Okay so I am going from blasting the truly disappointing to defending the questionably authentic. Actually I take that back already, there probably isn’t anything truly “authentic” about the German pavilion’s restaurant. But regardless of its German roots I am defending it as one of the most enjoyable meals to be had in the parks.
Now let’s be honest about what I mean by enjoyable. The food is set up as a buffet, which to any really foodie means it is overpriced and made of poor quality. I would not argue the foodie who made that point, but I would suggest that restaurants such as this establishment (referred to from here on as Biergarten Restaurant) offer something equally as enticing as good food. Biergarten offers a musical performance I believe every hour (it happened a few times while we were sitting down to eat) which is entertaining for the kiddies but for the adults there is the beer flights and large glass options.
I don’t mean to sound like a young professional always looking for the drinking good time but for us young professionals who do end up in Disney World for what ever reason this is the place we need to migrate to.
In short do not seek Germany for dinner if you want something quiet, romantic, and known for its cuisine. But should you seek an enjoyable, social evening with extremely friendly staff and bountiful drinking options this is the place for you.
Communal tables, buffet of meats, and giant beet glasses convinces me that this is a return visit.
The Ranking (for explanation, see “Review Key”):
Food: 2 Straws (But let’s be honest that’s a good rating for a buffet).
Price: $$$traws, Expensive price (about $40 will take care of the buffet and drink… some drinks).
Atmosphere: Jovial was invented to describe this place. Keep in mind you sit at communal tables so you have neighbors who I have always felt comfortable talking to.
Overall: 3 Straws (This has become a staple of a place for me when down there with friends. However it doesn’t work as well for the family visits, but that may be because there are picky eaters in my family and we also tend to talk only with each other… we are New Yorkers after all).
The Details:
Website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/biergarten-restaurant/
Location: German Pavilion, Epcot Center, Disney World, Orlando, Florida. (probably could have done that with less commas).
Phone: (407) 939-3463 (that is the number for ALL Disney dining).
Reservation: Yes, Disney restaurants fill up FAST! You can now book online: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/biergarten-restaurant/
Dress: Casual.
Hours: Depends on the park hours which change nightly.
