Lunch Review: Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom
Liberty Tree Tavern is a table service restaurant in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, serving traditional American comfort food. In this review, we’ll focus on the a la carte lunch menu, share food photos, how this compares to other WDW dining options, and also offer thoughts on the All-You-Can-Eat Bill of Fare.
For starters, Liberty Tree Tavern participates in the Disney Dining Plan as a one credit table service meal. It also accepts the Tables in Wonderland card for a 20% discount. Liberty Tree Tavern is not a good value on the Disney Dining Plan (click to see top restaurants for maximizing your bang for buck on the Dining Plan). It’s not a terrible value, either–more middle of the road, especially the a la carte lunch menu.
We’ve been a bit tough on Walt Disney World restaurants serving indulgent comfort foods. Another popular Magic Kingdom location, Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, earned scathing criticism. More recently, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano at DHS was the subject of a not-so-positive review. While both are Italian restaurants, they’re similar in nature to Liberty Tree Tavern. However, unlike both, we thoroughly enjoy Liberty Tree Tavern. This restaurant is very good at what it does…
While those aforementioned reviews might suggest otherwise, I’m a total sucker for guilty pleasure cuisine. I love comfort foods, and actively embrace the occasional food coma. What I’m not a sucker for is paying premium prices for meals that taste like they were sourced from the frozen foods section of Publix.
Thankfully, Liberty Tree Tavern does not suffer from this problem. Its menu is like a smorgasbord of items you could find on your table at Thanksgiving, and just like those, most of these dishes could pass as something home-cooked by grandma. Perhaps that’s all you need to know about Liberty Tree Tavern?
In terms of theme, Liberty Tree Tavern is solid. As with Liberty Square itself, it feels like colonial era America, much like what you’d find in Williamsburg, Virginia. Upon closer inspection, you’ll find a treasure trove of details, including dining rooms that each pay homage to a different Founding Father of the United States.
It’s a lot like nearby Columbia Harbour House, which I absolutely love. Both have inviting and homey sensibilities, and their base design is calming. As with the second floor of Columbia Harbour House, Liberty Tree Tavern could be the perfect place for decompressing and relaxing after a long day in Magic Kingdom.
It could be, but that’s never been the case for us. In every experience we’ve had at Liberty Tree Tavern, it’s packed and loud. The lobby is usually bursting at the seams, and fills the entire restaurant with noise. It’s still nice in terms of atmosphere, and this is hardly criticism of the restaurant itself…it just is what it is.
Someday, we really need to dine at Liberty Tree Tavern during a huge storm or book the last seating and linger until it’s actually peaceful. I’m certain that second-floor Columbia Harbour House vibe exists here, it’s just a matter of timing. Gorging myself on the Patriot’s Platter then enjoying my food coma in peace sounds blissful.
Moving on to this meal, we started with the Lobster Fritters: “Fried Lobster and Sweet Corn Fritters with Grilled Lemon Aïoli.”
As could probably be expected, these were light on the lobster and heaving on the corn fritter. Nonetheless, they were good, especially when accompanied by the aioli. There was just enough lobster present to give the sense that they weren’t just breading, and the sweet corn flavor worked well with the creamy aioli. I’d definitely order these again; I don’t think Sarah would.
Next, the Traveler’s Loaded Tavern Fries: “Crisp Fries, Creamy Beer-Cheese Sauce, House-smoked Pastrami, and Pickled Red Onion.”
These were a hit. The beer cheese was fantastic, and worked excellently with the pastrami. Quality ingredients all around, but a small portion for the price. We’d both order these again, but the Lobster Fritters would be my first choice.
For her entree, Sarah ordered the Revolutionary Meatloaf: “Plant-based Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables, and Mushroom Gravy.”
This is supposedly made using Impossible Burger, and that would check out in terms of flavor. It had that smoky flavor that (I assume) works well in a burger, but perhaps not quite as much in a meatloaf. It was still good, just a tad unexpected as compared to the normal dense and semi-sweet and tangy flavor of meatloaf. The vegetables, potatoes, and gravy were all good. Despite seeming a bit ‘off’ as compared to normal meatloaf, Sarah would order it again.
Here’s the Portobello Pot Roast: “Hearty Mushrooms, Roasted Root Vegetables, and Brown Gravy.”
