I’ve eaten my way through practically every Disney Springs restaurant over the years (tough job, but someone has to do it!), and The Polite Pig holds a special place in my BBQ-loving heart. This local, Florida-owned gem brings authentic flavors to the Disney dining scene, and there’s way more to it than meets the eye.
Located in the Town Center section of Disney Springs, this 5,000-square-foot spot offers seating for 190 hungry folks, including a fantastic outdoor patio that’s perfect for people-watching while you chow down. At just a single $ in the Disney lexicon ($14.99 and under per adult), it’s honestly one of the best values you’ll find in the entire bubble.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a Disney Springs regular who just walks past it on your way to Summer House (been there!), these fun facts will give you a new appreciation for this quick-service standout that’s impressed even the Michelin critics.
1. It’s Owned by Award-Winning Orlando Chefs
The Polite Pig isn’t just another Disney-operated restaurant. It’s actually owned by James and Julie Petrakis along with James’ brother Brian – the same folks behind Orlando favorites like The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder. These guys are James Beard Award nominees, which in the food world is like being nominated for an Oscar.
The restaurant opened on April 10, 2017, bringing their local Orlando magic to Disney Springs. My first bite of their brisket was a revelation – you’re literally getting award-winning chef-created food at counter service prices! Where else in Disney can you get James Beard-level cooking for under $15? Nowhere, that’s where.
2. They Have One of the Largest Bourbon Selections at Disney
Trust me on this: if you enjoy bourbon, you’ll want to budget some time here. The Polite Pig boasts over 90 different whiskeys – that’s not a typo – making it one of the most impressive collections on Disney property.
They offer bourbon flights that let you sample premium spirits without dropping a fortune. The Polite Flight ($21) features Elijah Craig Small Batch, Basil Hayden and Eagle Rare. If you’re feeling fancy, spring for the Refined Flight ($26) with Woodford Reserve, Calumet Farm and Blanton’s. The coolest part? Everything flows from a tap here – even the cocktails! Their Sweet Tea Old-Fashioned is the perfect ending to a day of theme parking.
3. They’ve Earned a Prestigious Bib Gourmand Recognition
Here’s something you won’t find at most theme park dining spots: The Polite Pig has received a Bib Gourmand recognition from Michelin. In normal-person speak, that means Michelin says “this place serves really good food at reasonable prices.” When’s the last time you heard “reasonable prices” associated with Disney anything?
The Michelin folks specifically praised their “nuanced yet balanced” flavors and highlighted the thin-sliced, black pepper-rubbed brisket. I’ve had that brisket more times than I care to admit, and they’re not wrong. It’s melt-in-your-mouth tender with that perfect peppery bark.
This recognition is a big deal – most counter-service spots in theme parks are lucky to get a mention on Yelp, let alone praise from Michelin. When you’re debating where to grab lunch at Disney Springs, remember that actual food critics say this place is legit.
4. All Meat Is Smoked On-Site
That mouthwatering smoky aroma that makes your stomach growl as you walk by? It’s the real deal. Unlike some places that truck in pre-smoked meat (I’m looking at you, certain other Disney BBQ spots), The Polite Pig smokes everything on-site daily in their custom-built smokers.
Their coffee-rubbed USDA Prime brisket ($22) spends hours in the smoker, developing that beautiful dark bark on the outside while staying moist inside. You can watch it happening through the glass-walled kitchen. I once spent an embarrassing amount of time just standing there, mesmerized by the whole process. The staff probably thought I was weird, but the resulting brisket was worth the social awkwardness.
5. The Sauce Bar Is All-You-Can-Use (And Should Not Be Skipped!)
Here’s a money-saving tip that will change your Disney BBQ experience: The sauce bar is completely complimentary and unlimited. With seven different signature sauces ranging from sweet to hot, you can try them all! My strategy? Order your meat dry and then sample every sauce to find your perfect match.
The selection is top-notch – you’ve got everything from tangy vinegar-based options to sweet molasses types to fiery pepper varieties. I’ve discovered that Layla’s Sweet sauce on the pulled pork is a combination that hits that perfect sweet-savory balance. On my last visit, I watched a family fill up little cups with all seven varieties to do a full tasting session. Smart folks.
