The BOATHOUSE Dinner Review

*This post contains a dining review that took place in June 2020 after Disney Springs reopened after the closure related to COVID-19. It includes information about gluten free options, in addition to dairy free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free options.

Dinner at The BOATHOUSE

The BOATHOUSE is one of our go-to table service restaurant locations whenever we want to dine in Disney Springs. We have always enjoyed their special dietary needs accommodations and terrific meals. On this occasion, we had an impromptu dinner at The BOATHOUSE during a visit to Disney Springs in early June after it had reopened after it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, we'll not only share our meal experience, we'll also explore how the restaurant handled social distancing and other safety measures during our visit.

COVID-19 & Reopening Notes

On this particular visit, we did not make a dining reservation at The BOATHOUSE, but were able to get a walk-up seating due to low-crowds and attendance when we went to Disney Springs. You can still make dining reservations via the My Disney Experience, DisneyWorld.com, and Open Table. We have heard that Disney Springs is a bit busier now, so reservations are recommended.

In terms of safety protocols, the restaurant not only had social distancing markers outside the restaurant, but inside the restaurant, tables were greatly reduced with different color table cloths on some tables to indicate more than 6 feet apart (and which were not used to seat guests). All cast members wore masks.

As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have not been back to Disney Springs, so be sure to check with the restaurant and the official Disney World website for additional information about current guidelines and recommendations.

Atmosphere

We love the theme of The BOATHOUSE. It's decidedly nautical, and we love everything about it.

The BOATHOUSE - Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On our visit, you can see that while this restaurant did still have guests, it wasn't too busy. This photos gives you a good idea of the restaurant's theme too with the neat amphicars that you can ride in along with a giant boat above the restaurant's entrance.

The BOATHOUSE - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

While we had one table with people near us (the table is shown above) for about the first 5-10 minutes of our meal, we did not have any other guests nearby for most of our dining experience. It was not only very reassuring from a safety perspective, but it made for some great photos, as well.

We were seated in the dining room at the very far end of the restaurant. Brandon loves this room, as he says it reminds him of many restaurants from the 1980s and 1990s, with dark wood features and unique light fixtures.

The BOATHOUSE - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Here's a more expansive shot of the dining room. And, as you can see, there was literally no one in there by the time we were done with our meal.

The BOATHOUSE - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

There are a lot of other wonderful dining areas in The BOATHOUSE. We both love how each dining room is different in theme and decor. Here's a photo from another dining room. You can see the giant nautical artwork along with lighter colored chairs too.

The Food

Though The BOATHOUSE is not owned and operated by the Disney Company and does not carry an allergy-friendly menu, we have always been impressed by how well they can accommodate guests with special dietary needs. Because we were visiting just a few weeks after Disney Springs had reopened, we weren't sure how plentiful the food options would be or if any protocols had changed.

We were both pleasantly surprised to see the same protocols in place and offerings too. The menu was slightly reduced, but both Brandon and I noted that it was still fairly large. We had the option to speak with a manager or a chef, which was great.

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of the biggest concerns that I have heard from other Disney guests about the reopening has been whether or not Disney and non-Disney owned restaurants would still still have special dietary needs products. I am happy to report that at The BOATHOUSE, we were still able to get their allergy-friendly rolls with no issues.

This roll is essentially their gluten free & dairy free bun (I believe Udi's brand), so it's nothing fancy. But, I was so glad to be offered this both as a starter and if I wanted a sandwich. The only slight negative on this visit is that it wasn't heated very well.

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon and I decided that since this was our first dining experience in a restaurant in nearly 3 months that we would get whatever we wanted for our meal. We decided that we wanted an appetizer, and we ordered the Wedge Salad to split. This dish was made to be safe for gluten/wheat, fish/shellfish, peanut, cabbage, hazelnut, and chicken & turkey allergies. If you have other needs, like dairy free, there are some other great salad options that can be made dairy free too.

We both absolutely loved this salad. And, can you believe that the photo above is only half a portion of it?! The manager offered to split the salad for us, and we were both shocked when it arrived as the salads were huge. I will give credit where credit is due. The BOATHOUSE does not skimp on portions! Both of us agreed that we'd definitely split this salad again for its fresh flavor.

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

This is a terrible photo of the fish tacos that I ordered, as I somehow managed to forgot to take a photo at the restaurant (and had to screenshot the image from our YouTube video). The dish can be made gluten free by omitting the side of tortilla chips (because they are made in a shared fryer). If you're dairy free, ask them to omit the crema.

