Disney Springs Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Review
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs serves up crispy fried chicken, moonshine cocktails, and Southern comfort in a laid-back farmhouse setting.
Quick Snapshot
- Restaurant Name: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
- Location: Disney Springs – The Landing, Lake Buena Vista, FL
- Cuisine Type: Southern favorites with local Florida ingredients
- Price Range: $$–$$$
- Disney Dining Plan: Yes – 1 table service credit
- Reservations: Definitely recommended
- Atmosphere: Rustic farmhouse, part kitchen table and part lively bar
Overall Rating: 5/5 for food (it was so delicious!) and 4/5 for ambiance.
Arriving Hungry (Always Helps)
You know those days at Walt Disney World when you’ve been walking for hours and suddenly realize you haven’t had anything more than coffee and maybe a Mickey pretzel? That was us. By the time we reached Disney Springs, my energy level was tanking.
We found Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ tucked along The Landing. Even from outside, the smell of fried chicken and biscuits was impossible to ignore. Inside, the place feels homey but also kind of polished — dark polished-wood paneling, warm lighting, and chatter rolling in from the bar.
The hostess offered us a seat out on the back porch, but we went for a table inside. Call me picky, but I like to be in the middle of it.
Related: Another fantastic Disney Springs restaurant is Raglan Road!
Let’s Talk Biscuits and Starters
We didn’t even pretend to “look” at the rest of the starter menu before ordering the cheddar cheese drop biscuits. These things are soft, buttery, and just salty enough. The pimento cheese alongside them was melty, slightly tangy, and basically irresistible.
There were other tempting starters — buttermilk chicken breast on the “Thigh High” biscuits, the crispy pork belly, even breading recipe hushpuppies — but my biscuit basket was already disappearing way too fast to think about anything else.
Even though we were already loaded up with comfort food, I had to try the Church Lady Deviled Eggs. They came out looking just like something your grandmother would proudly set on the table- piped high, sprinkled with paprika, and served on a platter that made them feel right at home in a Southern kitchen.
The filling was silky and tangy, with just the right balance of mustard and mayo, and the eggs themselves were perfectly cooked. Honestly, they were gone in a flash, and I’d happily order them again on my next visit.
Related: If you love great food, Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge is a must visit restaurant!
Main Entrees That Could Feed Two (Not That I Shared)
If you come here and don’t order the crispy fried chicken, you might kick yourself later. The breading is golden, crunchy, and clings to the chicken thighs like it was born there. You cut in, and the steam escapes- juicy meat, perfectly seasoned.
Sides? Creamy mashed potatoes, tangy butter pickles, and yes, another biscuit (I wasn’t mad about it).
Another plate at our table was the house-made meatloaf with rich red wine jus, southern green beans, and smashed potatoes. Hearty doesn’t even begin to describe it. It’s the sort of dish that makes you want to loosen your belt a notch.
Oh, and those thigh high chicken biscuits? Three mini biscuit sandwiches stuffed with fried chicken, hot honey, and house-made pickles. I may have stolen a bite.
This meal is a ton of food but that’s one of the great things about it! This was our first time eating at Chef Art Smith’s but we will definitely be back!
Related: Check out Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom if you are a foodie too!
For Next Time!
Even though we were plenty full, I couldn’t help glancing at the other tables and mentally bookmarking a few things for next time. The Thigh High Chicken Biscuits are a signature here: three warm, cheddar cheese drop biscuits stacked with perfectly fried chicken thighs and drizzled with hot honey sauce.
I also spotted plates of house-made meatloaf topped with a drizzle of icebox dressing and served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and southern green beans. And if you’re a seafood fan, the buttermilk chicken breast isn’t the only draw; they also serve green tomatoes with a zesty rémoulade sauce and seasonal fish specials that highlight local ingredients. And next time I definitely want to try their house-made hushpuppies too!
Related: La Hacienda de San Angel also has phenomenal food and with a view!
Drinks With Personality
This place is famous for its moonshine cocktails, and now I get why. My friend ordered Rumshine Punch, which had pineapple juice, strawberry rumshine, and fresh fruit. It was sweet, tropical, and a little dangerous because it went down way too easily.
Someone else ordered the lemon-infused moonshine lemonade, and it was the perfect balance of tart and smooth. They also have a list of bourbons (Belle Meade Bourbon Reserve, Whistle Pig) for the whiskey folks, plus sweet after-dinner drinks like Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur.
Desserts You’ll Think About Later
Here’s the problem with eating here: by the time dessert rolls around, you’re full but you want to try everything. We solved that problem by ordering two and sharing.
The pineapple-banana cake (hummingbird cake) with luxurious cream cheese frosting is a massive, moist layer cake that’s just sweet enough. The hot fudge bourbon brownie came out warm, rich, and topped with vanilla bean ice cream. And if you want something lighter, the house-made sugar doughnuts with icebox dressing are airy little bites of happiness. And don’t forget they also serve a delicious chocolate pecan pie!
Why I’d Go Back
Yes, it’s one of the Walt Disney World restaurants that costs a bit more, but you’re paying for the food quality and the fact that they don’t cut corners. You taste the local ingredients, the seasoning is thoughtful, and the portions are generous enough that you could split plates- if you wanted to, which I didn’t.
It’s also just… comfortable. You can dress up a little or roll in straight from the parks. You can sit inside where the energy is, or relax outside on the porch. Either way, the southern favorites here live up to the hype.
Final Word
If you’re spending the day at Disney Springs and want more than a quick snack, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is a great spot to slow down. Come for the fried chicken, stay for the moonshine, and leave with dessert in a to-go box.
Just maybe don’t wear tight pants.
