Flame Tree BBQ in Animal Kingdom

My favorite place to eat at the Animal Kingdom is the Flame Tree BBQ. In my opinion, they have the best barbecue of any Disney park. Located on Discovery Island near the bridge to Dinoland, Flame Tree BBQ is a Quick Service restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner.

At Flame Tree, the portions are very generous. If you order one meal and an appetizer, such as the onion rings, it is easily enough food for two to share. I usually get the 1/2 slab of St. Louis ribs, which comes with baked beans and coleslaw. They used to have the biggest and best cornbread muffins I've ever had, but sadly, they aren't always available. However, it's still a great deal at $11.69. It's definitely one of the better dining values at Disney. My family and I have tried about half the menu and loved everything.

Here's an overview of the great food available at Flame Tree:

• 1/2 Slab St. Louis Ribs, baked beans, and coleslaw $11.69
• 1/2 Chicken (Smoked), baked beans,  and coleslaw $10.49
• Pork Sandwich and coleslaw $9.19
• Ribs and Chicken Combo, baked beans, and coleslaw $15.19
• Smoked Chicken Salad with mixed greens, pinto and garbanzo beans, tortilla chips, and chipotle ranch dressing $9.19
• Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich on multi-grain bread with cranberry mayo $9.19
• Jumbo Turkey Leg and coleslaw $11.79
• Turkey Leg $9.79
• Onion Ring Basket $3.99

The kids meal options start at $5.49 and include:

• Baked Chicken Drumstick, Hot Dog, Chicken Sandwich, or PB&J
• A choice of 2 sides - grapes, carrots, yogurt, or cookies
• A drink

There are three different barbecue sauces, which are absolutely fantastic, as well as ketchup and other condiments, available at the condiment cart. The usual Coke products are available here as well as cocoa, coffee, hot tea, Bud Light, Safari Amber, three different wines, and a new drink: Mandarin Orange Vodka Lemonade.

The barbecue sauce from Flame Tree is so popular, that they receive requests for the recipe every day. If you're interested in trying it at home, here's the recipe.

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 Tbsp molasses
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp mild chili powder
1 Tbsp paprika
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground cloves

Combine all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 35 minutes. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

The seating areas are open gazebos with lots of tables. Each gazebo has carvings featuring a predator and it's prey, which is rather interesting. Additional seating is available near a pond area that often has birds in it. Disney has a firm policy about not feeding the animals, however, you should know that the birds are unaware of this policy. While eating in one of the gazebo areas, I have had a crane dart in and steal a chicken bone right off my tray faster than I could blink. If your kids are afraid of animals, this may not be the best choice for you, although young Bean thought it was hilarious!

Flame Tree BBQ is a great place for a quick, inexpensive meal. I usually eat there every trip and would definitely recommend it. So if you're looking for fantastic barbecue at Disney World, try Flame Tree BBQ. You won't be disappointed.