6. They Serve Local Florida Beer (Including Their Sister Restaurant’s Brews)
For beer lovers, The Polite Pig is a breath of fresh air in a Disney landscape often dominated by the same old brews. They feature four beers from their sister restaurant Cask & Larder Brewery on tap – the Lone Palm Golden Ale, Five Points IPA, Red Drum Amber Ale, and Working Man Porter (all $9 for a glass or $27 for a pitcher).
Beyond their house beers, they offer other Florida craft options like Trucks and Trains Pale Ale. I’m partial to their Five Points IPA, which cuts through the richness of the BBQ perfectly. And if you’re with a group, the pitcher option is actually a decent value (by Disney standards, anyway). Nothing complements smoky brisket quite like a cold craft beer.
7. Vegetarian Options That Are Actually Good
Listen up, plant-eaters – unlike most BBQ joints where vegetarians are limited to sad side salads, The Polite Pig offers a fantastic “pick 3 sides” option for just $18. I bring my vegetarian partner here at least once a trip, and she can’t stop raving about it.
Their Market Sides menu is way more creative than your standard BBQ joint:
- The roasted beets with smoked pecan granola and goat cheese are mind-blowing
- Those crispy Brussels sprouts with whiskey-caramel will convert even Brussels-haters
- The tomato and watermelon salad is the perfect refreshing option on a hot Florida day
- Mac and cheese with aged cheddar and breadcrumbs puts the Disney resort versions to shame
They’ve also got hearty salads that don’t feel like an afterthought. The Chipotle Cobb ($13) is loaded with roasted corn, avocado, and other goodies. It’s rare to find a BBQ spot where meat-eaters and vegetarians can both leave happy, but The Polite Pig pulls it off.
8. The Meats Are Wood-Smoked to Perfection
If you’re a BBQ enthusiast, you know that time equals flavor. The meats at The Polite Pig aren’t rushed – they spend hours in the smoker, developing those complex flavors you can’t fake.
Beyond the brisket (which I’ve already gushed about), their baby back ribs (Layla’s Ribs, $26) are fall-off-the-bone tender with that perfect smoke ring. The pork shoulder ($18) has that ideal balance of bark and tenderness that takes serious skill to achieve. Even their smoked turkey breast ($18) – which can often be dry and boring at lesser BBQ joints – remains juicy and flavorful.
I’ve actually planned entire Disney days around ending up at Disney Springs in time for a late lunch here. That’s how serious I am about their smoked meats. Don’t judge me – after you try it, you’ll understand.
9. The Southern Pig Sandwich Is a Must-Try
Let me introduce you to your new favorite Disney sandwich. Their Southern Pig Sandwich ($13) is a masterclass in flavor layering. We’re talking perfectly smoked pulled pork topped with fennel-apple slaw, tangy mustard BBQ, and Duke’s mayo on a soft bun. (And if you’re not from the South, know that Duke’s is the only acceptable mayo in BBQ circles.)
What makes this sandwich special is how all the elements work together. The smoke from the pork, the crunch and slight anise flavor from the fennel slaw, the tang from the mustard sauce, and the richness of the Duke’s – it’s a perfect bite every time. I’ve literally ordered this sandwich, wandered around Disney Springs for a few hours, and then returned for another one before heading back to my resort. No shame in my BBQ game.
10. They Use a Special Rub on Their Waffle Fries
Don’t sleep on the sides here – especially the BBQ waffle fries. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill theme park fries. The Polite Pig tosses their waffle fries in their signature house-made “Polite Rub” that gives them this addictive sweet-spicy-savory flavor that’s impossible to replicate.
At $6 for a serving that’s big enough to share (though you won’t want to), they’re actually one of the better side values in Disney Springs. These aren’t sad, limp fries – they’re perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and seasoned all the way through. I’ve watched people walk by with just an order of these fries and a beer, which is a pretty genius Disney Springs snack strategy if you ask me.
11. Their Cocktails Are All On Tap (And That’s a Good Thing)
The Polite Pig does something I haven’t seen anywhere else at Disney – they serve all their cocktails on tap. This isn’t some gimmick; it actually ensures you get a perfectly balanced drink every time, without waiting forever while a bartender mixes individual components.
Their Sweet Tea Old-Fashioned ($12) blends Four Roses bourbon with house-made sweet tea syrup and bitters for a Southern twist on the classic. If you’re looking for something more refreshing, the Vodka Lemonade with Wheatley vodka and house-made lemonade is dangerously drinkable on hot days.
