Welcome, adventurers, to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in The Landing of Disney Springs!

Or should I say, “Welcome Back”? Just last week, we brought you a First Look from Opening Day of the Hangar, and today we’re back for a full review, including every single food item on the menu, several of the specialty cocktails from the uniquely-themed list of libations, and even a glimpse at some of the specialty souvenir drink glasses on their way to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar.

The reasons behind the high levels of anticipation surrounding the opening of the Hangar Bar have been twofold: first, the backstory surrounds Jock Lindsey — a frequent pilot for the movie character of Indiana Jones — so fans of the film franchise were especially excited to have the chance to step inside the story.

Second, the ongoing transformation from Downtown Disney into Disney Springs continues to bring a whole new kind of dining scene to Disney World, including more upscale dining venues like The Boathouse and Morimoto Asia (set to open this coming Wednesday), and uniquely-themed spots such as the one we’re visiting again today.

So, we know who Jock Lindsey is… but why the “Hangar Bar”? You see, when Jock was flying Indiana Jones over Florida while searching for the Fountain of Youth, he just so happened to spot a piece of waterfront land that caught his attention.

Jock returned in the 1940s to build that bar, along with an airplane hangar from which he hosted airplane tours of Florida.

So this simultaneous bar-and-airplane-hangar also became a place where Jock could welcome his fellow members of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers to have a drink on the waterfront during any stopovers they may have enjoyed in Florida. These days, the Hangar Bar remains ready to host YOU on your next stopover in the Sunshine State… so let’s step in!

Atmosphere

Immediately upon setting foot inside Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, it’s easy to become overwhelmed taking in all the decor based around the pilot’s life.

So definitely be sure to plan a little extra time to explore the building either before or after you grab your drinks and noshes.

Every inch of this place has some knick-knack from Jock’s aviation career over the years.

From old photographs, banners, and trophies…

…to newspaper prints chronicling the Hangar Bar, not one stone is left unturned.

Jock’s portrait is hung up in tribute behind the bar, so be sure to tip your hat to the founder during your visit (even if it’s not one of Jock’s signature NY Yankees caps 😉 ).

In addition to Jock’s mementos, evidence of the fully-functioning airplane hangar is seen throughout the space in mechanical tools and aviation equipment.

In true Disney Imagineering style, even the light fixtures are themed!

As I mentioned in our First Look, the setting is so full of fun trinkets, tributes, and tchotchkes, that I think even guests who aren’t familiar with the Indiana Jones films will have fun exploring. (Heck, you may even walk away a bonafide fan).

But there are definitely spots that the more dedicated fans will be better able to appreciate. Take, for instance, the shelf pictured below.

If you spy that statue on the upper right, you’ve found the Chachapoyan Fertility Idol (a/k/a the Golden Idol), one of the more memorable artifacts from Raiders of the Lost Ark. (Though I have to wonder if Indy knew Jock swiped it to decorate his hangar? 😉 ).

So, yes, fans of Indiana Jones should find themselves well-pleased with this incredibly detailed space. Come to think of it, though, so should fans of another well-known entity associated with Disney (but you really have to keep an eye out!)…

Our server (shout-out to “Aloha” — she was awesome) pointed this one out. There are similar items in the area without the extra “ears,” so I feel good about this being a real hidden Mickey.

Speaking of “hidden” things, don’t forget to grab a shot of the hidden R2-D2. George Lucas helmed the Indy movies as well as the Star Wars films, of course.

Whew! After all that treasure-hunting, you begin to crave a seat! Fortunately, Jock did a good job making the place comfy, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, the large and prominent bar offers even more detailed decor for you to enjoy when you belly up.

You can study a large map to follow some of Jock’s past adventures. And be sure to ask the bartenders for a little visual tour of the artifacts behind the bar.

As promised when Disney first revealed plans for the Hangar Bar, Jock Lindsey’s beloved pet snake, Reggie, certainly has a major influence in the bar’s story (much to Indiana’s chagrin, no doubt). The large, glowing canister on the bar contains the makings of Reggie’s Revenge. (FYI — this one is just for looks — they have a keg below the bar that holds the actual drink you’ll be served.)

And if you look up, you might spot Reggie’s cage amidst all the paraphernalia.

The problem is… you won’t spot Reggie. He must be out and about, so if you have snake issues like Indy, consider yourself warned ;)!

