Lunch Time is THE Time to Dine at Steakhouse 71!
There are some restaurants in the Walt Disney World resorts that are worthy of leaving a theme park to enjoy, and there are some that are not. Today, I’d like to take a look at one that typically tops the list of guests’ lists: Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. In the mood for a good burger? You’re in luck, but only at lunch.
Steakhouse 71 starts things strong in the appetizers department. You’ll find something for everyone in this area, and I have FOUR incredible options that you must try at least once.
If French Onion Soup is your jam, you won’t want to miss Steakhouse 71’s rendition. It features thick slices of onion, a delicious broth, and gobs upon gobs of Gratinée cheese. You’ll think you’ve died and gone to French Onion Soup heaven.
Speaking of thick-cut onions, you can’t go wrong with Steakhouse 71’s Onion Rings ($10). Friends, these were amazing. If you’ve ever been fooled by onion rings that are more batter than actual onion, you’ll feel redeemed at your very first bite of this version. These onion rings are fried to a perfect golden brown, and their crunchiness is intoxicating.
The Baby Iceberg Wedge Salad ($11) should absolutely be on your must-eat list. Whether you order your salad with the generous house-made blue cheese dressing on the side or on the salad won’t matter; it’s delicious from the word go, and you’ll savor every tangy bite.
Of course, there is no appetizer more iconic at Steakhouse 71 than the Bacon & Eggs ($15). A beautifully poached egg is laid atop a bed of smoked cheese grits and paired with a generous portion of pork belly that simply melts in your mouth. This is a must-eat. I literally can’t eat at Steakhouse 71 without ordering it.
Something that I love about mid-day table-service restaurants is when the menu is slightly different than what you’d find at dinner time. Steakhouse 71 checks this box, and in fact, offers one of its most popular offerings only at lunch. The Stack Burger ($24) is Steakhouse 71’s take on a double smashburger, and it’s 100% worth a trip from literally anywhere on Disney property to get it. The burgers themselves are created from the restaurant’s signature blend of beef and pork belly, and the glorious, thinly smashed burgers are topped with American cheese, lemon aïoli, red onion, house-made pickles. It doesn’t get much better than that. I do have to say, however, that while their fries are waffle-cut and slightly seasoned, they are completely skippable and pretty lackluster. I advise to opt for the Petite Caesar Salad as a side instead.
If you’re lover of all things sweet, you’re in luck at Steakhouse 71. Guests will find creative desserts of all kinds on the dessert menu, and during my visit, two were enjoyed at the table.
My choice to top off my meal was the Chocolate Banana Cream Pie ($11). This treat was the perfect combination of creamy milk chocolate mousse and sugary bananas, with a dollop of vanilla bean chantilly crowning the whole thing. This was light and airy while also delivering a delicious sweetness that you crave after a big Disney meal. And please don’t sell that Macadamia Nut Crumble on the side short. It may be an accessory, but it’s anything but secondary.
Have you really dined at Steakhouse 71 if you haven’t had the Steakhouse 71 Signature Chocolate Cake ($13)? I would argue that you simply must try this dessert at least once as its rich and decadent layers will remind you with every bite that being an adult at Walt Disney World allows us grown ups to be big kids. Variations of this incredible cake have been offered at the Contemporary Resort for years for very good reason. Don’t miss this, friends.
Have you enjoyed a lunchtime meal at Steakhouse 71? Which of the three menus (breakfast, lunch or dinner) would you recommend most?
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