San Angel Inn is a beautifully themed restaurant nestled within the Mexico Pavilion at Disney World’s Epcot. With its enchanting ambiance, the restaurant offers a taste of upscale Mexican cuisine amidst a captivating setting that includes an indoor pyramid and views of the Gran Fiesta Tour ride. Featuring a concise menu of refined Mexican dishes and cocktails, San Angel Inn aims to deliver a memorable dining experience. In this review, we’ll delve into my gluten-free dining experience, highlight the restaurant’s unique features, and explore the charm of the Mexico Pavilion.
The Atmosphere:
Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion, inspired by the iconic El Castillo pyramid at Chichén Itzá, offers a visually stunning and immersive experience. The pavilion is exquisitely decorated with vibrant colors and is surrounded by lush tropical flowers, creating a serene and captivating setting.
As you enter the pyramid, you’re instantly immersed in a meticulously themed scene reminiscent of a 17th-century hacienda and market at night. The ambiance is enchanting, with a charming water fountain, twinkling string lights overhead, and stalls displaying handcrafted knick-knacks. To the right, you’ll find a Tequila Bar, while to the left, a serene boat ride adds to the immersive experience. In the distance, the arched entrance of San Angel Inn can be seen, framed by the picturesque backdrop of the pyramid and the tranquil canal, creating a magical and inviting atmosphere.
Reservations for San Angel Inn are highly recommended. You can check in for your reservation up to 20 minutes before your scheduled time and have the option to receive a text when your table is ready. While waiting, you can relax in the small waiting area with chairs and a nearby restroom or explore the pavilion. We chose to enjoy a frozen margarita from the outdoor stand while browsing the market.
When our table was ready, a server guided us down the stairs to our seating area. There is a ramp available for those with disabilities, and assistance is provided if needed. Inside the restaurant, you’ll find wooden tables covered with linen and padded wooden chairs arranged close together. The ambiance is enhanced by electric lights designed to mimic candlelight, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each table features a light that resembles a candle, adding to the charming setting.
My partner and I were seated at a small table against the wall, with limited space due to the close arrangement of tables. For someone with hip pain, like myself, the chairs were not the most comfortable, but they were adequate for the duration of the meal.
The Menu:
San Angel Inn offers an array of upscale Mexican-inspired appetizers, entrées, and desserts, with dishes typically averaging around $30 as of August 15, 2024. The restaurant also features a selection of signature drinks and cocktails, with prices averaging $17. While there is no separate allergy menu, the main menu includes a helpful key that clearly marks gluten-free (GF), dairy-free (DF), and vegetarian (VG) items, making it easier to identify options that meet your dietary needs.
Our Drinks:
For our first round of drinks, I opted for The Cucumber Cocktail, which featured Tromba Blanco tequila, fresh cucumber and lime juice, orange liqueur, Abasolo corn whiskey, agave, and a Tajín chile-lime powder rim. I found this cocktail to be exceptionally refreshing, with subtle hints of cool cucumber and lime. It had a clean, juice-like quality without being overly sweet, reminiscent of Lime Cucumber Gatorade.
My partner chose a classic frozen margarita. Unfortunately, he found it somewhat underwhelming. The margarita mostly tasted of shaved ice with just a hint of mezcal, lacking the vibrant flavor he had hoped for.
For my second drink, I chose the White Sangria. As a fan of both sangria and wine, I found this drink to be overly sweet, with a flavor more reminiscent of Kool-Aid than the crisp notes of white wine I had anticipated. However, if you’re a fan of very sweet, tropical drinks, this might be a good choice for you.
What We Ate:
For a starter, we ordered the Totopos: Corn Chips with sides of White Cheddar Cheese and Salsa ($8.25 as of 8/15/24). The chips and queso were pretty standard—exactly what you would expect at any Mexican restaurant. The salsa was interesting, with a texture more like a puree and a strong chipotle flavor. It was earthy with just a hint of spice.
For our entrees, I opted for the gluten-free Pollo a Las Rajas: Grilled chicken breast over roasted potatoes with onions, Poblano peppers, corn, and a Poblano cream sauce, topped with queso fresco ($32.00 as of 8/15/24). My partner chose the Enchiladas de Pollo: Corn tortillas filled with chipotle chicken, covered in salsa verde, crema Mexicana, cotija cheese, and crispy onion straws, served atop beans. The dish was accompanied by plantains topped with crema Mexicana and cotija cheese ($29.50 as of 8/15/24).
Note: The enchiladas are not gluten-free due to the crispy onion straws, but the restaurant staff mentioned they can be adapted.
I thoroughly enjoyed my Pollo a Las Rajas. The chicken was cooked well, and the Poblano cream sauce was rich and creamy with subtle notes of poblano, without being overly spicy. While the portion size was a bit smaller compared to other dishes in the park, it was still a satisfying and filling meal without feeling too heavy.
I didn’t try my partner’s enchiladas since they weren’t labeled gluten-free, but according to him, they looked much better than they tasted. The flavor was a bit one-note, though he really enjoyed the side of plantains, which he said were cooked to perfection and seasoned well.
We decided to skip dessert, as there weren’t any special allergy-friendly options offered, but I was informed that ice cream is available for those with allergies.
The Nearby Grand Fiesta Tour Experience:
After dinner, we decided to ride the Grand Fiesta Tour, a charming indoor boat ride located right next to the San Angel Restaurant, within the atmospheric setting of the Mexico Pavilion’s pyramid. This short and gentle ride takes you on a journey through a lively and colorful world inspired by Mexico’s rich culture and traditions.
