REVIEW: Baseline Taphouse Has Bites So Good You Could Make a Meal of Them

Just outside the entrance to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is Baseline Taphouse. This little lounge has been open for about three years and continues to be a favorite among Disney fans. Its location is hallowed ground and although its menu is limited, the bites at Baseline are so good you could make a meal of them.

Baseline Taphouse has a hipster California feel, meant to represent the tap houses in urban, hip neighborhoods in the area. The lounge jazz covers of popular music of the 1980s and 1990s fills the air. A long list of California craft beer makes it tempting for a flight or a tall pour. Wines on tap are high quality. And a few cocktails on tap rival many of the cocktails available throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Prior to being Baseline Taphouse, this cozy venue was the Writer’s Stop, which served coffee and baked goods, and sold Disney books and kitchen ware. Writer’s Stop had a cute little sitting area with a TV playing Disney classics which eventually became a marketing loop video instead. Now that this location has become Baseline there is limited interior seating, and a large walk-up bar for drinks and bites. The decor pays homage to the Writer’s Stop as well as the life of being a writer in show business. There are also touches that indicate Baseline’s backstory as Figueroa Printing Company, a small print house that had ties to the Walt Disney Studios.

Our readers rate Baseline with a 95% thumbs up and a ranking of number 8 of 59 similar options at Walt Disney World. The beverage selection is great, they even have two craft, non-alcoholic drinks. The food pairs perfectly with craft beer and wine. If you enjoy visiting your local brewery back home you’re sure to enjoy the menu at Baseline Taphouse.

Our team stopped in to see how things are at Baseline now that places like it are so valued right now. Its walk-up-only bar and outdoor seating make it a popular choice as many guests prefer to dine outside right now. Ivonne selected the popular Bavarian Pretzel and also tried out the Coffee Rubbed Rib-eye Steak Puff. The Bavarian Pretzel is served with Beer-Cheese Fondue and Spicy Mustard for $9.00. We lovingly call it the Len Testa special since our beloved Len loves Disney pretzels so much. This massive Bavarian Pretzel is usually soft and warm, and the Beer-Cheese Fondue is irresistible. I love alternating between the Beer-Cheese and the Spicy Mustard while sipping on a craft IPA.

Side note: Check out the Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway paper that the pretzel is served on!

The Coffee-Rubbed Rib-Eye Steak Puff is a nice option if you crave something more than just luscious carbs. The coffee-rubbed aspect of the rib-eye was lacking during our team’s visit. The Olive Salad that accompanies the Steak Puff is good, though you obviously need to enjoy olives to be able to like this side. The Bavarian Pretzel is the more popular choice, and for good reason. This Steak Puff was satisfying and could be shared among two people, but it was not as good as other options on the menu. It’s a decent value at $11.00.

Due to limited capacity, there are not as many tables in the immediate outdoor dining area as normal. Additional tables have been added just outside the normal dining area. Most of these tables are high tops for standing only. For many Disney fans, Baseline is a must-do. It’s a lovely area and a great place to stop for a bite before or after visiting Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.

If you love pretzels, or have a different favorite food, you can search for specific food items across Walt Disney World with our Menu Finder. It is free to use, but we would love to have you as a TouringPlans Subscriber so you can have access to all of our tools and resources.

Have you stopped in at Baseline yet? Do you have a favorite item on the menu?