Yachtsman Steakhouse Review: Disney World’s Most Magnificent Meats?
For the last decade, Yachtsman Steakhouse has been a staple of our Top 10 Table Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World. We’ve praised it as a carnivore’s paradise for glorious cuts of meat and the most approachable Signature Dining for guests who want something straightforward, delicious, and unfussy.
Yachtsman Steakhouse once ranked inside the top 5 on that list, and although it never hit #1, it has been a personal and sentimental favorite for years. With that said, nothing has quite lived up to our first couple of meals at Yachtsman Steakhouse during the heydey of the Disney Dining Plan, when the Porterhouse was served for one and was the size of my head.
It’s been a few years since we last revisited Yachtsman Steakhouse, and some of the recent reader reviews have not exactly instilled confidence. Nevertheless, we had ADRs here in late March until the closure nixed those plans. Since then, I’ve been “patiently” waiting for the last 527 days to devour a gigantic steak from Yachtsman–not that I’ve been counting or anything!
In terms of basic background info, Yachtsman Steakhouse is located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and is easily accessible from there, Beach Club, BoardWalk, Swan & Dolphin, any Skyliner Resort, or even Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. No bus transportation is needed from any of those locations.
Once the Disney Dining Plan returns, Yachtsman Steakhouse is a 2-credit table service restaurant. As with all Signature Restaurants, it’s a poor use of DDP credits unless you’re on the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan. For now, DVC members or Annual Passholders receive a 10% discount.
Thematically, Yachtsman Steakhouse has a distinct New England nautical style. The dining room is light and airy, but punctuated with rich woods, knotty-pine beams, warm lighting, and nautical touches.
The restaurant is by no means loud, but it’s definitely unpretentious. You’ll see a range of patrons here, from families to well-dressed convention guests to older locals who have been dining at Yachtsman for years.
The last Signature Restaurant we did at Walt Disney World prior to Yachtsman Steakhouse was Citricos, and the two strike clearly different tones. Yachtsman is more like a supper or country club, whereas Citricos is akin to a haute cuisine establishment.
I’d hesitate to take kids to Citricos, whereas I’d have no such issue with Yachtsman. (That’s just me, though–it’s Walt Disney World, so children are to be expected pretty much anywhere.)
Both are fine dining, but they have very different “goals” and approaches. The difference is that you go to somewhere like Citricos to sample inventive cuisine and creative flavors, and may drop over $100 while not leaving full.
By contrast, Yachtsman Steakhouse isn’t pushing the envelope and is likewise expensive, but you might need to be wheeled out of there. Each have their place, and appeal to different guests–or even moods of the same guests.
One of the things we truly appreciate about Yachtsman Steakhouse is that it’s still allowed to be itself, free of any totally unnecessary “modernization.”
Some might see the photos here, particularly the carpet and woods, and think this looks dated. We fiercely disagree–this is completely on theme, and has a delightfully personable and warm atmosphere.
Before sunset, light pours in through the restaurant’s many windows, making it bright and fitting of Yachtsman Steakhouse’s more jovial atmosphere.
At night, the dining room is darker and moodier with the warm and low lighting providing a romantic environment. Or at least as romantic as aggressively eating a huge hunk of meat and garlic-laden sides can be. On second thought, perhaps “subdued setting” is the more apt term.
As always, dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse began with bread service.
The iconic onion pull-apart roll was predictably fantastic. It’s substantial but flaky, and you can peel off its layers, like an onion! It pairs perfectly with either the pink Himalayan salt butter or the roasted garlic…or both.
If you’re looking for something a bit healthier (?), there’s the multigrain cherry roll. This is dense and semi-sweet, but ultimately doesn’t hold a candle to the onion rolls.
No one is going to Yachtsman Steakhouse for multigrain rolls–it’s just not that type of establishment.
We were joined by friends for the meal, and they ordered the Lobster Bisque: Lobster Biscuits, Crème Fraîche and Espelette Oil.
Both of them enjoyed this twist on the New England staple, which appeared to have a hearty amount of lobster biscuits.
For one of their entrees, they ordered the 8-oz Filet Mignon served with Cognac-Truffle Butter and Truffle Fries.
While I believe that a good cut of meat should be able to speak for itself and not need to be bathed in butter for flavor, it’s hard to argue with Yachtsman’s use of that addictively delicious Cognac-Truffle Butter.
For the other entree, they opted for the 16-oz Prime Rib-Eye Steak served with Blue Cheese-Shallot Butter and Truffle Fries.
After stuffing myself on steak, I didn’t do a good job of requesting extensive tasting notes, but both of our friends enjoyed their steaks. No rave reviews or overly-enthusiastic accolades, but general satisfaction seemed to be the meal’s mood.
For our entree, Sarah and I ordered the Chef’s Signature Offering: 28-oz Porterhouse for Two served with Cognac-Truffle Butter and Choice of two Steakhouse Sides.
This is a behemoth, but also is priced at $139. If I recall correctly, it’s a 2-credit upgrade on the Disney Dining Plan, meaning that doing Yachtsman Steakhouse and ordering this Porterhouse will set you back 4 credits.
