While Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando offers a vacation chock full of fun and entertainment, it is exhausting. When you need a break from the parks, head to Disney Springs, where you will find plenty of shops and restaurants to explore.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is a favorite among locals and has somewhat of a cult following. During the Christmas holiday season, the eatery undergoes a complete overhaul and offers unique food and beverage items.
So, how is the Hangar Bar menu at Christmas? Let’s peel back the onion layers and find out.
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Who Is Jock Lindsey?
Before we dive into the holiday menu at the Hangar Bar, let’s give you some quick background so you have a better feel of what to expect at the establishment.
Although an obscure character, fans of the Indiana Jones movie franchise will recognize the name. Jock Lindsey is the pilot hired by Dr. Jones in the film, Raiders of the Lost Ark to fly him to remote locations in search of artifacts. Jock has a pet snake named Reggie. Of course, Dr. Jones is terrified of snakes.
What is the Normal Hangar Bar Decor?
The Hangar Bar is a casual joint bursting at the seams with aviation props. It is more of a bar with tasty appetizers and small plate items. The menu and unique decor make for a fun and friendly atmosphere. If you do not care for the restaurant theme, the Hangar Bar offers an outdoor seating area with a lovely water view.
What is on the Regular Hangar Bar Menu?
The regular menu carries staples like flatbreads, tacos, and wings. Some of the most popular items include Air Pirate’s Cargo Loaded Pretzel, Tacos Al Pastor, and Reggie’s Snakebite Sliders. I can personally vouch for each of the last three dishes. All are pretty good.
The giant pretzel resembles a charcuterie board and comes with sliced brats, salami, cheddar, pickles, spicy mustard, and a beer cheese fondue. It pairs nicely with a draft beer.
The tacos comprise grilled corn tortillas with citrus chipotle pork belly, red cabbage, and a flavorful pineapple pico de gallo. It is delicious with light notes of an underlying heat. Yes, the sliders are a nod to Jock’s pet snake. Juicy beef patties get topped with cheese, shredded lettuce, delicious house-made pickles, and a delightful tomato-bacon jam.
The bar serves many tasty cocktails with fun names that pay homage to the Indiana Jones movies. Drinks include the Cool-headed Monkey, Fountain of Youth, Reggie’s Revenge, Safari Sangria, and the Bitter Barkeep. Browsing the menu for a beverage is half the fun in the charming theme restaurant.
What is the Most Coveted Seat in the Restaurant?
Toward the back of the bar, you will discover a diving bell. At first glance, it may seem like another prop. The submersible accommodates six guests comfortably and provides a bit of privacy. Our group of eight squeezed into the booth-style seats. However, we needed more space.
Please note that the unique seating area is famous. Patrons swarm the diving bell when the restaurant opens its doors. It remains occupied until the bar closes.
Admittedly, we lined up outside the Hangar Bar half an hour before it opened to claim our prized seats. Yes, other guests were jealous, if not angry. It is true; the early bird gets the worm.
Wait, what is Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar?
During the holiday season, the Hangar Bar receives a complete makeover. The watering hole looks like Christmas elves snuck in at night and tossed holiday decorations everywhere. Although it may seem gaudy or tacky, you cannot help but smile as the holiday spirit fills your soul.
The re-theming typically takes place by mid-November and lasts throughout the holiday season. During this time, the restaurant is affectionately dubbed Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar.
Holiday Light Bites
Let’s explore the holiday light bites.
Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs
The cranberry barbecue meatballs look like the chef tossed random pieces of fruit on a plate of meatballs. That said, the all-beef meatballs burst with juicy goodness. The cranberry barbecue sauce takes you on a pleasant flavor trip.
Although the clutter of diced fruits seems odd, it brightens the plate and your spirits. Plus, the fruits pair well with the barbecue sauce. What at first seems bizarre works well.
Here We Come A-Croquetting
The appetizer I was most excited to try was my least favorite. I am not saying it is terrible, but I rank it at the bottom of the holiday offerings.
The ingredients all sounded good. I expected the turkey croquettes with sweet potato puree, bacon-cranberry jam, turkey gravy, and herbed gremolata to taste like Thanksgiving. Ultimately, the mushy appetizers did not pack the hoped-for flavor punch.
