With so many incredible dinner choices at Walt Disney World resorts, how do you make the right choice? Well, there’s one particular hidden gem you might not have considered.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall is tucked inconspicuously between River Roost and Riverside Mill Food Court in the main building of Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. Truly, you could walk right by it on the way to the food court and not even realize it’s a full-service restaurant! Beyond the simple rustic decor, the signature centerpiece is an in-construction boat suspended from the ceiling.
Boatwright’s may be underrated, but it has a legendary footnote in Disney history. Back in the ‘90s, it served a salad dressing that became so beloved, it made its way into a Disney Parks cookbook. Growing up, my dad talked about the dressing every time we saw any reminder of Port Orleans. While that dressing has unfortunately been retired, you’ll still find a well-curated, Louisiana-inspired menu with plenty of Southern favorites.
Before your main course, though, you’ll start your meal with fresh cornbread with butter, often warm enough that the butter melts on contact. The menu features dishes like Panko Crispy Chicken, Char-grilled Butcher’s Steak, Boatwright’s Jambalaya, and Shrimp Pappardelle. For those with larger appetites, or those eager to try it all, the Taste of the Bayou All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Platter gives you Hickory-smoked Pork Ribs, Barbecue Spice Baked Chicken, Beef Brisket, Mashed Potatoes, Macaroni & Cheese, and a Seasonal Vegetable, all for under $40 per person. Allergy-friendly options are plentiful, too! My current favorite is the Roasted Prime Rib, which is well-seasoned on its own or can be enhanced with a dollop of garlic butter to spread, and it just so happens to be gluten-free. While not currently on the menu, I also enjoyed the delightfully flaky salmon.
All of the entrees do come with sides, but you are welcome to substitute the default with any side available — a dream for picky eaters, or if a different side is calling your name! This option is especially ideal because, even though the mains are incredible, the sides are perhaps the stars. The mac ‘n’ cheese is ridiculously smooth, and the mashed potatoes are so creamy that they’re practically whipped. I quite literally dream about the green beans, which stay perfectly crisp with light seasoning.
With such mouthwatering eats, you’ll surely need something to quench your thirst. Lucky for you, Boatwright’s offers a full bar with on-theme specials, plus several non-alcoholic options. On a recent winter visit, the menu boasted zero-proof cocktails. This past summer, new flavored lemonades took their place. Like the rest of Walt Disney World Resort dining options, Coke products and Joffrey’s Coffee are available.
If you’ve managed to save room for dessert, you can choose from an array of dessert cocktails, cakes, pies, and custards. However, I’m usually so stuffed that I’ll take a much-needed stroll over towards Port Orleans French Quarter to pick up an order of famous beignets from Scat Cat’s Club. It’s a roughly 10-minute scenic walk in each direction, which is the ideal distance to walk off my meal.
Beyond a meal to savor and a comfortable atmosphere, the service truly makes a meal at Boatwright’s memorable. Every cast member I’ve interacted with has been extremely friendly and helpful, often going out of their way to give you the best dining experience possible. They’re quick to accommodate, provide recommendations, and make sure you feel the Southern hospitality. My server over the summer is the reason I fell in love with the green beans; I likely would have substituted another side, but thanks to her help, they’ve become one of my favorite veggie preparations of all time.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall may not be as popular as some better-known Disney dining selections, but the food, service, and experience make it an easy choice for your next trip. Its location is a little off the beaten path, but trust me, it’s worth the trek from the parks.
