The BOATHOUSE Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in August 2018. Notes about dairy free options and modifications are included in this post.
Dinner at The BOATHOUSE
The BOATHOUSE, located in Disney Springs, is a table service restaurant that is non-Disney owned and operated. It opened a few years ago in Disney Springs and quickly became a guest favorite for quality food and great atmosphere. We recently stopped by The BOATHOUSE for dinner after seeing a movie at the AMC Dine-In movie theater in Disney Springs. We did not have a reservation. So, we took a gamble trying to get a walk-up. Luckily, they had outdoor seating available for us, which was perfect for a quick and low-key meal.
Atmosphere
The BOATHOUSE is beautiful and chic looking restaurant. With a modern nautical theme, the exterior and the inside reflect those touches.
The Boathouse / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I love how vast the restaurant is inside. You wouldn't think it from looking at it, but the restaurant is actually quite large. Each room has a slightly different theme/décor that's nautical inspired.
The BOATHOUSE - Table / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On this visit, we were seated outside. We had never dined outside, so we were curious about the seating and how hot it might given that we dined there in August. Luckily, for us, we were seated near a shaded area of the restaurant with access to fans above us and due to its proximity to the inside dining, we also got lots of air conditioning draft too. This made for a pleasant al fresco dinner, even with the high temperatures.
The BOATHOUSE Outdoor Seating / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
We also had a lovely view of the boat launches and Saratoga Springs Resort in the distance. We timed it just right with sunset, so we had some great views.
The Food
The BOATHOUSE does not have an allergy-friendly menu. But, a chef will come to the table to speak with you about options. On this visit, the chef gave the rundown of the menu, which has an impressive amount of options that are naturally gluten free or can be easily made gluten free. They can also work with a variety of special dietary needs too. I've been there and ordered things dairy free, as well, and had no issues, which is great.
The BOATHOUSE - Gluten Free Roll / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The chef did offer to bring me a gluten free bun toasted with some butter since they do not have any other options for bread service. I did nibble on this a bit, but not a lot since I had ordered a burger that also came with a bun. They are currently serving Udi's Gluten Free buns which are gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and soy free. They do not currently have a vegan or dairy free butter alternative.
The BOATHOUSE Pimento Cheese Burger / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On my last visit, I ordered the Classic Cheeseburger and enjoyed. This time, based on the chef's recommendation, I ordered the BOATHOUSE Barbecue Bacon Burger with Creamy Coleslaw, Smokey BBQ Sauce, Pimento Cheese, and House BBQ Spice Rub. This burger is gluten free, when served on a gluten free bun. It does contain dairy, since I've reintroduced that back into my diet. But, if you're dairy free, there are a variety of sandwiches and burgers you can order without dairy in it or easily removed.
The BOATHOUSE Pimento Cheese Burger / Photo taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Because The BOATHOUSE does not have a dedicated fryer, French Fries are not an option here. I have had different vegetables as sides, with no issues. On this visit, I opted for the Sea Salt Baked Potato. It is served plain and comes with butter and sour cream on the side. If you can't have dairy, this may not be a great option, since they do not carry dairy free or vegan butter alternatives.
I have to say that I was super impressed with this burger. The chef did warn me that the pimento cheese had a bit of a kick, which it did. But, it wasn't so spicy that I couldn't eat it or enjoy it. In fact, the spiciness in the cheese paired really well with the sweetness from the barbecue sauce. The burger itself was very flavorful too. Hands down this is the best burger I've had at The BOATHOUSE, and I would definitely get it again. If you like pimento cheese or just want a burger that's a bit different, this one is for you.
If you're gluten free and dairy free, I highly recommend the classic cheese burger, minus the cheese, if you're craving a burger.
Overall
As always, The BOATHOUSE is a real winner for a delicious meal. While we tend to stick with burgers, sandwiches, and more affordably priced dishes, there are a lot more options to choose from that include fresh seafood and steak. I really appreciate that the chefs always come to your table to discuss options with you when you visit and that they do a great job at accommodating special dietary needs. Plus, the food is just delicious. This is a restaurant we'll definitely keep coming back to again and again.
Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What did you think of the special dietary needs options?