Sommerfest Review at EPCOT: Come for the Pretzel
Thinking about eating at Sommerfest in EPCOT? Here’s my honest review of the pretzel, bread pudding, bratwurst, and whether this Germany Pavilion snack stop is worth visiting.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Sometimes I think restaurants try to do too much.
Sommerfest is not one of those restaurants.
The menu is tiny.
You basically have three choices.
A bratwurst.
A giant pretzel.
Or the pretzel bread pudding.
Honestly?
I kind of like that.
There’s no standing there for ten minutes trying to decide what sounds good. You walk up, pick one, and move on with your day.
What I Ordered
I’ve actually tried two of the three main menu items.
The pretzel…
I loved.
Seriously, it was one of the better pretzels I’ve had at Disney World.
It was soft on the inside, nicely browned on the outside, and exactly what I wanted.
Would I order it again?
Absolutely.
In fact, I probably will.
The giant pretzel from Sommerfest also earned a spot on my list of the best snacks at EPCOT. If you’re trying to prioritize your stomach space, this is definitely one I’d recommend.
I also tried the pretzel bread pudding.
I thought it was good.
Not “drop everything and go get one” good.
Just…good.
If somebody wanted to split one with me, I’d happily eat it again.
Would I make a special trip across World Showcase just for the bread pudding?
Probably not.
If you’re planning your meals ahead of time, don’t miss my guide to the best quick service restaurants at EPCOT, where I rank all of my favorite counter-service spots around the park—including Sommerfest.
The One Thing I Haven’t Tried
The only thing on the menu that I haven’t eaten is the bratwurst.
That being said…
I’ve had bratwurst inside Biergarten, and it was excellent.
Since it’s basically the same sausage, I don’t really have any reason to think the Sommerfest version would be any different.
So if bratwurst is your thing, I wouldn’t hesitate to order it.
The Location Is Pretty Great Too
One thing I really like about Sommerfest is where it’s located.
The seating is outside, and normally I’d count that as a downside.
But this is Germany.
The tables are tucked into that beautiful courtyard behind the pavilion, so it’s actually a really pleasant place to sit for a little while.
No, it isn’t air conditioned.
But it also doesn’t feel like you’re sitting in the middle of a concrete walkway baking in the Florida sun.
And if you happen to be there at the top of the hour, stick around for a minute. The glockenspiel clock comes to life with little figures that ring the bell, and it’s one of those fun EPCOT details that’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s happens. I always love little touches like that.
Is Sommerfest Worth It?
I think so.
Especially if you are looking for something quick and easy that still feels a little more interesting than another burger or basket of fries.
This is not the place I would send someone who wants a huge meal with tons of choices.
That is not really the point.
Sommerfest works best when you want one good thing, you want it fast, and you do not want to spend half your afternoon sitting in a restaurant.
And honestly, that describes a lot of my EPCOT days.
What I Would Order Again
The pretzel.
Easy.
That is the answer.
I liked the bread pudding, but the pretzel is the thing I would actually go back for.
It is also one of those snacks that is really easy to share, which is helpful in EPCOT because there is always something else you want to eat ten minutes later.
Actually, if you still have room after your pretzel, walk a few steps over to Karamell-Küche. It’s one of my favorite places in all of EPCOT for something sweet, and it’s become a tradition for me to stop there whenever I’m in the Germany Pavilion.
The bread pudding is more of a “sure, I’ll have a few bites” dessert for me.
The pretzel is a “yes, let’s get one” situation.
A Few Things to Know
There is not a ton of seating.
And it is all outside.
So this is not where I would go if I desperately needed air conditioning and a long break from the heat.
But if the weather is decent, or if you just want to sit in the Germany Pavilion courtyard for a little while, it is actually a really nice spot.
The courtyard is pretty.
There is usually plenty going on around you.
And you are right next to Karamell-Küche, which is either very convenient or very dangerous depending on how much self-control you have.
I will let you decide.
Final Thoughts
Sommerfest is simple.
That is probably the best thing about it.
You are not coming here for a massive menu or some once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
You are coming for a bratwurst, a pretzel, or a warm dessert in one of the prettiest little courtyards in EPCOT.
And sometimes that is enough.
For me, the pretzel is the clear winner.
The bread pudding was good.
The bratwurst is probably great based on what I have had at Biergarten.
But the pretzel is what I would actually order again without even thinking about it.
So if you are standing in Germany trying to decide what to get…
Do not overthink it.
Get the pretzel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sommerfest worth it?
Yes, especially if you want a quick snack or light meal in the Germany Pavilion. The menu is small, but the food is solid and the courtyard is a nice place to sit for a few minutes.
What should I order at Sommerfest?
I would get the pretzel. I loved it, and it is the item I would most likely order again.
Is the bread pudding good?
Yes. I liked it, but it was not one of my favorite desserts in EPCOT. I would happily share it again, though.
Does Sommerfest have indoor seating?
No. The seating is outdoors in the Germany Pavilion courtyard, and there is not a huge amount of it.
