What do all www.ribbqnews.com readers and fans, New Englanders, NEBS Members, and all “SNOWBIRDS” have in common during the months of January and February? The desire for a trip to Florida, of course! And an ESPECIALLY MAGICAL TRIP TO WALT DISNEY WORLD’s DISNEY SPRINGS is a common denominator!! Which begs the question, “WHERE CAN I GET SCRUMPTIOUS BBQ TO EAT IN WALT DISNEY WORLD AT DISNEY SPRINGS?” Let RIBBQNEWS assist you in answering that question, NO PARK ADMISSION TICKET REQUIRED!
On the top of every BBQ FAN’s List as of late is the fantastic BBQ fare at “The Polite Pig,” located in Disney Springs, at 1536 Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830 and open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 AM-11:00 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM-11:30 PM, “The Polite Pig” has most definitely made a BIG IMPACT FOODIE-WISE since opening on April 10th, 2017, in The Town Center of Disney Springs (OR if you are of “A Certain Age,” such as myself, known as the former “Downtown Disney!”) The Disney Dining Landscape is always evolving and revolutionizing. The all new “Michelin Guide App” www.guide.michelin.com states that; “If the name of this Disney Springs destination doesn’t warrant your attention, its waterfront setting and soulful cooking will do the trick. The space is casual with an industrial vibe; guests may order at the counter or at a large, full-service bar to avoid a wait –et voila—everything is magically delivered to your table. Exposed ductwork, a glassed-in kitchen and a “Farmer’s Market” sign put diners in the mood for rustic-meets-contemporary food, complete with condiments aplenty.” Furthermore, the BBQ flavor profile is described as “nuanced yet balanced in these dishes…Meat reigns supreme on the menu and there’s no going wrong with the brisket—sliced thin, black pepper-rubbed, and served with sides—like creamy potato salad.” AND I CAN PERSONALLY ATTEST THAT THE SIDE DISH OF BAKED BEANS ARE MOUTH-WATERINGLY DELICIOUS! The baked beans are DIVINE- both sweet and savory at the same time- a genius Southern-Style recipe including molasses and tomato glaze! One reviewer wrote, “I live 3 HOURS away and would gladly drive just for these beans alone…literally THE BEST beans I’ve had in my life!” I am not alone in my glowing and enthusiastic praise of this side dish!
You will find seating both in the main dining area and in the bar area, as well as outdoor seating, too. There are a mixture of high-top tables, counter seats, regular tables and booths. Does “The Polite Pig” utilize the Disney Dining Plan you ask? The answer is such: “Even if you aren’t hungry strolling around Disney Springs, one deep breath as you pass by The Polite Pig will definitely have your mouth watering.” The smokiness in the air from this BBQ Fan Favorite Locale and a luscious assortment of side dishes and desserts have made this “Quick-Service Dining Plan Location” a guest TOP PICK! Yes, The Polite Pig IS included in The Disney Dining Plan!
Savory wood-fired fare and an extensive selection of whiskies are “hallmarks” of this family run eatery. The Polite Pig is owned by Florida local culinary Legends; James, Julie, and Brian Petrakis. James and Julie Petrakis are a husband and wife Team who own “The Ravenous Pig,” -A “Stylish” Gastropub/Brewery/Beer Garden, “serving inventive New American fare and beers brewed on-site” along with Saturday and Sunday Brunches from 11 AM-3 PM, located at: 565 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, Florida 32789. James and Julie also own “Cask & Larder,” A Southern Kitchen and Brewery located at Orlando International Airport, and cleverly billed as: “FARM TO TERMINAL CUISINE.” Additionally, they also own *“Swine & Sons,” –“An award winning counter service restaurant and caterer,” with locations in Winter Park, Florida, Orlando, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. Upon opening “The Polite Pig,” James and Julie partnered with James’ brother, Brian Petrakis, for this venture at Disney Springs, focusing on “MODERN BARBEQUE” including a multiple sauces toppings bar and Southern Style Side Dishes. The Polite Pig is Disney Springs ONLY local chef presence. Featuring wood smoked, wood fired and grilled foods, as well as Florida Craft Beers- obviously featuring Ravenous Pig Brewing! Specialty cocktails such as The “Coquito:” Benchmark Bourbon, Corazon Tequila, Ford’s Gin, Cane Rum, Wheatley Vodka, Triple Sec, and a splash of Coke; The “Mango Frose:” Campo Viejo Rose, Watermelon Puree, Watermelon Syrup, and Lemon Juice; and The “Oaxacan Old Fashioned:” Four Roses Yellow Bourbon, Sweet Tea Syrup, and Bitters along with A BOURBON BAR offering over SIXTY selections there are cocktails GALORE to appease every palate! The Full Cocktail Menu at The Polite Pig is astounding!
Amazon-Influencer Matt Sheehan reports, “Disney World Fans, rejoice! If you’re headed to The House of Mouse, I’ve got a BBQ recommendation you’ll want to visit. Just steps away from The Lime Garage (AKA one of the named parking garages at Disney Springs) The Polite Pig boasts a delicious barbeque menu with incredible entrees and sides for you to enjoy.” Matt ordered “The Butcher Board For 2” pictured below, and states that it could easily feed 3-4 people. The Butcher Board includes sliced or pulled pork, prime brisket, smoked chicken, and jalapeno cheddar sausages as meat selections, alongside coleslaw, pickles, and corn bread… PLUS 2 sides of your choice! Popular side dishes include the aforementioned Baked Beans, Waffle Fries, Grits, Mac-N-Cheese, and Brussel Sprouts. The Mac-N-Cheese is prepared with aged cheddar cheese, fontina cheese, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Unconventionally, the Brussel Sprouts are prepared with a dousing of whiskey caramel and then sauteed, giving this veggie side dish a big dash of sweetness.
