We are all about the food here at DFB, and nothing goes better with food than a yummy cocktail and some awesome atmosphere. Disney World has bars and lounges in many of the resorts, at some of the theme parks, and definitely at Disney Springs, and it can be a difficult decision to pick a place to get your drink on. So what are the best bars and lounges at Walt Disney World?

You will find no shortage of places to meet friends before dinner or to grab an evening cocktail at Walt Disney World, but some of the bars and lounges are just a bit more memorable — even after an E-ticket evening of imbibing.

We’ve tried ALL the places at Walt Disney World where you can score a delicious drink and amazing appetizers, and these are the places we think are the top bars and lounges at Walt Disney World.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Jungle Cruise fans will remember Trader Sam from his days as the “head salesman” in the jungle, but you gotta love his side hustle. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto brings to light Sam’s devotion to drinks, his mad love for mixology. Tucked into a back corner of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, this lounge is a little crazy and a lot of fun. And if you’re looking for some kid-free time, you’ll find it here after 8PM.

Well worth the visit, the list of luscious libations is enough of a selling point to entice you to join in the fun. There is limited seating, and it can be tough to get in (although we have a few tips up our sleeve), but the Grotto has been using a virtual line so that you can go grab a Dole Whip while you wait. Trader Sam’s also serves up some awesome apps with those delicious drinks, and don’t leave empty-handed — order your drink in a souvenir glass when they are available.

We do love us some Trader Sam’s Tiki Mugs — come see this beauty!

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

The one piece of Disney World advice you want to take when you get here is this — look up. The detail in the decor is astounding at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. As the story goes, Indiana Jones’ long-trusted pilot discovered this waterfront gem while hunting for the Fountain of Youth in Florida. Although Jock’s air tours have long since ceased, the sky’s the limit when it comes to creative decor, incredible fun, and some truly boozy brilliance.

Ranking among the list of must-try locations in Disney Springs, the tapas-style menu and creative cocktails draw you in like an expert air traffic controller bringing in planes. Jock’s has become known for holiday specialties, so you want to look for seasonal menu items and festive decor. The Snakebite Sliders answer the “Why’d it have to be snakes?” question, and washed down with something from the secret drinks menu, you’ll never want to leave!

We have some Disney Springs must-dos for you right HERE!

Nomad Lounge

When your travels take you to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, wander on over towards Pandora — The World of Avatar, and just before you get there, you’ll find the wonderful oasis that is the Nomad Lounge. After journeying through Africa and Asia and parts unknown, settle into this travel-themed lounge for a Green Shimmering Margarita and a Togarashi-spiced Tuna Nomad Bowl.

This is one of the most popular spots to beat the heat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but increase your chances of snagging a seat by getting there when they open. The menu has some real standouts, but you can’t go wrong with the Tiffin’s Bread Service.

Go next level with your knowledge of Disney’s Animal Kingdom

La Cava del Tequila

You’ll notice that we take ALL of the opportunities to talk about La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico pavilion at EPCOT, but we promise, it’s with good reason. Boasting a lineup of over 200 Tequilas, this small but mighty location will entice even the most critical cocktail connoisseur with a collection of creatively magnificent margaritas.

This place can get packed — it has seating for only about 30 people – but don’t be afraid to belly up to the bar and grab your drink to take with you. If you want to linger a bit longer, though, try to avoid popping in for a nightcap on your way out of EPCOT or in the midst of a rainstorm. The crowd can be elbow to elbow then, so try to go earlier in the day.

Check out our review of the Connections Cafe in EPCOT

Oga’s Cantina

You may be detecting a pattern with our addition of Disney’s Hollywood Studios‘ Oga’s Cantina to the list of our favorite bars and lounges. We love to be immersed in the atmosphere and plied with clever cocktails, and you’ll find both at Oga’s. The drinks transport you right to Batuu — yes, we know, it’s not “really real,” but you will feel like it is. Try the Fuzzy Tauntaun, and see what all the buzz is about, or opt for a non-alcoholic Blue Bantha, which is the famous blue milk topped with a yummy cookie.

