One of the many eating and drinking establishments around Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar. Named after the legendary aviator from the Indiana Jones film franchise, the bar/restaurant is themed after a 1940’s airplane hanger where Jock would often be found knocking back a few cold ones with his friends.
Inside, you’ll find spare airplane parts, postcards and memorabilia from around the world that take you back to the early days of air travel, and of course, the Indy films themselves.
This waterfront watering hole features two bars, one inside and one out, indoor and outdoor seating with the outdoor tables commanding waterfront views.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is more bar than it is a restaurant. Beer, wine and a cargo hold full of signature cocktails are available as well as a light bites menu.
Drinks such as The Scottish Professor (Monkey Shoulder Blended malt Scotch Whiskey, Hendrick’s Gin, Pear Nectar, Simple Syrup, and fresh Lemon Juice); Bitter Barkeep (Barsol Quebranta Pisco, Simple Syrup, and fresh Lime Juice. Contains Pasteurized Egg Whites); or the Cool-headed Monkey (Starr African Rum, Van Der Hum Tangerine Liqueur, fresh Lime Juice, Watermelon, and Pineapple Juice) served in a cool tiki mug are examples of some of the craft cocktails available.
I stopped by Jock’s on a Sunday night and the “dive bar” was pretty packed with all seating based on first-come, first seated. The inside bar was full, but I managed to score a seat at the outdoor bar that is pretty much right next to one of Disney Springs outdoor stages where a Bon Jovi tribute band was playing, so live music was a bonus!
It took about five minutes for the bartender to come over and take my drink order, in fact, he waited on people who sat down after me first. But it was busy, and there was a pretty distracting group of middle-aged women who just about reached the point where they had enough jet fuel in them to start up the engines in one of Jock’s old airplanes.
They eventually found their way over to do some dancing as they were truly “Livin’ on a Prayer” at this point.
But, I digress. Drink in hand, it was time to look over the light bites menu. Again, not a place you’re going to go and have dinner. This is a spot for a drink before, maybe an appetizer or a late night snack after an evening full of sampling the many offerings all around Springs.
Tuna Tacos, Pork Belly Sliders, Empanadas, and Sliders make up the small, ten-item menu with prices ranging from $9 – $16.
I asked the bartender, which items were his favorite on the menu and went with his recommendations. First up, was the Nang Tao Spicy Popcorn Chicken (crispy chicken chunks and popcorn tossed in spicy Togarashi seasoning served with Korean pepper sauce – $11). Three skewers of chicken with three nuggets each arrived in a galvanized bucket of popcorn. The nuggets were pretty much the standard ones you’ll find throughout Disney World, and honestly, they’re not bad.
This was a nice size portion, however, I didn’t get any hint of “spicy”. Yes, there was plenty of flavor, but nothing spicy like I was expecting. The salitiness of the popcorn was a nice compliment to the flavor of the sauce that covered the breaded chicken.
Next up was something I was a bit hesitant about but the bartender sold me on it when he said it’s his favorite thing on the menu – the Old World Pizza of San Marco (deep dish pizza topped with fresh tomato sauce, sweet basil, melted Provolone and pepperoni – $12).
When it arrived, it was more of a Sicilian style pizza than what I would call deep-dish. For my followers up in Northeast Pennsylvania, this would be something along the lines of an Old Forge style pizza. The dough was thick, but light with a crispy crunch to it. There was very little sauce, just a few dollops here and there and each piece of the eight cut “pie” had a piece of pepperoni. No, it wasn’t greasy, although I will admit, there are times when I long for a greasy pizza.
While you wouldn’t think about coming to a place like this for pizza or expect it to have a pie you’re going to rave about since there are Italian places at Springs that offer pizza, this wasn’t bad! In fact, it was pretty good and I’d go back and order it again, although I’d stress the extra sauce part of the order, or ask for some sauce on the side.
After the initial wait to get a drink, service was on-point the remainder of the night. My only criticism would be about the friendliness of the staff. The bartender was not a conversationalist and when he wasn’t making drinks he wasn’t making conversation with his guests. Instead, he would disappear into a side room and make an appearance every now and then to check on things. The food runner, who would appear out of nowhere, would just come up to you and put the food on the bar and walk away without saying a word. A bit odd for a bar that should have some energy!
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar accepts the Disney Tables in Wonderland card that gives you 20% off food and drink and free valet parking at Disney Springs. Just make sure to bring your receipt with you when you pick up your car from valet. I forgot mine and had to pay $20 – lesson learned!
Overall, a couple drinks, two food items and a $42 bill wasn’t bad for a night out. I’ll be back.