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I’d been wanting to try Mexican food in the Epcot pavilion at Walt Disney World for a couple of trips, and I finally convinced my husband to give it a try. Note–he let me give it a try. He sat this one out, right across the table from me. Jeff and Kristin are my picky travel companions, but they indulge me from time to time. Thank you!
I know that San Angel Inn Restaurante inside of Epcot’s Mexico pavilion doesn’t always get the best reviews, but I really liked it. I would go back again anytime. San Angel Inn is located inside the big pyramid in the Mexico area; there is another Mexican restaurant located across the way over the water–La Hacienda de San Angel. It’s easy to confuse the two. Just know that San Angel Inn is inside the pyramid. You’ll see it when you explore the pavilion even if you aren’t eating there.
Arriving at San Angel Inn
Since I teach, all of our trips have been during the summer months. I hope to be able to explore other seasons one day and see Disney events like the Flower and Garden Festival in Epcot. Since we try to travel in late May or early June, sometimes we can catch the topiaries from that festival. Here are the Three Cabelleros. You can see them during the festival or right after as you approach Mexico.
Once inside the pavilion, you can explore Mexico, even if you don’t plan to eat there.
On the backside of this display, you’ll find the Kidcot station. Every country in the World Showcase has a place for kids to color their fan and get a stamp from that country. It’s free! Kristin loves doing this.
As you make your way into the pavilion, you’ll find many booths for shopping.
Also, it’s night time in Mexico here, so it’s a wonderful place to cool off for a while.
Don’t forget to ride the boat ride, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Cabelleros, while you’re here. This ride is a family tradition for us, and kids usually love it. Watch the line, though. When we arrived for lunch, the line snaked through the queue. Usually, this ride is a walk on. If it has any kind of significant wait, I would consider trying it later.
Time for Lunch at San Angel Inn
If I was going to eat in the Mexican pavilion, I wanted to try my best to get a waterfront table. I wanted to watch the Gran Fiesta boats go by as we dined. So I made an Advance Dining Reservation, or ADR, at 180 days out from our trip. I made the ADR for opening so we could hopefully be near the railing. Mission accomplished!
We were one of the first parties seated. Immediately, the server brought us chips and salsa.
Since Kristin likes queso at Mexican restaurants, we ordered Queso Fundido for an appetizer, as well. They even made it plain for her without the peppers or onions. A picky eater win!
For the main course, Kristin had chicken tenders and rice. Another win!
If you’re worried about some people in your party not liking Mexican food, I think they would be fine here if chicken tenders will work. I’m pretty sure Jeff could’ve ordered an adult portion. He ultimately decided not to eat this day since we’d be heading back to the hotel after lunch for a break. On this trip, we stayed at the Boardwalk Inn for the first two days, so it was an easy trek back to the resort.
I chose the Carne Asada. It was delicious!
Mexican Food at Epcot
If you go to San Angel Inn Restaurante thinking it will be like a local Tex-Mex place, then you may be disappointed. I can’t say really how much authentic Mexican food I’ve had; some places near me claim to be, but I’ve never been to Mexico. But I did really enjoy my lunch here. We were all able to cool off and watch the boats go by. Sometimes you can hear the volcano erupt or the scream of a panther. This Mexican restaurant in Epcot is a lot of fun. It’s the experiences at Walt Disney World that keep us coming back, and this was a wonderful experience for us. I hope to repeat it one day!
Click below to read about some of our other dining experiences in Walt Disney World!
The Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno at the Boardwalk Inn
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway, Epcot
Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom
Be Our Guest Restaurant, Magic Kingdom
31 Comments
I love Mexican food and it looks like a perfect place to satisfy your cravings! I love the decor and the fact that there are some things to do as well.
This place looks beautiful and the food looks great! Thanks for the review
Good to know about making reservations 180 days in advance to get a seat near the railing! Thanks for the tip and great write up!
Thank you!
We love San Angel Inn! The atmosphere is great and we’ve always enjoyed the food there. I hope you get to go during one of the Festivals one of these days!
I haven’t been to Epcot in many years but the Mexico area is one of my favorites. Not sure if I have ever eaten there or not. But you can never go wrong with Mexican food.
Can’t wait to check it out!
Disney World really has so many places outside the parks. I never heard of this INN, thanks for sharing the info. The photos are crazy – that Mayan ruin looking thing – wow!
Looks lovely and so reminiscent of Chichen Itza!
I’ve never been to Epcot, but this looks like a really fun experience.
OH I remember eating here years ago!!!! There was a piece of the Kim Possible challenge in there too!!
How fun!
Mexico is my favorite place to eat at Epcot! The atmosphere inside the pyramid is so cool!
Great information, we have family going in September and they were looking for options!
Yum! I love Mexican food. And then if you add Epcot and they view it’s definitely a win.
It has been years since I have eaten there. I need to get back. I also have picky eaters, which is why we tend to skip it. Good to know that they can get chicken tenders.
Literally one of the first restaurants I remember going to at Epcot. Always a great time when I return!
Looks like you had a fun lunch! I love the atmosphere inside the pyramid.
Such a fun post! I love Disney but have never had a chance to eat at that restaurant. It looks great!!
I’ve never been there, but Mexican is a favorite of all of my kids, so this sounds like a great place!
I love Mexican food! Never been before, looks fun and yummy!
Thanks for the tips! Love a good Mexican!
Looks perfectly yummy to me! I love good Mexican food and thankfully have plenty of great options here in Colorado. Great info on getting advanced reservations!
Great tips! It looks like it has a great view, worth the extra effort to make sure you get to see it.
Thanks for the tip about making reservations ahead for the best view! I love mexican food so this would be right up my alley!
This looks simply delicious! I have never been to the Florida Disney World and Epcot, but am always hoping to plan a trip there.
I love Mexican food and will try it almost anywhere. I cannot believe your husband didn’t eat! That’s so funny!
All these travel posts makes me want to travel more!!
It’s been several years since we’ve been to Epcot, but it’s one of our favorites! And, Mexican food is amazing so we may have to try this next time we are there.
Mexican food is my favorite! It’s so hard to find authentic mexican food. Thank you for sharing!!
Oh my gosh! This looks perfect! I’ve only been to Epcot one time and that was back in 1998! I’m planning a trip for family, soon.