Yesterday we featured an awesome, interesting Disney burger, and we figured today would be a good day to delve into a few more of these finds!
Over the past few years, it seems like the culinary staff throughout the resort has made it a mission to reinvent the humble hamburger.
Once upon a time, there were rows and rows of nondescript fast food hamburgers. Now, you can find all manner of interesting flavor combos.
Whether you’re planning a vacation as you read, or you’re just looking for some serious burger inspiration, check out our list of some of the most unusual burgers we’ve had at Walt Disney World!
PB&J Burger
Sports fans who love Disney know that the BEST place to catch a game while you’re at the resort is the ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.
But just as impressive as the myriad of televisions (even in the bathroom!) is the innovative menu of upscale sports bar food. One of the most interesting entrees is the PB&J Burger.
Inside the PB&J Burger at ESPN Club
Yep, that’s correct. Two of the world’s most comforting foods — peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and burgers — create a fusion of flavors like nothing you’ve ever had. And with the salty flavors of Bacon and spicy notes from sliced Jalapenos to add even more interest, there’s a lot going on here!
You’ve got to try it at least once (that’s about all I could take). And be sure to ask for extra napkins!
Battered Burger
Another burger that you’re not likely to see replicated in too many places is the Battered Burger at Cookes of Dublin in Downtown Disney.
Battered Burger and Chips from Cookes of Dublin
This small counter service spot shares a
building with Raglan Road, and offers some of the best Fish and Chips that I’ve had at Disney. But the Battered Burger is an original option that will take the ho-hum out of your burger eating experience.
And it’s just what it sounds like: a Burger Patty is dipped in a flavorful batter before it’s deep-fried to a golden brown. It’s then served on an amazing Freshly-Baked Roll with seriously tasty condiments, including a Chunky Tomato Chutney and Garlic Mayonnaise. Very fun.
Amazing Condiments Make All the Difference
Picnic Burger
UPDATE: Please note that the Picnic Burger is not currently being served at Sci-Fi-Dine-In Restaurant, but they typically feature a specialty burger on the menu in addition to the Build-Your-Own Burger.
Hamburger or hot dog?! Which to choose?
The genius chefs at Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios have obviously had the same conundrum — but they got busy and did something about it by inventing the Famous All-American Picnic Burger.
Picnic Burger at Sci-Fi Dine-In
Sci-Fi Dine-In is one of my favorite restaurants (I don’t care what you say, it’s awesome) for its fun drive-in movie setting and retro themeing. And while going to this eatery is as much about the setting as the food, this burger is always on my shortlist of favorites here.
Easily big enough to split, the king-sized sandwich starts with a flame-broiled Angus Burger Patty, which really gives you an authentic taste of picnic food. But the burger is nestled on top of a…Grilled Hot Dog! So rad.
Picnic Burger Under the Bun!
As for toppings, you find a mish-mash of burger and hot dog garnishes including Sauerkraut, Sauteed Onions, Mustard, Ketchup, and Pickle. Two things I guarantee about the picnic burger: you will not leave hungry; and you will not believe how incredibly good this is.
Burgers + Seafood
Another trend that we’ve seen at Disney is either topping burgers with seafood of some sort, or subbing the beef out with seafood altogether. It may seem like an unlikely pairing — seafood and beef — but it’s very popular!
One fan favorite in this category is the Angus Chuck Burger at the The Captain’s Grill in Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.
The Captain’s Grill has surprisingly good food (for it’s ho-hum atmosphere and location), and there’s rarely a wait to get in. But this burger is another reason to make the trip over to the Yacht Club, even if you’re staying at another resort.
Captain’s Grill Angus Chuck Burger with Lump Crabmeat and Choron Sauce
The enormous burger is topped with Lump Crabmeat and Choron Sauce — a variation of Bearnaise that incorporates tomato paste. The effect is rich and luxurious — and just plain fancy!
And don’t forget that Kona Cafe Surf and Turf burger we mentioned yesterday, which comes complete with Brie and Spicy Fried Shrimp!
Surf and Turf Burger Kona Cafe
Want a little lobster with your burger? Check out the Grand Floridian Cafe for the Grand Burger, which features poached lobster along with the beef!
If a burger with seafood sounds good but you’re looking for a counter service option, the ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios serves up their Angus burger with Fried Shrimp!
Want to leave the beef behind altogether? Then check out the Surf and Surf Burger at the Landscape of Flavors in Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Surf and Surf Burger from Landscape of Flavors
In place of a burger, you’ll find a Crab Cake topped with Popcorn Shrimp, and dressed with Lettuce, Tomato, and Remoulade. You’ll never miss the red meat!
“Bacon & Egg” Burgers
One trend that we have been seeing at Disney lately are burgers that combine the best of breakfast and lunch into one major meal! That’s right, we’re talking about burgers with a fried egg and bacon on top.
I first tried the breakfast-meets-lunch burger at Whispering Canyon Cafe when we checked out their new lunch menu.
Bacon and Egg Burger at Whispering Canyon Cafe
I’m not a big fan of Fried Eggs, so I was a little skeptical — but it actually wasn’t too bad! The rich taste of the egg — and the messiness — was soaked up by the House Made Bun. And the complementary flavors of Bacon, Tillamook Cheddar, and Chipotle Ketchup made this a memorable sammy.
If you’re looking to enjoy this flavor combo inside the parks, you’ll also find a similar version at Epcot’s Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room in the UK Pavilion.