While the fish in the tacos was outstanding, the overall tacos were just OK. I absolutely loved the old version of these fish tacos, which I ordered regularly. This version was good but couldn't compare to the amazingness of the original fish tacos. It definitely felt like the tacos were missing something. Next visit, I would order something else.

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon went with a classic steak, which came with steamed baby red potatoes that were tossed in a parsley butter and Old Bay seasoning. Brandon said that both the steak and the potatoes were outstanding, and he was very pleased with his meal choice. This dish was made safe for fish/shellfish, peanut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies. This should also be gluten free or easily made GF too.

If you're a steak fan, The BOATHOUSE has excellent options, so we always recommend them if you're not a fan of seafood or have seafood allergies.

The BOATHOUSE - Mac & Cheese is NOT gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

A must have on any visit for Brandon is the gluten-filled macaroni & cheese. The portion is beyond huge, and Brandon loves how cheesy this mac & cheese is. It's definitely a sharing dish, so keep that in mind! We actually took leftovers home of this because he couldn't finish it.

As a side note, I've heard several reports of gluten free guests being able to get gluten free mac & cheese at The BOATHOUSE. I might have to ask about this whenever we visit next to learn more!

If you're curious about our visit to The BOATHOUSE and Disney Springs and want to see more, check out our vlog from this visit. We shared highlights from Disney Springs along with our meal experience too.

Overall

The BOATHOUSE continues to be a great option if you're visiting Disney Springs. On this visit, we both enjoyed our meals and were pleasantly surprised by how well the restaurant handled safety protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Add in excellent special diets accommodations, and it's definitely a location we'll continue to visit for a great and safe meal.

Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What did you enjoy when you dined there?

The BOATHOUSE Dinner Review

*This post contains two dining reviews that took place in December 2019. It includes information about gluten free options, in addition to dairy free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, peanut free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free options.

Dinner at The BOATHOUSE

The BOATHOUSE is a table service restaurant that is one of our favorites in Disney Springs. We often dine here with family & friends visiting or for special occasions, like birthdays. It's definitely become a popular dining destination for us because it has a lot of variety and accommodation for guests with special dietary needs and the quality of the food & service is top notch. Recently, we had dinner here twice -- once when a dear friend was visiting and another for Brandon's birthday celebration with his family.

Atmosphere

We love the theme of The BOATHOUSE, which is, of course, nautical in nature.

The BOATHOUSE - Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

From the moment you walk up to The BOATHOUSE, you'll find lots of boats and waterfront decor.

The BOATHOUSE - Holiday Decorations / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I love that even during the holiday season they decorated with nautical elements.

The BOATHOUSE - Holiday Decorations / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Even inside the restaurant, the theming had a holiday flair.

The BOATHOUSE - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The BOATHOUSE has several different dining room areas -- each with a different look and feel. On Brandon's birthday, in particular, he requested that we dine near the back of the restaurant in one of the rooms that features a fireplace, dark wood, and dim lighting. As he refers to it, it resembles a much more modern version of the classic 1980s and 1990s look of a Red Lobster chain restaurant.

The Food

Though The BOATHOUSE is not owned and operated by the Disney Company and does not carry an allergy-friendly menu, we have been really impressed with their attention to special dietary needs accommodations.

I have to admit, I've heard a few horror stories from blog readers about their experiences here, but for us, our experiences have always been excellence. I do highly recommend speaking to a chef directly -- even if a server encourages you to just order from the menu. The chefs there are always very helpful and knowledgeable.

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On both occasions, our server and the chef offered me gluten free "rolls." Really, these are just Udi's gluten free buns heated up and served as a roll. The buns are both gluten free and dairy free, but the restaurant doesn't currently offer a dairy free buttery spread. You can get extra virgin olive oil instead. While these aren't the best bread service I've ever had, it is nice to have on occasion.

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

When my dear friend Kate visited, she and I both got the Grilled Fresh Fish Tacos served with Cabbage Slaw, Chipotle Crema, Pickled Red Onions, and Avocado Salsa. This dish is naturally gluten free (and can be made dairy free by omitting the crema). It was also peanut free and sesame free too based on Kate's allergies, as well.

I really love these fish tacos. Currently being made using swordfish, the flavors were outstanding, and the quality of the fish was excellent. I especially love the chipotle crema and avocado salsa, which our server brought us extras of on the side. This is a dish I've had several times and one I'll keep ordering for sure.

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon ordered the Filet Mignon Sliders with a baked potato on the side. Unfortunately, the restaurant does not offer a dedicated allergy fryer, so fries are out for both of us. But, Brandon really enjoys the baked potatoes they serve at the restaurant. This dish was fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free.

