Disney4me Posted May 28, 2018 Report Share Posted May 28, 2018 Welcome to the “new” Rix Sports Bar & Grill in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort! Learn About:Rix Sports Bar & Grill Disney World Restaurants So, why is the “new” in quotes, you may ask? Well, that’s because for a long time, this particular space in Coronado Springs operated as Rix Lounge, providing guests and convention attendees at the Resort a place to drink and… well, lounge. The name changed to Rix Sports Bar & Grill a few months ago. However, it’s only recently that the location has transitioned to a full Table Service Restaurant serving both lunch and dinner, as well as serving up a place to catch a game or two. And it makes sense. You see, Coronado Springs Resort is in the midst of a pretty major transition which — among other changes — will ultimately add 500 rooms to the Resort by way of a brand new tower (which will also feature rooftop dining). And with room for MANY more guests on the way, more dining options will be required, too. So we’re here to check out the changes while trying out lunch at Rix Sports Bar & Grill! Atmosphere If you’ve ever visited Rix Lounge, you’ll recognize the unique entrance, which remains the same tall structure, but with a change. Rix Sports Bar & Grill It now says Rix Sports Bar & Grill, of course! Rix Sports Bar & Grill The spot’s former couches and chairs have almost entirely been replaced by simple tables and chairs. Rix Sports Bar & Grill Rix Sports Bar & Grill Seating has even been expanded beyond the bar into an area that previously provided a few tables for Cafe Rix, the Resort’s grab-and-go location. And while the seats may look pretty empty now, I’m guessing this will change when those 500 new rooms open up next year (or when football season starts this fall). Rix Sports Bar & Grill expanded seating And you’ve probably noticed the primary additions in the photos above: TELEVISIONS. Large television at the bar Televisions in the corner Lots and lots and lots of them! So you know there will be plenty of opportunities to catch whatever game — or games! — you’re hoping to! Television right behind you if you’re seated at the bar Aside from the bar and the entryway, elements of the ol’ lounge can still be spotted in the cool light fixtures. Rix lighting Rix lighting Otherwise, though, the focus is really on your choices for sports watching. The other focus, of course, is food! Eats What types of food spring to mind when you hear the words “sports bar and grill”? Probably things like wings, nachos, sliders, burgers and such, right? Appetizer Menu Yep, they’re all here. But there’s a bit more in store with a closer look. Items like Ale-battered Shrimp and Veggie Lettuce Wraps also show up under the Appetizers on the menu picture above. The rest of the menu is a blend of Sandwiches, Soups, and Salads featuring Turkey and Brie, Rix Mahi Reuben, and a Queso Fundido Burger. Salads and Sandwich menu Short Rib Chili makes an appearance in the Soups (with more sandwiches listed besides). Soup and Sandwiches menu Full Entrees are served during both lunch and dinner. Entree Menu And as for the “bar” in Rix Sports Bar & Grill… Beer and Cider Menu Cocktail Menu Cocktail Menu Wine Menu We chose to try the Beer Flight. While it’s not listed on the menu above, we learned about it from a tabletop sign. Beer Flight sign Our Flight included 3 Daughters Floating Dock IPA, Big Top Conch Republic Key Lime, Dukes Cold Nose Brown Ale, and Caribe Blood Orange Cider by Florida Beer Co. Beer Flight Though offerings may certainly change, I would assume that Florida-brewed beverages will continue to be featured in the Flight just as they are in the bar’s Draft Selections. Beer Flight But you need a little something to go with your brew, naturally. And you’ve probably guessed that I couldn’t resist those Watchos. Watchos and Beer Flight These waffle-fry-nachos are topped with queso blanco, bacon, and scallions… and it’s a pretty heaping helping! Watchos Sure, it’s your typical sports bar grub, but that’s why we’re here, right? Plus the game is upped (pun totally intended) by the tasty seasoning on the fries, the substantial amount of thick-cut bacon chunks, and, of course, the RIVER of queso blanco both on top of and under the fries. Queso Blanco River And I do mean river, because these fries are swimming in it!! Considering we’re at a sports bar, this dish is exactly what it needs to be — tasty, messy, shareable, and totally addictive. But if that’s just not enough cheese for ya… check out the Queso Fundido Burger. Queso Fundido Burger More of that tasty queso is poured on top of a burger patty, which is also topped with chunks of mildly spicy chorizo sausage, caramelized onions and peppers, and even more cheese (Monterey Jack). Queso Fundido Burger It’s typically served with waffle fries, but since we’d had those with the Watchos, we went with the one of the other options: Sweet Potato Fries. (You may also choose a Green Apple Cabbage Slaw or Beet and Goat Cheese Salad.) Queso Fundido Burger with Sweet Potato Fries Forgive me, but I just couldn’t stop taking pictures of ALL. THE. CHEESE. Queso Fundido Burger toppings But what I also liked about it was the way the savory cheese and chorizo was given a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions. (Those Sweet Potato Fries were an enjoyable complement, too.) The juicy toppings made up for some of the flavor which was lacking in the patty itself, which was overdone compared with our medium request. Queso Fundido Burger This might be as good a time as any to add a note about service. Though our server was very friendly and kind, our meal took a little longer than we anticipated due to a rather relaxed pace. On the other hand, it’s somewhat nice to know that lingering is welcome in a sports bar, since I’m sure many guests will want to stay for full games. Back to that burger, though… it was totally tasty, and I would get it again. For one last item, we also tried the Short Rib Chili. Short Rib Chili Now, I know we’re not entering what you might think of as chili-eating season, with temps beginning to soar in Central Florida as of late. Short Rib Chili But this is one tasty bowl. Completely packed with shredded beef, it also has a decent kick of spice to it. Here’s just a few bites on the plate so you can get an idea of the rich consistency. Short Rib Chili If your visit to Coronado Springs Resort is in the cooler months, this is the dish to get if you have plans to kick back and watch a football game at Rix. Speaking of… it really is nice to have another sports-watching location in Disney World. The BoardWalk’s ESPN Club is lots of fun. But it also gets completely packed — especially for big game weekends. Coronado Springs may not be the most accessible place in Disney World depending on where you’re staying, but I’m all for more options for the sports fan in Disney World. Which leads me to my final thoughts… Nosh or Not? You may want to stop by Rix Sports Bar & Grill if: You want to do some serious game viewing accompanied by some tasty grub or drinks. You’re a guest at Coronado Springs Resort and want to take advantage of the fact that there’s now more Table Service options available. You LOOOOVE some queso blanco (like me!) . You may want to pass on Rix Sports Bar & Grill if: You’d prefer a larger menu of offerings. You’d rather not be surrounded by TVs if they don’t serve a purpose in your visit. Coronado Springs Resort is simply too far out of your way to make sense in your vacation plans. Overall Hooray!! The conversion of Rix to a full Table Service location is a pretty smart move when you consider all the changes coming to Coronado Springs Resort. But not only because the Resort will simply require more Table Service options upon the expansion; it’s also a pretty nice boon for guests visiting the Resort in the here and now. Sure, it’s not serving the fanciest food on property, but it doesn’t need to be. The menu totally fits the bill for the intended new vibe for Rix — the food is fun and tasty, and a great companion for game day viewing (or if you’re just taking a break from the parks). Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Details! The 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available! With more than 650 pages, the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2018 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2018 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Would you like to catch a game at Rix Sports Bar & Grill? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Check Out the Menu for Rix Sports Bar & Grill in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Changes Coming to Rix Sports Bar & Grill at Coronado Springs Resort! Guest Review: Maya Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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