UPDATE: The Polite Pig takes one quick service credit on the Disney Dining Plan. (So glad this was changed!)
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We’re at The Polite Pig, where “Please and Thank You are still magic words!”
The newest fast-casual spot in Disney Springs is now open in the Town Center! The Polite Pig is the latest restaurant venture by James and Julie Petrakis in partnership with James’ brother, Brian. James and Julie Petrakis are the James Beard-nominated owners of The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder, both based in Winter Park, Florida (and Brian owns and operates Greens & Grille in Orlando).
Like its big sister, The Ravenous Pig, The Polite Pig focuses on local flavors and ingredients, and the emphasis here is on wood-fired, smoked “Modern Barbecue” with all drinks in the establishment on tap.
So let’s brush up on our manners and mind our p’s and q’s with our very first visit to The Polite Pig!
The Polite Pig
Atmosphere
Coming from the World of Disney Store in the Marketplace, head towards Amorette’s Patisserie in the Town Center. You’ll find The Polite Pig just a few more steps from there. Another landmark for you: it’s directly to the right of the stairs coming down from the Lime Parking Garage.
Approaching The Polite Pig
The Polite Pig
The first thing you’ll notice upon approaching the restaurant from the front is that there is plenty of outdoor seating (both shaded and in the open) surrounding the outside bar.
Outdoor Seating and Bar
Outdoor Seating
Outdoor Table
But with seating for nearly 200 guests, there are plenty of tables inside as well, with a mix of booths and chairs to hightop tables, in addition to more bar seating.
Indoor Seating
Indoor Seating
Indoor Seating
Indoor Bar
Liquor above bar
Note the rolls of paper towels on each and every table.
Paper towels on table
That’s because, when it comes to seven sauces at the Sauce Bar, things can get pretty messy!
“The Sauce Bar Can Get Messy”
And speaking of the sauce bar… here’s a chance to read up on your choices and even receive suggested pairings from the menu.
Sauce Menu
Sauce Bar
Sauce Bar
As for what you’re going to put those sauces ON, some spaces offer you a vantage point for the open kitchen, including what’s smokin’ inside The Smoker.
Kitchen View
The Smoker
The general feel captures what you might think of when you hear the words “Modern” and “Barbecue” used together: the space is polished, but with hints of a rustic vibe throughout.
I’d say it’s even got a bit of an industrial feel… but that’s not to say it’s unapproachable. That’s best proven by the fact that you’ll notice swines — I mean, SIGNS — of our well-mannered friend here and there!
Pig artwork
The Polite Pig
Hoof Prints on the floor
Pig Artwork
Now, here’s a very small thing, but as someone who ALWAYS has a mobile device and/or a bag…
Bar Seating
There are handy little bag hooks hanging under the bar (and outlets, too!!!!!!!!).
Hooks and outlet under the bar
That’s one thoughtful Pig!!
So, those are some of the touches that make the spot unique. And here’s one more…
Ordering Process
We decided to give this bit its own section because The Polite Pig operates — and is classified — a bit differently than other eateries that are listed as “fast-casual,” according to Disney. Upon entering, guests can order at the register counter. (Unless, that is, you sit at the bar, in which case you are waited on by the bartender.)
Ordering Line
Register Counter
After placing your order, you’ll receive a Place Tracker, which allows a Cast Member to find you and deliver your order to the table.
Tracker
As you’re eating, servers will come around to check on you during the meal to see if you need drink refills, etc. Currently this location takes one quick service credit on the Disney Dining Plan.
Table
Eats
The “Modern Barbecue” that makes up the fare at The Polite Pig revolves around a list of sandwiches and entrees, served along with a few appetizers (or “snacks”), salads, and market sides. The dessert options are Orange Blossom Honey Cake and Key Lime Pie.
Food Menu
A quick look under the “From the Smoker” section informs that these entrees come with slaw, Texas Toast, and one of the market sides.
The Polite Pig also showcases a beverage program with all drinks on tap, including Cask & Larder brews, wine, and cocktails served by the glass or pitcher.
On Tap Menu
Fountain drinks are also available.
Fountain Drinks
Fountain Drinks
“Sweet or unsweet?” 🙂
Iced Tea
Mind, if you prefer a bit of Bourbon, you may really enjoy perusing the list of over 50 selections at the Bourbon Bar, featuring small batch bourbons and some local options among the choices.
Bourbon Bar Menu
Our GIGANTIC starter was the Hop Salt Pretzel.