For those who have nut allergies, we were advised that there is potential cross-contamination for the rolls and buns served at The BOATHOUSE due to peanuts being in the same space where the rolls and buns are made. Both Kate and Brandon have peanut allergies and both felt comfortable eating these. But, those with peanut allergies should take care when consuming any bread products from The BOATHOUSE.

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I don't normally get dessert at The BOATHOUSE, but I couldn't turn down the seasonal Chocolate Peppermint Mousse. This is gluten free but does contain dairy (and cannot be modified). Holy cow was this good! If you can eat dairy, this seasonal dessert is worth ordering. I absolutely loved the rich chocolate mousse and peppermint flavor. It was even more festive with the crushed candy cane on top. It was so good that I wish they had it year round!

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

During Brandon's birthday visit, I ordered the Broiled Wild Caught Swordfish Steak with Blackening Spice, Jambalaya Style Rice, Andouille Sausage, Crawfish Tails, and Louisiana Hot Sauce Butter. This is gluten free but does contain dairy and cannot be modified. The chef advised me that this is a newly GF dish too, as it used to contain gluten. But, they got so many requests for it to be gluten free, that they modified the recipe to make it naturally gluten free, which is great!

I was very impressed with the flavors of this dish. The swordfish was cooked perfectly, and the rice was excellent. If you like spicy food, this is definitely one to get. While I wouldn't get it all the time, this was a nice treat to enjoy on a special occasion.

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Because it was Brandon's birthday, he went with a Petit Filet Mignon with salt crusted baby potatoes. His dish was not only gluten free but also dairy free, peanut/tree nut free, fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, and chicken & turkey free. Brandon raved about the quality of the steak. It was definitely a great dish to celebrate his birthday with!

The BOATHOUSE - Dish is NOT Gluten Free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Brandon also ordered the mac & cheese, which is one of his favorites. This dish is fish/shellfish free, cabbage free, hazelnut free, peanut free, and chicken & turkey free. If you can have gluten and dairy, this is a great cheesy decadent dish that Brandon always raves about.

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

For dessert, Brandon was served a birthday cupcake. This does contain gluten and dairy and to my knowledge, guests who are gluten free & dairy free do not have a birthday cupcake option. The chef assured us there were no peanuts or hazelnuts in the cupcake. Brandon said it reminds him of a hostess chocolate cupcake, so if you enjoy those you'll really like this birthday cupcake.

Overall

With lots of options, excellent seafood and steak, and attention to special dietary needs, The BOATHOUSE continues to be our go-to restaurant in Disney Springs. We both really love the food and have enjoyed our meals whether it was a light lunch or a birthday celebration. We'll definitely continue to frequent this restaurant with our friends and family.

Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What has your experience been with special dietary needs dining there?

The BOATHOUSE Lunch Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in September 2019. It includes information about dairy free modifications.

Lunch at The BOATHOUSE

The BOATHOUSE, located in Disney Springs, is a table service restaurant that offers guests a taste of fresh seafood and signature steaks. Although it's not owned and operated by the Disney Company, this is one of our favorite restaurants in Disney Springs for their excellent food and special dietary needs accommodations. Recently, I stopped by for lunch with Brandon's mom on a shopping day in Disney Springs.

Atmosphere

The BOATHOUSE is one of those restaurants that I initially didn't think I would like in terms of atmosphere. But, after our first meal there, I fell in love with the nautical theme, and especially all of the different themed dining rooms.

The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

One of the things I love about the decor is that there is something for every preference and taste. Whether it's dining at the colorful bar area or enjoying a meal in a brightly lit room or even dining in a boat, the theming options in The BOATHOUSE are pretty fantastic.

The Boathouse Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

We often dine either outside or in one of the dining rooms with lots of dark wood (and that reminds me of old school decor from the Red Lobster restaurant chain from the 1980s and 1990s). On this visit, we were seated in a brightly lit dining room with lots of nautical touches.

The Boathouse Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Both Brandon's mom and I really liked this room and especially how bright and cheery it was for lunch time.

The Boathouse - View / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

It also offered a nice view of the boat launch area and outdoor seating. I do recommend outdoor seating at The BOATHOUSE when the weather is nicer, but when it's summertime, we prefer to eat indoors.

The Food

Because The BOATHOUSE is not owned and operated by the Disney Company, they do not offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, you can always ask to speak with a chef when you dine there. I highly recommend this because they can discuss a variety of options with you and are very knowledgeable.

The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The BOATHOUSE also offers a variety of drinks from terrific non-alcoholic beverages like iced tea (which is some of the best on Disney property) to various alcoholic offerings. On this visit, I had a Bellini, which is peach puree with sparkling wine. It was really good and perfect for lunch time.