This is a sharp contrast to the Revolutionary Meatloaf. Here, you’re getting more or less the same dish, except with more mushrooms and no Impossible Burger. Those patties aren’t cheap, and these mushrooms are nothing special, so you’d expect the Revolutionary Meatloaf to be a bit more expensive. Not the case, as this is inexplicably $3 more. It’s not terrible, but there’s literally no reason to order this over the Revolutionary Meatloaf.
For my entree, I ordered the BELL Burger: “Applewood-smoked Bacon, Cheddar, Poached Egg, Lettuce, and Lobster.”
That’s what a $25 burger at Walt Disney World looks like. I remember the good ‘ole days…around 5 years ago…when Carthay Circle Restaurant did the unprecedented and unthinkable by introducing a $20 gourmet burger. Disneyland locals lost their minds, contending that a burger should never cost $20. It was (and still is) an exceptional burger, yet that price was (and still is) difficult to stomach. Nowadays, $20+ burgers seem to be the norm rather than the exception at Disney table service restaurants.
It’s topped with bacon and lobster, so there’s at least some justification for the high cost. Personally, I thought the burger patty itself was good enough to stand on its own, and found that the lobster didn’t add much.
To the contrary, I ended up removing most of the lobster and eating that by itself after a couple of bites of the burger, because it was simply too large to eat everything together. I’m a strong proponent of novelty burgers at Walt Disney World counter service restaurants, as those toppings mask subpar beef. Here, the beef is excellent.
I don’t regret ordering this and found the separate components to be solid. However, if a burger is what you’re in the mood for, I’d recommend opting for the (cheaper) regular Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger.
Next, Our Tavern Keeper’s Favorite: “Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, and Garden Vegetables.”
It’s these top-of-menu entrees (pot roast, turkey pot pie, and carved turkey) that are in Liberty Tree Tavern’s wheelhouse. Iconic items that deliver exactly what you want and rarely disappoint. This pot roast was perfect–tender with just the right amount of fattiness to deliver the perfect flavor. The meat doesn’t even need that mushroom gravy, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. Highly recommended.
This brings us to the family-style all-you-can-eat Bill of Fare Patriot’s Platter that is available on the lunch menu and your exclusive option at dinner. If I had the choice, this is absolutely what I’d order. The Bill of Fare is an exact re-creation of the first Thanksgiving feast, right down to the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake and Coca-Cola.
Currently, this Bill of Fare costs $38 and includes Roasted Turkey Breast, Pot Roast, and Oven-roasted Pork with Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Herb Stuffing, and House-made Macaroni and Cheese. Given menu prices, this is worth about $24. However, this is all-you-can-eat, so we could probably bump that number up a bit.
The Bill of Fare also includes a drink, which we’ll value at $4 and the Declaration Salad, which we’ll value at $0 (only a fool eats salad when bottomless meat is on the menu). Add to that a trio of desserts, including the iconic Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake, which we’ll say are worth $12 total. By our conservative estimates, that’s $40 worth of food–and possibly much more if you’re a big eater.
More importantly, the Bill of Fare gives you choices and flexibility. Let’s say the pot roast isn’t your jam or the turkey breast is atypically dry. Simply pivot to the oven-roasted pork, mashed potatoes, and mac & cheese. Or eat more Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake. “If you can dream it, you can do it.”
Oh, as for the new desserts at Liberty Tree Tavern, we ordered the Blueberry Citrus Fritters, Cherry-Almond Tart, and Boston Cream Whoopie Pie.
None of these were bad, but they also were not anything special. It felt criminal ordering these when the iconic Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is right there, but such is the nature of blogging. You often don’t order what you want. Anyway, get that and don’t bother with any of these.
Overall, our meal was a bit hit or miss, but we expected that given what we “had” to order. If you go in to a meal at Liberty Tree Tavern knowing this is American comfort food and stick with the menu’s highlights (or even order that vegan Revolutionary Meatloaf), you are unlikely to be disappointed. I’d still pick Skipper Canteen or Be Our Guest Restaurant for dinner over this, but I recognize those are “controversial” choices (and the latter may not even be an ADR option). Liberty Tree Tavern is not the objectively-best table service restaurant at Magic Kingdom and it’s arguably a bit overpriced for what it is, but it’s nonetheless a very satisfying dining experience that consistently delivers with tried and true favorites that are unlikely to disappoint.
