Review: The Polite Pig at Disney Springs

This article reviews The Polite Pig at Disney Springs. Below, we’ll discuss several meals we’ve had at the restaurant over the years, including our latest experience. The Polite Pig is an elevated quick-service restaurant in the Town Center section of Disney Springs.

When The Polite Pig opened several years ago, it was an instant hit. Not only did the restaurant provide an opportunity to enjoy fast, upscale food at Disney Springs, but that food was also delicious. We frequented it. But with the nature of this business, the past few years, and newer restaurants gaining our attention, it has been some time since we last visited.

I decided to have lunch on a recent visit to Disney Springs. Since I was alone, I wanted something simple that wouldn’t require a huge investment of money or time. After running through the numerous possibilities, The Polite Pig came to mind, so that’s where I headed. Making my way toward Town Center, I wondered if the barbecue joint would be as good as I remembered. How can anyone stand out in the sea of restaurants at Disney Springs?

The Polite Pig sits on the corner of the Lime Garage’s entrance to Disney Springs. Since the restaurant doesn’t take reservations, you can join the line as soon as you arrive. This is one of those casual locations where you order and pay at the counter, fill your drinks at a self-service beverage station, and then find a seat.

When you order, you’ll receive a pager so a server can find where you’re seated. Once it’s prepared, they’ll bring your order to the table. It’s that simple.

Regarding food, The Polite Pig is owned and operated by James, Julie, and Brian Petrakis. James and Julie are James Beard award-nominated chefs who own other popular restaurants like Cask & Larder at the Orlando International Airport and the Ravenous Pig in Winter Park, Florida. In recent years, the restaurant has also received a Bib Gourmand mention in Florida’s Michelin Guide.

The Polite Pig offers a new-fashioned twist on traditional barbecue with distinctive sides you won’t see anywhere. Additionally, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating. We always dine outside under the covered patio if the weather is pleasant.

On this last visit, I had the Smoked Turkey Breast with Citrus Rub. This goes to the top of the list of favorite meats I’ve tried at The Polite Pig. It was tender, juicy, and more than I expected. As much as I love turkey, I’m wary of ordering it because it’s often overcooked. That wasn’t the case here.

For sides, I ordered waffle fries with the Polite Pig’s special rub. You may notice that I have two sides in the photo above. When you order an entree at the Polite Pig, it comes with one market side and a side of slaw. Or you can upgrade the slaw to another market side for an additional cost. Each entree also comes with a jalapeno cornbread muffin.

About those sides. The Polite Pig has the following market sides: Baked Beans, BBQ Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Burnt Ends Chili, Grilled Street Corn (lime butter), Mac and Cheese, Potato Salad, Roasted Beets, Side Caesar Salad, Sweet Potato Fries, Waffle Fries, and Tomato and Watermelon Salad.

If you want to try several sides, you can purchase them separately, or you can order three sides for a set price. You can preview the entire Polite Pig Menu on their website if you want to preview other items and prices.

For this meal, I ordered the roasted beets. The menu describes this item as “smoked pecans, granola, goat cheese, yogurt, oranges.” As you may know, beets have an earthy taste, so they aren’t for everyone. But this version, paired with the goat cheese and other accompaniments, helps tone down some of the bitterness. If you enjoy beets, you’ll likely love this unique side.

Here is another order of beets from a few years back.

On another visit, I ordered the Cedar Planked Salmon. This item comes smoked with a maple Dijon glaze. Since it’s salmon, it will be one of the more expensive options. At the time of this update, the salmon is just shy of $30.00. So even though this is a quick-service restaurant, prices are similar to a table service. However, the food is every bit as good as a nice restaurant.

It was a sizable piece of salmon with the perfect amount of smoke. My only complaint was that it leaned more toward the dry side, but that didn’t deter me from enjoying every last bite.

Next, we have the crispy Brussels sprouts, described as coated with a “whiskey caramel” flavoring. Usually, I love Brussels sprouts, but I felt the flavoring was a little intense.

Next, we had the BBQ Cauliflower, another fun play on vegetables. This side is described as paprika, sour cream, and candied pepitas. They were fine, but I felt they were a little over the top, especially when coupled with other items.

On another visit, we had the USDA Prime Brisket. This was a considerable portion and plenty enough for two when you order the upgraded side.

Polite Pig’s brisket has a strong vinegar flavor. While I enjoyed this dish, I would not look to order it again, given the restaurant’s many other options. I’m also probably a harsh critic when it comes to barbecue. Originally from Alabama, I was raised in a household that enjoyed barbecue once a week.

So, I come from a place where you let the meat speak for itself. This is the kind of preparation where the meat takes on the flavor of the marinade. That’s okay. But expect a strong flavor.

One of the things I enjoy about the Polite Pig is the sauce selection. There are four kinds from different regions of the country. They even have a BBQ Ranch, a sauce that originated in Alabama and what we Southerners call white sauce. Everything about this sauce is right, and it pairs well with chicken. The Polite Pig did an excellent job with this sauce; the taste is true to the original.

Thomas’s Southern Gold is a yellow sauce that’s slightly more tangy than I like. But that’s probably a personal preference. Layla’s Sweet Sauce is my favorite of the barbecue flavors, and I enjoy Lil John’s Porter Sauce. It’s nice to have several options to complement the main event.

Another item you might consider at The Polite Pig is the Butcher Board. This meal for two comes with sliced or pulled pork, smoked chicken, prime brisket, and Jalapeño cheddar sausage. Sides include slaw, house pickles, two pieces of cornbread, and a choice of two market sides.

Other popular items include the Southern Pig sandwich, the Hop Salt pretzels with IPA mustard and beer cheese fondue, and the pork shoulder, which comes pulled or sliced.

The Polite Pig has a Bourbon Bar outside on the patio. Seats are first-come, first-served. The bar offers a variety of bourbon flights, whiskey, small-batch cocktails, and beer on tap.

So, does The Polite Pig stand out in the sea of restaurants at Disney Springs? Yes. This restaurant has an excellent menu with enough items to appease a variety of guests without sacrificing the overall quality. You also have the option to dine inside or out, the wait for your food is minimal, and the prices are on the higher side of reasonable. For us, it’s a win-win.

We have a complete list of the best restaurants at Disney Springs. Or you might also enjoy these other dining reviews:

• D-Luxe Burger Review at Disney Springs
• Chicken Guy! Review at Disney Springs
• Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza Disney Springs Review
• Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Review
• Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill Review at Disney Springs

You might also enjoy our Disney World Dining Guide.

In the Comments

Have you ever dined at The Polite Pig at Disney Springs? What do you think? What would you order? Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments section below. We love to hear from you!