There’s a unique feature at Oga’s that you won’t find at most of the bars and lounges at Walt Disney World. Oga’s takes Advanced Dining Reservations. They aren’t required, but this is the hottest spot in the Galaxy, so we definitely recommend that you try to line one up. You won’t want to miss some of the out-of-this-world snacks and drink options when you are visiting Disney Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.

See what other sips we’re sweet on at Oga’s Cantina

Territory Lounge

Warm wood, cozy seating, and soft lighting aren’t the only highlights of the Territory Lounge  And while a lot of the top bars and lounges on our list get there based on elaborate theming or unique drinks, Territory Lounge is a standout when it comes to lounge eats.

You know how we love a good cheese option on a menu, and Territory Lounge offers up a Chardonnay fondue, a slightly boozy, super creamy snack option that comes served with practically perfect pretzel bread. The menu varies seasonally, so you are likely to find a seasonal soup, plus there’s always a charcuterie and a mouth-watering dessert. You’ll find this lounge tucked behind the great fireplace at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge the right resort for you? Find out HERE.

Crew’s Cup Lounge

I know, we just talked about how we love us some elaborate theming at the lounges, so how did the Crew’s Cup Lounge make the cut? This favorite, located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, is just a cozy little lounge, but the menu features some of the most amazing food from the adjacent Yachtsman Steak House. If it’s a full-on prime rib dinner you’re looking for, you’ve found it here.

Even when there isn’t a full dinner menu, you can still enjoy bar snacks like truffle fries, and the bar menu features all of your classic lounge favorites like scotch and cognac, plus an extensive wine list and some local draft beer.

Have you overlooked THIS Walt Disney World steakhouse?

Enchanted Rose Lounge

A lounge based on a love story? Awwww, yes, please! Set in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, The Enchanted Rose Lounge serves up sips and snacks in a space reminiscent of that tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast. And because this is the Grand Floridian, you won’t find pub grub here. The menu takes your average bar food and makes it both elegant and enticing.

The cocktail menu features the timeless classics well made, like an Old Fashioned, but the food really shines here. With options like Crab Macaroni and Cheese, Artisanal Cheese Selection, and the famous Truffle Fries , you won’t even miss the Grey Stuff — the whole menu is delicious.

See the complete list of restaurants at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar

If Italian wine is your jam, EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion has a real hidden gem for you. Tutto Gusto has a wine list of over 200 Italian wines, and to accompany your wine selection, there is a menu of Italian favorites that are truly delizioso. You may have to hunt a bit to find Tutto Gusto, but look for the red Wine Cellar awning at the back of the Italy Pavilion.

You can enjoy a full meal here in the small, 96-seat dining room. Food at Tutto Gusto features Italian flavors such as Petto di Pollo, comfort food made with a creamy, cheesy sauce over pasta with grilled chicken. A light and fresh Caprese salad really hits the spot on a hot day. Truly memorable is the wine flight, so don’t miss that if you go!

Click here to see the big way 5 EPCOT lounges have changed

Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge

The Hollywood Brown Derby is a perennial favorite at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but just in case you haven’t been able to score a table, the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge is the perfect backup plan. The highlight at this outdoor lounge is the famous Cobb Salad, a beautiful plate of finely chopped goodness topped with your choice of chicken, shrimp, or lobster. Just walk right up, ask for a table, and it can be yours!

The lounge features seasonal specialty cocktails, martini and margarita flights, and a full complement of wine and beer. One thing that is not always on the menu here that would throw it over the top in terms of favorite lounges is the grapefruit cake, but ask your server if it’s possible to get it when you’re there.

We’ve got the recipe! Make the Brown Derby’s grapefruit cake at home!

Scat Cat’s Club

You’re in Walt Disney World, but you’re in New Orleans. How’s that for some Disney magic? Scat Cat’s Club is a soulful, jazz-filled, joy of a lounge located at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter. The club will take you right to the heart of Bourbon Street, with live jazz music playing several nights a week (usually Thursday through Monday), and NOLA famous cocktails like the Southern Hurricane and the Sazerac.

Come here for the music and the drinks, but stay for the food. The menu is loaded with southern specialties like Bayou Wings, an Oyster Beignet Po’Boy, and the boozed-up Baton Rouge Beignets. We are excited to see what’s in store when this resort — and hopefully this lounge — is back up and running.