The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The restaurant also serves gluten free and buns as "rolls" if you are interested in a bread service option. They have been using what I believe are the commercial versions of Udi's Gluten Free rolls for a while. The restaurant does not have a non-dairy vegan buttery spread on hand, so be sure to ask for extra virgin olive oil if you cannot have dairy. For me, I can sort of take or leave the bread option. But, it's always nice to have, especially if you're feeling a little hungry.

The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

On this visit, I decided to order the Grilled Fresh Fish Tacos with Grilled Swordfish, Green Papaya-Jicama Slaw, Guajillo Sauce, and Spicy Avocado Salsa Verde. I was told that this is naturally gluten free and does not require any modifications -- though would, of course, take proper precautions to prepare my meal safely. The sauce does contain dairy but can be easily omitted. You can read about the gluten free and dairy free version from our friend Celiac and the Beast.

This was a really tasty entree, and I had been wanting to order these tacos for a while. I'm definitely glad I did because the flavor was fantastic and the fish was super fresh tasting. Each component was great. And, I appreciate that the The BOATHOUSE prides itself on making all of their own sauces in-house. You can definitely tell a difference. I would absolutely order these again.

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

I realized as I was writing this review that I forgot to write up a review from our visit there this summer with Brandon's parents for Father's Day. On that visit, I ordered the "Yacht Club" Club Sandwich on a gluten free bun. This included Roasted Turkey Breast, Cucumber, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, Chipotle-Honey Mayo, and Swiss Cheese. Normally it comes with French Fries, but since The BOATHOUSE does not have a dedicated allergy-friendly fryer, I opted for a Caesar Salad without croutons.

While I did like this sandwich a lot and found it to be a nice light option, I'm not sure I'd get it again. There's a lot better options in the restaurant for gluten free guests that are tastier are a bit better value in terms of the cost. If you're gluten free and dairy free, this may also be a good option. You could order minus the cheese and substitute the mayo if this version contains dairy.

The BOATHOUSE / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The Caesar Salad on the other hand was excellent. You can tell they make the salad dressing in house too and the traditional way -- with anchovies. I would definitely get this again. On a side note, always ask the chef to prepare this directly and in a clean bowl. I had a friend order this at The BOATHOUSE once who was glutened with leftover crouton crumbs in her salad. I discussed this at length with the chef at The BOATHOUSE, and he assured me that he would make sure that I did not get croutons in any way in the salad. Thankfully, mine was correct. But, my friend's experience was a good reminder to always discuss concerns with a chef.

Overall

The BOATHOUSE always continues to be a great option for a good gluten free and special diets meal in Disney Springs. I really appreciate that there are chefs on hand to discuss options and that there are a variety of entrees with different price points -- making it affordable to eat a lunch or dinner here. It's a restaurant we continue to go to with family and friends for special occasions or just on a simple shopping trip in Disney Springs.

Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What do you think of the special dietary needs options there?

The BOATHOUSE Dinner Review

*This gluten free dining experience took place in December 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options and modifications.

Dinner at The BOATHOUSE

The BOATHOUSE, a table service restaurant in Disney Springs, quickly rose in the ranks as one of our favorite restaurants in the Disney Springs area at Walt Disney World. Though not owned and operated by the Disney Company, both Brandon and I have been impressed by the level of service and quality of food served there. About a month or so after my resection surgery for Crohn's disease, we ended up attempting to get dinner there for my first dinner eating out at Disney post-surgery. Thankfully, the chefs there were able to customize a dish for me and serve me something I could easily tolerate while my body was still healing.

Atmosphere

Both Brandon and I love the atmosphere of The BOATHOUSE. It's nautical theme reminds me of restaurants I might dine at in an East Coast coastal town.

The BOATHOUSE Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

The BOATHOUSE includes both indoor and outdoor seating. Because we did not have a reservation that night, we ended up getting a walk-up table for outdoor seating only. That was OK by us because the temperatures were really pleasant when we visited, making outdoor dining perfect.

The BOATHOUSE Water View / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

Plus, the views of the lake here were pretty spectacular from where we were seated. So, we enjoyed watching the ferries and boats sail on by.

The Food

Because The BOATHOUSE isn't owned and operated by the Disney Company, they do not currently offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, a chef will always come talk to you about options.

The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

While we were waiting for the chef to come out, our server brought our drinks. I am a huge iced tea drinker, and I have to shout-out the iced tea at The BOATHOUSE. It's some of the best iced tea on property.