Hop Salt Pretzel
Hop Salt Pretzel
It’s served with beer cheese fondue (more, please 😉 !) and an IPA mustard to complement the pretzel.
Beer Cheese Fondue
IPA Mustard
The bread itself was great, but what really makes this item unusual is the Hop Salt — this was a new seasoning for me, and there was a LOT of it on there.
Closeup on Pretzel with Hop Salt
Essentially, it tasted like a really intense salt, with just a hint of bitterness to it. It definitely has its own flavor.
For our Sandwich, we went with The Southern Pig.
The Southern Pig
I don’t know if this comes across in the photo, but this pulled pork sandwich (served with apple slaw, mustard sauce, and Duke’s mayonnaise all topped off with a pickle spear) delivers another terrific portion size.
The Southern Pig
What stood out to me here — aside from the serving size — was just how fresh everything tasted. “Fresh” is not a word I typically use when describing barbecue, but its apt here, especially when considering the addition of the slaw and the super flavorful pork.
The Southern Pig
This is exactly what we anticipated when we heard The Polite Pig was coming to Disney Springs, since the other “swine” restaurants run by Julie and James Petrakis emphasize seasonal, local ingredients.
The Southern Pig
Our “From the Smoker” choice was the Brisket with coffee rub.
Brisket
Before we tuck in, though, I do have to make a note. The Brisket comes with slaw and a market side — you’ll see we went with the Mac and Cheese.
Brisket with slaw and Mac and Cheese
According to the menu, though, it’s also supposed to be served with Texas Toast, which unfortunately we didn’t receive (without realizing it until after the fact). I attribute it to a first-day learning curve, but I did want to mention it. On the upside, though, the brisket itself was SUPER enjoyable.
Brisket
Absolutely crazy juicy and tasty, with only the slightest bit of coffee taste from the rub.
And the Mac and Cheese served alongside it was another winner.
Mac and Cheese
Made with a mix of cheese including parmesan, cheddar, and cottage cheese, it carries a very distinct flavor that’s definitely not your typical mac and cheese.
Mac and Cheese
The Mac and Cheese started what ended up being an overall theme: my favorite part of the meal — even though I really enjoyed the meat — were those market sides (which, by the way, you can make a meal of by combining three for $15). These included the BBQ Cauliflower.
BBQ Cauliflower
The paprika sour cream lent an interesting glaze, and the slight char on the vegetable made it… well, a lot less like eating vegetables!
BBQ Cauliflower
Though you can trust that you are indeed getting part of your Recommended Daily Allowance as evidenced by all the fresh ingredients on the kitchen counters.
Veggies on the counter
That trend continued with the Crispy Brussels Sprouts.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Which are glazed in a whiskey-caramel. For reals.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Finally, we grabbed the Sweet Potato Tots sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Nicely crisp on the outside…
Sweet Potato Tots
… and perfectly soft on the inside, all coming together for nice sweet-and-salty side.
Sweet Potato Tots
So, what did we wash it all down with? We decided to go with one of the Cocktails on Tap: an Old-Fashioned.
Old-Fashioned
While most of the items at The Polite Pig are exclusive to the location, this one is known as a “crowd favorite” at The Ravenous Pig.
Old-Fashioned
Here it’s made with Four Roses Bourbon (which you’ll also find listed on the Bourbon Bar menu) and bitters. I found it to be very smooth, despite being on tap. A pleasant surprise!
Now, The Polite Pig offers a little advice that we couldn’t help but follow. (See Number Four.)
“The Polite Pig Says…”
Something we can all agree on! THIS is the Orange Blossom Honey Cake.
Orange Blossom Honey Cake
The very dense but moist cake is covered with just a thin layer of icing, which typically wouldn’t be nearly enough for me!
Orange Blossom Honey Cake
But here, the main punch of sweetness is delivered by the very sweet Orange Blossom Honey, lending it’s unique (with just a hint of floral) citrusy flavor.
Orange Blossom Honey Cake
Even though it pained me a bit to not indulge in the Key Lime Pie (don’t worry; I’ll get it next time!), I thought this was a terrific end to the meal.
The Polite Pig
Overall
How fun to have another spot in Disney Springs (the other being Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’) that really put the spotlight on Florida ingredients and flavors!
Now, a word on Dining Plan and Discounts. This location will honor DVC and AP discounts, and takes one quick service credit on the Disney Dining Plan, which makes it a great deal. Fresh food, innovative — and extensive! — beverage options, and a fun flair make The Polite Pig a welcome neighbor, and a unique and interesting addition to the Disney Springs dining scene.
