Tell me about the Big River Brewing Company

[loafskier]

Thinking of having dinner there and then going back into Epcot afterwards. Do they have good root beer for my 10 ds?

 

[CandyMandy]

We are DVC members who own at the Boardwalk, which probably explains why we have eaten at Big River twice. Frankly, once would have been enough, since my basic description of the spot would be "adequate but nothing special."

The best it gets is if you get one of the handful of outdoor tables on the Boardwalk during one of the times of year when it isn't blistering hot. That ambience is nice and offers one of the few "euro-Cafe" type experiences to be had anywhere in WDW (frankly, the Boardwalk could have been designed to handle more such outdoor dining seating; that would have been a fantastic addition to the nicer eateries there like Flying Fish).

The worst it gets (again, based on our two visits) is slooooooow service, crowded indoor seating and relatively generic "Applebees" type food. What we ate wasn't bad but again wasn't noteworthy or memorable.

And to answer your question, well, they offered root beer last time we were there... in 2005. But even if they still do I wouldn't go there just to please your son with that!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Big River Grill is an ok restaurant to go to if you aren't looking for anything exceptional. They do however have good beer, I don't know about the root beer however. The steaks were o.k., the mahi mahi was fine but the restaurant was very noisy and if it hadn't been 96 degrees we may have chosen to eat outdoors.

 

[trickiwoo]

The food was okay. Not bad... but not amazing! The beer was really good! I don't know about root beer though!

When we went for dinner they said we could wait until a table opened up inside, or sit outside and be seated immediately. But they warned us if it started raining we couldn't move inside. (It had been raining off and on all day) We chose to risk it and eat outside. It didn't rain at all during our meal. And it was nice because we were the only ones eating outside... so it was like a private dinner! Also, during our meal Wishes started over at MK and so we could see the fireworks off in the distance! That was very enjoyable!

 

[PammieJ]

Personally, I've been once, and won't go back. We went two years ago, with ADRs from the DDP, and mostly because DH is a microbrew fan. The restaurant, meal and atmosphere was nothing special, nor was the beer (and believe me, DH is an expert!)

There are many, many wonderful Disney restaurants, but this isn't one of them. I'd give it a 3 out of 10.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

One thing that is nice about BRG is that you can dine there with no reservation. That means you aren't locked into working your whole day around being to an ADR at a certain time. ADR's are a big restriction. (I miss the days of easy walk up tables at most places!)

We've stayed at teh Swan a good number of times and found BRG to be fine, but I haven't been there in a few years, simply because we haven't stayed at the Swan in a few years.

 

[Robert P]

One of the favorite quotes regarding BRG - "It's good for a beer and a burger, but that's about it". It is nothing special. Unless it has changed recently, they don't take ADR's through WDW dining (though you can call the restaurant directly), so it is possible to walk up and get a table fairly quickly, which makes it a viable last minute option in the BW area.
We have found better burgers nearby at the Fountain.
BRG does have some decent beer though.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Never had the root beer there. I always just get an ice tea.
Occasionally we have gone to a tapping, and DH gets whatever beer they tap.
They offered one in early November (Winter Nip? ) he really liked.
The last one he got the tapped beer for $4. (Coupon taken with an attitude.) The placed was packed, and the first time I can say the service was not good. (Off to a bad start when I show the podium CM my Passport membership card and his reaction is an eye roll... And it did not improve from there.)
It was wall to wall between the tapping and really large parties. (And too cold at the time to eat outside.)
Even as Passport members we left after waiting just under an hour for an open table for two. I wasn't that hungry when I went in, But was by the time we left. Instead we ate in WS.
What I really like at BRG is their Beer Cheese Soup. And I am not an alcohol drinker. It just has a good flavor.
Their kobe beef burgers are pretty good too.
I think they have another beer tapping coming up this weekend, now that I think of it...

 

[WVParkfan]

We think the Big River is outstanding. I wouldn't go there just for a burger, though, since you can get that at any counter service restaurant.

The beer is the best on the property. I had a "blackened Mahi-Mahi Caesar Salad" that was very unique, and simply delicious. You can't beat the location, and an opportunity to eat outside on the Boardwalk surrounded by the games and the street performers is a perfect way to spend an evening.

Here is another thread about the restaurant: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2143525&highlight=big+river

 

[ROEDISNEY]

It's Good for one time but I wouldn't rush back.

 

[Forever Fairy]

DH and I went last Christmas and decided we would never go there again. We thought the food was terrible and the service sub par.

If you want beer and snack food, try ESPN. I'm not sure about root beer - but maybe you can call either location and see if they have it before you go.

 

[Madhatter266]

When we went, the food was okay - nothing special, but not bad. Both of us, though, thought the service was lacking. It was busy - but it appeared that they were either under-staffed or we just had a poor server. At one point, we really believed that he forgot all about us. He seemed to be more involved with talking to the larger tables - bigger tips I guess.

 

[DisGirl23]

I was pretty excited to try this place but, it was a little disappointing for us. The service was great but, the food wasn't anything to rave about. I had the pecan crusted chicken breast that sounded like it would be amazing but, really I found it tasteless. Not bad just, no taste. DBF had the same feelings about his meal. The cheesecake was delicious though.
We may go back one day but, it's definitely not on our repeat list. However, I am a firm believer that everyone should try what they want and make their own decisions. Tastes and experiences are different for everyone. Enjoy!

 

[Babyyoda1212]

My husband and I are not big beer drinkers, but we made plans to hit Big River on our next trip. Maybe we'll find something better. Thanks!