Ah, Paddlefish at Disney Springs a floating feast that is nothing short of a culinary adventure! If you’ve ever set foot in Disney Springs, you know it’s a haven for food lovers, with a range of vibrant restaurants and indulgent dishes, but Paddlefish? Well, Paddlefish takes dining to another level. This place isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a journey, an experience, and for this Saucy Queen, it was an absolute treat. But as always, I came, I saw, and I tasted—because what’s royalty without a bit of indulgence?
For my visit, I decided to go big—or should I say lobster big? Yes, indeed, I set my eyes on the Whole Maine Lobster. A mere $70, and what arrived was nothing short of majestic. Presented alongside red potatoes, the whole thing was steaming and calling my name. The aroma? Freshly steamed lobster with a hint of butter and salt wafted through the air, and I’m not going to lie—I swooned a little. That smell, combined with the warm breeze and the vibe of being on a floating restaurant, made me feel like a queen at the height of her reign.
But then… reality struck. Let me tell you, cracking open that shell was a mess. The shell fought back, the claw seemed impossible to crack open, and before I knew it, I was in full fisherman mode—clawing for morsels of meat. Sure, the lobster was delicious, but was it worth the struggle for every tiny bite? Sigh. As much as I love indulgence, it was all too messy for my regal tastes. I prefer my meals with a side of elegance, not shell-cracking chaos. Delicious? Absolutely. But messy? A little too much for my Queenly preference. So, while I’d recommend the lobster in terms of taste, I’d suggest perhaps bringing along your own shell-cracker—just for ease.
But now, let’s talk about the real show-stealers: the Fried Green Tomatoes. You might be wondering—tomatoes? Fried? Trust me, darling, these were not your average side dish. These tomatoes were crispy, golden, and absolutely packed with flavor. The moment I bit into them, I had a revelation—who knew tomatoes could taste this good? Juicy, crispy, and with just the right balance of savory and tang, they were a 10/10 in my royal book. Honestly, I would go back just for these little gems. The Saucy King (my ever-discerning companion) was equally smitten. These fried green tomatoes completely stole the show, and they’ll forever have a place in our hearts (and our bellies). If you go to Paddlefish, DO NOT skip them. Trust me—these crispy delights will make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about tomatoes.
Now, you didn’t think I’d skip my favorite comfort food, did you? Crab Topped Fries—yes, please. These skin-on French fries, smothered in blue crab and Louie dressing, are one of the staples I absolutely cannot resist. There’s something so comforting about the crispiness of the fries paired with the rich, succulent crab and tangy dressing. It’s indulgence at its finest—pure saucy decadence. The blend of textures, from the crispy fries to the soft, sweet crab, makes these a must-try. Whether you’re sharing or hoarding them for yourself, these fries are just the right kind of comfort food.
Let’s dive into a few more saucy delights from the menu because this Queen needs more!
Beef Skewers ($19): The steak itself? Oh-so-tender, practically melting in my mouth. But that house steak sauce—while flavorful—decided to take center stage, leaving the delicate beef a little overshadowed. A royal decree to the kitchen: a lighter touch, please!
Sausage & Peppers ($17): Crispy chouriço paired with shishito peppers and a sweet chili aioli that’s just the right balance of heat and sweet. Pair it with a crisp bottle of wine on Paddlefish’s upper deck, and you’ve got the perfect bite to savor under the stars. Saucy tip: Watch out for those cheeky seagulls—they’re as interested in your plate as you are!
Shrimp Pasta ($27): A seafood lover’s dream! Perfectly cooked linguine with juicy shrimp, fresh asparagus, and tomato in a rich, crab-infused broth. It’s packed with flavor, great value for the price, and absolutely shareable—though, fair warning, you may not want to.
From deck views to delectable bites, Paddlefish knows how to keep a Queen and her court coming back for more!
Now, let’s talk about drinks—because what’s a meal without something to wash it down, right? For me, nothing quite hits the spot like a crisp glass of 83 Rosé. It’s one of my absolute favorites. Light, crisp, refreshing, and perfect for cutting through the richness of lobster, crab fries, and fried green tomatoes. I may have indulged in more than one glass (a lady’s allowed, right?)—and every sip was just as delightful as the first. You’ll want to sip it slowly, but you might find yourself reaching for another, and another.
As for my Saucy King—he ventured into uncharted territory with a Krombacher Lager. A bit of a bold choice, but as he’s quite the connoisseur of lagers, I was curious to hear his verdict. He found it… okay. Let’s just say it didn’t blow his royal socks off. He’s a man of tradition, and he’ll likely be returning to his tried-and-true favorites next time. But for a casual, laid-back beer, I suppose it was fine—just not something to write home about.
Let’s talk about the ambiance because Paddlefish isn’t just about the food—it’s also about the experience. We love the bar area at Paddlefish, where you can sip your drink while enjoying the view of Disney Springs. But the real treat is the upper deck. If you’re lucky enough to visit when the Florida humidity has decided to take a break (think October or November), you’ll be in for a treat. The view from the upper deck is everything. The breeze, the beautiful surroundings, and the perfect vibe for a date night or a casual hangout. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, all while sipping your drink, gives you that sense of calm that only waterfront dining can provide. It’s one of those experiences where you feel like you’re on a little vacation within a vacation. If you’re looking for a spot with a romantic view or just a place to enjoy the evening air, the upper deck is the place to be.
So, what’s the final verdict? Paddlefish at Disney Springs gets a solid 8/10 from this Queen. Despite the lobster mess (a slight royal mishap, shall we say?), the food was exceptional, the service was top-notch, and the setting was ideal for a relaxing evening. The Fried Green Tomatoes and Crab Topped Fries alone make this place worthy of a visit. And the 83 Rosé? Well, let’s just say it had me feeling like I was sitting on a throne.
Will I be back? Absolutely. But next time, I’ll be leaving the lobster shell cracking to someone else. Maybe the Saucy King can handle that.
Paddlefish, you’ve impressed me with your gorgeous setting, outstanding food, and impeccable service. Well done. I’ll certainly be back—but next time, with fewer lobster bits flying around. 👑
Stay Saucy, The Saucy Queen
PS – my Saucy fish lovers – check out the Fish and Chips at Raglan Road – such a regal treat.
