4 months after opening, Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has shaken things up with a rather major menu change. For more information on this establishment, please check out our original review, but if you have already seen that, then let’s dive right on in to what’s new…

So what has changed? New to menu are the beef sliders and the fish tacos. The seasonal fish balls and the wagyu beef were removed from the menu altogether. Other than that, some item prices were changed: Pork Ribs are down $1, the chicken wings are also down $1, but the head cheese plate went up $5 for some reason. Portions did in fact grow in several dishes, which we will show you below. You can refer to the old menu in our original review, if need be.

African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders ($14)

Completely new to the menu are the African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders. While they are $14, they are quite good. Tender, well-cooked beef on a soft, flaky bun with a tomato sauce on top makes for a perfect combination. Still a relatively small dish, but one of my favorites.

Sustainable Fish Tacos ($8)

The fish tacos were kind of a letdown. I honestly think that the counter service fish tacos at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot are better. The fish tasted well prepared, but there was nothing added to the flavor by anything accompanying it. I would not order these again.

Vegetarian Summer Roll ($7)

The Vegetarian Summer Roll was doubled in size with no price increase, but it also tasted and looked far different than it did the first time. The rolls, to me at least, had a strange “plasticy” flavor and texture. The accompanying dipping sauce is great, but these rolls aren’t what you’ll want to dip in them.

 

Indian Butter Chicken Wings ($9)

 

These wings still aren’t very good, but at least you get more than 3 now (and the price was decreased, which is nice). There’s still something off about these. I feel like I’m still expecting a lot of spice, but it just never happens.

 

Pork Ribs ($9)

Still my personal favorite small plate at Nomad Lounge, the portion size for the ribs adds 2 ribs, now making this something I will likely order overtime I come here. A sprits of lime makes these unforgettable, with the ribs themselves cooked until the meat practically falls off the bone. If you try one dish here, this is my recommendation.

OVERALL

Per my original review:

The food menu is really solid and may even improve as the days progress (our server was surprised to hear we did not like the wagyu beef). The drink menu might be second to none quite honestly. I can’t think of a specialty drink menu at Walt Disney World where I would have a more difficult time picking a beverage. There is a lot on this drink menu and a lot of it is absolutely phenomenal. Nomad Lounge will without a doubt will be a regular drink destination for us, and the bread service and ribs will likely be on the must-order short list overtime as we visit. The atmosphere alone is worth your money, never mind anything they will serve you. Kudos to all involved in the creation of Animal Kingdom’s latest masterpiece.

I still love Nomad Lounge, and nothing has changed my feelings on their stellar drink menu. These changes to the food menu are overall an improvement, adding some value for your dollar. I do still wish that the wings were better, and the vegetarian roll was definitely not as good as it was previously, but the addition of the sliders and the improved rib and chicken portions are a good start. The food menu here isn’t perfect, but I would still also recommend the bread service and the Taste of Tiffins dessert from here as well. After 15 or so visits now, the drink menu is still my favorite on property, and still very much the main reason to go to Nomad Lounge.

If you want a guaranteed amazing meal, there’s always Tiffins next door…

Tom Corless