As if you needed another reason to stay at the Contemporary
Are you on the hunt for the best onion rings on Walt Disney World property? Look no further, I’ve got your answer! You guessed it from the title I’m sure, Steakhouse 71! This new(ish) restaurant on Disney property didn’t open in 1971 as the name would lead you to believe, but it’s claiming space in one of our opening day Disney resorts, The Contemporary.
Both sleek and cozy, this reimagined restaurant harkens to the vibe of the 70s and pays homage to Walt Disney himself by featuring some of his signature dishes. As you saunter up to the welcome desk, you’ll be taken in by the distinguished entry with black and white photos of Walt and the early up-and-coming of the Contemporary itself. The entry is well done and is a must-see even if you cannot score a reservation at this hidden gem, just pop in to take a look around.
One of my favorite things you’ll note as you enter the restaurant is the extensive Lounge area. There’s a walk-up bar area that’ll give you a spot to order a tried and true meal or a drink or just give you a spot to camp out a bit. I love the rooms adjacent to the bar; with 70s-inspired furniture and monorail wallpaper, it’s a super cozy spot to have a drink while waiting for your table.
The MENU
I’ve had the opportunity to dine at Steakhouse 71 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; really, any time we’re on property, it’s on my family’s radar. It’s also on my shortlist of places to recommend when my clients want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom for comfort food at reasonable prices. Meaning it’s family-friendly and very easily accessible. Let me tell you about my experiences (plural!) and why this should be added to your reservations list for your next trip.
Breakfast Highlights
Two words—bottomless mimosas! We were able to indulge (responsibly, of course!) before heading into our day, and it made for the perfect pairing with my avocado toast and chicken sausage.
Breakfast is hard to mess up, and Steakhouse 71 certainly didn’t disappoint. If you’re staying at Bay Lake Tower or Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this spot is an easy choice for a hearty, sit-down meal before tackling a busy day in the parks.
Beyond the mimosas, the menu also features classics like Walt’s Prime Rib Hash, Eggs Benedict, and fluffy pancakes—plenty of delicious options to fuel your morning!
Mid-Day Munchies
In true Disney fashion, lunch will give you massive FOMO if you don’t pay attention to the menus. Take note of the limited lunch menu timing, as this restaurant takes a pretty big siesta in the mid-afternoon to gear up for the dinner rush. This means that if you really want to try their gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, and I highly recommend that you do, you’ll need to plan accordingly. Check the app for exact times during your trip, but most days, lunch is only served from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.
The lunch selection at Steakhouse 71 boasts a very diverse menu with sandwiches, soups, and burgers. Much to my disappointment, these same selections aren’t offered on the dinner menu. On one of our recent trips, gourmet grilled cheese was at the top of my list, so we spent a non-park day doing a round of mini-golf and then headed over to the Magic Kindom area to give it a whirl. The grilled cheese essentially could be the main topic of this review as I’ve attempted to mimic this back at home often, something about the pork belly, caramelized onion jam, and multiple types of cheeses just makes it irreplicable.
At this particular lunch we also were able to sample the onion rings and the French onion soup, both also not to be missed! If you’ve had the soup at Be Our Guest, it has the same amount of melted cheese, so you know you’re making a solid choice. But again, the grilled cheese is something to write home about!
Dinner Delights
Now, let’s talk about dinner—where this restaurant truly shines! While it maintains the same family-friendly atmosphere, the evening menu is elevated, featuring 6, 8, and 10-ounce steaks. The best part? You can get a quality cut of meat for just $32—a rare find at Disney!
If steak isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options, including fish, chicken, and vegetarian dishes. We decided to go the appetizer route, and I had the crab cakes as my main dish—surprisingly filling and absolutely delicious!
Bonus tip: we resort hop on our rest days and indulge in some of the small plates and appetizers at the nearby resorts. Then when we arrive at dinner, we aren’t quite as famished and can split things up to trim our costs. It allows you to sample more items and helps ease the budget a tad. And if you’re saving a bit with your meal choices, it allows you to flex and indulge in a nice mixed drink or glass of wine. I thoroughly enjoyed my mixed drink during our Christmas trip.
The Lounge
Did you forget to snag a reservation, and you’re hungry now, but you really want to experience this eatery? The Lounge it is! You’ll find walk-up seating available, first come, first serve, and a limited menu. You won’t find any cuts of steak on the menu, but you can still score those award-winning onion rings, the famous French onion soup, or choose from a selection of mile-high burgers.
What are you waiting for?
Have I convinced you to make a pit stop at Steakhouse 71 yet? It’s easy to get to, has a diverse menu, and won’t break the piggy bank! What’s not to love here?
Don’t miss out on this eatery on your next visit to Disney World. Even if you aren’t staying along the monorail, it’s only a 5-7 minute walk from the Magic Kingdom and is worth the trek over.
Come for the fireworks views but stay for the onion rings-you won’t regret it!
What not to miss when planning your vacation
Are you trying to pour through the hundreds of dining options at Disney and need an expert to give you guidance? Come work with me! I’ve had tons of experience on Disney property, have sampled MANY of the dining spots, and am plugged into the nuisances of how to maximize your dining plan while on vacation. I’d love to have you reach out.
Come find me here, or get your free quote started today!
Disney just dropped some magical news — and if you’re a parent already dreaming up your next family adventure, you’re going to want to hear this! Starting April 22, 2025, Walt Disney World vacation bookings for 2026 will officially open. That means you can lock in your resort stay, theme park tickets, and dining package all the way through October 31, 2026. But wait… it gets even better. Read all about it here!
