Experience Bourbon Steak Disney World, Chef Michael Mina’s newest gem at the Dolphin. We review the unparalleled flavors and sophisticated ambiance of this must-try WDW steakhouse.
A significant shift has occurred regarding the Walt Disney World dining scene, marking something steak lovers won’t want to miss. Shula’s Steak House, which served guests at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel for over 25 years, said goodbye earlier this year. In its place? The highly anticipated arrival of Bourbon Steak Disney World, the signature modern American steakhouse from award-winning chef Michael Mina.
Known for butter-poached beef, bold flavors, and luxurious service, Bourbon Steak Disney World brings a sleek, elevated steakhouse experience to the resort. The arrival of this new culinary gem demonstrates a thrilling new chapter in Walt Disney World’s ever-evolving dining landscape.
Meet Bourbon Steak Disney World: A Modern Classic at Disney World
Bourbon Steak Disney World is the brainchild of Chef Michael Mina, a James Beard Award winner known for his innovative takes on American cuisine. The restaurant has successful outposts in places such as Miami, Nashville, and Scottsdale. Recently, a Bourbon Steak location opened in the former Shula’s space at the Dolphin Hotel. So, what sets Bourbon Steak Disney World apart?
Signature Steaks
Bourbon Steak Disney World’s claim to fame is its butter-poached beef—a decadent technique that results in incredibly tender and flavorful steaks. Guests can expect cuts like:
- Prime Ribeye
- Filet Mignon
- Dry-aged New York strip
- American and Japanese wagyu options
Steaks are wood-grilled and customizable with a selection of house-made sauces and upscale sides.
Upscale Surf & Turf
Seafood lovers will find plenty to enjoy, too. The menu typically includes:
- Truffle-poached lobster
- Crispy skin salmon
- A raw bar with oysters and crudo
- Ahi tuna tartare with pine nuts and mint
Additionally, don’t overlook the starters and sides. The truffle mac & cheese, duck fat fries, and smoked mashed potatoes are just the beginning.
Bourbon, Naturally
With a name like Bourbon Steak, you know the cocktail game is strong. The bar focuses heavily on premium bourbons and whiskey-forward cocktails but also features an extensive wine list curated by expert sommeliers.
Our Experience
Bourbon Steak Disney World soft opened on July 24. We made an advanced dining reservation for 7:00 p.m. on July 25 using OpenTable.
This isn’t just another steakhouse; it’s a modern reimagining of a classic, helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Michael Mina, who boasts an impressive portfolio of over 75 restaurants worldwide. We recently had the pleasure of experiencing their soft opening, and let’s just say, our taste buds are still singing.
An Ambiance of Understated Elegance
Stepping into Bourbon Steak Disney World, you’re immediately struck by its sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere. The interior, adorned in a palette of blacks and whites, eschews traditional white linens for a more contemporary feel. It’s “plain elegant,” as we described it, meaning you could feel equally comfortable in a casual park shirt and shorts (as we were, having spontaneously shifted our plans from The Edison) or a dazzling evening gown. The open kitchen concept adds a dynamic energy, allowing diners glimpses of the culinary magic unfolding. Despite its vast size, the clever sectioning of the dining area and well-spaced tables create intimate dining experiences. We enjoyed a cozy two-top table, feeling a sense of privacy even amidst other diners.
Cocktails and Culinary Surprises
The beverage menu at Bourbon Steak Disney World is extensive, offering a delightful array of cocktails, beers, and wines. While a smoked peach old-fashioned from The Edison briefly tempted us, we opted to explore Bourbon Steak’s “zero-proof” selections. We tried two of the three non-alcoholic options: the Fairweather Friend (Liar’s London Spirit, lime, almond, orgeat, cucumber, Fever-Tree Seltzer) and the Polite Company (Liar’s Italian Orange, lemon, passion fruit, Fever-Tree Ginger Beer). The Polite Company, served in a charming, dainty glass reminiscent of a Morning Manhattan, was a true delight – light, refreshing, and full of flavor. The Fairweather Friend, after a good stir, revealed itself as a pleasantly light and refreshing “mocktail” that genuinely tasted like a crafted drink.
A Seafood Sensation: The Shrimp Cocktail
For our appetizer, we chose the shrimp cocktail, a classic steakhouse staple, and it was anything but ordinary. Priced at $23, these were no small crustaceans. Four exceptionally large shrimp, butter-poached to perfection and then shocked in an ice bath to maintain their tender texture, were presented artfully on a bed of ice in a large bowl. What truly set this dish apart was the presentation: each shrimp was stretched out, almost “suntanning,” with a dollop of their gin-spiked cocktail sauce, infused with horseradish, perched directly on top.
A unique addition was the “seaweed,” which, while edible, we opted not to try. The shrimp themselves were incredibly sweet, reminiscent of Georgia sugar cane shrimp, and the cocktail sauce had a fantastic kick without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the seafood. It was an outstanding start to our meal.
The Main Event: Steak and Sides
The menu at Bourbon Steak Disney World is a classic steakhouse affair, offering everything from a 10-ounce center-cut filet mignon to a 32-ounce porterhouse and even a $208 hay-smoked tomahawk. They also feature a remarkable Maine Lobster Pot Pie and various Wagyu selections. As sides are à la carte, we decided to split a 10-ounce center-cut filet mignon ($69), cooked to a perfect medium-rare.
The service, led by our fantastic team of Doug, Carlos, and Frank, was truly first-class. Doug, our primary server, expertly guided us through the menu, even advising on side selections. We chose three sides: cream spinach, jalapeño creamed corn, and whipped potatoes.
But before our main course arrived, a delightful surprise made its appearance: complimentary duck fat fries. These weren’t just any fries; they were a trio of perfection – plain (with a hint of light truffle), herbed (our favorite!), and barbecue seasoned – each served with ranch, ketchup, and their signature bourbon steak sauce. It seems they bring these out after your order to avoid influencing your side selections, a clever move given how addictive they are.
When our steak arrived, it was perfectly sliced for sharing, a thoughtful touch. The steak itself was everything you’d expect from a high-end steakhouse: tender, flavorful, and cooked to ideal doneness. The cream spinach was rich and perfectly seasoned, a true steakhouse classic. The jalapeño creamed corn offered a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, and the whipped potatoes were luxuriously smooth.
While the accompanying roasted tomato with a barbecue sauce and breadcrumb topping wasn’t to my personal liking (a surprising “squirt” of flavor upon biting in), it didn’t detract from the overall stellar meal.
Bourbon Steak Disney World: A Memorable Dining Experience
Our experience at Bourbon Steak Disney World was truly exceptional. From the elegant yet comfortable ambiance and the attentive, humorous service to the outstanding food, every element contributed to a memorable evening. This isn’t just a place for a meal; it’s an experience. We highly recommend making reservations and preparing for a culinary journey that will leave you eager for a return visit.
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