Biergarten Restaurant in Epcot: Always Oktoberfest
Celebrate Oktoberfest year-round at Biergarten Restaurant in Epcot! This festive buffet in the Germany Pavilion features authentic German food, a live band, and a dance floor for all ages. Here’s why it’s one of the most unique dining experiences at Disney World.
Quick Snapshot
- Location: Germany Pavilion, Epcot’s World Showcase
- Cuisine: Authentic German (buffet-style)
- Price Range: $$–$$$
- Disney Dining Plan: Yes, 1 table service credit
- Characters? No
- Reservations Recommended? Yes
- Mobile Check-In Available? Yes
- Atmosphere: Loud, festive, and full of energy—think live band and group dancing
Overall Rating: 5/5 for food and 5/5 for atmosphere and entertainment – We never skip it, and always leave full and happy
Related: Another great comfort food restaurant is Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom
Stepping Into Biergarten: Like a Party in a Village Square
You know how some Disney restaurants feel like they’re trying to be immersive but fall a little flat? Biergarten is not one of them. You walk through the archway in the Germany Pavilion, past the little shops that sell steins and cuckoo clocks, and suddenly—you’re not just eating dinner, you’re in the middle of a glowing Bavarian village at night.
I still remember the first time we came here. I thought it’d be one of those “nice to try once” spots. Nope. We’ve been back three times now.
The setup is wild in the best way—tiered seating around a central dance floor, all facing a small stage where a live band plays traditional German folk music. The lighting is warm, the ceiling twinkles like stars, and the whole vibe is just… festive.
Oh—and yes, you’re 100% encouraged to get up and dance. The band invites you to the floor. Kids, grandparents, even a couple on what looked like their honeymoon—all out there polka-ing like pros. It’s not a show you watch, it’s one you join.
Related: Another great immersive buffet is Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge
What’s on the Buffet? A Whole Lot of Comfort Food
Let’s talk about the food. This is a buffet restaurant, but don’t picture sad heat lamps and limp pasta. Think authentic German comfort food—the kind that sticks to your ribs in the best way.
We usually start at the cold bar. The cucumber salad is super tangy and refreshing, and I always grab a scoop of the macaroni salad and bean salad. My husband loves the sausage salad, though I’m not totally sold. And we both fight over the pretzel rolls—soft, salty, and perfect with a dab of mustard.
Related: Crystal Palace is a solid buffet with Winnie the Pooh and friends
From the hot side, here’s what I keep going back for:
The pork schnitzel is crispy and golden—zero grease.
The rotisserie chicken is carved right at the carving station, and it’s so juicy it practically falls apart.
Traditional sausages like bratwurst and knockwurst—solid every time, especially with that tangy red cabbage.
Potato pancakes with applesauce? Yes, please.
And don’t sleep on the roasted potatoes, green beans, and the potato dumplings. The dumplings are huge and pillowy, perfect for soaking up sauce from the pork shank if it’s available (pro tip: if you see it, grab it before it’s gone).
They’ve rotated in a few new dishes over the years—we noticed that on our last visit, actually—but the core menu sticks to its roots. And that’s a good thing.
Related: For a really over the top Epcot dining option, check out Space 220
Dessert Options That Are Worth the Walk (Back to the Buffet)
You absolutely need to leave room for dessert. No excuses.
Here’s what we go for every time:
Apple strudel with warm vanilla sauce – like a hug in dessert form.
Black Forest cake – light, chocolatey, with that signature cherry layer.
Bavarian cheesecake – fluffy and a little tangy, usually topped with berry compote.
There are a few other sweet bites, but honestly, those three are the winners. The strudel tray runs low fast, so if you see a fresh pan come out, grab it. Trust me.
Related: If you want fireworks with your meal, check out our review of La Hacienda de San Angel
Drinks? Get the Beer Flight
They offer a few German wines, but c’mon—it’s Biergarten. Go for the beer. The beer flight is a fun way to sample a few without committing to a full stein (though no one will judge you if you do). Again, I am not really a big beer drinker, but if you are into beer, this is the quintessential place to experiment! I mean, it’s Germany, right?
Drink orders come fast, and the servers are happy to chat if you’re not sure what to try. One guy even shared how his family back in Germany used to make their own mustard. Love those little moments.
Service & Seating Vibe
The Cast Members here are top-tier. They’re dressed in traditional Bavarian outfits and do a great job making everyone feel welcome—even when it’s loud and busy. They check in often without hovering, and our glasses are never empty.
One tip: ask for a table near the front of the stage if you want to be close to the action. We’ve sat up top and toward the back of the German Pavilion too, and while every spot has a view, there’s something extra fun about being close enough to hear the tuba’s every note.
Related: If you want to see Mickey Mouse at Epcot, dine at Garden Grill
Is It Worth the Price?
It’s not cheap—we paid just over $60 per adult last month, and that adds up fast with drinks. But honestly? It’s dinner and a show. And the buffet line is generous enough to try everything once, and then go back for favorites.
If you’re using the Disney Dining Plan, this is one of the best food values for a table service credit, hands down.
Can You Get a Reservation?
Most of the time, yes—but it books up fast on weekends or festival days. We’ve had luck grabbing a same-day reservation once or twice, especially for late lunches or early dinner slots.
Walk-ups are hit or miss, though. If you’re trying to feed a large party, plan ahead and check the question dialogue box on the app often. Or hit the question button to ask a Cast Member for help in person. Either works.
Is It Kid-Friendly?
For sure. Our daughter danced her heart out the first time we ate here, and she’s asked to go back ever since. Between the buffet (lots of picky eater options like roasted chicken, pretzel bread, and even plain noodles sometimes), the music, and the open space—it’s a winner for families.
And even though it’s not a character meal, we’ve found it more memorable than a few of those. It’s the lively entertainment that makes it stand out.
Final Verdict: Would We Go Back?
This restaurant has basically become tradition for us. We’ve eaten here during our last few trips, and every time, it’s just… joyful. The food is reliably good, the vibe is unmatched, and it’s one of those places that feels like a celebration, even if it’s just a Tuesday in July.
If you’re visiting Epcot’s World Showcase and looking for a spot with great food and even better energy, Biergarten Restaurant is it. Especially if you’re into dancing with strangers and eating your weight in apple strudel.
