If there’s one thing certain Disney Adults love more than nostalgia, it’s a solid place to grab a beer and watch the game.
Since Big River Grille and Brewing Works closed its doors back in January 2024, there’s been a gaping hole at Disney’s BoardWalk — and longtime fans are not letting it go. We’ve seen it all over our Facebook: Folks are calling out for Disney to bring back a true sports bar vibe to the area. Whether you’re there for the food, the atmosphere, or the ability to catch the playoffs after a day in the parks, the demand is loud and clear. Here’s what’s going on — and what people are saying.
Disney’s BoardWalk Has a Big Empty Space
Big River Grille and Brewing Works was never flashy, but it had loyal fans.
The casual brewpub was a go-to for BoardWalk regulars and guests staying nearby, especially after the ESPN Club shut down. Between those two closures, Disney adults are now staring at a whole section of the BoardWalk with very few casual, sit-down food options left—and they’re feeling it.
Our reader Jean Gray summed it up perfectly:
“With the ESPN restaurant gone, it would be nice to have a sports bar there. They just need something with everything on that end of the resort now closed. I love Boardwalk Resort, but more nearby food options would be great.”
And she’s not alone. We’ve seen plenty of comments echoing the same idea: the BoardWalk is still beautiful, still has charm, but without a laid-back place to grab a burger, a beer, and catch the game, it feels like something’s missing. A lot of guests want a spot that doesn’t require a reservation, where you can just walk in after park hopping or wind down after a long day.
People Miss Big River Grille More Than You Might Think
You might not expect a smaller brewpub to have such a fanbase, but Big River had some diehard regulars.
Some had been visiting for decades. Our reader Chuck Calcano said it best:
“I frequented Big River Grille and Brewing Works for over 20 years. The parent company closed it suddenly, not Disney. I had many friends who worked there and told me that the business never fully recovered after Covid. Additionally the restaurant may not be up to safety code as it has no rear emergency exit door. Just some of the things I was told by the former employees. I really miss their food and beers.”
That kind of loyalty doesn’t fade fast, and you can feel the emotion behind those comments. It wasn’t just about the food (though many loved it)—it was about the atmosphere, the community, and the comfort of having a reliable place to hang out.
It wasn’t fancy, but that was the whole point. It gave off the neighborhood pub feel in the middle of a high-end Disney resort.
And Now? There’s a Void That Needs Filling
Disney’s BoardWalk has gone through a bit of a glow-up recently with newer spots like Cake Bake Shop, but these it still doesn’t have the kind of places you go to grab wings, sip a house-made beer, and cheer on your team. That type of casual, lively energy is totally missing.
Our reader Christopher Luksch nailed it when he said:
“Would be nice if they found another brewery/pub to be put in there, especially since they closed ESPN AND this place!”
The demand is crystal clear. People don’t want another bakery or upscale lounge—they want a no-frills spot that feels like a sports bar or brewpub. It doesn’t even have to be exactly like Big River Grille. It just has to fill the same role. Right now, that entire section of the BoardWalk is feeling a little… flat.
So What’s Next?
Disney hasn’t announced what will take over the Big River Grille space, and it’s still sitting empty. That’s got folks speculating—and hoping. Could we get a brand-new sports bar concept? Maybe a partnership with a recognizable brewery brand? Even just a cozy pub with some solid food, TVs, and good beer would make a lot of guests very happy.
Until we hear something official, the begging continues. Our comment sections are full of requests, suggestions, and even a few rants about how desperately this kind of spot is needed at Disney World. And honestly, we get where you’re coming from.
Not every Disney dining experience has to be themed to the nines or come with a side of fireworks. Sometimes, you just want a cold drink, a hot plate of nachos, and the game on TV. Disney Adults aren’t asking for much here—they just want their sports bar back. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this space. And Disney, if you’re reading this: your fans have spoken.
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Would you like to see a sports bar come back to the BoardWalk? Tell us in the comments.
Bigriver was a great place to have a meal.with the closing of this place and ESPN club you’re killing the boardwalk. Bring one or both back
Let’s be clear, no one needs Big River to come back. The food in that place was horrible. However, SOMETHING needs to go into that space (as well as Jellyrolls) soon. Crescent Lake used to have a much better vibe than it has right now.