Where did your favorite Disney moderate resort rank in our poll?

Geyser Point Bar and Grill

Not quite a pool bar, Geyser Point Bar and Grill is just near the main pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Nestled in the Pacific Northwest setting of the resort, the open-air bar has both a table service lounge and a walk-up quick service counter. The menu has excellent options for the foodie in the family, with crispy salmon croquettes and a bison burger being stars of show.

Drinks here take on the Pacific Northwest theme of the resort, including a Northwest Iced Tea (think Long Island Iced Tea) and some native beers. But one of the real draws of this bar is the location. The Wilderness Lodge is already beautiful, but with the waterfront views offered at this location, and the fireplace to warm up to on a cool evening, it’s easy to see why this ranks among our favorite spots.

There are Mickey-shaped WHAT at this Wilderness Lodge restaurant?

Banana Cabana Lounge

It can be a bit of an undertaking to make your way to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort if you aren’t staying there, but Banana Cabana Lounge may just make it worth a trip. Caribbean flavors abound at this outside, waterfront lounge, and you can sample a Jamaican Frozen Runner and a Caribbean Mai Tai if luscious libations are what you’re after.

The real Caribbean flavors, though, are in the food. Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding will almost make you forget the ‘Ohana bread pudding (the recipe was created by a chef from ‘Ohana, so it’s not like you’re cheating or anything if you love this one just as much). There’s jerk chicken and a bright, fresh Sebastian’s Salad with Grilled Shrimp, so put yourself on island time and stay awhile.

Is this All You Can Eat meal worth the trek? 

Three Bridges Bar and Grill

Create your own Sangria. Need I go any further? Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is the home of Sangria University where an actual sangria sommelier will educate you on sangria. Guys, you can get a SANGRIA DIPLOMA. Okay, we may be a little too excited, but what an incredibly unique experience, and one of the big reasons Three Bridges makes our favorites list.

The bar has a bright, tropical feel with some comfy seating options, and the eats here are pretty darned delicious. The shareables, like the house-made guacamole and the roasted corn dip, are crowd pleasers; and the entrees like the poke bowls and the steak frites pack a flavorful punch (just ask for the fries on the side if you go for the steak frites to avoid losing some of the crispness of the fries).

Check out the Sangria Flight at Three Bridges Bar and Grill 

California Grill Lounge

There is a huge plus to the California Grill Lounge. You get the same amazing fireworks view. All this greatness is yours for the taking — without having to first secure a reservation at the California Grill.

The lounge is first come, first served, and as you can imagine, people tend to try to get a table around fireworks time. A great tip is to go earlier in the evening to avoid the fireworks rush, because as long as you return with your receipt, you can still access the observation area to watch the fireworks.

Click here to see the latest new menu items coming to California Grill!

Tambu Lounge

What could be better than listening to Polynesian music while sipping a fruity tropical drink out of a pineapple? Doing it at the Tambu Lounge at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Although the food menu is a little bit limited right now, there is no limit to the tropical goodness the Tambu Lounge can get into a glass with a little rum and some ice. The Lapu Lapu, served in a whole pineapple, is a treat right off the beach in Hawaii, with dark rum and tropical fruit. You can almost feel the beach breeze.

Even more tastes of the tropics can be found in the Hawaiian Mule or the Polynesian Mai Tai, but if you’re looking for a bite, you’re in luck. You can share the Kaikane ‘s Barbecue Ribs since they give you a decently sized portion. And ask your server if you can get the ‘Ohana style bread pudding. They may be able to get it for you after 5 PM.

Check out the big expansion planned for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!

It feels like we’ve just touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the top bars and lounges at Walt Disney World, and that’s probably because we have. There are options for guests hoping to find a party atmosphere, with crazy antics and out-of-this-world drinks; and there are just as many options for guests looking for a calmer, quieter cocktail with some old-school personality. Take some time to explore our favorites, then enjoy finding a few of your own.

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ 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 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today!

Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose.

What are some of your favorite Walt Disney World bars and lounges, and why are they your favorites? Tell us in the comments!

The post Top 16 Bars and Lounges at Walt Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.