3 Reasons Why You Should Eat at Epcot’s American Pavilion
When most Walt Disney World lovers think of dining in World Showcase in Epcot, the American Pavilion is not the first place that comes to mind. After all, when you can enjoy cuisine from France or Morocco or Japan, why would you want American food? Well, as a World Showcase fan, I’m here to tell you that there are 3 reasons why you should eat at Epcot’s American Pavilion! Picky eaters definitely need to keep reading.
3 Reasons to Eat at Epcot’s American Pavilion
Before you stroll past the American Pavilion on your way to eat somewhere else, take a look at why you should give it a try.
1. The menu options are mostly simple food.
Every family is different. Some families enjoy couscous or sushi or fancy salads that are difficult to pronounce. And that’s wonderful.
But some families do not. If you have picky eaters, then the American Pavilion is the place for you.
Your first option is the Regal Eagle Smokehouse. This quick service restaurant offers options, such as ribs, smoked chicken, beef brisket, and cheeseburgers as entrees. They also have macaroni and cheese, baked beans, and fries among their side dish options. Their homemade pickles are delicious!
The Regal Eagle Smokehouse even has a walk-up bar just outside of the restaurant with beer, cider, wine, and some amazing cocktails.
Your second option is the Fife and Drum Tavern. This is an outdoor quick service stand, with options such as turkey legs, popcorn, and beverages. There are only a few choices unfortunately.
Adults have an additional option at the American Pavilion. Block & Hans offers a few different alcoholic beverages to choose from, including amazing craft beers.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Funnel Cake stand. They typically offer a few funnel cake options, including a special option during each of the festivals.
2. There is plenty of seating.
There is one thing you don’t usually have to worry about when eating in the American Pavilion and that is finding a seat. The Regal Eagle Smokehouse is spacious, with plenty of tables. You can even sit by the front windows and people watch while you eat. Plus there are plenty of picnic tables out front if you prefer to eat outside.
3. The American Gardens Theater is right there.
Just outside of the Regal Eagle Smokehouse at the American Pavilion is the American Gardens Theater. This large amphitheater hosts entertainment throughout the year, including the Voices of Liberty and entertainment for special events, such as Garden Rocks (during the Flower & Garden Festival) and Eat to the Beat (during the Food & Wine Festival).
Since it is an open theater, you are able to eat and drink while you watch and listen. So grab a drink or a turkey leg and have a seat!
So I have never eaten here. We always tend to pass buy and head to another destination. But since I’m on a quest to eat in every pavilion in Epcot, and since you make it sound more appealing, we’ll be heading there soon!
I have to admit we have passed this up numerous times because we wanted to more adventurous with our food options. But you nailed it. For picky eaters and those with dietary needs you can not beat it.
And I had no idea how much seating was there. I think I may have found my new favorite shady spot in World Showcase.
While it scores points for having ample seating, it loses points for me for being too simple. There is a lot that could be done with this quick-service. I’d like to see numerous stations like at Tomorrowland with each station serving regionalized specialties.
About 10 years ago, I had passes and would often head out to Epcot on a whim, which resulted in my favorite eateries being full for dinner. I could usually always count on Germany to have a spot (which I love), but sometimes I just wanted something different and needed to eat. I actually never even knew America had a place to eat besides the turkey legs! Will definitely have remember this, if I ever can afford passes again!
As a picky eater in my childhood, our family would often eat at the Liberty Inn. The large seating area is definitely a plus if you want to get out of the heat and take a break. I’m more likely to get a Funnel Cake from the stand outside than an actual meal, though.
I love this pavilion because I’ve always been a fan of America’s history and there’s so much of it to soak in right here! We’ve dined inside and outside here and had decent food no matter where we order it. I have to agree with your post.
We always seem to skip this location but I have been known to oder a turkey leg and sit and enjoy the music at the amphitheater.
I have been known to sample a funnel cake or two from the stand! To be honest though, the America pavilion is usually a place to get a cold drink and sit down for a few minutes, especially since it’s the halfway mark around the “world!”