Welcome back to El Mercado de Coronado!
Even if El Mercado de Coronado is a new name to you, you may still be familiar with the space if you’ve ever paid a visit to Coronado Springs Resort. You see, this Resort Counter Service location used to go by the name of Pepper Market.
While the general setup of the space has remained the same, there are some other aspects that have changed even beyond the name.
So join us on a tour of El Mercado de Coronado!
Atmosphere
The unique structure of the space has remained the same, of course, with the large dining room still given a bit of the Resort’s Spanish-Colonial Mexican architecture with arches and large beams, and a high ceiling allowing plenty of light from the windows to flow through.
El Mercado de Coronado
A few fun light fixtures including string globes and lanterns still accent the space.
El Mercado de Coronado
However, the color palette has definitely changed. You may remember the colorful “Pepper Market” signage hanging high above the room to resemble an outdoor marketplace. But the updated space has no such banner.
El Mercado de Coronado
That bright, colorful banner set the scene for the whole room, which was previously also filled with colorful chairs. The current seating and general palette relies on neutral tones with just a few pops of color from a few chairs.
El Mercado de Coronado
And the signature larger-than-life sculptures of spirit animals no longer exist in the space. Dark woods provide contrast against the still bright and airy room.
El Mercado de Coronado
Overall, the scene is set more for the convention crowd than a whimsical vacation vibe.
El Mercado de Coronado
And now let’s see what there is to eat in the updated setting.
Eats
You’ll find El Mercado open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
El Mercado de Coronado Hours of Operation
Like most other Resort Counter Service spots, ordering stations offering different types of food are where you’ll find Counter Service staples and a few dishes unique to El Mercado de Coronado.
El Mercado de Coronado
El Mercado de Coronado
Off the Grill has classic burgers and chicken, but also a Crab Cake Sandwich and the Azteca Burger, topped with fried onions and jalapeños, guacamole, chipotle aioli, and pepper-jack cheese.
Off the Grill
Off the Grill
The Chefs Specials during our visit included Pasta of the Day and BBQ Ribs, and also a Yucatan Roasted Chicken, which is the House Specialty.
Chef Specials
Chef Specials
And, of course, there’s plenty of pizza to go around.
Pizza
And you’ll often find Mexican specialties up for grabs, like cilantro Rice Bowls with your choice of beef, chicken, or pork with toppings.
The desserts at El Mercado are something of a standout, with cake slices from red velvet to carrot cake and more, depending on the day.
Desserts
And Grab and Go offers sandwiches, salads, and more.
Grab and Go
You’ll find more items including specialty coffee and even gelato (plus more desserts and pastries) at the nearby Cafe Rix.
Overall
The change from Pepper Market to El Coronado de Mercado seems to be in keeping with the other changes taking place at Coronado Springs Resort. With the ongoing construction of a 500-room guest tower (which will be complete with rooftop dining), the Resort is preparing for a lot more guests — with much of the focus on the convention crowd. Other changes include the conversion of Rix Lounge to Rix Sports Bar & Grill, and we look forward to when Villa del Lago delivers on-the-water dining next year. You can read about all of the changes taking place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort here!
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no different than a standard mall food court, Disney has sold itself out, there is nothing disney about staying on property anymore except maybe the Polynesian and Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge. Just wait till those are ruined too.
I did not get a chance to try the Pepper Market though I had always heard good things. This reincarnation into El Mercado looks pretty disappointing, from the lackluster decor that can fit in any suburban Marriott to the generic menu that falls way short of the new Spanish name. I get that they expect the main clientele to be conventioneers, but surely they would appreciate a touch more Disney magic? 😛
Did they remove the giant colourful bird statues by the entrance?
Do you think they will get the Freestlye coke machines in?
I had visited the Pepper Market numerous times. Since my first visit, I always made an attempt to go back even though I never stayed at that resort. I loved the set up. It had the feel of an outdoor market and you could roam around looking at the various cuisine. Now that I see the renovation, I will not bother to make the trip.