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Set on the waters edge of Disney Springs’ West Side is a festive establishment with Latin flair: Paradiso 37.
Taking its name from the Spanish word for “paradise” and representing all the countries in the Americas with the number thirty-seven, P37 features a menu of savory and sweet selections from both North America and South America.
In comparison with some of the recent additions to Disney Springs, P37 has been around awhile. Its friendly staff, fun atmosphere and gorgeous location have helped it hold its place in the middle of one of Walt Disney World’s most dramatic “re-imaginings” to date. And with the Latin holiday of Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, it might be worth considering this place for your Friday fiesta.
When entering P37, one of the first things you will notice is the energetic atmosphere. This restaurant doesn’t sleep. Vivid colors, live entertainment, and attentive service come together to create a lively ambiance and enjoyable time.
Lighting made of margarita glasses and live palm trees in the center of the restaurant are only the start. Stylized artwork that reminds of dreamy vacation spots in the Americas is a cool element as are the two indoor/outdoor bars with a large selection of tequilas and beautiful views of Lake Buena Vista from the patio. It’s a location that you could sit for hours with good company and feel like you have been there only minutes.
The menu definitely satisfies. The appetizer menu is sizable with a considerable number of items that hit the spot. Good luck choosing between the Chips and House-Made Guacamole, the South American Crazy Corn, the Shrimp Ceviche and the P37 Nachos. It might be best to pick a few to share with the table. The portions are certainly large enough to feed more than one (and in some cases more than four or five).
HOUSE-MADE GUACAMOLE
Avocado, Tomato, Lime, Cilantro, Serrano Pepper, Corn Tortilla Chips (Gluten-Free) $10
CHILI CON CARNE
Housemade Angus Sirloin Chili, Cilantro cream and Tortilla Chips $12
SHRIMP CEVICHE
Fire Roasted Shrimp, Tomatillo, Lime, Avocado, Cucumbers, Tomato, Onion, Tostones (Gluten-Free) $15
P37 NACHOS
Corn Tortilla, Cheese Sauce, Chili Con Carne, P37 Cheese, Shredded Lettuce, Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo, Jalapeños $16
SOUTH AMERICAN CRAZY CORN
Fire Roasted Corn on the Cob, Aji Amarillo, P37 Cheese $12
BARBACOA BEEF QUESADILLA
Barbacoa Beef, Flour Tortilla, P37 Cheese, Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo $16
Entrees are no less substantial and present a flavorful meal without being over-the-top. They strike the happy medium for hungry eaters that want to be satisfied, stepping right up to that line of “delicious” without over-stepping into the questionable territory of “excessive adventure.”
BAJA FISH TACOS
Crispy Seasonal White Fish, Cabbage Slaw, Corn Salsa, Cilantro-Lime Crema, Tortilla Salad $19
SOUTH CAROLINA-STYLE BBQ PORK RIBS
Slow-Roasted Ribs, Tangy BBQ Sauce, Cabbage Slaw, P37 Fries $26
Salads, burgers and sandwiches sit on the same menu as heartier offerings, so there is something for every palate. However, the stand-out selections are the South Carolina-Style BBQ Pork Ribs and the 10-oz Argentinian Skirt Steak Angus. As it is known, skirt steak is chewy. But for the love of all that is good in the world, this steak is seasoned and cooked to perfection. There will not be a morsel left on your plate.
JALAPENO BURGER
8-OZ Char-Grilled Angus Steak Burger, Cheddar Cheese, Guacamole, Jalapeños, Pico de Gallo, Toasted Brioche Bun and P37 Fries $18
10-OZ ARGENTINIAN SKIRT STEAK ANGUS
Char-Grilled Skirt Steak, Caramelized Onions, Chimichurri (Gluten-Free) #32
Cinco de Mayo is often about the drinks, and there is no shortage of them at P37. In fact, one of their bars serves 100% tequila. You don’t have to go to the bar for a drink, though. They have Mojito and Caipirinha carts that come to your table to prepare your drink tableside for you, and for Cinco de Mayo, a margarita cart will be added to the mix.
SANGRIA MARGARITA
With Souvenir Glass $16, Without Souvenir Glass $10
For those that manage to find enough room, the best is definitely saved for last. P37 serves up quite a few options for dessert, and like the other courses it can be really difficult to decide on one. The Chocolate Stack and the Pineapple Upside Down Cake make your mouth water, but the item that will make you rave is the Tres Leches. It might be slightly rich and decadent, but it is the stuff sweet dreams are made of.
PARADISO CHOCOLATE STACK
Decadent chocolate cake layered with creamy chocolate mousse served with warm caramel sauce and topped with vanilla ice cream $9
TRES LECHES
Coconut milk soaked white cake layered with a fresh strawberry mousse and topped with toasted meringue and fresh strawberries $9
PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
A warm caramelized pineapple cake served with a rum caramel sauce and topped with vanilla ice cream $8
CHURROS
Cinnamon and sugar dusted served with caramel and chocolate dipping sauces $8
So if you are headed out this weekend for Cinco de Mayo, we want to submit this little piece of Disney for your consideration. In addition to the full menu, a special item will be available for the day–fried snapper. It sounds just too good to pass up.
We wouldn’t call Paradiso 37 an oldie, but it clearly falls on the side of “goodie.” And if you happen to be at Disney this Friday, you will find that it is also where the party is happening.
