Article by Storybook Traveler Holly Averette

Today we are continuing our Beyond the Burger dining series and headed over to the World Showcase at Epcot for a salute to barbeque!

Theming:

You’ll find this hidden gem located at the center of the World Showcase inside the American Adventure pavilion. Thanks to the large smoker located out front, the smell of smoked meat and BBQ greets you before you even make it to the restaurant. The colonial facade and brick pavement fits in well with the architecture of the surrounding pavilion. Inside, you find a light and airy dining room adorned with red, white, and blue bunting. You will find nods to the Muppets and Sam the Eagle along with colonial-inspired furnishings and decor. A mix of booths and tables are located inside and picnic tables covered with umbrellas are scattered out front, ensuring there is ample seating.

 

Menu:

The menu reflects four distinct barbecue regions around the United States. You will find entrees such as Memphis-style dry rub ribs, Kansas City smoked half chicken, sliced Texas beef brisket, and North Carolina chopped pork on the menu. A power greens salad with or without smoked chicken and plant based BBQ jackfruit sandwich are also featured. What would a good BBQ place be without some hearty and traditional sides? Coleslaw, beer-battered onion rings, macaroni and cheese, french fries, and baked beans round out the side offerings. Each barbeque region represented also gets its own BBQ sauce. You can find four mouth watering options- Blue Ribbon Brisket savory spice sauce, Blue Ridge Vinegar League vinegar based sauce, Sizzlin’ Pit Dry Rub Coalition classic smokehouse sauce, and an Old Glory Mustard Guild sweet mustard sauce. Classic desserts such as banana pudding and a smores brownie are available, but if you are looking for a lighter end to your meal, check out the refreshing watermelon cup. The drink menu features fountain drinks, coffee, tea, and all American beers, ciders, and wines.

 

Agent Impressions:

My family loves barbeque! Unfortunately, finding good BBQ options in a theme park isn’t necessarily easy, but Disney has come through with this quick-service restaurant! The smell alone draws me in anytime I’m near Regal Eagle! Admittedly, I’m not loyal to one particular style of BBQ (I like them all!), but I think Regal Eagle does a good job representing and celebrating the various styles you’ll find around the US. Surprisingly, the power greens salad is my go-to meal here. I love the flavor of the smoked chicken and the combination of fresh citrus, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and vinaigrette works so well together! I like to experiment by adding a little bit of barbeque sauce to it. The BBQ dishes are smokey, seasoned well, and just plain yummy. The variety of sides is nice but I’m partial to the macaroni and cheese. It is deliciously creamy and features a crunchy, herbed panko topping. The large indoor and outdoor seating area is great because many of the quick service locations in the World Showcase lack adequate seating.  If you find yourself in the World Showcase with a hankering for some good old fashioned backyard BBQ, don’t hesitate to stop in Regal Eagle! If you eat a mainly plant based diet, this may not be the best choice for you.

TIP: Mobile ordering is highly encouraged but not required at this location.

Article by Storybook Traveler Holly Averette