The other afternoon, I was bored and wanted something to do — I needed to get out of the house for a while. I didn’t feel like going into a theme park; that would require too much effort. But I was in the mood for something at Disney. I finally decided that a diet coke and a snack at any of the resorts would fill the bill. But where? Many of the hotel restaurants close between lunch and dinner and I wasn’t in the mood for any of their counter service eateries. These would be much too frenetic for my leisurely mood. I needed something quiet.
After a lot of thought, I remembered the Crew’s Cup Lounge located at the Yacht Club Resort. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this spot, it’s located next door to the Yachtsman Steakhouse. Its entrance is rather inconspicuous and easily missed.
The atmosphere is decidedly dark and intimate. In fact, I had to brighten my pictures so you could see what the place looks like. There is a counter at which you can sit and enjoyed the bartender’s company, four cozy booths, and a number of tables and chairs scattered around this comfortable hide-a-way.
Although this lounge’s primary purpose is to provide a spot in which to wait for your table when dining at the Yachtsman Steakhouse, this is wonderful place in its own right. As you might conclude from the name, the theme here is rowing. An abundance of wood furnishings, mirrored and textured walls, and rowing memorabilia create a sporting atmosphere that is inviting to both men and women. A large screen TV is usually tuned to ESPN, however, it doesn’t intrude.
The Crew’s Cup Lounge opens daily at noon. Last call is at 11:45 and closes at midnight. Appetizers are served all day. They are as follows:
Buffalo Chicken Breast Nuggets – served with Celery Sticks and Blue Cheese Dressing – $7.99
Nachos – with Beef Chili, Cheddar, Cheese, and Salsa – $8.49
Spinach Dip with Chips – $7.49
Honey-Ginger Chicken Wings – $8.49
I had the Nachos and was very pleased. There was an abundance of chili and this dish would provide one person a full meal or could easily be shared with two or three.
On a subsequent visit, I ordered Spinach Dip with Chips and Buffalo Chicken Breast Nuggets. I believe the Spinach Dip is the same “side dish” that is served at the Yachtsman Steakhouse. Regardless, they’re delicious. The Buffalo Nuggets were very spicy, but if you dip them in the accompanying blue cheese dressing, it cuts the fire.
A limited lunch menu is offered and served from 2 pm until 5:30 pm. Featured are two sandwiches, a burger, and clam chowder. These items are prepared in the Captain’s Grill kitchen and are identical to what you would receive at that restaurant.
A scaled-down dinner menu is available at the Crew’s Cup Lounge from 5:30pm to 10pm. Filet Mignon, Beef Sirloin, and Beef Ravioli are offered along with a number of side dishes. Four different cheese platters and two desserts also tempt during the evening hours. These meals are served out of the Yachtsman Steakhouse kitchen and would be comparable to what you would receive there.
A large window on one wall of the Crew’s Cup Lounge looks into the aging/cutting room of the Yachtsman Steakhouse. In the evening, it’s fun to watch the chef preparing the various cuts of meat.
Disney World can be hectic and finding a peaceful spot away from it all can be difficult at times. If you’re looking for a quiet spot where you can enjoy a cocktail, light bite, or a full meal, this is the perfect place. Although children are welcome, they are usually not in abundance. Evenings are busier than afternoons as many have a drink here before heading next door for dinner. In the afternoon, you can often enjoy the Crew’s Cup Lounge with just your party and the bartender. I highly recommend this hidden Disney treasure.
This restaurant does NOT accept reservations and is NOT on the Disney Dining Plan, but it does accept the Tables in Wonderland card for a 20% discount.
RELATED LINK:
Crew’s Cup Menu
Thanks for telling us about this, Jack. We will be staying at the Beach Club Resort in June with our daughter and grandchildren. We are always looking for a hideaway and I think you gave us a place to spend a few hours in the evening.
Normand and Anita
My husband (who loves to spend time alone) has raved about the Crews Cup for the drinks and atmosphere. He brought the rest of us along and I fell in love with the nachos. They have REAL cheese unlike some other WDW places that use the spray stuff. It is dark and cozy and is a great respite from the busyness of the theme parks. Your blogs are such a treat. Thanks for sharing your gems of info with the rest of us!
Hi Jack~
This place looks great! Do you know if they particpate in the Disney Dining Plan?! I may passover Le Cellier this year and try this gem!
Thanks for all of your great blogs and little treasures you share with us!
Jack’s Comment:
Personally, I would think twice before cancelling Le Cellier for Crew’s Cup. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Crew’s Cup Lounge, but I think it’s best for appetizers and cocktails — and maybe a late lunch. But dinner prices are rather high and since they don’t always have a dedicated server, it might be the bartender serving you in-between drink orders. That’s not to say you wouldn’t have a great time, but you might want to try it for a drink before you decide on a full dinner.
