Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts have a lot going for them. Obviously, their close proximity to EPCOT is incredible, and Hollywood Studios isn’t that far away. Their signature pool area, Stormalong Bay is about as popular as Disney’s two waterparks. Another thing these two resorts have going for them is their dining options. Cape May Café, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and the focus of today’s article: Ale & Compass Restaurant.
Located in the lobby of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Ale & Compass Restaurant serves a variety of dishes, and can really be considered an all-purpose restaurant where everyone should be able to find something on the menu. I arrived for dinner and was greeted promptly by a pleasant and energetic server who was more than happy to offer some menu recommendations. I would describe the décor as classy nautical without being too in-your-face about it. It feels very nice for a casual sit-down table service resort restaurant!
Best: Maple Old Fashioned
You know those drinks where you take your first sip and think “I’m probably going to have another one of these.”? That’s exactly what I thought when I tried their Maple Old Fashioned ($14.50). This was my server’s first recommendation and my gosh was this good! Bourbon, orange juice, bitters, and maple syrup. This drink went down smooth. Almost too smooth. Good thing I only allow myself two drinks because I could have ordered more of these. Bartender! Keep ’em coming.
Best: Parker House Rolls
These are the infamous Parker House Rolls ($13). Everyone raves about these rolls. “If you’re coming to Ale & Compass, get the Parker House Rolls.” I’m here to tell you, friends, the hype about these rolls is real! They are so good!
The three included jams/spreads are: pub cheese, bacon jam, and citrus butter. The pub cheese is a cold, spreadable cheddar cheese similar to what I’ve found at a grocery store (meaning it was just okay). Bacon jam is a very bacon heavy spreadable jam. It was different and I’m not sure if I love it or hate it. Last was the citrus butter which was very different and I absolutely loved it. I would have never thought to mix citrus in with butter.
Here’s my friendly reminder that this does not come complimentary, you have to order it from the appetizer menu.
I’d like the Bisque, please.
Blue Crab Bisque ($13) was my actual appetizer. The pieces of blue crab were small, but they were in there. The soup itself was very good and had a great flavor. I get the impression that the two included crackers were made in-house, which I was impressed by! No bag of oyster crackers here!
Worst: Seafood Pot Pie
I was recommended the New England Seafood Pot Pie ($30) by my server. Shrimp, Scallops, Jumbo Lump Crab, and Sustainable Catch of the Day with Baby Carrots, Pearl Onions, Peas, Potatoes, and Crustacean Cream with a Flaky Crust. Goodness, doesn’t that all sound wonderful? It sure sounds wonderful!
Did I order a second soup by accident? This sure looks like a soup. It’s very chowder-y in consistency. The flaky crust was sitting on top like the top of a muffin. Mind you, it was flaky, but I was thinking pot pie in the more traditional sense of the word. This, in my opinion, was a seafood chowder with a pastry topper. Granted, it was chocked with seafood and the flavors were all there. I just couldn’t help but feel a little let down by the presentation. Like a culinary bait-and-switch, you know?
Best: Twelve-Layer Chocolate Cake
Who needs a two-layer cake when you can have twelve? The Twelve-Layer Chocolate Cake ($9) is a Flourless Chocolate Cake and Ganache served with Milk-Coffee Chantilly. Three blackberries included at no extra cost. This dessert, while rich and chocolatey, was dense! You’ll have better success knocking this over and eating it that way. Let’s be honest, it’s still going to be great, and will probably tip over anyway.
All in all, dinner at Ale & Compass Restaurant, for me this time, was mostly good. The Maple Old Fashioned was amazing (I did have a second one). I totally understand why people rave about the Parker House Rolls. While I disappointed by the presentation of the Seafood Pot Pie, I would like to return and try something different. Then, of course, was the chocolate cake of 12 layers.
Ale & Compass Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Attire is casual. They do have a kid’s menu. Discounts are available for annual passholders and Disney Visa cardholders. (no DVC member discount?)
Thanks for reading!
Disney Rover 