Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

Location

Entree range

$8.49–$15 (small plates only)

Summary

Trader Sam’s is already a hit with Disneyphiles, so get there early—there are just 50 seats inside and 80 on the patio.

Setting and Atmosphere

Fans of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel couldn’t wait for Disney World to get a version of its own. But while the two share nostalgic interactive props and animatronics (the ones here are a nod to the old 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction) and even a few menu items, the Grog Grotto has its own vibe. Off the Polynesian Village’s main lobby and featuring views of the marina and Seven Seas Lagoon, this tiki bar has its own lore built in: It was started by Trader Sam, Adventureland’s famous “head” salesman, who welcomes you to his enchanted South Seas hideaway to explore a menu of “magical tropical drinks and food.”

House Specialties

Cocktails are the big draw, with names like Castaway Crush, Tahitian Torch, and the over-the-top Uh-Oa!—Myers’s and Bacardi rums mixed with various fruit juices and served in a communal tiki bowl with straws all around; there are also “No Booze Brews” for teetotalers.

Other Recommendations

Small plates include chicken lettuce cups with hoisin-ginger sauce, ahi poke with wasabi yuzu, kalua pork tacos with shredded cabbage and pickled vegetables, pan-fried dumplings with soy-sesame dipping sauce, roasted chicken and pork-pâté bánh mì sliders with pickled vegetables, salmon oshizushi (pressed sushi), corn-battered Portuguese sausages with curry ketchup, and the Headhunter Sushi Roll.