Jock’s Famous Pigs in the Blanket
I fondly remember eating pigs in a blanket and macaroni and cheese with my family. So, the appetizer is a comfort food.
The Holiday Bar elevates a simple dish frequently made by home cooks using sausage instead of hot dogs. Dip these in the tart and tangy cranberry-mustard sauce, and your tastebuds spark to life.
Naughty or Nice Deviled Eggs
Once again, my preconceived notions betrayed the experience. I least cared to try the deviled eggs. Yet, this was my favorite item on the holiday menu. These come in “nice” and “naughty” versions. Since you can’t split the order, we placed an order for each.
Crispy ham sits atop both versions. A sweet honey glaze coats the ham on the nice eggs, while the naughty eggs comprise spicy honey-glazed ham. The dish featuring green eggs and ham would make Dr. Seuss proud. For good measure, the offering includes red eggs.
Both versions are tasty, but I give those naughty deviled eggs the edge. Pair them with a holiday cocktail, and you will have a rip-roaring time for the next few hours.
O’ Ham N’ Cheese Trees
White cheddar stars sit atop Christmas tree-shaped puff pastries with ham and garlic herb butter. A sugar plum jam accompanies the decorative finger food, inviting you to take a dip. The fruity jam pairs perfectly with the puff pastry, drawing a contented smile.
Holiday Libations
When you feast on a tasty holiday appetizer, you may need a festive concoction to wash it down. Let’s take a look at the holiday libations.
Post-flight “Milk” and Cookies Coquito
This offering pairs a coconut-based alcoholic drink originating in Puerto Rico with holiday cookies. The cookies include:
- Bourbon-eggnog snowflake cookie
- Gingerbread reindeer cookie with dulce de leche filling
- Chocolate-peppermint Christmas tree cookie
The coquito is a traditional Christmas drink, sometimes called a Puerto Rican eggnog. This version is made with Bacardi rum.
Hot Chocolate Grail Flight
The Holiday Bar offers a flight of hot cocoa rather than beer, wine, or cider. These hot chocolates deliver unique flavors and a holiday spirit. The flight consists of:
- Spiced Caramel with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
- Cookies n Cream with White Chocolate Stoli Vanil Vodka
- Peppermint with Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur and Bols Creme de Menthe White Liqueur
Eternal Snowfall
The Eternal Snowfall is a colorful drink bursting with flavor. Ingredients include vodka, gin, orange liqueur, rum, pineapple syrup, and sour mix. The glass is topped with a Bols Blue Curacao Liqueur float and garnished with a snowflake sugar piece and lemon wheel.
Jock’s Holiday Martini
Creamy goodness awaits you. A unique twist on a classic martini, Jock’s holiday version mixes Frangelico Liqueur, vodka, Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, hazelnut syrup, and half and half. It is sprinkled with cinnamon and garnished with star anise.
Merry Margarita
Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar combines tequila, ginger liqueur, lime and pear juices, cinnamon syrup, and hibiscus syrup for its Merry Margarita. The drink is garnished with a holiday sugar piece and lime wedge. You should find it spiced perfectly for winter yet refreshing.
Holiday Cherry Cocktail
Everything about this drink screams Christmas. Stoli Vanil Vodka is mixed with cherry liqueur, simple syrup, and cranberry juice. The glass is then sprinkled with edible glitter and garnished with a cherry. If nothing else, it is festive.
Ginger Mule
The Holiday Bar’s Ginger Mule consists of Frangelico Liqueur, Stoli Vanil Vodka, and Fever-Tree Ginger Beer. Your bartender will add a cinnamon stick and cranberries to give the drink a little winter spice. It is a nice twist on the classic mule.
Should You Visit the Disney Springs Holiday Bar?
A visit to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is fun regardless of when you visit. During Christmas, the Holiday Bar provides a unique experience with its tacky decor, festive fare, and winter drinks. You will enjoy the ambiance and the holiday menu—a toast to Indiana Jones and Santa for providing you with fond memories. Just keep an eye out for Reggie!
Featured image credit: Miles with McConkey