I hate to be one of those curmudgeonly old men who shouts, “back in my day, Coca Cola cost a nickel at the corner soda stand!” when seeing fountain drinks for $5 at a restaurant. However, it wasn’t too long ago when this Porterhouse was for one and only 2 credits or under $60 out of pocket. (In fact, when we dined here in 2012, the 24-ounce Porterhouse cost $46.)
Of course, times and prices change–that much is to be expected–but the cost has more than tripled in less than a decade. On the plus side, it’s 4 ounces larger and comes with one additional side now. Still, it’s a steep price even when compared to other options here–or the superlative Chuletón Bone-In Rib-Eye at Toledo Steakhouse.
The Chef’s Signature 28-oz Porterhouse for Two at Yachtsman Steakhouse was very good, but fell a little short of greatness.
It delivered in terms of tenderness, marbling, a robustly meaty flavor, and impressive presentation. If I weren’t paying for this and didn’t know how much it cost, I’d have no complaints. A satisfactory steak through and through, just not one that blew us away.
Perhaps we’re being unrealistic, but at this price point, we simply expected more. To each their own, but I’d say it’s about $40 overpriced at $139.
We’ve done a number of porterhouse or ribeye steaks (both for one and for two) over the years. This was above average, but still middle of the pack. I’d put it behind the aforementioned counterpart at Toledo (which is now served as a 4-course dinner for two, priced at $129) and also other options at third party hotels in both the Crescent Lake and Bonnet Creek areas at Walt Disney World.
Now let’s turn to the sides. For our first option, we chose the Truffle Macaroni & Cheese. An unsurprising pick given that we’re suckers for this dish.
I’ve previously remarked that there’s “no such thing” as bad truffle mac & cheese, only varying degrees of good or great. Assuming that’s true, this was the “least good” truffle mac & cheese we’ve had in years. It was surprisingly dry and lacking in flavor. None of the richness or cheesiness we’d expect.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Roasted Seasonal Mushrooms were absolutely phenomenal.
Consisting of four varieties of mushrooms, these had a deeply rich flavor and were prepared in a way that let the mushrooms stand on their own while enhancing them. These mushrooms were an unexpected standout from our meal.
We finished with Yacthsman’s Chocolate Cake: Dark Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Decadence Cake, Mixed Berry Curd, Peanut Butter Crunch and Mousse.
Like our Porterhouse, this signature dessert also serves two and has an impressive presentation.
We had very different opinions about this. For me, this wholly embodied Yachtsman Steakhouse–a pretty but straightforward and indulgent dessert. Big and totally unpretentious, with bold but crowd-pleasing flavors.
Sarah though it was all “too much,” with over-the-top decadence, plus flavors and textures that didn’t come together particularly well. I can’t totally disagree with her–this certainly isn’t among my top 10 desserts at Walt Disney World–but the presentation coupled with the chocolate, peanut butter, and berry flavors worked well enough for me.
Ultimately, Yachtsman Steakhouse has a sense of comfort and familiarity that you won’t find at many Walt Disney World restaurants anymore. Many of the Cast Members have been there for years and offer professional but personable service. The atmosphere and style are warm and welcoming. The menu is full of magnificent meats and other steakhouse favorites. It’s hard to put my finger on exactly why or how, but it’s the kind of place that would make Ron Swanson shed a single tear–and that’s something special.
However, Yachtsman Steakhouse no longer feels like the unparalleled Walt Disney World spot for steaks that it once was. Many other Signature Restaurants serve up similarly great cuts of meat, but with their own ambitious twists or more competitive pricing. Two recent additions–Toledo and Topolino’s Terrace–come to mind here, but so too do a wide range of restaurants at Disney Springs and in flagship restaurants at third party hotels that are on-site. To be sure, Yachtsman Steakhouse is still a restaurant we’ll revisit down the road, but between an improved “steak scene” elsewhere at Walt Disney World and higher prices at Yachtsman, it’s no longer the clear-cut chophouse champion.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you dined at Yachtsman Steakhouse recently? What did you order? Did you find the pricing commensurate with the quality? Do you agree or disagree with our review? Would you consider it one of the best (or the best) steakhouses at Walt Disney World? If you haven’t dined here, does this sound appealing to you or not? 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!
This is depressing.
Not angering, because the thing about having Shula’s mid-tier steaks at Yachtsman high class prices means that you can just walk to the Dolphin and eat there.
Still sad, though. This was a high class steakhouse where you got what you paid for, and was a reason why I enjoyed the Yacht Club.
i’m glad i read this review, i had yachtsman as a restaurant to revisit ASAP but instead i’m going to pivot and make sure i try Toledo and Topolino’s for steak options. i tried Shula’s for 1st time near end of august and i was VERY pressed with that bone in ribeye. Boathouse used to be the go-to for me couple years ago but the cuts didnt impress me as much, anxious to try SH71 when it opens, however im a little hesitant at the menu format there.
