Epcot’s New Regal Eagle Smokehouse Inspired By Muppets’ Sam Eagle

If you’re looking for prim, proper, and patriotic food in World Showcase, Sam Eagle would like you to fulfill your civic responsibility by having a respectable meal at his new restaurant.

The Regal Eagle Smokehouse will take over the former Liberty Inn location in the American Adventure Pavilion. Photo credits © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Regal Eagle Smokehouse will take over the former Liberty Inn located in the American Adventure Pavilion. Photo credits © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Opening soon, the “Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue” will take over the location previously occupied by the Liberty Inn in Epcot’s American Adventure pavilion. The quick-service restaurant is named for the venerable Sam Eagle, the earnest Muppet supporter of all things appropriate and American.

The Regal Eagle Smokehouse will be the home of “Sam’s Centennial Cook-Off: A Salute to All Cook-Offs but Mostly Barbecue,” which “Sam” describes as “a competition fit for all patriots and pit masters.” A variety of backyard barbecue selections from around the USA will square off in pursuit of Sam’s top honors.

Menu features foods from around the USA

More details on the fast-casual menu can be found here, but look for everything from a Texas beef brisket sandwich to a South Carolina smoked sausage sandwich, with Kansas City smoked chicken and Memphis dry-rub pork ribs mixed in too. Plant-based options and craft beers will also be available. Sam Eagle will surely be pumped up to sample such a quintessentially American menu (in a very dignified manner, of course).

Sam Eagle adorns the entrance at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse. Photo credits © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Sam Eagle adorns the entrance at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse. Photo credits © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Sam will be featured throughout the restaurant, including on the entrance sign and posters promoting the barbecue competition. He’ll also play a role in exclusive Regal Eagle Smokehouse merchandise.

The poster for Sam's Centennial Cook-Off - A Salute to All Cook-Offs But Mostly Barbecue." Photo credits © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The poster for Sam’s Centennial Cook-Off – A Salute to All Cook-Offs But Mostly Barbecue.” Photo credits © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Disney has not announced a formal opening date yet but expects the first meals to be served sometime this winter. Surely Sam will not be pleased with any delays.

Excited to try some barbecue in World Showcase?