With Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs finally open and the Cake Bake Shop slowly taking shape, one spot on the BoardWalk still remains unchanged: the former home of Big River Grille & Brewing Works. Since it closed earlier in 2024, there has been no official news on what will take its place. However, it is fun to contemplate what could fill the void.
Quick Service Restaurant
If Disney were to select a replacement for Big River Grille based on customer feedback, there seems to be an obvious choice: a quick service restaurant. A common complaint from guests who stay at the BoardWalk is that there is no true quick service establishment at the resort. Currently, there is the BoardWalk Deli, Carousel Coffee, and a handful of options at Leaping Horse Libations, the Pizza Window, and Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs. There is no real place for basics like a burger, chicken fingers, or just some Mickey waffles and eggs for breakfast unless you go across the way to the Beach Club or Yacht Club.
Casual Dining That Fits the Boardwalk Theme
With the BoardWalk drawing inspiration from Atlantic City and Coney Island, it would be fun to have an eatery that goes with that theme. While we won’t see Nathan’s Hot Dogs anytime soon, it would be nice to have something along the lines of Ruby’s Bar & Grill at Coney Island, which is known for being the oldest bar and grill on the boardwalk. On the menu are burgers and seafood like fried shrimp, fish and chips, and clams on the half shell, all of which would be welcome additions to the BoardWalk dining scene.
Sports Bar
Now that both ESPN Club and Big River Grille are gone, there isn’t a great spot along Crescent Lake to grab a bite and watch a game. You’d either have to settle for Martha’s Vineyard Lounge at the Beach Club or Crew’s Cup Lounge at the Yacht Club, both of which have some TVs, or head over to Disney Springs for City Works. ESPN Club seemed to be a casualty of the pandemic, but there are still plenty of DVC Members who miss having a go-to place for the big game.
What would you like to see open at the former location of Big River Grille?
Ian Lamble
March 5, 2025Sports Bar – fed up with cup cakes and sprinkles.