Nestled within the enchanting Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Boatwright’s Dining Hall is a hidden gem that beautifully captures the essence of Southern hospitality. Inspired by the charm of a rustic fishing lodge, this cozy restaurant offers guests a warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with wooden beams, charming decor, and a serene view of the nearby waterways. For those with gluten sensitivities, Boatwright’s stands out not only for its delightful ambiance but also for its commitment to providing delicious gluten-free dining options. In an era where dietary needs are more prominent than ever, finding a place that caters to gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor is essential, making Boatwright’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a satisfying meal at Disney.
Atmosphere & Ambiance:
Boatwright’s Dining Hall is a charming sit-down restaurant located to the left of the main lobby at Port Orleans Riverside Resort. The resort itself beautifully blends Southern charm with elegant 1930s art deco elements, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the river. As you approach the check-in area, you’ll notice a unique boat frame that adds to the rustic feel of the venue, setting the stage for a delightful dining experience.
We easily made a reservation through the My Disney Experience App, which made planning our visit a breeze. Upon checking in, we were informed that our table would be ready in about 20 minutes, giving us the perfect opportunity to explore our surroundings. We wandered through the gift shop, browsed the Riverside Mill Food Court, and strolled along the scenic paths by the river at the back of the resort, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
When our table was ready, I received a convenient text notification. We were led into a cozy room at the back of the restaurant, where a warm fireplace flickered and rustic wooden tables and chairs created an inviting ambiance perfect for a leisurely meal.
The Menu & Gluten-Free Options:
When making our reservation at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, I was able to note my gluten allergy as well as any accessibility needs. This ensured that an allergy menu was ready for me upon arrival, demonstrating the restaurant’s commitment to accommodating guests with dietary restrictions.
To kick off our meal, our server brought out a standard loaf of cornbread for my partner, along with two small gluten-free pieces for me to try. I appreciated that my cornbread was clearly marked with an allergy marker, providing peace of mind as I dug in.
Let me tell you, the cornbread was a delightful surprise! It was much sweeter than the usual cornbread you might find, almost like a dessert. The texture was sticky and dense, which I loved, and it came with a generous side of whipped butter that made it even more indulgent. Being able to enjoy this bread service was a real treat, and I was thrilled that I didn’t have to miss out on something so comforting.
Next, we browsed the drink menu, which contained an impressive selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. My partner decided on an IPA beer—always a solid choice for craft beer lovers. As for me, I couldn’t resist the Captain’s Mai Tai, which was priced at $17 as of 11/2/24.
When my drink arrived, I was greeted by a vibrant concoction that looked as refreshing as it sounded. The Mai Tai was fruity, sweet, and tangy, with just the right balance of tropical flavors. There was a light aftertaste of alcohol that didn’t overpower the drink. It turned out to be a bit sweeter than I had anticipated, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it.
For our appetizer, we decided to try the Allergy Friendly French Onion Soup Au Gratin, which featured Gruyère and caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, topped with an allergy-friendly toasted crouton—all for $10. Let me tell you, this dish was an absolute delight and something I would eagerly return for!
The soup itself was ultra-savory, bursting with flavor and perfectly seasoned. What really made it shine was the extra thick layer of broiled cheese that formed a delightful, gooey crust on top. Beneath that cheesy layer, the rich and buttery toasted crouton added a satisfying crunch that complemented the soup beautifully.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the soup didn’t have as many onions as I’d hoped for, but that didn’t detract from the overall experience. It was so delicious that I’d still give it a solid 10/10!
For our entrees, I ordered the Shrimp & Grits, while my partner opted for the Jambalaya. Both dishes were labeled gluten-friendly, which was a huge plus for us!
The Shrimp & Grits ($28) were fantastic. The dish featured large shrimp, cooked just right, along with long strips of flavorful Andouille sausage. The grits were thick, creamy, and buttery—denser than the typical Southern-style grits, but honestly, I might have enjoyed these even more. The spicy cream sauce draped over everything was deliciously rich and, while it’s labeled as “spicy,” it was more about depth of flavor than heat. The sauce had bold notes of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and butter, creating a truly satisfying dish.
My partner’s Jambalaya ($27), on the other hand, had a bit more heat to it, with those strong, earthy notes of pepper and tomato that really make jambalaya sing. It was a hearty mix of shrimp, Andouille sausage, and tender chicken over spicy rice, which made for a flavorful and filling meal.
We had planned to end with the gluten-free Pecan Pie Tart, but we were both so stuffed by the end of our entrees that dessert will have to wait for next time! We’ll definitely be back to give it a try.
Know Before You Go:
- Food Allergies: If you or anyone in your party has food allergies, let a Cast Member know when making your reservation or upon arrival (for walk-ins). They’ll ensure your dining experience is safe and enjoyable.
- Location & Hours: Boatwright’s Dining Hall is located at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and is open daily from 5 PM to 9 PM for dinner.
- Reservations: Reservations are recommended, especially during high season (summer and holidays). You can easily make one over the phone or through the My Disney Experience App.
- Parking: Parking is complimentary at the resort with a reservation, making it easy to access the restaurant.
- Seating: The restaurant features wooden tables and chairs. If you or someone in your party has back or hip issues (like I do!), consider bringing a cushion for added comfort.
- Resort Amenities: There are several fun amenities near the restaurant, including:
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Surrey bike rentals
- A sizable arcade
- Scenic pathways along the river
- Transportation: The resort offers convenient boat transportation to and from Disney Springs, a great option for exploring the area before or after dinner.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, dining at Boatwright’s Dining Hall and exploring the beautiful Port Orleans Riverside Resort made for such a pleasant and romantic experience. The ambiance was charming, and every dish we tried was delicious—so much so that I’d happily order each one again! From the cozy atmosphere to the thoughtful gluten-free options, Boatwright’s is a spot we’ll definitely return to.
If you enjoyed this review, be sure to check out my other posts on gluten-free dining and Disney’s hidden gems. I’d love to hear about your own experiences, so feel free to drop a comment below or share your favorite Disney dining spots!
- Dining Gluten-Free at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
- Gluten-Free Dining at Ronto Roasters in Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge
- Exploring Gluten-Free Options at Epcot’s 2024 Food & Wine Festival
- Gluten-Free Dining at San Angel Inn (EPCOT’s Mexico Pavillion)
- Gluten-Free Cocktail Hour at Nomad Lounge, Animal Kingdom
- Exploring Gluten-Free Dining at Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
