Sommerfest Review at Disney World Epcot

Sommerfest

For a look at all of Epcot’s quick service reviews, see this post.

Location: Sommerfest is located in the Germany Pavilion.

It’s straight back on the right and says “Sommerfest” above it, which checks out.

Food Type: German. And beer. They may be the same thing.

Sommerfest Menu:

Pull up the full menu here.

Unique Items: Most of the food.

Advantages:

• Among the most inexpensive entree choices on property.
• Frankfurters and Bratwurst are higher quality than your typical Disney Hot Dog and only cost about the same.

Disadvantages:

• Very little, mostly outdoor seating. It’s quite possible that there will be nowhere to sit.
• Limited menu.

Value: Above average. For about $1 more than the standard Disney Hot Dog, you can get a much more interesting Frankfurter or Bratwurst with a roll and sauerkraut.

Reputation: Those that dine here tend to enjoy it.

Food Choices:

Frankfurter:

On my last visit, I found this to be disappointing, with the sheer size of the roll overpowering what ended up being a small, largely flavorless sausage. The sauerkraut was also so mild that it might as well have not even been there. I am not typically a huge sauerkraut proponent, but there should be at least a little tang there. The side of chips with a sprinkle of paprika were more satisfying, bringing a nice crunch and just a little spice. Overall, for about ten bucks, you could do a lot worse.

Bratwurst with a Pretzel on the Side:

The Bratwurst is the more flavorful option with a little nutmeg and pepper spicing things up. Hopefully you’ll have better luck on the sauerkraut front, which is the same as what Sommerfest serves alongside the Frankfurter. The roll is also a little too substantial given the size of the sausage. I made it work by tearing off half of the roll and adding spicy mustard, which Sommerfest offers in packets.

For the large pretzel, you may need to visit the Bier Stand just outside Sommerfest on the right side of the Pavilion. I think they used to taste better before Disney switched distributors. You can actually get the same pretzel at Pongu Pongu in Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom now.

Nudel Gratin:

The Nudel Gratin is typically a delicious snack and a Food and Wine Festival favorite. You can find it at Sommerfest all year.

This is a heavenly-baked macaroni/heavy cream/cheese/egg hunk of carbs. It may not be the best choice in the July heat, but come October or November, it’s particularly satisfying.

Cold Potato Salad

I wasn’t a big fan of the Potato Salad, which was heavy on the mayo with red potatoes and chopped green onion. I’m not sure there’s anything particularly German about it, but the price isn’t outlandish enough that it’s worth skipping entirely. You might want to share one before committing to a side per person. The fact that it’s cold makes it the more refreshing choice most of the year.

Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce

Sommerfest does a nice job with their Apple Strudel; the crust has a nice crispiness with a brush of sugar and the apples inside are plentiful and crisp. The vanilla sauce adds another layer of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the cinnamon. You might add one of these to your order instead of one of the sides.

Schöfferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen

Seen here poured from the bottle, Schofferhofer is half hefeweizen, half grapefruit juice, which basically makes it a refreshing summer shandy. At 2.5% ABV, or half of a Budweiser, it isn’t going to bring about much of a buzz, but those who “don’t like beer” typically gravitate towards it. It tastes particularly good during the heat of the day.

Beck’s Pilsner

It’s a little disappointing to see a gas station staple on the menu, considering how Disney could easily source some much more interesting beers. But if you’re looking for your basic pilsner, it’s here. For about ten bucks with tax.

Warsteiner Dunkel

This is my choice at Sommerfest. The dunkel is mild, with a nice toasted malt profile backed up by chocolate and caramel with a light, floral finish.

Redbridge Gluten-Friendly Sorghum Beer

Sommerfest recently added a gluten-free option in the bottle of Redbridge. It’s certainly a lot cheaper to try at home, but those on gluten-free diets will appreciate its availability. Anyone able to rock gluten probably wants to head in a different direction.

A beer flight is also available if you want to give the three drafts a try.

Overall, Sommerfest’s limited menu and seating may dissuade most guests from visiting, but it is usually a quick and relatively easy meal. Highlights include the Strudel, Paprika Chips, and Dunkel. If the lines for beer are long at the outdoor stands, check Sommerfest, where they serve the same beer. The wait may be much shorter and it’s also covered and out of the sun.