The Polite Pig: A Modern Barbecue Experience in Orlando
If you are looking for a place to enjoy delicious barbecue dishes and drinks in a casual and friendly atmosphere, look no further than The Polite Pig. This restaurant, located in Disney Springs, offers a new twist on local flavors with wood-fired smoked and grilled items, as well as an innovative beverage program that serves all drinks on tap, including beer, wine and cocktails.
The History of The Polite Pig
The Polite Pig is a sister restaurant to The Ravenous Pig, Cask & Larder, and Dovecote, which are all owned by James and Julie Petrakis, award-winning chefs and restaurateurs from Orlando. The couple opened The Ravenous Pig in 2007, followed by Cask & Larder in 2012 and Dovecote in 2016. They have been recognized for their culinary excellence and creativity by various publications and organizations, such as Food & Wine, James Beard Foundation, Zagat, Orlando Magazine, and more.
The Polite Pig is their first venture in Disney Springs, which opened in 2017. They partnered with Brian Petrakis, James’ brother and owner of Greens & Grille in Orlando, to create a concept that showcases the best of Florida’s barbecue traditions with a modern twist. The name of the restaurant is a homage to The Ravenous Pig, as well as a reflection of their commitment to quality ingredients, hospitality and service.
The Pitmaster and the Menu
The pitmaster of The Polite Pig is Jeanelle Condron, who has been working with the Petrakis family since 2012. She oversees the daily operations of the restaurant, as well as the preparation of the meats and sauces. She uses a Southern Pride smoker that can cook up to 800 pounds of meat at a time, using a blend of oak, hickory and cherry woods. She also makes her own rubs and marinades, using fresh herbs and spices.
The menu of The Polite Pig features a variety of barbecue dishes, such as brisket, ribs, chicken, pork shoulder, salmon and more. You can choose from different sauces to accompany your meat, such as Layla’s sweet barbecue sauce, Thomas’s southern gold sauce, Lil John’s signature black pepper sauce, or Brisket’s hot sauce. You can also enjoy a selection of sides, such as mac and cheese, crispy Brussels sprouts, sweet potato tots, coleslaw, cornbread and more.
The Polite Pig also offers sandwiches, salads and desserts, such as the pulled pork sandwich, the grilled chicken salad, the orange blossom honey cake and the bourbon chocolate chip cookie. You can also order from the butcher board menu, which allows you to sample different meats and sides for a fixed price.
The Impact and the Awards
The Polite Pig has been well-received by both locals and visitors since its opening. It has become a popular destination for barbecue lovers who appreciate the quality and variety of the food and drinks. It has also contributed to the growth and diversity of the dining scene in Disney Springs, which offers a range of options for different tastes and budgets.
The Polite Pig has also earned several accolades for its excellence and innovation. It has been featured in various media outlets, such as USA Today, Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Weekly, Eater Orlando and more. It has also won awards from Orlando Magazine (Best Barbecue 2018), Orlando Family Magazine (Golden Fork Award 2018), Tripadvisor (Travelers’ Choice Award 2020) and Michelin Guide (Bib Gourmand 2020).
The Polite Pig Contact Information
If you are interested in visiting The Polite Pig, you can find it at:
1536 E Buena Vista Dr
Orlando FL 32830
You can also call them at (407) 938-7444 or visit their website .
You can also follow them on social media:
The Polite Pig is open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays). You can order online or make a reservation through their website or through Disney Springs.
Conclusion
The Polite Pig is a great place to enjoy modern barbecue dishes and drinks in Orlando. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a full meal, you will find something to satisfy your appetite and palate. You will also experience the hospitality and service that the Petrakis family is known for. The next time you are in Disney Springs, don’t miss the chance to visit The Polite Pig and taste the difference.
Check out the other Orlando BBQ Joints that we recommend.
