The Polite Pig at Disney Springs – Classic Barbecue Turned On Its Head
There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat at Disney Springs. But when you’re in the area and find yourself craving barbecue, head no further than The Polite Pig.
Don’t be mistaken; this is more than just a barbecue place. From the menu to the venue, it’s a local classic all Florida’s own. By drawing inspiration from Florida’s unique cuisine and the varied world of barbecue, The Polite Pig’s chefs have created a modern barbecue outpost with an array of libations on tap that’s much more than your standard barbecue joint.
It’s All About the Vibe
Like any good barbecue place, The Polite Pig’s atmosphere is laidback and unapologetically unpretentious. (And we respect any spot where you can get a great meal for just $15.) Purists will be proud – meals are served on sheet trays, just like any classic Southern barbecue joint. The portions are generous; the desserts are big enough to share. And at your table, you’ll find a roll of paper towels, not napkins – trust us; you’ll need it!
But one look at the menu will tell you there’s something different going on at The Polite Pig. This isn’t your average barbecue spot. It’s all the flavor you expect from a great barbecue, elevated a notch. The result is an eatery that’s comfortable but fresh and all its own.
You could make a quick pit-stop for lunch here on your way elsewhere, but we think you’ll want to linger for a while. Relax, sip a craft cocktail or a selection from their whiskey list, and take the time to savor your meal. It’s a laidback place designed to invite togetherness.
The Menu
Shareables
It’s tempting to skip appetizers at a barbecue place (it’s all about the meats anyway, right?). But The Polite Pig’s culinary experimentations start here. Check out their hop salt pretzel with IPA-infused mustard and beer cheese fondue for dipping. Or order the burnt ends barbecue meatballs with cheddar grits and sweet barbecue sauce. Appetizers at a barbecue place may sound out of place, but trust us, and your mouth will be happier for it.
The Mains
Sandwiches
Hearty, savory sandwiches are where barbecue spots tend to really shine, and The Polite Pig doesn’t disappoint in this arena. Of course, the meats and sauces take center stage, but their sandwiches perfectly highlight the proteins and sauce while elevating them into a more complex flavor profile.
We’re talking smoked turkey BLTs with bacon-onion jam, a low & slow brisket sandwich with pimiento cheese and pickled jalapenos, or the smoked chicken salad sandwich with pungent whole-grain mustard, grapes, and veggies. No matter what you order, you’ll find something unexpected and exciting that elevates your dish from a simple sandwich to a unique experience worth remembering.
It’s All About the Smoker
If you’re serious about meat, go straight for their From The Smoker selections. These are great options if you’re feeding a whole family and want enough to go around. Every selection, even the classics like smoked brisket (in a ground coffee rub), has a slight twist of the unexpected. Go for the half chicken with citrus marinade or cedar plank salmon in a maple-Dijon glaze for something new. Even better, order a few and let everyone share bites.
Enjoy Your Veggies
The veggies, especially salads, tend to be where barbecue joints fall short. Not so here. On their menu, you’ll find salads actually worth eating. Choose from Caesar, chipotle Cobb, or spinach with feta. To make it a meal, add your favorite barbecue protein. It’s the perfect way to get your veggies in without missing out on the place’s namesake smoked meats.
The Sides Take Center-Stage
The Polite Pig has a lot of fun with their sides – and they aren’t just your average barbecue sides. They give you plenty of options so you can customize your meal your way, making sure you fit in your veggies and have enough to go around (and share).
Sure, you can get classics like baked beans and smoked mac and cheese (which are amazing, by the way). You can certainly go for the waffle fries or potato salad (with a delicious creamy herb dressing). But we think you’ll gravitate more toward the unique offerings, of which there are plenty.
We’re talkin’ tomato and watermelon salad with feta, basil, and pickled onions, barbecue cauliflower with paprika sour cream and candied pepitas, other options like elote-inspired grilled street corn with chipotle aioli and breadcrumbs or roasted beets with goat cheese, yogurt, and oranges. Selections like these make it easy to turn your meal from a classic barbecue lunch into a full-on haute-cuisine feast.
Save Room for Dessert!
The desserts are big enough to share, but there’s no rule that says you can’t still order a few to go around – in fact, we’d recommend it. Go with a Southern classic like buttermilk chess pie. But for something a little off the wall, sample the orange blossom pie too.
Make sure to grab a bourbon chocolate chip cookie to munch on your way out to keep the good vibes going. Who says you can’t have a two-part dessert course? You’re on vacation!
Sauce Bar
The Polite Pig’s sauce bar is one of the highlights that really sets it apart from other barbecue spots. While most barbecue places only have one signature sauce, The Polite Pig gives you 5 different options, complete with recommendations for what dishes and cuts of meat to use them with. Make your selection based on the recommendations or try them all.
You don’t have to choose just one – and trust us, you won’t want to. Stick with a classic like Layla’s Sweet Sauce (a classic tomato base sweetened with molasses, honey, and brown sugar) or try something distinctive like Lil John’s Signature Porter Sauce (honey and black pepper in a beer reduction). Thomas Southern Gold is a South Carolina-inspired mustard and vinegar sauce that goes great with pulled pork. And don’t forget to sample the Mango Hot Sauce (if you’re brave).
Drinks That Hit the Spot
True to their reputation for elevated barbecue, The Polite Pig’s drink menu is varied and intriguing. Go with a classic beer or cider by the pitcher (or the glass. But we’d go with the pitcher if we were you).
Take a look at their small-batch cocktails for a touch of something extra-special. Like the rest of their menu, every cocktail has something a little unique to elevate it. Sip on sangria with Florida orange liqueur, house-made vodka lemonade, or try a seasonal slushie to quench your inner child’s thirst.
Don’t forget to take a look at their truly staggering whiskey and bourbon selection, including their high-end reserve menu that includes a 27-year aged option. You could try to choose just one, but we think you’ll have a much easier (and more delicious) time if you go for a flight and sample a few. Whiskey lovers will have no trouble finding their happy place.
What’s your favorite style of barbecue? Are you a barbecue purist, or do you like riffs on the classics? Weigh in below!
Cover Image
Photo: MouseEars TV Creative Team
Recommended Gear for this Adventure
Disclaimer: We earn a commission if you click any of the links above and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