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Your Thoughts
Have you dined at Liberty Tree Tavern? If so, how were your experiences with the cuisine? Are you a fan of the Thanksgiving-style cuisine, or do you think Liberty Tree Tavern is overrated? Do you agree or disagree with our review? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I have absolutely no interest in the Ooey Gooey dessert so at least it’s good to see other new options on the menu for lunch. I really wish they would bring the cobbler back though.
I’m with you on that one. Had the Ooey Gooey one time and did not like it at all.
All very interesting to read, but would be nice to hear about all the restaurants, particularly, the dinner dining on the ground janny
We haven’t been to LTT since the lunchtime menu was changed from the Pilgrim’s Feast plate to the all-you-can-eat option. It was a must-do before! It’s nice to see the review of the current menu.
Love your reviews!! Is it possible to avoid stairs at the Liberty Tree, both for the dining and the washroom?
There are a couple of steps for all of the seating area, one or two, and the entry has small steps. They do have a lift elevator fir wheelchairs in the dining area, so i would assume the is an ADA- friendly entry as well. The bathrooms are located only upstairs, and those stairs are narrow and steep. I don’t know if the is an elevator for that.
I’d use the bathrooms over by Adventureland near the Flying Carpet ride. Not that far away and much easier to access.
There is a small bathroom on the 1st floor right of the lobby towards the back.
Could you clarify the portabello pot roast item? Is it a meat-based pot roast with portabellos on it, or is it a mushroom-based veggie roast?
I’m thrilled with these changes on the menu, even if the “meat” loaf wasn’t spectacular. Years ago, Liberty Tree Tavern had a “Vegetarian Proclamation” sandwich that we loved. It was full of roasted vegetables. Disney changed the menu last time we went. The only vegetarian option was a pasta dish. I actually ended up picking up some vegetarian chili and veggies from Columbia Harbor House next door and bringing it over to Liberty Tree Tavern to eat there while the rest of the family enjoyed their all-you-can-eat turkey.
Next up, I hope Disney changes the Be Our Guest vegetarian menu. Who wants to spend 2 service credits on a plate of 6 tortellini?
“Could you clarify the portabello pot roast item? Is it a meat-based pot roast with portabellos on it, or is it a mushroom-based veggie roast?”
Mushroom-based. The plant-based meatloaf is definitely the way to go if you’re a vegetarian/vegan.
Thanks for that info. I must likely wouldn’t order it with that many nasty mushrooms on top, but certainly not if it isn’t real meat. Good for vegans though I guess.
The real Pot Roast is superb every time. Ate it again last week. We don’t even bother to look at the menu, as we get it every time. Best meal on property!
Thanks, Tom!
This used to be our go-to. We had Christmas Day dinner here one year.
But in 2017 when we had an ADR, the food was good as usual, but the service was appalling. Our server seemed to hate us off the bat. Hate is a strong word but I could literally feel it. She laughed and joked with the table opposite us, but we literally had a plate of extra mash thrown at our table. Thrown.
I asked – is there a problem? And she just walked away.
The manager came in, spoke to the table the server liked, and then just sort of ran away from the room.
That doesn’t colour the other servers with the same brush I know, but we just didn’t want to go back after that.
I did feed it back to Disney in the survey they send after an ADR.
One year we did lunch and it was so so good. I like the family style dinner but lunch worked for me (solo Ooey Gooey cake serving, yes please!)
Maybe we will go back and give that a try instead in future.
In other news – the Ooey Gooey cake is available at the HEA Dessert Party, once I found it (near the ice cream station), I couldn’t stop… I may have had 3 plates….with ice cream… so good.
My family finally had lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern in March and had a great experience! It was crowded, but we had a nice table in a corner. I had the fish and chips and it was delicious. Everyone else enjoyed their meals also and the service was great. We will definitely go back! I love the theming so much.
I wish Liberty Tree had the colonial themed character dining again. I didnt get to experience it but the photos of the past make me sad I missed it.
I know, the Character Dining was so much fun. The characters were dressed up in period style clothing, and everyone (including the characters) loved it! We happened to have the last dinner slot one night and the cast members/characters sat with us until we finished….we had a blast!
