Fairfax Fare Review: Don’t Overlook This Hidden Gem
Is Fairfax Fare worth it? Here’s my honest review of the menu, seating, and why I think it’s one of Hollywood Studios’ most overlooked quick service restaurants.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
I don’t think Fairfax Fare gets nearly as much attention as it deserves.
When people talk about quick service restaurants at Hollywood Studios, they usually mention Woody’s Lunch Box, ABC Commissary, or Ronto Roasters.
Fairfax Fare?
It hardly ever comes up.
Honestly, I think that’s a mistake.
It’s currently my fifth favorite quick service restaurant at Hollywood Studios, and while it isn’t quite on the same level as my top four, it’s still somewhere I’d happily eat again.
The menu changes from time to time, so what you find today may not be exactly what I ordered. But based on my experience, if Disney keeps serving creative comfort food like they have in the past, I’ll keep coming back.
The Waffle Bowl Completely Surprised Me
The last time I ate at Fairfax Fare, I ordered one of their loaded waffle bowls.
I’ll admit…
I wasn’t expecting much.
I figured it would be another “it’s okay because I’m hungry” kind of Disney lunch.
Instead, it was really good.
I ordered the Barbecued Beef Brisket Bowl, and honestly, it completely surprised me.
It starts with mashed potatoes and house-made queso tucked inside a crispy waffle bowl, then it’s topped with barbecued beef brisket, pickled jalapeños, red onion, bacon, and crunchy corn chips.
On paper, it sounds like there might be too much going on.
Somehow…it all works.
You get the smoky brisket, a little crunch from the corn chips, just enough kick from the jalapeños, and the waffle bowl holds everything together without turning into a soggy mess.
When I finished eating, my first thought was, “I’d absolutely order that again.”
And honestly, that’s about the highest compliment I can give a restaurant.
It’s Part of a Little Trio of Restaurants
One thing I like about Fairfax Fare is where it’s located.
It shares a seating area with Rosie’s All-American Café and Catalina Eddie’s, so if you’re visiting with family or friends, everybody doesn’t necessarily have to order from the same place.
Maybe someone wants a burger from Rosie’s.
Maybe someone else wants pizza from Catalina Eddie’s.
For me?
I’m heading to Fairfax Fare.
I’ve actually eaten at Rosie’s before.
I had one of the burgers, and it was perfectly fine.
Nothing wrong with it.
It just wasn’t memorable enough that I’ve ever felt the need to order it again.
Fairfax Fare, on the other hand, is the restaurant I’d go back to without thinking twice.
It’s Also a Great Spot Near Sunset Boulevard
If you’re spending your afternoon riding Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, or planning to watch Fantasmic!, Fairfax Fare is in a really convenient location.
You’re already in this part of the park, so it doesn’t require a long walk just to grab lunch.
I also like that it’s close to Hollywood Scoops.
If you finish your meal and decide you’re still in the mood for dessert, it’s pretty hard to beat walking a few steps over for some ice cream.
(That’s usually the direction I’d go instead of ordering dessert somewhere else.)
Honestly…
The food is what surprised me.
The location is what keeps me coming back.
And there’s one other thing I appreciate about Fairfax Fare.
Well…
Actually…
It’s what I appreciate about this whole little corner of Sunset Boulevard.
The Seating Is Better Than You Might Think
One thing I also like about Fairfax Fare is the seating.
Now, before I get your hopes up…
There isn’t any air conditioning.
If you’ve read my other restaurant reviews, you know that’s usually something I value pretty highly.
But even without indoor seating, this area still works really well.
Most of the tables are covered, so you’re at least out of the direct Florida sun. And if one of those afternoon rain showers rolls through, it’s also a pretty good place to duck under cover while you finish your meal.
Is it as comfortable as ABC Commissary?
Not even close.
But compared to eating out in the open, it’s a nice place to sit down for a while.
A Few Tips Before You Go
Like most Disney quick service restaurants, I’d recommend using Mobile Order if it’s available.
It just makes life easier.
I’d also keep an eye on the menu before your trip.
Fairfax Fare is one of those restaurants that seems to enjoy changing things up from time to time. That’s part of what makes it fun, but it also means the meal I loved may not always be available.
If they’ve got one of their loaded waffle bowls, though…
I’d order it.
Without hesitation.
And if you’re eating with other people, don’t forget that Rosie’s All-American Café and Catalina Eddie’s are literally right next door.
Everybody can order what sounds good, and then meet back at the same seating area.
That’s actually a really nice setup if your family can never agree on where to eat.
Is Fairfax Fare Worth It?
I think so.
Especially if you’re already spending time on Sunset Boulevard.
Would I walk all the way across Hollywood Studios just to eat here?
Probably not.
But if I’m heading to Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, or Fantasmic!, I wouldn’t think twice about stopping here for lunch.
It’s one of those restaurants that quietly does its job really well.
The menu is a little more creative than your typical theme park food, the location is convenient, and based on my experience, the food was much better than I expected.
Sometimes that’s all I need.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- One of the more underrated quick service restaurants at Hollywood Studios
- Creative menu options
- The loaded waffle bowl was excellent
- Great location near Tower of Terror and Fantasmic!
- Covered seating
- Shares a seating area with Rosie’s and Catalina Eddie’s
Cons
- No indoor air-conditioned seating
- Menu changes regularly, so favorite items don’t always stick around
Final Thoughts
Fairfax Fare wasn’t really on my radar the first time I walked past it.
Now?
It’s somewhere I’d happily eat again.
I think that’s because it surprised me.
I expected an average theme park lunch.
Instead, I got a meal that I genuinely enjoyed and would absolutely order again.
Is it the best quick service restaurant at Hollywood Studios?
No.
I’d still send most people to Woody’s Lunch Box first.
Or ABC Commissary if they’re looking for air conditioning.
But if you’re already spending time on Sunset Boulevard, I honestly think Fairfax Fare deserves a look.
It’s easy to overlook because it’s sitting next to Rosie’s All-American Café and Catalina Eddie’s.
For me, though, it’s the clear winner of the three.
And honestly.. that loaded waffle bowl…
I’ll be first in line.
