The Saucy royal family – myself, the King, and occasionally the Prince – recently ventured to Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, the new restaurant at Disney’s Dolphin Hotel. This venue has replaced the much-loved Shula’s Steakhouse, and while change can sometimes be exciting, this one left us with mixed feelings.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the setting. Shula’s was dark, moody, and perfect for a cozy date night, even if you were dining at 5pm (which, as you know, is my preferred hour to eat). That moody atmosphere gave the illusion of dining late into the evening.
Bourbon Steak, by contrast, has gone in the opposite direction—bright, airy, modern. Some may love the fresh update, but for me, it lost a little of that “classic steakhouse” charm. Sitting there at 5pm felt exactly like 5pm.
This is where Bourbon Steak truly shines. The service was faultless—polished without being stiff, attentive without being intrusive. There seemed to be a specialist for everything: one person for cocktails, one for wine, one to deliver food, another to clear plates. Multiple staff checked in throughout the meal, and every interaction felt genuine. It was a clear 10/10 on service, and for that alone the restaurant deserves high praise.
I started with a blueberry martini, which was beautifully presented but very strong. Personally, I prefer the more balanced cocktails Shula’s used to serve, but if you like a bold drink, this one won’t disappoint.
The King sampled both a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon, both enjoyable though not remarkable. I stayed with my faithful rosé, which was crisp and refreshing. Altogether, the drinks list is strong, though I’d prefer cocktails with a lighter hand.
After ordering, we were brought a trio of fries with three dipping sauces. It was a playful and unexpected touch, and a clever way to win over the King, who had been sulking because fries were nowhere to be found on the main menu.
He reluctantly ordered the mashed potato to accompany his steak and ended up declaring it the highlight of his meal. So, in the end, all was forgiven.
I chose the scallops, which were perfectly cooked—delicate, buttery, and flavorful. The King ordered the shrimp cocktail, which looked impressive but came with so much tobacco that it was overpowering (however I might add, he did add this himself). One bite and he was reaching for his wine glass.
My choice, the short rib, was outstanding. Rich, tender, and full of depth, it was the kind of dish you’d happily order again and again.
The King went for his usual—ribeye. Sadly, it didn’t deliver. While cooked well enough, it lacked the wow factor you expect from a high-end steakhouse. He didn’t even finish it, which says a lot.
We also tried the black truffle butter bread, which at $14 feels extravagant for bread, but it was absolutely worth it. Warm, rich, and decadent.
For once, we passed on dessert. Between the appetizers, mains, and the bread, we simply couldn’t manage another bite. A rare occasion for this Queen, but true.
With tip, our total came close to $400 for two. Considering we didn’t order dessert, that’s a hefty sum. While the service and my short rib justified a portion of the cost, the overall experience didn’t quite live up to the price tag. A bit like STK in Disney Springs.
Bourbon Steak is polished, modern, and clearly run with care. The service was superb, and certain dishes—like the scallops, short rib, and truffle bread—were excellent. But compared to Shula’s, it lacks atmosphere, and the food didn’t quite deliver consistently enough for the cost.
Overall, I’d give it a 6/10. Worth trying if you’re curious, but not a place I’d rush back to. Try Todd English’s Bluezoo at the same hotel – now that’s a treat.
Stay tuned for more honest reviews and recipes from the Saucy Meal Queen and family.
