Tortuga Tavern: A Seasonal Quick Service Spot at the Magic Kingdom

If you happen to be visiting the Magic Kingdom during the busy summer months, spring break, or even during the winter holiday season you might have a chance to dine at Tortuga Tavern. This quick service spot serves Mexican fare and is only open seasonally for lunch and dinner, which means if the crowds are big enough you'll probably be able to dine there.

Tortuga Tavern is open 'seasonally' at the Magic Kingdom

The Tortuga Tavern is located across from Pirates of the Caribbean and was previously known as El Pirata y El Perico until a name change back in 2011. The counter service restaurant has a pirate theme and serves a smallish menu specializing in Mexican food.

Unlike most of the other quick service spots at the Magic Kingdom, Tortuga Tavern is a "seasonal" spot which means it's rarely open. But when it is open it's very likely that it will be busy especially if you're stopping by during the "traditional" lunch and dinner hours. You might find smaller crowds if you dine during "off" hours.

Grub and Grog at Tortuga Tavern!

The decor of the restaurant features a pirate theme complete with the Jolly Roger, dinnerware worthy of a pirate ship crew, a mural of Blackbeard near the toppings bar, and even a book of crew rosters from The Black Pearl and the Queen Anne's Revenge.

Outside you might notice some damage in the courtyard, but never fear. It's just Disney's version of pirate bullet holes. There's even a Tortuga Tavern Code of Conduct. Who knew a pirate pub would have rules?!?

The code of conduct at Tortuga Tavern

And if you happen to stop by Tortuga Tavern during an "off" part of the year you can still get a peek at the decor because the room where the toppings bar is located is an area for the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game.

The current lunch menu at Tortuga Tavern features beef or chicken burritos, beef or vegetarian rice bowls, and a southwest chicken salad. In the past a taco salad and beef nachos have also been on the menu. It might be safe to say that the menu will likely change again.

You can add salsa, shredded cheese, and tomatoes to your menu items at the toppings bar. Just be warned: there is no liquid cheese at the toppings bar!

Kids can choose from peanut butter and jelly sandwich or two cheese quesadillas. The drink menu includes soft drinks, water, juice, milk, and hot beverages. Your dessert choices are triple chocolate cake or cookies and cream gelato.

A burrito with all the fixings at Tortuga Tavern

Seating at Tortuga Tavern is available inside and outside and it's usually at a premium so be prepared to hunt for your table. Again we suggest dining during an "off" time, say 11 a.m. or 2 p.m.

It should also be noted that sometimes during the busy holiday season the Tortuga Tavern has been the spot for an "Island Buffet." Our friends at the Disney Food Blog reviewed this seasonal offering.

Is Tortuga Tavern on your list of quick service spots when you're visiting the Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments.

Many thanks to the Disney Food Blog for use of their photos.