FIRST LOOK Inside Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

There have been quite a few BIG changes at Disney’s Contemporary Resort recently!

Since this spring, much of the resort has been hidden behind construction tarps and walls as Disney worked to “reimagine” many of the restaurants and guest rooms in the main tower. But, construction is finally wrapping up! We’ve already brought you a look inside the new Incredibles-themed rooms that opened this week and now we’re headed into the brand new restaurant, Steakhouse 71!

If you’re not familiar Steakhouse 71 is located on the first floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the place of what used to be known as The Wave. The restaurant will officially open tomorrow, October 1st, for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebrations, but we’re bringing you inside with us today for a special preview event!

Steakhouse 71 is named after the year that Walt Disney World opened (1971) and is designed with a “sleek yet comfortable” style with nods to Florida heritage and the 70s. And, right when you enter you’ll already start to see some of that represented!

Atmosphere

The main entrance hallway features several images from the very beginnings of Walt Disney World including behind-the-scenes photos of Imagineers working on attractions…

…a picture of Walt showing off what he first called “The Florida Project” to keep his plans for Disney World under wraps…

…photos from Disney World’s dedication ceremony and more…

…and even some pictures of what the hotel looked like back then.

Once you make your way down the hallway, you’ll be greeted by Cast Members who can check you in for your reservation and take you to your seat when your table is ready.

And, inside, you’ll find a huge dining room that has a light and airy feel with brand new geometrical carpeting, wood-slatted ceilings, and all new furniture.

Plus, you’ll want to take some time to look around at the wall decorations! Larger displays include abstract renderings of Disney Park icons that look very similar to the design style featured in the hallways of the main tower rooms…

First look inside Steakhouse 71 at Disney's Contemporary Resort! #disneyworld50 pic.twitter.com/2IBvKDkIQ5

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 30, 2021

…and there are other paintings that are designed with the 70s in mind.

When it comes to seating, there are quite a few tables in the main dining area, with some larger booths surrounding the room and tables in the middle.

A look at the seating in Steakhouse 71, which will have its grand opening tomorrow, October 1st! #DisneyWorld50 pic.twitter.com/0UJRvZKjLU

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 30, 2021

If you’d rather skip the full sit-down experience, Steakhouse 71 also features a lounge with seating at the bar…

…or in a more relaxed setting.

Menu

When it comes to the food, Steakhouse 71 is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you’ll find a few different selections depending on when you’re visiting.

Lunch

We stopped into Steakhouse 71 for lunch, so we got to preview tons of the drinks, appetizers, entrees, and even desserts that you can get between 11:30AM to 2:00PM daily.

A look at some of the lunch offerings for Steakhouse 71 at Disney's Contemporary Resort pic.twitter.com/cqR4YfEIDT

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 30, 2021

The appetizer menu includes seven different options ranging in price from $9 all the way up to $16.

We got to try the French Onion Soup, which is made with Rich Beef Broth, Croutons, and Gratinee Cheese for $10…

…the Fork & Knife Caesar Salad, which has Caesar Dressing, Croutons, and Shaved Parmesan for $10…

…and the Steakhouse 71 Onion Rings, which is a plant-based dish that is hand-breaded and served with Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce for $9.

Other options also include the Bacon & Eggs that features Maple-lacquered Pork Belly, Smoked Cheese Grits, and a Perfect Egg for $15…

…and the Sea Salt-dusted Potato Brioche, which comes with Butter marked with a “71” and Roasted Garlic-Tomato Spread for $12.

Entree selections include a variety of seafood, beef, and vegetable options all ranging in cost from $15 to $26.

We were able to check out the Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger, which is made with a Signature Blend of Beef, American Cheese, Lemon Aïoli, Red Onion, House-made Pickles, on a Brioche Bun. Plus, you can choose between Petite Wedge Salad, Parmesan Fries, or Pasta Salad as a side (we went with the Parmesan Fries) for $20.

If you prefer something that is a bit more nostalgic, there’s also the Gourmet Grilled Cheese. It is prepared with Toasted Brioche, Gruyère, Smoked Gouda, Shredded Pork Belly, Caramelized Onion Jam, and Arugula and, like the burger you get to choose your side (we chose the Pasta Salad for this one). It costs $16.

Other selections include the Prime Rib Sandwich that is made with Shaved Prime Rib, Caramelized Onions, Herb Aïoli, Provolone Cheese, Arugula, and Horseradish Cream (with your choice of side) for $19…

…and the Steak “Frites” that include Hanger Steak, Garlic-Parmesan Waffle Fries, Chimichurri, and Truffle Aïoli served on the side for $26.

There’s also one seafood option — the Crab Cake Sliders. These feature Lump Crab Cakes, Old Bay Rémoulade, Tomato, and Pickled Slaw, on a Brioche Bun. Plus, you get to choose your side (we got the Petite Wedge Salad here) all for $19.

The plant-based option is the Vegetable “Wellington,” which is Mushroom Duxelles and Fire-roasted Artichokes wrapped in Puff Pastry, Romesco, Brussels Sprouts for $26.

And, like every good meal in Disney, we ended it with dessert! The menu features four different sweet options including a specialty cocktail and other hot beverages.

There’s the Steakhouse 71 Chocolate Cake, which has Layers of Whiskey infused Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Mousse, and Raspberries for $11. Just keep in mind that it does contain alcohol in the cake.

Or, if you want something a bit more citrusy, the menu also includes Ambrosia, which is made with a Coconut Chiffon Cake, Mandarin Curd, Compressed Pineapple. It costs $8.

Other options include the classic Crème Brûlée, which is a Vanilla and Chocolate-layered Crème Brûlée, Fresh Berries, and Chantilly Cream for $10…

…and the Apple Tart Tatin, which is plant-based and made with Caramelized Granny Smith Apples, Puff Pastry, Blackberry Gelato for $8.

Of course, Steakhouse 71 has more than just food and dessert, there’s also a huge selection of specialty cocktails!

We got to try the Fig Manhattan, which is a cocktail with Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch, Cointreau Noir, Fig Simple Syrup, Orange Bitters. It costs $16.

And, if you’re a fan of drinks that are a bit more sour, there’s the Raspberry Gin Sour. It has Tanqueray No Ten Gin, Lemon Juice, and Raspberry Sage Syrup and costs $14.

Or, you can try the Vodka Gimlet, which is made with Tito’s Vodka, Green Chartreuse, Seedlip Garden, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade for $13.

And, one of the biggest cocktails that you can find here is the Tequila Sunrise for Two. It is served in a GIANT glass and is made with Herradura Reposado Tequila, POG Juice, Rosemary Simple Syrup, and House-made Grenadine. It is meant to be shared by two and costs $26.

Plus, Steakhouse 71 also features some non-alcoholic options including the Cold Brew & Tonic, which is made with Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew, Maple Vanilla Syrup, and Tonic Water for $6.

Well, that’s it for our first look inside Steakhouse 71! The restaurant will officially welcome guests for the first time tomorrow, October 1st, and you can already make your reservations 60 days in advance now! And, we’ll be exploring all of the other 50th anniversary offerings in Disney World, so be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for more!

Check Out Our Full Tour of the New ‘Incredibles’ Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort!

Are you excited to try Steakhouse 71? Let us know in the comments!

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