Restaurant Review: Epcot's San Angel Inn

From Larry Zimmerman on January 14, 2010 at 6:58 PM
Thanks for posting the link. I tried to read your review, but IE8 doesn't like your page coding, even in compatibility view. I was able to glean a bit from the text that showed.

I'm glad you gave them credit for traditional Mexican cuisine rather than the Tex-Mex most people seem to expect when they get there. I've heard people express great disappointment that they weren't eating at a Disneyfied Chi-Chi's.

The food can disappoint, but I think that's more from misplaced expectations than malfeasance in the kitchen. It's an unusual blend of seasonings and preparation styles that most Americans can't (or won't) appreciate.

That's my take, however, having visited and successfully survived Mexico several times, eschewing Tex-Mex for traditional regional specialties.

They might consider rotating the menu among the regions, on a quarterly basis... that would be refreshing.

From Anthony Murphy on January 14, 2010 at 10:28 PM
The Cantina is going bye bye?

It was my most favorite place to watch and eat a taco. I am sorry, but give me a taco at San Angel Inn!

I feel that they are losing people because its not at least a little Tex Mex. I mean China's got Kung Pao Chicken, Italy has spagetti, and Germany has brats. While I like that Mexico is trying to keep it real, I feel that it is too real. It makes me sad I skip it!

The surroundings are the best too, which make it Ironic. Its WDW's Blue Bayou!

From James Rao on January 15, 2010 at 3:53 AM
The counter service Cantina will reopen later in the year. It is just being remodeled and expanded.

Anyway, thanks for the review, Scott. I too have always felt this place was a huge missed opportunity. The food is expensive and subpar, but the atmosphere unmatched. It is too bad because as Anthony says, this place could be the Blue Bayou of WDW.

From Joshua Counsil on January 15, 2010 at 1:07 PM
Always enjoy your reviews, Scott, and this one was no exception. I, too, am glad that mostly authentic Mexican fare is served - hell, even in Canada we have an overabundance of Tex-Mex - and I really wish that they would either cut prices or increase the quality of the food.

Scott - what's your favorite World Showcase restaurant? I enjoyed Akershus on my first visit, but haven't returned since its conversion to a character meal. My meal at Les Chefs de France was also very good, considering it is theme park Parisian food. Other than that, however, I've been rather unimpressed with Epcot's dining authenticity. Biergarten is bland (though the beer is great). Marrakesh is really bland, especially for Moroccan food. Teppanyaki is your standard fare available at any teppanyaki chain restaurant. I'd just as soon head to the Boardwalk for dinner, if Flying Fish was still around.