I was not in the mood after 10 hours of traveling to start our trip this way for sure. If I was not on the dining plan I would have probably complained.

During this visit I also had the beer sampler (which is 5, 3-4oz. samples of their microbrews and it was not bad at all), and since the dining plan came with desert I had some type of chocolate desert which was so forgetable I can't actually remember what it was and didn't finish it.

We will not return unless its for an $10 burger or a beer. This place certainly isn't worth using a Disney TS credit on. There are much better alternatives on the Boardwalk.

During our trip we also ate at Spoodles (excellent) and the Cape May Cafe Dinner Buffet at the Beach Club (excellent). If you are on the Boardwalk I would recommend either of these well before Big River.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I am not an alcohol drinker, and esp can't stand even smelling beer. But I love their Beer Cheese Soup. Of course it helps that I love cheese.
Food and service has always been good there for us.

 

[HappyCamper87]

Thanks for the current review. I hate it that you were let down by your first meal on Free Dining.

That said, I would stick to burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads here. And if you really like micro-brew it is probably worth your time.

I agree it is not someplace to spend a TS credit.

Best Wishes.