Are the two new City Works Disney Springs Chef Selects Menu items worth it? Our review covers the $30.95 pork tenderloin and the Funfetti Funnel Cake.
Photo by Jon Self
If you’ve spent any time following us on social media, you know we spend a significant amount of “work” time at Disney Springs. That may be at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Gideon’s Bakehouse, or some other dining establishment. However, we have been spending more and more time wandering the West Side of Disney Springs to visit City Works Eatery & Pour House. This table service restaurant serves as a sanctuary for craft beer enthusiasts and sports fans alike. With its massive high-definition screens and a huge beer tap list, it’s a premier spot to catch a game. However, City Works has been quietly proving that its culinary game is just as strong as its draft line-up.
The latest Chef Selects Menu, available now through June 16th, introduces two heavy hitters that lean into vibrant, seasonal flavors and playful presentation for a spring-themed limited-time menu. We stopped by to see if the Pastor Pork Tenderloin and the Funfetti Funnel Cake live up to the hype of a Disney Springs dining destination.
What is the Chef Selects Menu at City Works Disney Springs?
The Chef Selects Menu at City Works Eatery & Pour House (and its sister brand, Old Town Pour House) is a rotating culinary program that showcases seasonal creativity and trend-forward flavors alongside its permanent “Classic American” staples. Unlike the standard menu, which focuses on reliable bar favorites with a twist, the Chef Selects Menu lineup consists of limited-edition appetizers, entrées, and handcrafted cocktails that refresh about every eight weeks. This allows the kitchen to experiment with global fusion and bolder flavor profiles that might not fit the year-round menu. For this visit, we only tried the two food items, not the beverages.
For visitors at locations like Disney Springs, this menu serves as a “hidden” seasonal update that keeps the dining experience fresh for regulars. Since these items are only available for about a two-month window, they often incorporate specific seasonal ingredients or festive themes. Whether it’s a spicy fusion flatbread in the summer or a hearty steak dish in the winter, the Chef Selects program ensures that the “pour house” experience is matched by a chef-driven, evolving kitchen.
Elevated Al Pastor: The Pastor Pork Tenderloin
Marinated Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Pineapple Salsa, Cilantro, White Onion, Cilantro-Lime Rice, Adobo Sauce, Micro Cilantro
Street tacos are a staple of theme park snacking, but City Works is attempting to take those foundational flavors and translate them into a refined, sit-down entrée. The Pastor Pork Tenderloin ($30.95) is a bold addition to the menu and, notably, a gluten-free (GF) option for those navigating dietary restrictions.
The presentation of this dish is immediately striking. It comes with a steak knife. For the record, you will need it due to the thickness of the pork pieces. However, instead of the typical heavy pub fare, you are met with a bright, colorful plate that feels tailor-made for a Florida afternoon. In an environment where patrons might expect standard greasy appetizers, this plate offers a sophisticated departure that prioritizes bold flavors and meticulous presentation. The foundation is a bed of cilantro-lime rice, which provides a light, acidic base that cuts through the richness of the meat
Upon arrival, the dish immediately commands attention. The presentation should be described as excellent, followed quickly by an aroma that effectively primes the palate. While we suspect that preparation for this specific entree may take longer than typical speed-focused pub fare, the wait appears justified by the complexity of the components.
We Want More Adobo Sauce!
The undeniable centerpiece of the experience is the adobo sauce. This “star of the show,” provides a deep, vibrant foundation for the meal. It is complemented by a side of rice that is surprisingly well-seasoned, acting as a sturdy partner to the protein rather than a mere afterthought.
Regarding the pork, the experience evolves with each bite. Though the initial pieces may lean toward the drier side, the majority of the tenderloin is juicy, infused with a marinade. While the dish features a grilled pineapple salsa, it occasionally struggles to find its voice, as the intensity of the adobo and seasoned rice tends to overshadow the more delicate fruit notes.
Speaking of the adobo sauce, it shines as the star of this dish. It offers a robust flavor without too much spicy kick. Also, it is served a smear across the serving plate, guests can control how much or how little of the adobo sauce they use.
The pork tenderloin itself is well-marinated, carrying that signature earthy, achiote-heavy profile you expect from traditional al pastor. However, the execution here is what elevates it. By using tenderloin, the dish feels more substantial and “dinner-appropriate.”
At nearly $31, it is a premium price point for a pork dish, but the complexity of the flavors and the quality of the cut justify the cost for those looking for a sophisticated, non-fried meal at Disney Springs. Do not forget about your Walt Disney World annual pass discount at City Works Disney Springs!
The Ultimate Retro Treat: Funfetti Funnel Cake
Photo by Jon Self
Funnel Cake, Vanilla Ice Cream, Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, Berry Jam, Fruity Pebbles, Powdered Sugar
On the complete opposite end of the culinary spectrum lies the Funfetti Funnel Cake ($12.45). If the pork tenderloin is the sophisticated adult in the room, this dessert is the kid who just won a prize at a carnival with his parents or legal guardians nowhere to be found! Chaos will ensue.
Funnel cakes are common in theme parks, but City Works Disney Springs has given this version a twist that makes it feel uniquely suited for the Disney Springs atmosphere. It starts with a classic, golden-brown crispy funnel cake base, exactly the kind of crunchy-on-the-outside, doughy-on-the-inside texture you crave.
The real magic (and the mess) comes from the toppings. A scoop of vanilla ice cream sits at the center, but the orange cream cheese frosting lies underneath. It tastes like a high-end orange creamsicle, providing a tangy, citrusy creaminess that pairs well with the berry jam. The jam and frosting play their part well. However, they are supporting actors in this production. The funnel cake, ice cream, and Fruity Pebbles take center stage.
Post Fruity Pebbles For the Win
Speaking of Fruity Pebbles, the City Works Disney Springs kitchen adds a layer of Fruity Pebbles and a dusting of powdered sugar to the Funfetti Funnel Cake. The cereal adds a nostalgic “retro crunch” that keeps the dish fun. Yes, these are Fruity Pebbles not “Fruity Dyno-Bites” or “Fruity Crsip Cereal.” These are the real thing and there are lots of them.
The City Works Disney Springs Funfetti Funnel Cake is a sugary, colorful explosion that is practically begging to be photographed for social media before it melts. By the way, the ice cream did not rapidly melt as you might expect. Also, this is a large portion. Unless you have a truly legendary sweet tooth, this dessert is designed for sharing between two or three people. For the record, even we did not finish it! In fairness, we had the Pastor Pork Tenderloin and two Krispy Kreme Milk Bar Doughnuts before this sweet treat.
City Works Disney Springs
These City Works Disney Springs Chef Selects items show a kitchen that isn’t afraid to experiment with both refined global flavors and whimsical, nostalgic treats. Whether you want a sophisticated gluten-free dinner or a sugar-fueled trip down memory lane, these limited-time offerings are worth a visit before they disappear on June 16th.
For more theme park dining reviews, visit MSM News every weekday at noon Eastern Time. Additionally, we sometimes post bonus theme park dining reviews. As always, eat like you mean it!
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