Table seating is also available, and the seats themselves are various mismatched booths and chairs, perhaps picked up on Jock’s many adventures. All are wood-and-metal combos, giving an old-school aviation feel to the decor.

But, c’mon… you should know me well enough by now to realize there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity to sit in the DIVING BELL!!!

There’s plenty of seating available at the Hangar Bar, with its 150-person capacity. But you may have to stalk this spot for a while to nab the chance to sit there, which I SO TOTALLY DID. That’s time well spent, in my book.

Still, with a views of the water and theming that continues outside, you might enjoy wandering to the next bar and two outdoor seating areas.

And, of course, they sell more than just live bait behind the bar 😉 .

All outdoor seating is covered and offers great views of Village Lake, along with an industrial, aviation setting.

Be sure to check out this spot off to the side of the patio area where you’ll find Jock Lindsey’s desk.

A fun tip: wave your hand in front of the microphone and you might be able to hear Jock Lindsey’s voice coming in over the waves!

The most coveted outdoor spots, though, might just be onboard Jock’s dry-docked boat, Reggie; named after his beloved (and still missing) snake, and complete with wraparound booth seating.

Well, I’d say “that sums it up,” except for the fact that I think you can easily tell that this is one of those spots you could visit dozens of times and notice something new with each visit. So we’ll leave some treasure for you to search out on your own, ‘cuz we’ve got some drinkin’ and eatin’ to do!

There is one thing to note, though, before we get into what’s on the menu at the Hangar: be sure to bring proper payment.

Because even the Holy Grail is no longer accepted in exchange for what you’re about to see….

Eats and Drinks

We’re starting with drinks in this watering hole, with a menu — I mean, Pilot’s Log Book 🙂 — chock full of specialty libations, perfectly themed to their surroundings!

Adding to the fun, the menu also serves as an exploration of Jock’s adventures with a list of beverages that coordinate with some of his favorite spots and memories.

Now, you’ll likely notice the specialty glasses in the menu shots as we go forward. Similar to all of Trader Sam’s hangouts (the Grog Grotto, Tiki Terrace, and Enchanted Tiki Bar) some of the drinks will be served in coordinating souvenir glasses. I place the emphasis on “will be” because the specialty glassware “was lost in the Bermuda Triangle” on opening day, and the Cast Members weren’t sure when they would arrive (nor did they know what the prices will be to bring one of the glasses home with you once they come in). So, the cool illustrations are all we can show you currently regarding the souvenir vessels.

Well-traveled man that he was, Jock’s drink menu takes guests on a tour around the globe, and we’re starting in Asia (notice the cool scrapbook feel of the Log, tucked with “matchbooks,” photos, notes, receipts, and the like!). Featured drinks in this section include the Anything Goes, the Bedtime Story, and Shorty’s Singapore Sling, along with bottled and draft beer (you’ll find different beer selections in each section of the menu) as well as Sake.

Jock notes that the Anything Goes “reminds me of a chilly showgirl I once met at club Obi Wan. Only this martini needs no antidote!” (Indiana Jones fans will recognize Obi Wan as the nightclub seen in Temple of Doom and, of course, a reference to Star Wars). The beverage itself is a martini made up of Byejoe Dragon Fire Spirit, fresh lime juice, and passion fruit and pineapple juices. It was one of the favorites at the table!

It comes together as an interesting, full-flavored combination of both sweet and bitter tastes.

Of the featured Asia drinks we tried, though, I’d more highly recommend the Bedtime Story. “Legend has it, archaeologists have been chasing this recipe for centuries.” Fortunately, we have it now: Absolut Mandrin Vodka, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, hibiscus syrup, fresh lemon juice and iced tea.

It’s no wonder they were on the hunt, because this drink is as delicious as it is eye-catching. I’m not a huge ginger fan, but our team that day liked the ginger flavor for that Asian influence. And it’s garnished with an actual hibiscus flower, to boot!

Our next destination on the menu is South America, where the signature beverage is the Hovito Mojito.

You can also order up a Fauxjito, by the name of the Poisonless Dart. Something a little different about the setup of the menu is that the non-alcoholic choices are scattered throughout, instead of in their own dedicated section (just something to note if you bring little ones — who are very welcome here — or if you’re serving as the Designated Pilot for your party). The Bitter Barkeep (which contains pasteurized egg whites, as noted on the menu), is the other signature libation for this section.

