I’m sure you’ve been in my situation before: you arrive to your on-site resort in the early afternoon and your room isn’t ready yet! Typically, I don’t have park plans on arrival day. Sure, I could have stopped along the way for lunch, but if you’re like me, you really want to get to your resort and start your vacation! Well, I guess I’ll have lunch while I wait!
I arrived at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort shortly after 1pm on a Monday and after dropping off the luggage, parking the car, and taking a bunch of pictures, my room still wasn’t ready yet! My original plan was to eat at Rix Sports Bar and Grill on another night, but I’m here, they have availability, and right now it’s my only dining option. So here we go! After adding my name to the waitlist and 5 minutes of additional nearby picture taking, my table was ready.
After being seated, I was eagerly greeted by my server who welcomed me to Rix and asked if this was my first time dining here. He went over the menu briefly and after a quick glance over, I asked if they had a drink menu. Refreshing my memory (I did some research ahead of time), I asked him about a few of the beers on the menu, and after explaining the two I had questions about, let me know that he can bring a regular size of my first choice and then a sample size of the second choice. Sounds like a perfect solution to me!
Now let’s get to the reason why I’m here: to eat!
For starters…
The appetizer I ultimately chose was the Craft Beer Cheese Dip ($12). It had a fun, sports bar presentation with two cups of dipping sauce so if you’re sharing, you could double-dip to your heart’s content! Their pretzel bites were soft, warm, and salty; which were perfect for dipping and simply perfect in general. The beer cheese dip was, dare I say ‘zippy’, with a more spice-forward flavor than beer. Granted the dipping sauce did include Togarashi spice and roasted Shishito peppers, so the amber ale blended into the background.
Those grilled jalapeños on top were…fine? I think? I never really know how to eat jalapeños or how much of one you’re supposed to eat. I took a few safe nibbles, hoping I wouldn’t accidentally set my mouth on fire. My server suggested the Watchos, which I guess are really popular, and perhaps on a future visit I’ll give those a try. Their wings also looked really good, albeit a little messy.
Sure, I’ll have a burger.
I was torn between two entrées when my server suggested one of the burgers instead because, in his words, “they make really good burgers here.” Sold! Bacon Cheddar Burger it is! ($19.50) This is your classic bacon cheese burger with a half-pound burger and everything you would typically expect on a classic burger. The medium (they ask your grilling preference) patty was just right, and the sandwich itself was perfect, if just a little too tall.
Their fries were as you’d expect and unlike most other restaurants on-property, condiments were available at the table! Rix actually trusts you with whole bottles of ketchup, mustard and mayo! Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas any more. They have a variety of other sandwiches on the menu that sounded appealing as well, such as a Cuban sandwich, a steak sandwich, and a sausage with peppers sandwich. Guess I’ll just have to come back again in the future!
Can’t resist the coleslaw!
Along with a burger and fries, I had to try their coleslaw because I’m a sucker for coleslaw ($5). As you can see above, it was definitely creamy. The flavor was mild, so not too sweet and not too vinegar-y. It was decent without being disappointing, if that makes any sense. I wanted to try one of their desserts but I simply did not have any room. I’m also a sucker for pecan pie, and they have a Bourbon Pecan Pie on the menu. Next time.
As far as the atmosphere at Rix goes, it’s definitely a sports bar with TVs spread out around the restaurant. More like an elevated sports bar, for sure, but in a resort themed after the southwest, it felt out of place for where it was. However, it is right next to the Conference Center, so maybe that has something to do with it; I can see Rix being a popular spot for lunch during breaks in conferences, and I’m sure it’s more lively when big sporting events are being broadcast.
The discussion.
While doing some research about how Rix used to look, it once had a more southwest upscale lounge vibe , but in it’s current theme, it left me confused. Also I thought the staff uniforms were ugly and boring, but I digress.
Now the ultimate question: would I recommend Rix? I would if you’re already at the resort, either as a resort guest or conference attendee. It’s not worth a special trip when there are equally good options at other resorts and even just off-property. The food was good, though! My drinks were good. And the bartender poured a beer that can be best described as ‘beautiful’. There’s just too much competition around to say this would be the best option. However, with El Mercado de Coronado (the food court) being closed from 2p-5p, Rix is your only option. So keep that in mind.
Rix Sports Bar and Grill, located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Annual pass and DVC discounts do apply. Reservations are suggested but not required. Walk-up waitlist is also available.
Disney Rover 