Friar’s Nook at Magic Kingdom: My Honest Review
Thinking about eating at Friar’s Nook? Here’s my honest review, what to order, seating tips, and why this small Fantasyland quick service spot is worth a stop.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
When most people walk past Friar’s Nook, they probably don’t think much about it.
It’s a small quick service stand tucked into Fantasyland, and from the outside, it doesn’t exactly scream “must-eat restaurant.”
But don’t let appearances fool you.
Some of my favorite comfort food at Magic Kingdom comes from this tiny little spot.
I’ve tried several menu items here, and honestly, I’d happily order every one of them again.
If you’re looking for hearty, shareable comfort food while exploring Fantasyland, Friar’s Nook is absolutely worth a stop.
Friar’s Nook at a Glance
Location: Fantasyland
Cuisine: Comfort food
Dining Plan: Quick Service Meal (when available)
Mobile Order: Yes
Indoor Seating: No
Air Conditioning: No
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Best For: Loaded tots, comfort food, sharing, and a quick meal between Fantasyland attractions.
Where Is Friar’s Nook?
Friar’s Nook sits right next to Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Fantasyland, directly across the walkway from Pinocchio Village Haus.
It’s one of those places that’s easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it, but it’s incredibly convenient if you’re spending your day riding Peter Pan’s Flight, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, “it’s a small world,” or The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
Because it’s right in the middle of Fantasyland, it’s also one of my favorite places to grab a quick lunch without leaving the area.
Don’t Let the Small Menu Fool You
Friar’s Nook doesn’t have a huge menu.
In fact, it’s one of the smaller quick service menus in Magic Kingdom.
Normally that might be a downside.
Here?
Not really.
Everything I’ve ordered has been surprisingly good.
Instead of trying to offer something for everyone, Friar’s Nook focuses on a handful of comfort food favorites—and I honestly think that’s the right approach.
What I Recommend Ordering
I’ve tried three different menu items here, and I’d happily order all of them again.
Loaded Tots
These are easily one of my favorite savory snacks in Magic Kingdom.
The crispy potato barrels are loaded with toppings, making them filling enough to work as a light lunch or a meal to share. If you enjoy the Loaded Fries at Casey’s Corner, these have a similar “fork-and-share” comfort food vibe, just with potato barrels instead of fries.
If you’re someone who loves loaded fries or nachos, these are right up your alley.
Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites
One of my favorite things I’ve ever eaten at Friar’s Nook was the Mac & Cheese Hand Pie.
Unfortunately, Disney has since discontinued it, which is a real bummer because it was one of my favorite savory snacks at Magic Kingdom. The flaky pastry wrapped around creamy mac and cheese made for a surprisingly filling and satisfying lunch.
The good news is that it has been replaced by Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites, which keep that same cheesy comfort-food vibe in a different form. While I haven’t had a chance to try the new version yet, it looks like a fun replacement and is definitely on my list for my next visit.
Apple Fritter Donuts
These were good…
But they were also my least favorite thing I’ve tried here.
They’re incredibly sweet.
If that’s your thing, you’ll probably love them.
Now, I’ve heard people compare these to apple cider donuts, and I just don’t agree.
I’ve had plenty of fresh, warm apple cider donuts from orchards and farm markets over the years, and these really aren’t the same thing. Those have a soft, cakey texture with a subtle apple and cinnamon flavor. The Apple Fritter Donuts at Friar’s Nook are much sweeter and richer.
Personally?
I’d rather save my dessert calories for a visit to Storybook Treats or one of the many other desserts around Magic Kingdom.
If you’re looking for my favorite sweet and savory treats throughout the park, don’t miss my guide to the best Magic Kingdom snacks.
Great Food…Just Don’t Expect Air Conditioning
The biggest downside to Friar’s Nook has nothing to do with the food.
It’s the seating.
Unlike nearby Pinocchio Village Haus, there isn’t any indoor dining here.
Instead, you’ll find covered outdoor seating under a large awning.
The shade definitely helps, but if you’re visiting during one of those hot, humid Florida afternoons, don’t expect this to be your cool-down break.
If escaping the heat is your priority, I’d probably head across the walkway to Pinocchio Village Haus or over to Columbia Harbour House instead.
Is Friar’s Nook Good for Families?
Absolutely.
In fact, I think this is one of the easiest places to share food.
The loaded tots are perfect for splitting.
The hand pie is surprisingly filling.
Even the desserts are easy to share if you’re just looking for a little something sweet.
Because the menu is fairly small, ordering is quick, Mobile Order works well, and you’re usually back to riding attractions without spending a huge chunk of your day at lunch.
Who Might Want to Skip Friar’s Nook?
As much as I enjoy Friar’s Nook, it isn’t the right choice for every family.
If you’re looking for a large menu with lots of options, you’ll probably be happier at Pecos Bill or Columbia Harbour House.
Likewise, if air conditioning is high on your priority list, this probably isn’t the restaurant I’d recommend during the hottest part of the day.
Friar’s Nook is really about one thing:
Comfort food.
If loaded tots, cheesy hand pies, and hearty snacks sound good to you, I think you’ll love it.
Things to Know Before You Go
A few quick tips before you visit:
- Use Mobile Order during lunch hours.
- Seating is outdoors but covered.
- Most menu items are large enough to share.
- It’s one of the most convenient lunch stops if you’re spending most of your day in Fantasyland.
Is Friar’s Nook Worth It?
Definitely.
In fact, I think it’s one of the more underrated quick service locations at Magic Kingdom.
Would I choose it over Columbia Harbour House?
Probably not.
Would I choose it over Pinocchio Village Haus?
Almost every single time.
The food is creative, comforting, and consistently good.
Sometimes that’s exactly what I want in the middle of a Disney day.
Final Thoughts
Friar’s Nook may be small, but don’t overlook it.
Between the loaded tots, the mac and cheese hand pie, and its convenient Fantasyland location, it’s become one of my favorite places to grab a quick bite while exploring this part of the park.
Just know what you’re getting.
This isn’t the place to cool off in the air conditioning or linger over a long lunch.
It’s a place to grab delicious comfort food, recharge for a few minutes, and get back to making Disney memories.
And if you’re still deciding where to eat, be sure to check out my guide to the best Magic Kingdom quick service restaurants, where I rank every major quick service location based on my own experiences.
