Hungry Bear Restaurant Review
Hungry Bear Restaurant is a counter service restaurant in Disneyland’s Critter Country that serves a variety of foods, from healthy options to comfort foods. Thanks to an excellent entree and dessert menu and its beautiful view out over the Rivers of America, it’s one of our favorite counter service restaurants at Disneyland Resort. We’ve dined here several times, and love everything about the place, including its theming to one of my favorite Walt Disney World attractions, the Country Bear Jamboree.
Each of our meals at Hungry Bear Restaurant has been delicious. This review of Hungry Bear Restaurant will cover several of our meals there. The first time we visited Hungry Bear Restaurant after its big refurbishment and new menu, I decided in advance that I was going to go way out on a limb there, and try the Fried Green Tomato Sandwich, which was a huge departure from my normal fare because it didn’t contain meat.
While I will experiment with my food, I am an unabashed carnivore, and will not try a vegetarian plate, no matter how good it may otherwise sound. In fact, I was so confused as to what one of these “vegetables” things might look like, that when I initially received a chicken sandwich by mistake, it actually took me biting into the sandwich to realize that it was not what I had ordered.
My first Fried Green Tomato Sandwich was okay. It honestly didn’t quite live up to my expectations (I had heard really good things about it), but it was still better than a lot of Disney counter service dishes. I think part of the problem was that I had set my expectations for it a bit unreasonably high. Plus, it was a bit odd biting into a sandwich and not tasting a delicious animal in there. The fried green tomato itself was a bit too small, there was too little dressing, and the multi-grain bread a bit too dry. Otherwise, the condiments and vegetables on the sandwich were abundant and seemingly fresh.
I’ve tried this more recently on a few occasions, and am happy to report that it was much better. There was more flavor thanks to a better mix of dressing and fresh vegetables, and the fried green tomato was larger. It has really grown on me over time, to the point that relaxing on the balcony eating a Fried Green Tomato Sandwich while looking out on the Rivers of America at sunset is one of my favorite ways to relax at Disneyland.
On other visits, I’ve also ordered the chicken sandwich, which was a good option, especially for counter service. It’s something I’d definitely order again (and obviously did, given that I had it twice on the trip). It’s nothing overly amazing, but good nonetheless, and the real star of Hungry Bear Restaurant, in my opinion, is its location, desserts, and ambiance.
Sarah got the Turkey and Provolone Sandwich on each of our trips, as she enjoyed it so much the first time that she didn’t want to deviate from a successful choice. It’s not the type of thing I order at Disney given that it seemed like “just a deli sandwich,” but I will admit that it tasted quite good. I’d rather have something a bit more complex, and I think if you can’t make a decent turkey sandwich, something is wrong. That’s just me, though, and I definitely can understand the desire to go with it given that it is relatively healthy, and does taste pretty good.
Most dishes at Hungry Bear Restaurant are accompanied by the sweet potato fries. I’m not a fan (our long national nightmare is over, as you can now get regular fries here again). Thematically, I think they work well here, but Disney is introducing them everywhere, so it’s not a matter of theme, it’s a matter of them being trendy.
Sweet potato fries are marginally better for you than regular fries. However, to offer them as the only fry-like option is a bit disappointing, given that they don’t have broad appeal. I think if Disney is going to offer unique menu items–and it absolutely should–it needs to offer balance. That said, if it’s a matter of offering only conventional foods or a bit more unique options, I would much rather have the unique options. I think a mixture of the two is the best business model, and I have to believe the kitchens at issue here are large enough to accommodate both, but what do I know.
In advance of the trip after seeing it featured on the Disney Parks Blog, Sarah had her mind dead-set on one of the Lemon “Bumblebee” Cupcake; she was actually reasonably excited about it. Once we saw it in person, there was good cause for this. It was huge, and looked very well prepared. It actually looked like it would be worth the $4.99 price tag (but honestly, we would have bought that sucker if it were $29.99, given the hype we built for it in our heads).
While the entrees at Hungry Bear Restaurant are ‘merely’ above average, the desserts are the runaway stars of the show. On our trips, we got the Lemon Cupcake twice and the Mini Bluberry Pie once. Both were out of this world. I thought the cupcake was large-enough for us to split, but I think Sarah had other plans, asking why I didn’t get my own. I said I would just eat any of it that she didn’t want, if she didn’t want any.
Sarah didn’t up not eating a fair portion of the cupcake, even though she said it was absolutely delicious. And it was absolutely delicious. Moist, rich but not to the point that you can only eat small portions, and most importantly, balanced in flavor. This last one was big for me. All too often lemon flavors are too strong, and are overbearing on any supposed complimentary tastes. Here, the lemon was understated with a honey-vanilla taste, and was a perfect pairing with the chocolate of the cupcake itself. This cupcake is the stuff legends are made of.
