Steakhouse 71 Lounge Review (come for the cocktails, stay for the vegan burger)

espresso martini at steakhouse 71

If you’re looking for a good lunch or dinner at Walt Disney World, go no further. There is one restaurant near Magic Kingdom that never fails in delivering a delicious meal.

Steakhouse 71 Lounge (and also the restaurant) continues to be one of my favorite dining locations at Disney World. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast, lunch, dinner, or sitting in the Steakhouse 71 Lounge, you can’t go wrong.

Here’s my review from when I ate dinner at Steakhouse 71 Lounge on August 16, 2024.

In this article


What is Steakhouse 71 Lounge?

Located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Steakhouse 71 Lounge is attached to Steakhouse 71, the former location of The Wave…of American Flavors.

The restaurant and lounge reopened with the new name and design on the 50th anniversary of Disney World on October 1, 2021.

steakhouse 71 lounge seating area

The name of course has meaning behind it, as it’s named for the year the Contemporary first opened. The space exudes history and nostalgia, especially through the photos posted in the entry hallway.

The style of Steakhouse 71 represents the 1970s, but in a modern and contemporary way. The menu also offers nods to Walt Disney with dishes inspired by some of his favorites, including The Steakhouse 71 Feast or Walt’s Prime Rib Hash for breakfast (these are only available when sitting down inside the restaurant).

Steakhouse 71 Lounge doesn’t have a walk-up list in person or in the My Disney Experience app to join. You also cannot make reservations.

bar at steakhouse 71 lounge

Seating is first come, first served. If available, you can sit at the few tables in the lounge or at the bar. Typically, bartenders will come over and wait on you at the tables.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to be staying at the hotel to eat or drink at Steakhouse 71 Lounge. But, Disney World hotels can sometimes be strict about letting in non-resort guests, unless they have dining reservations. Deluxe hotels seem to be stricter about this compared to Moderate and Value resorts.

If you drive yourself or use rideshare, there is a chance the security guard at the entrance won’t let you in to park or be dropped off, especially since Steakhouse 71 Lounge doesn’t take reservations. If you use Disney World transportation (a bus or the monorail) or walk from the Magic Kingdom, there won’t be any issue.

How much does Steakhouse 71 Lounge cost?

  • It’s important to note that prices and menus frequently change at Walt Disney World. The following is based on my most recent visit.

The cost of eating and drinking at Steakhouse 71 Lounge depends on what you order. There is a limited menu compared to the menu at the restaurant. Lounge bites range between $10.00 and $23.00. You’ll typically pay anywhere from $13.50 to $18.00 for a cocktail.

If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, it is accepted here (1 Table Service credit per person). Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members do not receive a discount.

Here’s a look at the Steakhouse 71 Lounge food and drink menu. This will give you a better understanding of what is available and how much food and drink items cost.

There are also allergy-friendly options, but guests will need to speak with a Cast Member about their allergy-friendly request(s).

Lounge Menu

steakhouse 71 lounge menu

Drink Menu

cocktail menu at steakhouse 71 lounge

Steakhouse 71 Lounge Review

First, adult beverages, because that’s how I like to start most of my meals.

Steakhouse 71 Lounge has some fantastic cocktails. Since it’s a full bar, you can pretty much order anything, including an Espresso Martini for $15.00.

It doesn’t just look lovely, it also tastes beyond delicious.

espresso martini at steakhouse 71 lounge

Usually, my go-to beverage here is the Cigar City Jai Alai for $10.50, which I once again had during this visit. This is made for IPA fans. It’s flavorful and hoppy in all the right ways.

You can find Jai Alai on draft and in cans at several locations across Disney World.

cigar city jai alai beer at contemporary's steakhouse 71 lounge

I didn’t have this cocktail during my most recent visit, but I also recommend the Heron Gimlet for $14.00. This comes with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Chartreuse Green Liqueur, Seedlip Garden, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, and Lemonade.

It’s more on the tart side and you can definitely taste the lemonade. It’s a simple, yet refreshing cocktail.

heron gimlet at steakhouse 71 lounge

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the massive shareable drink you can order both at the lounge and in the restaurant — the 1971 Sunset.

This used to be known as the “Tequila Sunrise for Two”, but it’s still the same drink just with an updated name. This costs $28.00 and comes with Herradura Reposado Tequila, POG juice, rosemary simple syrup, and house-made grenadine.

Yes, it’s worth the $28.00.

1971 sunset at steakhouse 71

Now, let’s chat food. There are many fantastic options to choose from, but the Vegan Stack Burger is unbelievable.

This costs $23.00 and comes with an Impossible burger, sweet pickles, red onion, vegan mayonnaise, and vegan cheese. And, yes, the cheese is melted! This is one of the best vegan burgers you can find at Disney World.

vegan stack burger at steakhouse 71

While not listed on the menu, all you have to do is ask if you can have a vegan version of the Stack Burger that is on the menu.

Keep in mind that this is only available during lunch inside the restaurant, but you get it anytime at the lounge.

vegan onion rings at steakhouse 71

Also, be sure to order yourself a side of the plant-based Steakhouse 71 Onion Rings served with a vegan spicy ranch dipping sauce for $10.00. You’ll thank me later.

And, finally, dessert. This is the Steakhouse 71 Signature Chocolate Cake. It costs $13.00 and consists of 15 layers of Jack Daniels-infused chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and topped with raspberries.

steakhouse 71 signature chocolate cake

This is not on the lounge menu, but if you ask nicely, the bartender may just be wonderful enough to grab you a slice.

I dream of this cake. It’s light, moist, and not too rich.

It’s important to also note that like many other Table Service restaurants at Disney World Resort hotels, you can order food to go from Steakhouse 71. In the My Disney Experience app, there is “Steakhouse 71 To Go”, which is mobile order for Table Service.

steakhouse 71 to go in my disney experience app

You can mobile order from the full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and then pick it up at Steakhouse 71.

This is such a nice perk, especially for those staying at Contemporary.

Is Steakhouse 71 Lounge worth it?

Steakhouse 71 Lounge (and the restaurant) is worth it. You get high-quality cocktails and food that are reasonably priced.

Plus, there are fantastic vegan and vegetarian offerings that are worth every penny and bite.

steakhouse 71 entrance at contemporary resort

I love to dine at Steakhouse 71 when I’m at Magic Kingdom, especially since it’s within walking distance.

Magic Kingdom doesn’t have the best food, especially compared to the other parks. So, if you want a break from the park or are looking for a better quality meal, try Steakhouse 71 Lounge.

More often than not reservations are easy to snag at the restaurant, but if you don’t want to be tied to a dining reservation, aren’t able to book a reservation, or are looking for a last-minute dining option, try the lounge. You won’t be disappointed.


Have had been to Steakhouse 71 Lounge? Let me know your thoughts!

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