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Are you planning to pay a visit to The Polite Pig? Please let us know with a comment!
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I can’t tell from the picture, but does the cauliflower have some sort of nut on it?
The Polite Pig
Disney Springs
Town Center
Casual Dining, Quick Service
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/disney-springs/polite-pig/
$$ ($15 to $34.99 per adult)
Dining Plans Not Accepted
The ordering process – go to a counter, order, get a tracking device, sit down – is not new or unique to this restaurant. Be Our Guest (Lunch), Wolfgang Puck Express, and ESPN Grill at WWoS (not to mention many many non-Disney restaurants) all use the same set up. But as far as I am aware, all of those ones I just mentioned are only a Quick Service credit on the meal plan. To charge a table service credit for a place where you have to stand in line to order at a register is bordering on the ludicrous.
I agree with Paul’s comment. Plus you don’t even have proper plates for the meat/sides, how is it a table service credit?!
Hopefully that’ll change.
I must say the sweet tots and honey orange cake look good!
Sorry, but this doesn’t appeal to me at all. I hate pepper, mustard, garlic, onion – and Ranch sauce. So, there isn’t one sauce there I’d want to eat.
That brisket looked so fatty I’d heave just looking at it.
And yeah, I agree. A TS credit is a rip-off at those prices: just like The Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom – but at least they wait on you!
@Paul D-Lux Burger also uses the RFID locator pagers and offers burgers for a quick service credit. I guess they might have given DFB wrong information as I would guess it should be a QS credit. But that would make the ribs a good value, but in-line with pricing at Flame Tree BBQ in Animal Kingdom.
The Disney website currently states no dining plans accepted.
You know the more I see coming out of Disney Springs, the less inclined I am to stay in rainy old England. I can’t wait to plan my trip – going to be an expensive one for sure, because I need to try as many of these new places as possible! My last trip was June 2015 so most of it was boarded up behind construction walls and all these new amazing restaurants are making me hungry from across the pond. I can smell all that barbecue from here! It’s worth booking a whole trip around Disney Springs latest offerings, right?? Theme parks are overrated anyway! Oh, but the World Showcase… and Be Our Guest… I’m just going to have to move to Florida! There’s nothing else for it!! :’D Thanks for another excellent article, I am living vicariously through this website recently haha :). This was a bit of a rambling comment and for that I apologise. I’m very excited about The Polite Pig!
Natalie — We LOVE your rambling comment! 😀 Hurry and visit soon! They have done a fantastic job with Disney Springs. It’s so lovely, you could plan to spend a day there as a destination as well. (And PS — I highly recommend FL, and Central Florida in particular, as a great place to live.)
Steve — It’s not uncommon for this information to appear on Disney’s website in the early days of a restaurant’s opening, as they’re working out the details. Thanks for sharing the info, though!
Jon — Correct, but as I mention to Steve, this is pretty common in the early opening days of a restaurant at Disney, and we’re likely to see a change re: no DDP being accepted. As we mention in our overall section at the bottom of the post, we repeatedly asked about this, because the set up doesn’t mirror anything that we’ve seen anywhere else at Disney (and as you can imagine, we get around. 😀 ) If the DDP credits accepted change from TS to QS (we will certainly be following up), we’ll be sure to note it at the top of the post. Thanks for reading!
Paul — Agreed. That’s why we repeatedly asked staff about it. We’ll be following up, and we’ll keep you posted. Thanks!
I mean, it all looks wonderful but… why on EARTH would I eat here and waste a TS credit when I can walk on over to Wolfgang Puck Express or D-Luxe Burger and get the same experience for a QS credit?! Makes zero sense to me and I agree with the above posters. Either this info is incorrect, or this is absurd.
Patricia — We certainly agree that the info is inconsistent with how Disney Dining Plan credits work. We’ll keep you posted as we continue to follow the story.
People, take a look at the menu and prices and consider why they are not on the Quick service plan.
On average a entrée, side and drink is going to cost over $20.
I am sure Disney does not reimburse these places based upon actual spending and what a meal would have actually cost. I am sure Disney gives a flat rate to any restaurant that is willing to participate in the plan.
Of course you would not use a table service here, however, maybe this is the Pig’s somewhat sort of backwards way to say we participate and get the Disney press with their name on every Disney food advertisement out there.