More recently, Disneyland has added Trixie’s Pie to the dessert menu at Hungry Bear Restaurant. This dessert is incredible–so good that it recently made our “Top 7 Disneyland Counter Service Foods” list. We highly recommend this, but it’s a very rich treat, so you’ll probably want to split it!
Overall, I think counter service seems to be improving at Disneyland. The new Hungry Bear menu is excellent, and the menus at Trader Sam’s, Tangaroa Terrace, and Village Haus all look excellent. Yet people still constantly knock Disneyland Counter Service food.
People just like to complain about things, and Disneyland CS food has a bad stigma based upon the last however many years. With regard to most CS restaurants, that stigma is simply untrue. I think part of the problem is that people want something to turn their noses up at: “Fast Food? I only eat at Napa Rose and Club 33.” Certainly the latter restaurants are better, but I don’t see why people can’t appreciate things for what they are. Disneyland’s “fast food” is very good, and there’s no reason to knock it.
To compare it to more expensive fare is ludicrous, and is along the same lines as comparing the Storybook Land Canal Boats to Pirates of the Caribbean. They’re a different experience: enjoy each of them on their own terms. Not every attraction is going to be an E-Ticket; likewise, not every restaurant is going to taste like a $50/plate steakhouse. I know there are those out there who would rather eat at some chain on Harbor to save $4, but I’d much rather spend the extra $4 and remain in the “Disney bubble,” and enjoy the themed Disney ambiance. I’m sure it’s not the same for day-trip AP holders, but that’s my philosophy.
Overall, Hungry Bear is an interesting creature. It’s one of those places where the end is greater than the sum of its parts; individually, the entrees are not all that amazing. They are good, to be sure, but not knock-your-socks-off amazing. Couple those good menu items with the phenomenal desserts and secluded ambiance, and Hungry Bear is a real winner, if not the best counter service option at Disneyland. If this will remain true once we try the other recently opened restaurants remains to be seen, but for now, it’s an excellent option, and is not to be missed.
As for figuring out the rest of your Disneyland trip, including how to save money on Disneyland tickets, our Disney packing tips, whether you should stay off-site or on-site in a Disney hotel, where to dine at Disneyland & Disney California Adventure, and a number of other things, check out our comprehensive Disneyland Trip Planning Guide!
Overall Score: 9.5/10
To read other Disney restaurant reviews from Disneyland Resort, organized by location, check out our Disneyland Dining Reviews Index.
Your Thoughts…
Are you a Hungry Bear Restaurant fan, or is it not among your favorite locations? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Tom, the Fantasmic-on-the-go menu for Hungry Bear is quite different from it’s normal sandwiches and burger choices. Is it potentially worth a review of that option for its menu options and seating for the show? Your readers from AZ will appreciate it.
Tom,
Just went to DL yesterday (April, 2016) and ate at Hungry Bear, based on your reviews and great photos. I was extremely disappointed! The menu items were: fried chicken sandwich, Caesar turkey wrap, and cheeseburgers, with a choice of French fries or onion rings. Kids can get a healthier fare with the power pack that includes apple and carrot slices, yogurt, fish crackers, and milk (which is hardly a meal but at least has healthy options). Unfortunately you can’t buy any of the healthy options a la carte. My 7 yo daughter got the power pack which was enough for her. The 3 adults had the chicken and onion rings. Ugh. We almost floated away in a vat of grease and everything was overcooked. I know, I know, we chose the fried items so what can we expect, but even those were done poorly. Honestly, it’s exactly the kind of fare I expect to find in an amusement park, but my hopes were up after your beautiful pictures and descriptions. This is not to blame you at all. I just want other park goers to know what to expect. I wish we had hunted down the bread bowls I saw a lot of people carrying around!!
Thanks for your blog. It helped us a lot in planning our day yesterday and we had a great time!!
My life is ruined!! Disney websites say the bumble bee cupcake and tomatoe sandwich are no longer on the menu. 🙁
Hey Tom,
I love your blog!!! I can wait to do the Disneyland resort pub crawl 🙂 We are going back to Disneyland in November and I was planning on trying the fried green tomato sandwich after reading this, but I think its gone. I noticed other comments mentioning that so I went to their menu online yesterday and its not on there 🙁
Just thought I would pass that along.
Thanks!