As you glide along the canal between the restaurant and the pyramid, you’ll find yourself immersed in the sights and sounds of a vibrant Mexican fiesta. The ride features scenes of bustling markets, festive parades, and picturesque landscapes, all brought to life with vibrant colors and detailed animatronics. The main stars of the ride are The Three Caballeros—Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles—who guide you through various whimsical and iconic Mexican settings. Their antics, combined with the catchy and upbeat theme song, make the ride both entertaining and memorable.
Since I use a walker, I accessed the ride via the ADA-compliant entrance, which conveniently leads directly to the boat. The seats are fairly hard, so I brought a cushion to sit on. If you also have back or hip issues, I highly recommend bringing a pad or cushion with you to the park for added comfort.
The Grand Fiesta Tour is a gentle ride suitable for all ages. While it’s not as fast-paced or thrilling as some other attractions, it offers a delightful, relaxing experience with a touch of Disney magic. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a meal and take in the beautiful theming and joyful atmosphere of the Mexico Pavilion.
Pros & Cons of San Angel Inn:
Pros:
- The San Angel Inn offers a highly themed indoor respite, a unique experience found in only a few other locations within the park.
- The atmosphere transports you away from the bustling park, immersing you in the charm of a 17th-century hacienda. The Mexico Pavilion, enhanced by this ambiance, is a personal favorite in the park.
- There are plenty of delicious drink options, and some food items are tasty without being too heavy, allowing you to continue your day comfortably.
- The nearby Grand Fiesta Tour provides a gentle and enjoyable activity before or after your meal.
- The restaurant offers some gluten-free options, which can be a relief for those with dietary restrictions.
- Dining here offers a nice break from the Florida heat, as the restaurant’s dimly lit, air-conditioned environment is particularly refreshing.
Cons:
- As a popular dining spot, the restaurant can feel quite crowded, with limited space to move without bumping into something or someone.
- The food and drinks are overpriced for what they are, even by theme park standards. For example, our bill for two adults came to $175 with tip, which felt excessive.
- The portion sizes may be smaller than expected, particularly considering the price.
- The noise level can be quite high due to the crowds, making it difficult to have a quiet or intimate dining experience.
In Conclusion:
Overall, our experience at San Angel Inn was average. While the theming and atmosphere were immersive and enjoyable, the food and drink were hit or miss, especially considering the price. The crowded and noisy environment also detracted from what I had hoped would be a more pleasant dining experience. The service was nice but not outstanding—efficient enough, but it didn’t add much to the overall experience.
I particularly enjoyed the theming, which truly transports you into a different world, and my first drink—the Cucumber Margarita—was a highlight. However, while my entrée was tasty, it wasn’t worth the high price, and I wouldn’t recommend much else from the menu to a friend. (For those interested, the Cucumber Margarita can also be purchased at the outside margarita stand.)
If you’re looking for a romantic meal with your partner, this might not be the best choice. However, if you have children who would enjoy the vibrant theming, it could be worth a try. For us, as two adults, the experience didn’t feel worth the cost. Perhaps if the restaurant were less crowded, we might consider dining there again, but as it stands, it’s not a top pick.
A few important things to note before you go: the menu is fairly limited, but certain dishes can be adapted to accommodate allergies. However, I felt less confident in the allergy accommodations here compared to other restaurants in the park. What you’re paying for at San Angel Inn is mostly the theming. Some items were worth the price, but the quality wasn’t consistent across what we ordered.
If you’d like to try this restaurant for yourself, I suggest booking in advance and opting for off-peak hours, such as between lunch and dinner, to avoid the crowds.
My final thoughts on San Angel Inn: it’s a great choice if theming is your priority. While they do offer a few allergy-friendly items, I didn’t feel as assured about the accommodations as I have at other park restaurants. Would I try it again? Maybe at a less busy time, but overall, it was an enjoyable one-time experience that I’m not eager to repeat.
Additional Tips:
- Book in Advance: To secure a reservation and avoid long waits, especially during peak dining times, it’s a good idea to book your table in advance. This can easily be done by calling the restaurant or through the My Disney Experience App.
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Dining between lunch and dinner or later in the evening can help you avoid the busiest times, making for a more relaxed experience.
- Check for Allergy-Friendly Options: While the menu is somewhat limited, some dishes can be adapted for dietary restrictions. Be sure to inquire about gluten-free and allergy-friendly options when you arrive.
- Consider the Margarita Stand: If you’re interested in trying the Cucumber Margarita, you can also get it from the outside margarita stand, which might be a more convenient option.
- Prepare for Crowds: The restaurant can get quite crowded. If you have back or hip issues, bring a pad for extra comfort on the hard seats.
- Explore the Theming: Take time to appreciate the theming and décor of the restaurant. It offers a unique ambiance that adds to the overall dining experience.
- Plan for Parking: Parking at Epcot can be challenging, especially during busy times. Arrive early to ensure you have ample time to travel from the parking lot to the restaurant.
- Review the Menu Ahead of Time: Checking the menu online before your visit can help you make informed decisions and plan your meal, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Related Reviews:
If you enjoyed this review, you might find these other dining experiences interesting:
- Gluten-Free Cocktail Hour at Nomad Lounge, Animal Kingdom
- Exploring Gluten-Free Dining at Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Have you dined at San Angel Inn? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know what you thought! Follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.