After the chef arrived, I mentioned that I was interested in the Cedar Planked Norwegian Salmon entree, figuring that fish would be easy for my stomach to tolerate. However, the dish came with a salad and green beans. Because I knew my stomach wasn't up for this yet, I asked the chef if he could make me something super simple. He offered to bring some plain vegetables and plain potatoes for me to try. He also noted that the only seasoning on the fish would be salt, pepper, and olive oil.

The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

While the chef was preparing my entree, I was brought a gluten free roll with butter. This roll is both gluten free and dairy free the last time I checked, but they do not have Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread available for dairy free guests. If you're dairy free, I would recommend asking for extra virgin olive oil as a dipping sauce.

The roll that they bring out is really just their gluten free bun. I'm pretty sure it's Udi's brand from the taste and texture. It's not something I always eat. But, I'm glad they bring out some type of "bread" service for special dietary needs guests.

The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW

When my entree arrived, I was really pleased to see a super simple meal. The salmon was the best part of the entree and was so full of flavor and freshness. Being prepared simply really brought out how high quality the seafood is at The BOATHOUSE.

The roasted potatoes and sauteed green beans were also nice. I didn't much of the green beans, mostly because they were just a little too crunchy for my taste. This dish was both gluten free and dairy free too, so this might be a good option for those with multiple dietary needs.

Overall

I really enjoyed my salmon entree, even if I couldn't eat all of it at the time. I would definitely order it again. I also really appreciated that the chef was willing to customize and be flexible with my special dietary needs and needs post-surgery. This will definitely continue to be a go-to restaurant for us in Disney Springs.

Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What was your experience dining there?

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? 

The BOATHOUSE -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Disney Springs

*This dining experience took place in March 2018.

Dinner at The BOATHOUSE

The BOATHOUSE has quickly become one of the most popular table service restaurants in Disney Springs. Known for offering huge portions and tons of seafood, it's gotten quite a reputation over the past few years since it opened. Admittedly, we had only been once 2 years ago and haven't been back. It's not that the food wasn't good. It was just that it always seems jammed, and as locals, we tend to not make dining reservations far enough in advance. But, we recently made a random trip to The BOATHOUSE and were reminded why we need to make an effort to eat here more!

Atmosphere

The BOATHOUSE is just that a boathouse. The theming is nautical from the moment you walk up to the restaurant entrance.Having only dined here once, we decided to try to explore the restaurant as much as we could. And, our table was in the back of the restaurant, so we really got to see how The BOATHOUSE transforms from the entrance all the way into the far interior. You can see how the shift goes from a light and airy boathouse feel all the way to a dark and cozy wood paneled inner dining room.We were also pretty surprised at how large this restaurant actually is since we've only really been in the front of the restaurant on our prior visit.

The Food

The BOATHOUSE is not owned & operated by the Disney Company. This means that they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. Thankfully, that was no big deal as the chef will come and talk to you to discuss options. Our server (whose name I forget but was outstanding) told me prior to the chef coming out that there were lots of options. And, the chef said they could make a majority of the menu gluten free (and lots dairy free) with some easy modifications or as is.There were so many options that I had a really hard time deciding. Ultimately, I ended up with a burger because I'd heard tons of rave reviews about them. Odd for a seafood restaurant, I know, but it just sounded good that night!My Classic Cheeseburger came on a gluten free bun (it tasted like Udi's Gluten Free to me). I did add cheese since I've reintroduced dairy back into my diet in limited amounts. But, the burger can be easily made dairy free by omitting the cheese. The burger itself was pretty good. I wouldn't say it's the best burger I've ever had. But, it was tasty and a solid choice. I'd order this or another burger variation again.For my side, I got Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sherry Gastrique and Bacon. Unfortunately, The BOATHOUSE does not have a dedicated fryer, so fries were out. But, holy moly. For those who think Brussels Sprouts are gross, please try this dish. It will change your mind. This was a fantastic side dish and would I would not hesitate to order again.The chef also mentioned that they offer a gluten free and dairy free (and fairly allergy-friendly) chocolate cake for dessert. We decided to split this. They brought dairy-filled ice cream for Brandon on the side, although we could have gotten sorbet too. The raspberry sauce on the side was both gluten free and dairy free. The chocolate sauce on the side contained dairy.Both of us thought this was good, though maybe not the best GF chocolate cake we've ever had. Still, it was nice to see that The BOATHOUSE thinks of special diets guests and offers something more than just plain old sorbet.

Overall

We had a really good meal at The BOATHOUSE. In fact, we both said after the meal that we need to go back again soon. We were impressed with the level of service we received too. In fact, it just might have been some of the best service we've had at Disney in a really long time. Add in some really great special diets options, and you have a solid dining option at Disney Springs. We're looking forward to going back again and trying out some new dishes!Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What did you think of your meal there?