The real power move? Order a pitcher ($29) if you’re with friends – it’s a better value than individual glasses. I once split a Polite Punch pitcher with friends after a long day at Epcot, and it might have been the best decision of our entire Disney trip.
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12. The Butcher Board Is Perfect for Sharing
Here’s where The Polite Pig really shines for groups or couples with big appetites. Their Butcher Board ($44) is designed for two people but could easily satisfy a family with light eaters. You get pork shoulder, smoked chicken, brisket, and BBQ cheddar sausage, plus slaw, house pickles, two cornbreads, and two sides of your choice.
For another $7, you can add ribs, or for $5, get some smoked turkey breast thrown in. When you break it down per person, you’re getting a serious amount of food for about $22 each – which in Disney pricing is practically a steal for Michelin-recognized food. I always leave with leftovers, which make for a killer late-night hotel room snack. (Pro tip: grab extra sauce containers before you leave!)
13. The Restaurant Has a Cool Industrial-Meets-Rustic Vibe
The Polite Pig’s atmosphere hits that perfect sweet spot between casual and special. With exposed ductwork overhead, a glassed-in kitchen showing all the smoky action, and that “farmer’s market” sign, the place feels like a hip local spot that somehow landed in Disney Springs.
What I love most is that it’s casual enough that you can roll in wearing your park clothes (sweat-stained Mickey tee and all), but nice enough that it feels like a proper meal. If the weather’s cooperating, try to snag a table on their waterfront patio – the view of Disney Springs foot traffic provides A+ people-watching opportunities. There’s something weirdly satisfying about enjoying award-winning BBQ while watching sunburned tourists struggle with their shopping bags.
14. They Have Great Desserts (If You Can Save Room)
After you’ve stuffed yourself with BBQ, try to save a tiny bit of room for dessert. They offer three simple but perfect options that are worth the extra calories.
The bourbon chocolate chip cookie ($5) is my go-to – it’s got that perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy center, with a subtle hint of bourbon that pairs incredibly well with their coffee. If you’re more into traditional Southern desserts, the red velvet cake ($7) is decadent without being too sweet. And their key lime pie ($7) brings just the right amount of tartness to cut through all that savory BBQ you just inhaled.
I once made the rookie mistake of skipping dessert on my first visit, only to see a neighboring table’s key lime pie arrive. I’ve regretted that decision ever since and now make a point to budget both stomach space and dollars for a sweet ending.
15. The Side Dishes Are Stars in Their Own Right
I’m guilty of this at BBQ joints: focusing so much on the meat that I treat sides as an afterthought. At The Polite Pig, that’s a rookie mistake. Their sides could honestly be main attractions anywhere else.
Those crispy Brussels sprouts with whiskey-caramel ($6) are life-changing. I’m not even a Brussels sprouts person, but I’ve literally dreamed about these. The tomato and watermelon salad with feta, basil and pickled onions ($6) is the perfect refreshing counterpoint to all that heavy BBQ. And don’t get me started on their Southern potato salad with creamy herb dressing ($6) – it puts every picnic potato salad you’ve ever had to shame.
Other standouts include the BBQ cauliflower with paprika sour cream ($6) and the mac and cheese with aged cheddar and breadcrumbs ($6). Oh, and if you spot the Hop Salt Pretzel with beer cheese fondue and IPA mustard ($10) on the menu, just order it. Don’t think, don’t hesitate – just get it. It’s the perfect shareable starter while you wait for your main dishes.
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The Bottom Line
If you’ve been walking past The Polite Pig on your Disney Springs visits, do yourself a favor and stop in next time. Between the Michelin-recognized BBQ, impressive bourbon selection, and reasonable prices (by Disney standards, at least), it’s one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems that deserves a spot in your Disney dining rotation.
The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM, making it perfect for both lunch and late-night cravings after a day in the parks. The best part? Unlike many Disney restaurants, you don’t need a reservation – just walk up to the counter or grab a seat at the full-service bar.
For my money, it offers one of the best quality-to-price ratios in all of Disney Springs. Some dining plans are accepted here too, adding even more value. After numerous visits (far more than I’d like to admit), I can confidently say that The Polite Pig is that rare Disney dining spot that’s both genuinely delicious and won’t completely destroy your vacation budget. And if that’s not Disney magic, I don’t know what is.