The crew cup has been a secret place for us over the years.The food is excellent and other then the dinner rush it would be very quiet and peaceful place while enjoying the company of family and friends.
Wow – we stayed at the Beach Club and walked through to the Yacht Club every day and never noticed the Crew Cup Lounge.
We will be sure to look when we return !!
Jack,
Hubby & I have been going here for years before our annual dinner at YS. Love the place and wait for Kim to wait on us. She’s been there as long as we have been members of DVC. Her personality is so upbeat and she sets the tone for the whole evening. Wouldn’t even think of a visit to WDW without a trip to Crew’s Cup. Hope you don’t make it too famous! Great job love hearing all your details.
Love it Jack. I’d never even heard of this spot. Looks great.
Hey Jack,
Thanks for this blog about the Crew’s Cup Lounge. Sounds like a hidden treasure. I’ve no doubt strolled passed this cozy place, but have never stopped in. It’s now on my never-ending list of things to check out during my next visit.
PS: I enjoyed the crossword puzzle this week!
-Kirstin
I too am jealous that you can just hop on over to property for a snack. But lucky us that you are so generous to share your experiences. 🙂
We’ve been going there for years.
Great place. It’s the staff that makes it great too.
Frank
Hey Jack,
That Spinach Dip sure looked good!!!
Like the guy said above me, don’t give away all the secret places to go. Then they will be crowded.
Just kidding. Loved the blog.
Like Yogi Berra said:
“Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.”
The Crew’s Cup is one of my favorite lounges at WDW. I love the huge frosted goblets of Sam Adams draft!
A few years ago, my wife and I stopped in during our honeymoon and were happy to see that they were showing a Red Sox vs. Orioles game on the big screen TV (we’re Bostonians). We enjoyed hanging out there for the entire game.
We’ll be coming down for a family vacation in mid-May and are staying half of the week at the Yacht Club. I’m looking forward to relaxing in the Crew’s Cup after my wife and young daughters (3 1/2 and 8-months) go to bed!
Hey, Jack – I adore your articles, but I’m not sure I’m comfortable with you giving away this little secret! No, seriously, I figure the more promotion the better – as much as we love having the place to ourselves, it often occurs to me that it’s surprising it remains open for lunch given its lack of patronage.
The busier atmosphere during the evening makes for a more than agreeable environment in which to while away a couple of hours. On more than one occasion, we’ve smugly congratulated ourselves on our decision to partake of a perfectly cooked steak or casual burger there whilst the masses fight for elbow room at Le Cellier.
Keep ’em coming, Jack!
Yet another interesting article!
Do you LIVE at Disney, Jack? I envy you that, you feel like a snack, so you just go out of your house and pop over to a resort for a snack. How far away from the parks do you live? How many days per year do you go to Disney.
It sounds like a fun life!
Keep up the good work. 🙂
Jack’s Answer:
I live pretty much due north of WDW. I can be in the parking lot of any of the four parks within 30 minutes — which was a requirement I gave to my real estate agent when I was house hunting. I’m somewhere on Disney property 2 – 5 times a week. Sometimes I’m at a resort, other times I’m in a park. But even when I’m in a park, I usually don’t ride the rides. After you live here for a while, the rides become secondary. It’s all about atmosphere. It’s all about the details that I’m constantly blogging about.
The Patron Margaritas here are awesome!
This is a great place for solo travelers to have a nice meal. I checked it out in December for the first time and would definately go again.
Hi Jack,
The Yacht Club is our favorite resort because we like to walk to Epcot and Disney Studios. I have seen this lounge but never thought you could get a meal there. We will have to check this out on the next visit. Another quiet spot we like there is the Captain’s Grille. Sometimes at breakfast we are the only people dining!
The place does look like the quiet little treasure tucked away! Hope you enjoyed your afternoon there!
This is one of our favorite places for a quiet, relaxing drink or snack. We go here every vacation and we are especially fond of one of the waitresses, Kim. Also on a hot night, they usually have the coldest draft beers in WDW. (my husband’s favorite)
Great article. I have never heard of this place before, but I look foward to trying it the next time I visit Disney. I have one question, what are the prices on the dinner menu? thanks
hey jack
thanks for the blog on the Crews Cup Lounge. I have not ate their yet but it sounds like they have a lot of really good food. can’t wait for your next blog and as always keep up the great work.
Wow, great info! My family and I have had drinks there while waiting for our table at YS, but now I think we will use this place for a park break. Thank you for a bit of Disney happiness this morning!