I noticed that both the filet mignon and the porterhouse are not listed as USDA prime but they are definitely charging prime prices. (The other three steaks are listed as USDA prime.) Based on the pictures, that filet was not prime – hence the need for all the butter to give it flavor.
And I think Michelle nailed it with, “If I didn’t know better I would think that Le Cellier translated to “Salt” because that is all I could taste there.” Spot on.
Sorry, Disney, but if I’m looking for a steak in Orlando, I’m jumping ship and heading over to City Walk for Bigfire.
Shireena,
So you tell the server and send them back.
Easily done.
No hassles.
Problem solved.
Stayed at Yachts the last time we visited WDW. We were so excited to dine at Yachtsman. However was extremely dissatisfied when our filet mignon‘s came out butterflied and over cooked. We go to steakhouses like Flemings and St. Elmo’s back home regularly and have never had our steaks butterflied.
Surprisingly the best steak I’ve enjoyed on property has been at “Flying Fish” still unfortunately closed. Even more surprising was the strip steak enjoyed at Skipper Canteen in July …. Outstanding!
cellier
noun
underground space
cellar; → cave; cellier; a secure, enclosed area
vault; → voûte; voute; cellier; caveau; crypte; chambre-forte;
No matter what, in my opinion it’s still one of the most overrated restaurants in Disney.
Yachtsman is my favorite. Will return with my family as soon as the dining plan returns.
Sorry to read your review. Yachtsman has always been hit or miss, and understanding this makes eating there a lot easier.
If I didn’t know better I would think that Le Cellier translated to “Salt” because that is all I could taste there.
Looking forward to Steakhouse 71 because I always got a good filet at The Wave.
“If I didn’t know better I would think that Le Cellier translated to ‘Salt’ because that is all I could taste there.”
This line literally made me spit out my coffee a little because it’s so true. (Maybe it is? My French is rusty and I’m unfamiliar with Canadian slang.)
How is anyone getting reservations, I had no luck at 60 days for November. Any suggestions?
Had the wedge salad and a rib-eye at the Yachtsman last week for the first time… incredible food and service! I like a medium-rare steak and Yachtsman delivered. I eat a lot of steak and have had some great steaks at the California Grill, Narcoossee’s, Shula’s, Hollywood Brown Derby, and Topolinos. I have had decent steak experiences (but not great) at Be Our Guest, Ale & Compass, and Le Cellier Steakhouse (Epcot Canada). I think Yachtsman and Shula’s probably stand out for me on the steak options, getting the temperature right, and other great items on the menu. I have not had and steaks in Disney Springs.
Had the wedge salad and a rib-eye at the Yachtsman last week for the first time… incredible food and service! I like a medium-rare steak and Yachtsman delivered. I eat a lot of steak and have had some great steaks at the California Grill, Narcoossee’s, Shula’s, Hollywood Brown Derby, and Topolinos. I have had decent steak experiences (but not great) at Be Our Guest, Ale & Compass, and Le Cellier Steakhouse (Epcot Canada). I think Yachtsman and Shula’s probably stand out for me on the steak options, getting the temperature right, and other great items on the menu. I have not had and steaks in Disney Springs.
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I find Shula’s too noisy and Le Cellier overrated.
To the reader asking to compare to Le Cellier, my opinion is Le Cellier is too cramped, with some tables along the walls only inches apart from the next one.
The steaks are better at Yachtsman, and I don’t feel as rushed at Yachtsman as I do at LC.
That being said, the last two times I was at Yachtsman my steaks had a huge piece of gristle down the middle, that should have been caught by the chef. Since I was someone else’s guest, and not paying, I toughed it out and worked through it, but it was disappointing for the price point.
My advice is go to the Dolphin next door, and eat at Shula’s Steakhouse. I have eaten there multiple times, and have never been disappointed.
Do you know if the restaurants have outdoor dining? We are going in October and hope to be able to dine outdoors.
Thanks for the honest review it’s helped make my mind up to return to the Boathouse at DS. I had a great steak there not too long ago. I think it was the NY Strip or NY Strip & Fries. Somewhere between $32 and $48. As much as I like the look of the Yachtsmen I also enjoy the atmosphere of the Boathouse. Lots of fun there. The mushrooms look great but don’t think I’d do $139 for that steak. frrrrrrrrrrrrrdBoathouse has a porterhouse for $55.
How would you compare Yachtsman Steakhouse to Canada in Epcot for a Steak?
Would really love to know what Steakhouse at flagship restaurants at third party hotels that are on-site you are talking about.
I will say there seems to be lots of steak at Disney. I mentioned that to my husband when looking at menus for our last trip…….BTW he wants to know if you have even two in one night…..He said so has Tom done Yachtsman and Canada in the same night and or same day – I would think not.
The square-lanterned ceiling light fixtures in the restaurant look very California. They could easily have come from Arroyo Craftsman (at present) or Portland’s Rejuvenation Houseparts, twenty years ago.
You mentioned using Tables in Wonderland but to the best of my knowledge it is still not available. Any information?