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Polite Pig

Written By Scott Joseph On May 9, 2017

Polite pig exterior

The Polite Pig has opened at Disney Springs, bringing a much-needed local voice to the assembled chorus of celebrity-owned restaurants and national chains.

The Polite Pig, of course, is the latest from the Swine Empire ruled over by pigtators James and Julie Petrakis, whose other restaurants include the Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder. (Interesting to see DoveCote, the downtown French brasserie, also listed as a sister restaurant on PP’s website.)

The Polite Pig is something new from the Petrakises, not so much in the type of food as in the delivery. The restaurant, in a plum position at the foot of the escalators of the Lime parking garage, is set up primarily as a quick-serve operation. Customers queue up and order their food at a counter, pay, then take an electronic tracking device to a table. A server will bring the food to you when ready and also offer to help with any additional ordering or condiment needs.

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Polite Pig old fashioned

There’s little on the menu that is extraordinary or unexpected. The only thing out of the ordinary is the line of cocktails offered. Not the cocktails themselves — rum & coke, gin & tonic, old fashioned and such — but their delivery, tapped from spigots when ordered at the counter.

My old fashioned was a bit watery, I felt, though my companion reported the vodka lemonade was just fine.

Polite Pig southern

The menu is mainly barbecue and mostly sandwiches. I had the Southern Pig, pulled pork with apple slaw, mustard and mayo. The meat was sufficiently smoky and moist enough. I preferred eating it separate from the comparatively mundane bun.

Polite Pig chicken

My friend had the Fried Chicken sandwich, which I found a bit dry, though I enjoyed the pimento cheese and pickles that were included.

I had hoped the BBQ Cauliflower side dish would be as good as what Cask & Larder serves at its airside restaurant at Orlando International Airport, but it didn’t quite reach that level. The Charred Broccoli, however, with herbed buttermilk and a sprinkling of granola, was terrific.

Polite Pig cracklins

Almost as good as the BBQ Cracklins appetizer, a mound of crispy pig skins with a hint of spiced vinegar that negated the need for any of the dipping sauces from the barbecue bar.

Polite pig pretzel

I’m not at all sure why the Hop Salt Pretzel was included as a starter. It seemed more suited for a Bavarian restaurant than one with a Southern theme.

Polite pig line

All staff were eager and courteous, polite if you prefer.

Polite pig dining room

There’s good patio space, which is probably preferable while the temperatures remain below scorching. There are some high tables in the area surrounding a front bar (you can apparently get a bourbon poured from a bottle instead of a nozzle there) that offers good lighting, but we decided not to sit in the main dining area in the back because it seemed too enclosed and secluded. (Of course, some people seek isolation out after a day of crowds).

Polite Pig, still new, has some issues to work through, not the least of which is the dispensing cocktails. But the porcine pedigree is a strong one, so all should fall into place in time.

Polite Pig is at Disney Springs. It is open for lunch and dinner daily. The phone number is 407-938-7444.

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