Also getting RAVE REVIEWS are The Polite Pig’s sauces! Layla’s Sweet BBQ Sauce is the frontrunner in sauce selections…especially on “Layla’s Ribs,” in the photo below! The two other popular options are: Lil John’s Signature Porter Sauce with a touch of honey, black pepper, and a malty undertone and Thomas’ Southern Gold BBQ Sauce which is filled with mustard and vinegar flavors.
The Polite Pig menu highlights seasonal Florida ingredients, adding creative twists to local flavors and BBQ. Capitalizing on James, Julie, and Brian’s superb QUALITY of provisions and recipes, The Polite Pig’s menu emphasizes their specialty wood-smoked, wood-fired and grilled dishes, “inspired by the best seasonal food that Florida has to offer.” Suggested starters are the Salt Pretzel and Beer Cheese Fondue, Sliders Trio, BBQ Meatballs, and BBQ Wings flavored with apple cider, bourbon, sorghum, and chili.
Voted as the 4 “Tastiest Sandwich Options,” were The Polite Pig’s:
- Fried Chicken Sandwich- sweet & spicy BBQ sauce, Duke’s mayo, pickles and coleslaw
- Low & Slow Brisket Sandwich- prime brisket, pimento cheese, porter BBQ sauce, pickled jalapenos, onion straws
- Southern Pig Sandwich- pulled pork, fennel-apple slaw, tangy mustard BBQ sauce, Duke’s mayo
- Beer Can Chicken Sandwich- beer brined chicken, spicy pickles, lettuce, onion jam, Alabama BBQ sauce
The Polite Pig’s offerings “FROM THE SMOKER” are nothing short of STELLAR! The “Brisket Burnt Ends” dish is SO DELECTABLE, that it makes even a non-meat-eater salivate! Made with coffee rub, sweet BBQ sauce and pickled onions, reviewers have written the following comments:
- “ABSOLUTELY OUT OF THIS WORLD!”
- “OH MY GOSH, ONE OF THE BEST MEALS OF MY LIFE!!! THE STAFF IS SO FRIENDLY AND THE RESTAURANT IS SO CLEAN- THE POLITE PIG IS ALWAYS SO BUSY BECAUSE THEY ARE THE BEST AROUND!”
- “PROBABLY THE BEST BBQ IN ORLANDO. WE LOVE COMING HERE FOR DRINKS AT THE BAR AND A GOOD PULLED PORK SANDWICH. WE ALSO LOVE THE SIDES- THEY’RE TO DIE FOR. ALWAYS A GREAT TIME WHEN IN DISNEY SPRINGS!”
- “DELICIOUS FOOD AND LOVELY SCENERY IN MY OPINION EATING HERE YOU CANNOT GO WRONG.”
THE BBQ FANS HAVE SPOKEN!!!
There are a unique variety of dishes to choose from that are not ordinarily seen on a New England BBQ Menu, which makes “The Polite Pig” such a fascinating GEM of a restaurant! Tomato and Watermelon Salad with feta cheese and pickled watermelon rind; BBQ Au Gratin with collard greens, black eyed peas and bacon; Roasted Beets with smoked pecan granola, goat cheese, yogurt, and oranges are all piquant options…as are The Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookie and The Pecan Pie for dessert. Quoting their AWARD-WINNING philosophy as Restauranteurs, “We serve Southern inspired takes on simple, classic dishes. Using tried and true culinary techniques, we build complex flavors that take comfort food to a whole new level, and the results are dang delicious. We are committed to providing warm, welcoming hospitality to every guest. We believe that food brings people together and the work we do is important, and we want to share that with you!”
You can sign up to become a VIP Member and be among the first to receive updates “On exclusive events, secret menus, special offers/discounts, loyalty rewards & more!” at www.politepig.com No Reservations are taken at The Polite Pig, and Online Ordering is available for TAKEOUT ONLY. You are able to purchase merchandise online to be shipped to you such as “The Polite Bundle #2” which includes The Polite Pig Rub and Sauce Set, A Pint Glass, and all 3 of The Polite Pig T-Shirts! Discernably, Bundle items (Rubs, Sauces, T-shirts, Pint Glasses) are also sold separately along with Hoodies, Beanies, Headbands, Sweatshirts, and gift cards. In 2022, The Polite Pig was recognized by The Michelin Guide! The Polite Pig received the “plate” recommendation; this exclusive selection means that The Michelin Guide was “impressed by” The Polite Pig Restaurant, in consonance with the Chief Inspector! According to www.disneyfoodblog.com restaurants that receive “a plate recommendation” are “typically among those listed as having some of the best food in Disney World, so it comes as no surprise that they earned such a high honor!” Any which way you slice it, a meal at The Polite Pig is guaranteed to be A BBQ SHOWSTOPPER!!!
*PS- “Swine & Sons,” is ALSO A Michelin-recognized counter service restaurant and caterer! BRAVO and BRAVA!!