We haven’t eaten here in years. It used to be our final meal before we headed home. My husband would get the Pilgrim’s Feast and I would get the pot roast. But now, the pot roast doesn’t even resemble pot roast. Where are the carrots, the potato chunks? I see no carrots at all and a side of green beans and mashed potatoes. They need to call it something other than pot roast because it isn’t pot roast.
It’s still superb and delicious, best meal on property.
Four of us were at Liberty Tree Tavern a few weeks ago. I shared the pot roast with one friend, another ordered the revolutionary meatloaf and said she’d order it again, and the fourth ordered the All You Care to Enjoy meal, which did not disappoint. However (and this is a big ‘HOWEVER’), we made a big boo-boo. Each of us took a bite of the declaration salad that came with the holiday dinner. When the server saw this, she came over and told the guest that she cannot have all she cares to enjoy. We thought that was surprising (and a bit nasty). We weren’t planning on sharing her meal, we just wanted a bite of the salad. I don’t think it would stop me from returning though, as I love the pot roast.
We also dined at Mama Melrose for the first time in about a decade. It was better than I remember, but not memorable. As a card carrying real life Italian who loves to cook, I wouldn’t even think of dining at Tony’s Italian Restaurant. Last time I fell for that one, I got food poisoning. It’s now permanently off our list.
We are going next month for lunch. My husband really wants the BELL burger and I wanna try several things. I am glad to hear we don’t all have to order the same thing. I am also ok to forgo all you care to eat if he wants to try a few bites. I will tell our waiter ahead of time so I don’t get a nasty warning.
Tom,
I’m bringing a large family to WDW over Thanksgiving, and this is an obvious choice for Thanksgiving Day. Are you aware of restaurants that offer special Thanksgiving menus, or do you have any general recommendations for other options. I am expecting some difficulty in actually getting a Thanksgiving Day, Liberty Tree ADR.
This would be my first choice, with Biergarten being my second choice.
A handful of other restaurants do special menus, but I prefer these two for that type of a meal.
Trails End at Ft Wilderness does a fantastic Thanksgiving buffet. Everything you would expect for a Thanksgiving meal and then some is on the buffet.
Funny timing.
We just made our ADR for a 2:30 late lunch/early dinner here. Glad to see the good review. We were hoping we could get away from some of the craziness, and make this our one big meal of the day. Sounds like it should work.
Thank you!
We just had lunch there a few days ago! We got there at about 3:00, so the place was almost empty. Our server was so awesome that we actually went to guest services to give him recognition. We did the Bill of Fare, and yes, it’s expensive. But this ended up being the only meal we ate the whole day–we were that full afterward. As a vegetarian, I was easily able to substitute the Revolutionary Meatloaf for the meat. My husband eats meat, but no pork, so they added extra turkey for him. And they brought me the sides that normally go with the Revolutionary Meatloaf AND unlimited regular sides. We each had two servings of Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake, and we practically needed to be rolled out of the place.
Hi Tom,
Long time reader and occasional poster here. After years of reading your blog we finally had the chance to put lots of your and Sarah’s great advice to good use last week on a long awaited trip to WDW with our family and good friends. Liberty Tree Tavern was a hit with our entire party, adults and under 10s. We enjoyed everything we had (pot roast, lobster roll, fish and chips, kids meals, etc. Especially the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake!) The food was comfy but delicious and incredibly filling. We also enjoyed its relative quiet atmosphere, at least in relation to the rest of the park. It made for a great middle of the day ‘break’ before the rest of our long day. Years ago we had lunch at Be Our Guest and it was a zoo of activity. Super fun but not a place for a needed break. So Liberty Tree Tavern definitely met and exceeded all of our mid day food and break expectations.
A couple years ago, we at lunch at Nougatine by Jean-Georges in NYC and I had the burger because I wanted to taste what an $18 burger was like. who knew that would seem cheap by current Disney standards!
I’m glad they added the toffee cake to the dessert for the buffet service. We last ate that in 2010 and the toffee cake was only available at lunch and something else (apple cobbler maybe? I don’t remember) was the only dessert. (The toffee cake is also really easy to recreate at home.)