Polite Pig stands out at Springs,
Local culinary heavyweights James and Julie Petrakis help the The Polite Pig stand out in the bevy of starstudded Disney Springs restaurants. The force behind Winter Park’s Ravenous Pig opened the fast-casual barbecue eatery with James Petrakis’ brother Brian.
What I would try a second time
The fork-tender, coffeecrusted brisket was juicy and edged with a rich “bark.” I dunked some pieces in a few of The Polite Pig’s seven sauces, but they weren’t necessary.
Dishes from the smoker come with a side and coleslaw, but I decided to substitute my slaw ($3 upcharge) with the smoky barbecue cauliflower and its addicting paprika sour cream sauce. The baked beans were flavored with burnt ends, tomato and molasses.
What I didn’t like
Despite the mixture of collards, bacon and blackeyed peas, the grits (the accompanying side of another entree) lacked flavor and had a pastelike texture.
A word of warning: Your order will come out at once. Consider grabbing a drink and starters first before returning to the counter to place your entire order.
What I would put on Instagram
Who doesn’t love to look at a full tray of food?
Other eats
Two doughy pretzels crusted with hop salt ($8) started our meal. Classic beer cheese and an IPA mustard accompanied the filling snack.
My guest tried the BBQ sausage hoagie ($11), which was doused with IPA mustard and a cheddar sauce.
Our dessert, the orange blossom honey cake ($7), was overly dense and erred on the side of sugary sweetness instead of the citrus flavor I was hoping to taste.
How I was treated
Diners start off ordering at the counter but are helped by a server once they move into the dining room. Our polite server grabbed our utensils, checked on us a few times during the meal and supplied to-go boxes for our barbecue feast.
My next visit
Brisket is on the menu again, but I’m going for the sandwich version ($14) that comes with pimento cheese, pickled jalapenos and crispy onions.
For bar-hoppers
Cask & Larder, The Pig’s sister restaurant/brewery, supplies most of the beers, with some help from other Florida breweries.
Classic cocktails (gin and tonic, old-fashioned, whiskey sour, etc) are poured from taps.
An ample collection of whiskeys is The Pig’s real distinction, however. Nearly 60 varieties are offered — along with several flights.
For those with special diets
Vegetarian items include about six sides ($6 each), two salads ($9-$12) and the pretzel starter ($8).