We went with the fully loaded Hovito Mojito. This one is made from Barsol Quebranta Pisco, fresh lime juice, mint, simple syrup and soda water, offering a small spin on a traditional mojito using brandy instead of the typical white rum.

The Sunshine State gets its own Log entry, and — with the exception of the non-alchoholic Diving Bell — the drinks in this section feature Florida vodkas, while the beer selection offers Floridian brews. This is also the section of the Pilot Log where you’ll spot what might be the most popular “Jocktail” on the menu so far: Reggie’s Revenge, as well as the Fountain of Youth. 

For a fiercely-named drink, this is a sweet and fruity cocktail, made of Florida Cane ‘Orlando Orange’ Vodka, midori melon liqueur, white cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice. Mine tasted a bit watered down and kind of like yellow gatorade…so I hope yours doesn’t.

And that extra kick from Reggie? It’s that swizzle stick, which is yours to keep!

I like the “chemistry beaker” look of the souvenir drink glass that this one will eventually come in.

The Fountain of Youth is named after the very thing was Jock was helping Indiana find when he spotted this little town for his Hangar Bar. Even though they never found the actual Fountain, at least they found this tasty recipe, featuring Saint Augustine Cane Vodka, Bols Blue Curacao, white cranberry juice, and sweet-and-sour mix. I’ve become rather a fan of white cranberry juice in a cocktail, providing a bit of a mellow base that seems to mix well with any citrusy spirit.

A visit to Europe via the Pilot’s Log brings us the German Mechanic (a shandy of Paulaner Hefe-Weizen and Simply Lemonade) and The Scottish Professor for featured drinks, as well as “a sample of single malt Scotch Whisky for every plane Jock Lindsey’s ever bent,” with the Aviator’s Flight.  

Africa features the Cool-headed Monkey, a chilled rum punch with watermelon and pineapple juice.

I ALMOST held off on ordering that one until those souvenir glasses arrive, because — let’s face it — it looks like it’s gone be pretty sweet! But I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to taste it!

And I’m so glad I did. This one was, hands down, my favorite of the bunch!

Safari Sangria and a small selection of African wines round out the list.

North America is our final destination in the Pilot’s Log, featuring The Hail Mary (check out that great ice sphere) and the Air Pirate’s Mule for the whiskey and bourbon drinkers out there, along with Wrong Island! and Bam’s Barnstormer for the rum fans.

Wrong Island! is Siesta Key Silver Rum, Tito’s Vodka, Tamiami Gin, Tippler’s Orange Liqueur, and sweet-and-sour with a splash of Coke. A fun twist on a traditional Long Island Iced Tea, this drink is definitely on the strong side!

My first glance at Bam’s Barnstormer led me to think I had maaaaaybe tied on one too many… The cool sideways glass is filled with with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, fever-tree ginger beer and fresh lime juice. That little umbrella is, of course, blown inside out.

Reminiscent of the Dark & Tropical Stormy at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, it’s the zesty, sweet-spicy (and oddly refreshing) ginger beer that makes this one a standout if ginger is your thing.

No matter which drink you choose, don’t forget to check out the coasters from Jock’s favorite watering holes around the globe (which one of our Instagram followers informed us would be rotated occasionally, so the location may be different on your various visits!).

For those looking for more than just drinks, table settings feature rustic tin and linen.

That’s right! The Pilot Log Book isn’t limited strictly to cocktails. It also features a decent selection of small plates — all dishes served during the New Member Dinner for the Society for Explorers and Adventurers, naturally.

Before you dig in, though, don’t forget this sound advice from the Pilot himself…

Fortunately, the Good Dates are “safe for the whole family!”  These goat cheese-stuffed dates are served with Marcona almonds and pickled vegetables.

The smooth flavor of goat cheese stuffed dates is kicked up a bit when mixed with the pickled vegetables. I enjoy the flavor and texture combo of cheese and dates anytime, but the choice of goat cheese along with the sweeter flavor of the Marcona almonds elevates what otherwise might be a fairly simple dish. These were deemed good enough to be an entree by the goat-cheese aficionado at our table.

Dr. Elsa’s She-Deviled Eggs are beet juice-brined deviled eggs topped with lump crab.

The menu says the eggs are “stuffed” with the lump crab, but they are basically topped with a lump of the meat, with bits interspersed throughout the deviled egg yolks.

