The Polite Pig delivers mouth-watering BBQ to Walt Disney World as popular Orlando restaurant spin-off

in Disney, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World

Disney Springs’ latest addition to their growing inventory of restaurants may be called The Polite Pig, but don’t be fooled by the demure name. This eatery is anything but a shy little wallflower that will quietly fall in line with the rest. It is bound to make a big impression on guests, seducing them from the street with enticing smells of an active smoker and then indulging them in the tastes of juicy meats that they’ve ordered.

The restaurant comes from the owners of The Ravenous Pig, the popular hot spot in Winter Park, about 30 minutes away from Walt Disney World.

Their new establishment is not just about the food though. Walking into The Polite Pig, there is an immediate sense of fun, and you know you are in for a good time. The fast-casual atmosphere is appealing with its counter-service approach, clean design, and indoor/outdoor bar.

The owners have managed to create a sense of relaxation in the middle of a buzzing dining area and a sense of family among strangers. This is done with some small but smart details in design.

From the various bbq sauces named after the owners’ children to a visible kitchen that simultaneously provides energy and transparency, The Polite Pig just feels like somewhere you want to be.

Already successful restauranteurs in Central Florida, brothers James and Brian Petrakis have partnered to bring their experience in the food industry to the beauty of Disney Springs’ Town Center. The menu is a delicious selection of cooked meats with unique rubs, seasonal sides, local craft beers and more than 70 types of bourbon.

Come with an empty stomach because you will want to feast as soon as you see what is offered. We speak from experience as a recent visit to The Polite Pig left us as happy as a hog in slop. Look for yourselves.

BBQ CRACKLINS

with Spiced Vinegar $5

HOP SALT PRETZEL

Beer Cheese Fondue and IPA Mustard $10

 

Contrary to what it may seem, meat-eaters are not the only ones who can enjoy a meal at The Polite Pig. With a few fresh vegetarian options in the salad and market sides portion of the menu, The Polite Pig manages to be a place that welcomes some diets that you wouldn’t originally think.

VILLAGE CHOPPED SALAD

Romaine, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Chickpeas, Feta-Olive Dressing $12

SIMPLE GREENS SALAD

Apples, Carrots, Sunflower Seeds, White Balsamic Dressing $9

The Polite Pig’s sandwich selection does not disappoint. Buns that taste like King’s Hawaiian rolls and fresh ingredients that are filled with flavor really pack a punch once they hit your tastebuds.

THE SOUTHERN PIG SANDWICH

Chopped Pork, Apple Slaw, Mustard Sauce, Duke’s Mayo $12

BRISKET MELT SANDWICH

Cartelized Onions, Pickled Peppers, Beer Cheese Fondue $14

MAC AND CHEESE SIDE

Aged Cheddar and Breadcrumbs $6

The real winners on this menu come from the smoker with the blue ribbon going to the Brisket. Cooked to perfection, this meat is flavored with an incredible coffee rub and then falls apart in your mouth. There just aren’t words.

HALF CHICKEN

Citrus Rub $16

BRISKET

Coffee Rub $17

TOMATO AND WATERMELON SALAD

Feta, Basil, Pickled Onions $6

PORK SHOULDER

Polite Rub $15

BBQ CAULIFLOWER

Paprika Sour Cream $6

ST. LOUS RIBS

Layla Sweet Rub $19

GRILLED CORN

Lime Butter, Breadcrumbs $6

The Market Sides on the menu are just as mouth-watering as the the entrées. In all honesty, a few of these could make a meal on their own. Tomato and Watermelon Salad, Broccoli Salad, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Grilled Corn–these are only half of the side dish offerings, and they are every bit as good as they sound. The restaurant actually offers a small discount if multiple sides are purchased. Rather than the standard price of $6 per side, the total for three sides is $15. This is another fantastic way for vegetarians to put a meal together when visiting The Polite Pig with their omnivore friends.

CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Whiskey-Caramel $6

SWEET POTATO TOTS

Parmesan Cheese $6

For those that like to imbibe, there is plenty to enjoy here. In fact, this portion of the menu is possibly more of a distinct “Orlando experience” than the rest because most of the beer options come from local brewers. James Petrakis explained:

Our beverage program–like Ravenous–is an extension of our food. If you look at our beers, they are truly Orlando beers. Four of them are Cask & Larder which we brew ourselves. Red Cypress is actually my old brewer….and he is from Orlando. Central 28 is actually a high school buddy of mine, so this is really, truly a local beer program featuring what Orlando is giving to the market.

FLORIDA CRAFT BEER

20 oz. $9 / Pitcher $25

Another rather unique concept that The Polite Pig has brought in can be found on their cocktail menu. Referred to as “cocktails on tap,” Petrakis explained that this seemed to be the best fit for their establishment. With a focus on fast-casual, the idea struck the ownership team as more approachable, and they see it as a revolution to come in the world of cocktails.

Beyond that, there is a selection of about 70 bourbons to choose from to accompany your meal. With some bourbons being served exclusively at this location, The Polite Pig is certainly finding a way to make itself stand out at Disney Springs.

HAND-CRAFTED COCKTAILS

WINES

$12

Desserts are not in abundance at The Polite Pig, but the couple they have live up to the standard set by the rest of the menu. The Orange Blossom Honey Cake, in particular, tastes like something your grandmother made you from her own kitchen. If you manage to still have room at the end of your meal, these two after-dinner options are worth their calorie count.

ORANGE BLOSSOM HONEY CAKE

$7

KEY LIME PIE

$7

In all honesty, you can’t go wrong at this place. The flavors that The Polite Pig delivers are the same flavors that originally made Southern food the legend that it is. It’s exciting to find that the traditions of good BBQ have not been lost in the chain restaurants of today. They are still alive and well and can be found at The Polite Pig.

in Disney, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World

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