During our time at EPCOT today, we decided to check out what’s going on at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse construction site in The American Adventure pavilion. Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue is a new quick service restaurant that celebrates different regional barbecue and craft beers from across the States. The smokehouse is replacing the previous casual dining restaurant that stood here, Liberty Inn.

The seating area and entrance has been unveiled and is now open to guests; let’s take a closer look!

As we stroll by The American Adventure pavilion, we see a new colonial-style staircase welcoming us into the restaurant’s seating area.

Here’s the (partial) seating area, with temporary shrubbery concealing where the barbecue pit will be.

Seating and tables will surround the barbecue pit, with brick separating the restaurant from the rest of the pavilion.

These are views looking toward the Italy Pavilion.

The restaurant’s concept art is posted on the construction walls surrounding the site.

Construction walls still conceal the glass pane work for the pick-up and ordering windows. Currently, there’s still plenty of tables and seating available in this area for guests, despite the ongoing work.

Two crew members worked on the top railing that will line the building’s roof.

Metal brackets are in place where the restaurant’s main sign will go.

We’re seeing great progress since our last update.

Until the restaurant finally opens, we’ll be back on our way to the rest of the World Showcase!

While there’s no specific opening date set, Regal Eagle Smokehouse should open sometime this winter. In our opinion, it can’t open soon enough; we love some good barbecue! In the meantime, you can check out the restaurant’s full menu here.