In late November, Ale & Compass Restaurant opened at Disney's Yacht Club. This new restaurant replaced Captain's Grill. It's open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
I tried to "walk in" the restaurant one Sunday during peak Holiday season, but had no luck. This time I made a reservation to be safe.
I made a 10:00 am reservation for a Monday morning for 5 people. We got there a few minutes early and were seated right away. The color scheme is nice (blues and browns) and is supposed to feel like a "cozy lighthouse" in New England (relaxed but refined I would say). The lights are kept quite dim as well; perhaps a little too dark for breakfast in my opinion. On the upside, the restaurant was not busy the day we dined which allowed us to enjoy a nice relaxing time. We never felt rushed. Our server was friendly and helpful.
I ordered a Cappuccino while looking over the menu.
(You can see the full breakfast menu HERE.)
My husband ordered the Eggs Benedict with Poached Eggs, Smoked Pork Loin, Roasted Tomatoes, English Muffin, and Spiced Herb Hollandaise served with Potatoes.
(I promise you the servings was quite large. It's just served on a huge plate!)
My cousin ordered the Blueberry Bacon Pancakes with Sausage
(And yes the bacon is cooked into the pancakes. What a nice twist!)
My son ordered the Mini Parker House Egg, Ham, and Cheddar Cheese Sandwich (from the Kids Menu). My daughter got the Mickey Waffles which are only available on the kids menu (yup, not available to adults).
Now, for my choice....the Breakfast "Pie" with Sunny-side Egg, House-made Bacon, Ham, Provolone, and Arugula. It was filling and tasty. I could only eat half of it!
I want to point out that the hearth oven is one of the highlights of Ale & Compass. It can be seen as you walk into the restaurant. (Hearth Oven Flatbreads are on the Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner menus.)
So here's my recap. On the plus side:
- The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable; we never felt rushed.
- It's a great dining choice if you plan to head into Epcot for the day.
- Although I didn't order a Bloody Mary, I have heard from several folks that they are delish (and even come garnished with a lobster claw!).
- The dishes we ordered were tasty. We had no complaints!
- Ale & Compass offers "healthier" options for breakfast such as a protein bowl, green smoothie and fresh seasonal fruit with yogurt & granola.
On the negative side:
- I was surprised that there are no seafood dishes on the breakfast menu. (Surprising since this is a "New England" restaurant.) I was hoping for a seafood omelette or perhaps crab cake benedict.
- There are no restrooms in the restaurant. Dining guests have to walk across the lobby of the Yacht Club to the lobby restrooms if needed.
I do plan to go back for breakfast, but I first want to try the dinner menu!