I’ve tried brined eggs before (sans crabmeat) thanks to some relatives in the southeast. I have to say, they are what you might call an “acquired taste.” And I haven’t quite acquired it yet ;). They are beautiful to look at, but the flavor of the pickled beet juice (which lends that fantastic color) is quite strong — an odd kind of sweet and bitter at the same time. The salt from the crabmeat did balance things a bit, but overall I’d say that while they are well-executed, they’re not the best choice for non-adventurous eaters.

The Snack of Ra is a somewhat larger plate made up of African salads and dips with injera flatbread and naan crisps.

This mini-bread service offers up a cool variety of flavors, and the naan crisps are a fun play on the traditional bread.

With the selections so far, I think you can tell they’ve worked to elevate the fare here from your typical pub grub.

That said, the Air Pirate’s Pretzels bring us back to some pretty standard bar food… which, hey, is sometimes exactly what you’re after, and ain’t nothin’ wrong with that. Plus, it’s hard to argue with the presentation!

And the bonus is that the house-made mustard and beer-cheese fondue made for some pretty great dipping! (And, yes, I asked for several extra little bowls of beer-cheese fondue, because…everyone should have their own. So good.)

Brody’s Brats offer up a great potential for pairing with the pretzels.  I was surprised by the fairly substantial serving of the grilled bratwursts served alongside ground mustard, cabbage, and pickles.

One of the vegetarian-friendly options is the trio of Tanis Tacos. 

Each taco is stuffed with falafel, shredded lettuce, and cucumber-tomato salad, then drizzled with a pink yogurt sauce.

I love the fried shells on these tacos — crispy on the outside with a flaky center, and the veggies were nicely fresh topping the soft falafel.

The slightly spicy yogurt dressing tied all the flavors together well, and it’s also part of our next dish.

The plate of Rolling Boulder Sliders serves up three thick and spicy meatball sliders on brioche buns, topped with shredded lettuce and more of that yogurt sauce.

The spice of the meatballs is due mostly to minced garlic and onion rolled into the meat, packing some terrific taste.

Watch out for Lao Che’s Revenge, named after one of the greatest villains of the film franchise and the owner of Obi Wan nightclub. These spicy Asian wings are covered in a teriyaki-like sticky sauce. They are so flavorful that they don’t even need a dipping sauce. (I know — I can’t believe I said it, either!) These will remind many of the wings at ‘Ohana.

Last — but certainly not least — is Squid! Why’d It Have To Be Squid, the calamari flatbread that’s already famous thanks to its cool name.

A mildly spicy harissa spread, well-seasoned arugula, and banana peppers also top this impressive appetizer. Still, it’s not for the faint of heart. While many are more accustomed to calamari rings (which kind of help you forget the whole “squid” aspect of the whole thing), the calamari topping this dish is tentacles-only.

See what I mean? I think the dish is well in keeping with the general theme, though. After all, why not be a little adventurous in this hangout custom-made for Explorers and Adventurers… both from Jock and Indy’s time, as well as modern day.

Overall

I think the pictures really speak for themselves as far as the level of thought and detail that went into the creation of Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. With a super fun theme that continues right on into some downright creative cocktails and above-par bar eats, the whole experience at the Hangar really speaks to the new level of dining venues that are seriously raising the bar for what to expect once the entire transformation to Disney Springs is completed in 2016.

While Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar stands on its own — quite easily, I might add! — as a dining destination, it also brings an even higher level of excitement (along with setting a higher standard) for what’s to come. One thing’s for sure: the growing pains that have come along with the ongoing construction of Disney Springs are starting to yield some pretty sweet results, and I gotta say that so far, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is topping the list.

The Hangar Bar does not take reservations, so it’s first-come, first-served and also is seat yourself (which is why I was able to stalk those poor, but very gracious, folks sitting in the Diving Bell before I arrived). They don’t currently offer any membership discounts (tables in wonderland, etc), but since they’re Disney-owned, we hope they will very soon.

On our visit, there was plenty of seating outside and, at times, inside as well (even though on opening day there was a 90-minute wait to get in). This doesn’t seem to be the draw that Trader Sam’s is on either coast quite yet, so you may have some luck with not waiting as long as you visit on an off-time.

Are you hoping to visit the Hangar on your next visit to Disney Springs? Please let us know with a comment!