Obviously I meant “can’t wait” to do the crawl**
So I was just at Disneyland this week, and after reading this review I was looking forward to having the fried green tomato sandwich and lemon bumblebee cupcake…only to find that they no longer serve either! It was a huge disappointment to say the least. The cast member I talked to told me that they had stopped serving the fried green tomato sandwich literally the previous day, so that’s a huge bummer, and she said the cupcake had been gone for a while. I didn’t see Trixie’s Pie on the menu either. And the sweet potato fries are now a secret menu item, so I had to ask to get them. So overall, most of what I was looking forward to at Hungry Bear is now gone! Very sad. I thought maybe you’d like to make a note on this review that these items aren’t available anymore.
Wait–are you sure the Fried Green Tomato Sandwich is off the menu for good, or were they just out of it that day? I got it last week. As for the lemon bumblebee cupcake, they also had that (not sure what the CM means by “gone for a while” with that one) early last week.
Hopefully this is a case of Cast Member mis-information, and not true. That sandwich is too good to disappear.
I am pretty sure – I didn’t see it on their menu, and the Cast Member said that they didn’t serve it anymore – she said they now serve it at French Market Restaurant (but I went over there and didn’t see it there either…). And she said no where in the park served the Lemon Bumblebee Cupcake (it also wasn’t on their menu).
What a great post! There is nothing like having dinner by the water at Hungry Bear and waving at people as the Mark Twain or Colombia boats go by, it’s a great experience and a quiet place to eat and sit down for a while.
The bumblebee cupcake is my fave and yes it is humungous! Definitely worth of trying 🙂
Thanks for posting this! I love the pictures! Hungry Bear is my favorite place to eat at Disneyland 🙂
Hello,
Thanks for the reviews. But we are only staying one night at the Disneyland Hotel and would like a suggestion on a place to eat maybe (3) places. One at the Hotel and one at each of the parks. Would you waste the time for a better longer sit down meal or just at at quick service place.
Thanks,
Dan from Albany, NY
Hi Dan,
My advice is to plan where to end up around lunch if you want anything other than the fruit carts or hot dog/corndog stands. We brought a small backpack cooler with ample snacks, but if you want to eat out I’d consider Hungry Bear if you find yourself over there, and Pizza Port is decent. We like to pit stop instead of do table meals before dinner, but ate in Downtown Disney three nights we stayed there. Pricey as well, but easier. The Grand Californian dining options didnt seem that amazing so we skipped.
Love the photos and appreciate the review of the location! Kind of a generous summary for just a “good” chicken sandwich and a “disappointing” Fried Green Tomato sandwich. Furthermore, you didn’t seem to like the accompanying side dish. And, as you say, it’s hard to screw up a deli sandwich.
I understand that you like to eat there, and I very well may eat there as well. And you do conclude that “the end is greater than the sum of its parts”. Still I’d hope for more than a merely “good” entree for a 8.5/10 meal. I guess that if the entree was good it’d be a 10/10?
Thankyou very much for all of your reviews! They are all very helpful and interesting to read!! You must have a blast reviewing all these yummy things in Disney! Thank you so much, again, for the amazing reviews! Keep em’ coming 😉
Glad you like the reviews!
I agree with your assessment of CS at Disneyland. I used to live <15 minutes from DL and as an AP holder and frequent visitor, we would head back to the parking lot at lunch, haul out some camping chairs and eat our homemade sandwiches. I know right now you're saying, "What?!" that doesn't agree with this article at all. But I think its the difference between experiences. We never ate CS (or TS for that matter) because DL was a day trip for us. To afford the ever escalating AP prices, we would bring our lunch. But when we go to WDW, we go for the immersive experience. I couldn't imagine bringing my lunch in a cooler and eating in the parking lot, but I'm sure plenty of Orlando locals do just that.
Since your trips are always immersive multi-day adventures, I can see how you would rather eat in the parks and enjoy the entire experience. I think its the 'day trip' mentality you mentioned that leads to the bad reputation of DL food. But for me, I was more than happy to sacrifice DL food with a homemade PB&J and get to go to the park twice a month. It doesn't mean DL food is bad, its just that I'd rather spend my money on more trips. I know thats not everyone's reason for not eating DL food, but thats mine.
I totally get what you’re saying, and can’t say I’d necessarily do it differently if I lived that close. It’s just when I read threads on MiceChat or elsewhere in which APers bash the prices and food quality of Disneyland. Yeah, things are expensive, but it’s all relative to location. If I go to a Colts game in Indianapolis, I don’t expect to pay $1.50 for a cup of beer even though I could get that much beer for less than that price at the grocery store. It just seems like concept of supply, demand, and convenience go out the window when Disney fans discuss the parks.
Awesome review! My wife and I booked a week at the Grand Californian this fall, this will be our first trip to Disneyland. Seems like the Hungry Bear is just my speed, I imagine I’ll be stopping there more than once.
Enjoy your first trip to Disneyland!!! It’s really a special place!