Breakfast Burger at The Rose and Crown
The English Breakfast Burger is pretty awesome as well, and the Fried Pickle served on the side is a fun and different garnish!
There you have it — some of the most interesting burgers we have had the pleasure to taste in Walt Disney World. While there is still no shortage of this humble, fast food staple, it’s fun to see all of the new ways that it’s being reinvented with exciting toppings — from the most common to the seriously upscale!
What unusual Walt Disney World burger are you looking forward to trying? Leave a comment and tell us about it!
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I’m not an adventurous burger eater, but I’m willing to try the Lobster burger, that sounds yummy.
My husband had the English Breakfast burger at Rose & Crown last week. We both thought it was great! The homemade HP sauce was a nice touch.
Okay, guys, we’re doing a burger crawl. I need at least three of you to do it with me because if we don’t split each burger multiple ways we will DIE. (Happily?)
I’m up for a burger crawl, but I don’t share
There’s a restaurant not to far from where I live that has a burger called the Triple Coronary Bypass. I’ve tried it twice and it’s the most amazing burger. It has three half-pound burger patties, three fried eggs, fourteen slices of cheese, ten slices of bacon, and instead of a bun, it’s wrapped between two grilled cheese sandwiches. Served with a big bowl of two sides, french fries and tatter tots, both covered in their cheesy-Cheese Goo. Next time I head over there I’ll get a review done so you all can see how wild this burger is. You can definitely say I’m a burger fan.
Bacon and egg in a cheeseburger is so common around here that I’m surprised it’s considered a weird burger at WDW!
How were you at ESPN and forget about this one??? It’s the Oktober-Feast-Burger – German-inspired burger with potato pancake, sausage patty, Applewood smoked bacon, sauerkrout, berr-infused mustard sauce and a fried egg on a toasted bun
It’s a little difficult to eat, but there’s a whole lot going on, and it all works so well together!
You left out the Creole Burger at Port Orleans French Quarter. It’s a burger topped with fried shrimp and remoulade sauce. It’s delicious and doesn’t need a thing added to it!
I had the Macaroni and Cheese burger this time at Epcot in the Electric Umbrella. It was very strange and pretty much impossible to eat. I ended up scraping off the Mac and cheese and just eating them separately.
the surf and surf was a great burger.. and the Remoulade is awesome the guy gave me extra to dip my fries .. so so good…
Just got back from the world about a week ago and tried the Picnic Burger at Sci-Fi for the first time ever (minus the sauerkraut) and it was AMAZING! Who would have thought that a burger and a hot dog could be even better when combined instead of side by side. It’s heavy and a heart attack on a plate so I had mine with the cucumber salad…and a cherry coke! A must eat!
OMG these all look amazing and now I reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllly want a big juicy burger for dinner tonight! My wedding is in 24 days so I am really trying to be good and then I can eat all the cheeseburgers and bad stuff while im on my 2 week long disney moon in 32 days! WOOHOO!
Same here Lucy, I remember having an fried egg and bacon and cheese burger 5 years ago at Denny’s. Nothing weird about that. I’ve had all sorts of burgers in Texas too. The fried burger and peanut butter and jelly burger just sound like too much though. Talk about heart attack on a bun!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE the PB&J burger – make it at home now ALL the time –
I love PB&J, but I don’t think I could get near that burger. The battered burger, the surf and turf burgers, and the breakfast burgers I would certainly try. And, yes, I too, think that Sci FI Theater may not have the best food in DHS, but what a fun place to eat!
You left out my favorite non-beef burger on property…the Ahi Tuna Burger at The Fountain in the Dolphin Resort. Nothing better in this world, definitely pair it with their exceptional onion rings!
I agree with Essie. I love PB&J, but not on a burger! I would try the battered burger, and the breakfast burgers. I was really hoping my husband would order the picnic burger when we ate at the Sci-Fi, but he wasn’t in “the mood.” (It looked too big for me to attempt, so I was hoping to try a bite of his.) Oh well, there’s always next time!
I may not get to be there for the Food & Wine Bingo
but maybe I’ll play burger Bingo!
I’m clearly behind on my burger eating! I did try the new mac and cheese burger at Electric Umbrella and I was surprised by how tasty is was–it might have been a little difficult to eat if I hadn’t had to wait for a table and the mac and cheese was still hot and gooey. I’m going to have to buckle down and try some of these options!
How did I not know about the picnic burger at Sci Fi? That one is going on the Disney Dining bucket list!
I’ve had the Battered Burger, and it’s delish. No need to try it again, though; I don’t want to tempt fate, and the words “deep fried hamburger” sound like an invitation for a cardiac.
Next on my list is the picnic burger!
Brown Derby also has an AH MAZING burger. Burger with Pastrami, fried egg and avocado…sounded weird at first…but super delicious!!!
I’ve had never been a bacon-cheeseburger fan, until I tried the Texas Burger at Pepper Market at Coronado Springs Resort. It is now my standard for all bacon-bbq-cheeseburgers. I actually ate it twice in one vacation (the only other time I’ve ever done that was getting gelato multiple times at the same place in Rome).
Looking forward to trying the Surf and Surf Burger from Landscape of Flavors when we stay at AOA next year. It’s going to have quite a bit to live up to since I’m a Maryland girl and crab cakes are our thing!
Battered burgers are quite common in British fish and chip shops, but usually served just with chips, no bun.
I would love to try that Pic Nic burger though but Sci-Fi dine-in has never really appealed.