Welcome to the “new” Rix Sports Bar & Grill in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort!

So, why is the “new” in quotes, you may ask? Well, that’s because for a long time, this particular space in Coronado Springs operated as Rix Lounge, providing guests and convention attendees at the Resort a place to drink and… well, lounge. The name changed to Rix Sports Bar & Grill a few months ago. However, it’s only recently that the location has transitioned to a full Table Service Restaurant serving both lunch and dinner, as well as serving up a place to catch a game or two.

And it makes sense. You see, Coronado Springs Resort is in the midst of a pretty major transition which — among other changes — will ultimately add 500 rooms to the Resort by way of a brand new tower (which will also feature rooftop dining). And with room for MANY more guests on the way, more dining options will be required, too.

So we’re here to check out the changes while trying out lunch at Rix Sports Bar & Grill!

Atmosphere

If you’ve ever visited Rix Lounge, you’ll recognize the unique entrance, which remains the same tall structure, but with a change.

It now says Rix Sports Bar & Grill, of course!

The spot’s former couches and chairs have almost entirely been replaced by simple tables and chairs.

Seating has even been expanded beyond the bar into an area that previously provided a few tables for Cafe Rix, the Resort’s grab-and-go location. And while the seats may look pretty empty now, I’m guessing this will change when those 500 new rooms open up next year (or when football season starts this fall).

And you’ve probably noticed the primary additions in the photos above: TELEVISIONS.

Lots and lots and lots of them! So you know there will be plenty of opportunities to catch whatever game — or games! — you’re hoping to!

Aside from the bar and the entryway, elements of the ol’ lounge can still be spotted in the cool light fixtures.

Otherwise, though, the focus is really on your choices for sports watching. The other focus, of course, is food!

Eats

What types of food spring to mind when you hear the words “sports bar and grill”? Probably things like wings, nachos, sliders, burgers and such, right?

Yep, they’re all here. But there’s a bit more in store with a closer look. Items like Ale-battered Shrimp and Veggie Lettuce Wraps also show up under the Appetizers on the menu picture above.

The rest of the menu is a blend of Sandwiches, Soups, and Salads featuring Turkey and Brie, Rix Mahi Reuben, and a Queso Fundido Burger.

Short Rib Chili makes an appearance in the Soups (with more sandwiches listed besides).

Full Entrees are served during both lunch and dinner.

And as for the “bar” in Rix Sports Bar & Grill…

We chose to try the Beer Flight. While it’s not listed on the menu above, we learned about it from a tabletop sign.

Our Flight included 3 Daughters Floating Dock IPA, Big Top Conch Republic Key Lime, Dukes Cold Nose Brown Ale, and Caribe Blood Orange Cider by Florida Beer Co.

Though offerings may certainly change, I would assume that Florida-brewed beverages will continue to be featured in the Flight just as they are in the bar’s Draft Selections.

But you need a little something to go with your brew, naturally. And you’ve probably guessed that I couldn’t resist those Watchos.

These waffle-fry-nachos are topped with queso blanco, bacon, and scallions… and it’s a pretty heaping helping!

Sure, it’s your typical sports bar grub, but that’s why we’re here, right? Plus the game is upped (pun totally intended) by the tasty seasoning on the fries, the substantial amount of thick-cut bacon chunks, and, of course, the RIVER of queso blanco both on top of and under the fries.

And I do mean river, because these fries are swimming in it!! Considering we’re at a sports bar, this dish is exactly what it needs to be — tasty, messy, shareable, and totally addictive.

But if that’s just not enough cheese for ya… check out the Queso Fundido Burger.

More of that tasty queso is poured on top of a burger patty, which is also topped with chunks of mildly spicy chorizo sausage, caramelized onions and peppers, and even more cheese (Monterey Jack).

It’s typically served with waffle fries, but since we’d had those with the Watchos, we went with the one of the other options: Sweet Potato Fries. (You may also choose a Green Apple Cabbage Slaw or Beet and Goat Cheese Salad.)

Forgive me, but I just couldn’t stop taking pictures of ALL. THE. CHEESE.

But what I also liked about it was the way the savory cheese and chorizo was given a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions. (Those Sweet Potato Fries were an enjoyable complement, too.) The juicy toppings made up for some of the flavor which was lacking in the patty itself, which was overdone compared with our medium request.

This might be as good a time as any to add a note about service. Though our server was very friendly and kind, our meal took a little longer than we anticipated due to a rather relaxed pace. On the other hand, it’s somewhat nice to know that lingering is welcome in a sports bar, since I’m sure many guests will want to stay for full games.

Back to that burger, though… it was totally tasty, and I would get it again.

For one last item, we also tried the Short Rib Chili.

Now, I know we’re not entering what you might think of as chili-eating season, with temps beginning to soar in Central Florida as of late.

But this is one tasty bowl. Completely packed with shredded beef, it also has a decent kick of spice to it. Here’s just a few bites on the plate so you can get an idea of the rich consistency.

If your visit to Coronado Springs Resort is in the cooler months, this is the dish to get if you have plans to kick back and watch a football game at Rix.

Speaking of… it really is nice to have another sports-watching location in Disney World. The BoardWalk’s ESPN Club is lots of fun. But it also gets completely packed — especially for big game weekends. Coronado Springs may not be the most accessible place in Disney World depending on where you’re staying, but I’m all for more options for the sports fan in Disney World. Which leads me to my final thoughts…

Nosh or Not?

You may want to stop by Rix Sports Bar & Grill if:

• You want to do some serious game viewing accompanied by some tasty grub or drinks.
• You’re a guest at Coronado Springs Resort and want to take advantage of the fact that there’s now more Table Service options available.
• You LOOOOVE some queso blanco (like me!) 😉 .

You may want to pass on Rix Sports Bar & Grill if:

• You’d prefer a larger menu of offerings.
• You’d rather not be surrounded by TVs if they don’t serve a purpose in your visit.
• Coronado Springs Resort is simply too far out of your way to make sense in your vacation plans.

Overall

Hooray!! The conversion of Rix to a full Table Service location is a pretty smart move when you consider all the changes coming to Coronado Springs Resort. But not only because the Resort will simply require more Table Service options upon the expansion; it’s also a pretty nice boon for guests visiting the Resort in the here and now. Sure, it’s not serving the fanciest food on property, but it doesn’t need to be. The menu totally fits the bill for the intended new vibe for Rix — the food is fun and tasty, and a great companion for game day viewing (or if you’re just taking a break from the parks).

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Would you like to catch a game at Rix Sports Bar & Grill? Please let us know with a comment!