With so many great places to dine and drink at Walt Disney World these days, there are actually a lot more must-try spots than just about anyone could squeeze into a vacation.

So when we tell you that The Crew’s Cup Lounge at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a must must-try, you know we’re serious. Over the years, we’ve touted The Crew’s Cup Lounge as a great place to escape the heat, and it’s still that. (Check out a review here!) But I recently ate here for a meeting after not being at the lounge for a while, and I was BOWLED OVER with what I ordered.

I can’t wait to share it with YOU! (Apologies for the badly taken photos in this post, by the way — I was at a meeting and wasn’t planning on blogging the meal, but it was SO GOOD that I had to!)

Neighboring Yachtsman Steakhouse, The Crew’s Cup Lounge is a low-key, inviting spot that — despite the straining crew depicted in the Lounge’s sign — is easy to enjoy.

And enjoy you’ll want to do because The Crew’s Cup Lounge is now serving up some Prime Rib Sliders that made me carve out a second visit during my last short and very full trip to the World! If I’m eating someplace twice in a matter of days, you know there’s got to be something incredibly compelling going on there.

Grab an oar — it’s time to go!

Atmosphere

The Crew’s Cup Lounge is simple in design and decor, with tons of wood accents and area rugs lending it a warm and cozy feel. There’s a good amount of seating for a lounge of this size, and we’ve rarely had a wait when arriving (no ADRs required!).

In addition to the clusters of tables and seating in the center of the Lounge, there are also booths along the wall.

And the bar is a simple affair, too, with high, cushioned bar stools and glass and mirror accents. Overall the space is a little dark and a lot relaxing.

Eats

The Crew’s Cup Lounge is open for dinner from 5PM to 10Pm and late-night dining from 10PM to 11PM. The late-night menu consists of only a handful of ‘entrees’ that include things like Lobster Bisque, Charcuterie or Cheese Boards, the Captain’s Platter, and an ‘Everything’ Pretzel. It’s kind of a mixed bag.

Dinner is a little more expected, with several appetizers and entrees from which to choose. You really can’t go wrong with any of these options.

One of the appetizers — the ‘Everything’ Pretzel — comes with Beer Cheese, and now it’s time for an AJ Disney food hack: order a side of the Beer Cheese to go with your fries. Don’t hesitate; the answer is “yes, you need more Beer Cheese in your life, and this is the place to do it.”

The Classic Crew Burger is a hearty combination of classic toppings done really well. Mr. Tractor Honey Mustard, Miso Bacon, House-made Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Lettuce, Tomato, Bread and Butter Pickles, Onions, and Cheddar top some stellar burger patties.

The shiny buttered roll is soft and fresh, and this is a decent burger. It’s a little on the small side for a $20 burger, though.

The House-made Signature ‘Yacht Dog’ is a fun and upscale version of a classic. The dog here is comprised of 14-day Dry-Aged Prime Beef, and you taste every bit of that care and attention to the meat.

It’s served with Mayonnaise, House-made Ketchup, Fried Onions, and Mr. Tractor Honey Mustard on a Parker House Bun. The House-made Ketchup really levels up the hot dog, and I loved the crispy fried (but not greasy!) onions!

BUT I’ve saved the best for last, believe it or not. This dish got started when the chefs in the kitchen at the end of a long shift wanted THIS to eat, so you KNOW it’s good. The Prime Rib Sliders are an appetizer on the dinner menu, and you will 100% want to order these. (I ordered them because my friend told me that Denise from Mousesteps orders them every week! And she’s so right!)

Three of the Yachtsman Steakhouse’s beloved onion rolls are topped with Prime Rib shaved thin. They’re served with horseradish cream and au jus (and I ordered a little Beer Cheese, too!), and these are ahhhh-mazing. (You literally have to say it that way when you try them… ahhhh-mazing.)

It’s possible that I’m hungry again just thinking about these sliders. And when I tell you that I made a second trip back to The Crew’s Cup Lounge because of these, I’m totally serious.

Nosh or Not?

Row, row, row your boat gently to The Crew’s Cup Lounge if: 

• You’re in the area and craving some AC with a side of awesome food.
• The Yacht Club is your home base during vacation, and you’re looking to try food right in your Resort.
• I told you to go.

Point your bow elsewhere if:

• You don’t like lounge-style food.
• Yacht Club is way out of your way, and you don’t want to travel far for eats.
• You plan to eat at Yachtsman Steakhouse and can’t bring yourself to change tack for the Lounge instead.

Overall

The Crew’s Cup Lounge has the benefit of being close to a number of other Resorts — BoardWalk Inn, Beach Club, and the Swan and Dolphin Hotels are all walking distance away — and two Parks, making it actually pretty easily accessible even if you’re not staying at the Yacht Club. And it’s worth the walk (or Friendship Boat) over. Just plan to chill out, order up some fantastic food and drinks, and relax for a while. It’s honestly exactly the kind of hideout you need during a long, hot Walt Disney World vacation (and the Prime Rib Sliders! Swooooon).

Have you enjoyed a meal at The Crew’s Cup Lounge? What’s your favorite part about this tucked-away spot? Let us know in the comments!