So they put their name under the table service column, they get all the same press, get their name on Disney advertising and the Pig gets reimbursed by Disney at a higher table service rate.
Regardless it’s looks like some good BBQ that I will be giving a try.
Brisket…sweet potato tots…bbq cauliflower…crispy sprouts…orange blossom cake…..yes please sounds amazing
Ok, got me. Cauliflower and Brussel Sprouts for me and sweet tater tots for my wife. We’ll be there.
Amanda — I think it’s some kind of Pepita Brittle, but I’m awaiting confirmation on that. Stay tuned!
I’m confused as to why everyone is saying that it’s a table service credit, when you guys have said at the conclusion of the review that it’s actually a quick service credit. Either way, it looks SO delicious, and my mouth is watering! Out of curiosity, which side was your favorite?
Jean — So sorry for the confusion! The post was edited to reflect the change. Initially, and after repeated questions, The Polite Pig indicated that they would be a one table service credit restaurant — which didn’t make much sense, based upon their service model. They’ve since altered their response, and so we edited the piece in an effort to keep down confusion. 🙂
I hate to say it, but I’m pretty underwhelmed – especially with the kids menu. This is a BBQ joint and not one item on the kids menu is BBQ? My seven-year-old niece loves her ribs, but there’s no way she can eat an entire adult portion @ $20.
Many of these restaurants have Gluten Free options and/or Gluten Free Buns. Can anyone confirm these options are available here?
You had me at bourbon bar………..:)
Looks like the veggie in our party would either have to put up with a mix of sides or nothing. Looked good but wont be going as one of our party couldn’t get a meal
We ate there last Friday. The wait time just to order was around 25 minutes. They had two people taking the orders at the counter and, it seemed, two or three people standing watching. Not sure why they did not open a third till. The restaurant was not too busy once you got past the order station and our food came surprisingly quickly considering how long it had taken to order it! We all had The Southern Pig and one side of Mac and Cheese (actually pasta shells, not macaroni). The pork in the burger was not “pulled”, it was chunks of pork. It was tasty enough but not spectacular and all of it was really only luke warm. Overall it was a bit disappointing, especially for the price.
Howdy! I just deleted a couple of comments on here that were unnecessarily negative toward other commenters. Just a reminder that you can say whatever you want about me, and you can certainly have a healthy disagreement with other readers here in the comments section, but we try to draw a line at superfluous negativity toward other readers here at DFB. I’m emailing both of the commenters individually. 😀 Thanks!
My sister-in-law and I ate at the Polite Pig last week and thoroughly enjoyed our lunch! She ordered the Brisket Melt Sandwich and the BBQ Cauliflower and I had the Southern Pig Sandwich and the Tomato & Watermelon Salad. It was delicious! I live in Illinois and wish we had a Polite Pig here!
Very pleasant experience today at the Disney Springs The Polite Pig. Cast -especially Cheeks – was very kind and efficient. They met our needs before we knew we had the need. We ordered the southern pig sandwich. Excellent. We will definitely be back.
I’m I right in thinking with the new alcoholic 2018 dining plan I can get a choice of meat, texas toast, slaw, a side and a cocktail or beer for one QS credit here? Looks like the best value in Disney Springs if so!
Ate at the Polite Pig on July 2…have to say dissappointed. Coleslaw is NOT out of this world and should not be a standard side. Mac and cheese had no taste at all and the sweet potato tots where not good. Brisket was ok as well as the cheddar sausage but not worth the money. Sauces are not all that either. Really wanted to like this place. Will only return for the cocktails
The Brisket is disturbing, as a BBQ judge, if the pictures of the brisket are what they serve, I would score them low. No care has been taken in trimming the fat from the brisket. this is not what you want to see.
If you do not have the OBH cake, you are doing it wrong. May be the best cake I’ve ever had. The sides are so unique. We love it.
It’s on my list for our December trip! Can’t wait!
Me and my mother went here the second week of December and had just brussel sprouts and cocktails… Had to go back the next day for more brussel sprouts. They are so delicious. better than words can describe. So wish they had a Polite Pig in Oklahoma would go everyday just for the Whiskey-Carmel Brussel Sprouts alone….
I ate there once cuz I like Pig Butts and I grew up in south Louisiana where cracklins are a frequent snack. Well let me tell you, what they served was not cracklins, it was more like pork rinds. And just like the kind you can get at the grocery store. I commented to them at the time and haven’t been back since. I just might give them another chance.