REVIEW: Fairfax Fare at Hollywood Studios Introduces Giant Baked Potatoes

Just a few weeks ago, the turkey leg was retired from Hollywood Studios and Fairfax Fare on Sunset Boulevard added some large baked potato dishes to their menu. We decided to head over last weekend to try these out, and here is what we found on our starchy expedition:

Small Southwest Salad (Side)

The side salad (served with each of the large baked potatoes) was a surprisingly good offering, so much so that I would rather they devise a full entree out of this. Looking at this, I was prepoared for the worst, but it actually was pretty tasty, blending fresh, healthy ingredients with a sweet corn flavor. Seriously WDW, please make this a counter service entree.

Loaded Fairfax Potato ($9.49)

This wasn’t bad, but it was mediocre at best. I love baked potatoes, so even the most poorly prepared one is probably something I can stomach. There was nothing special about this, but it’s probably a good addition in a park with fairly limited counter service options right now. The potato was cooked well enough and the toppings are what you would expect from any counter service location. It is large and filling for the price, but doesn’t deliver on the flavor. It’s not the worst quick serve meal and it’s not the best, it’s just sort of middle of the road. I don’t know how many other ways I could possibly say “meh” in this review.

Fairfax One-Pound Baked Potato ($10.49)

While the potato was of the same quality here, the tri-tip with brown gravy was fairly gross. It reminded me of the infamous “stewed beef” from the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon at the Magic Kingdom, and if you remember that review, you know why that is a bad thing… a very bad thing.

Vanilla Cupcake with Strawberry Buttercream ($5.59)

The strawberry buttercream on top tasted like warm strawberry ice cream, which somehow isn’t gross. A quality cupcake that blends well with the strawberry cream on top, yet probably pretty forgettable in the grand scheme of Walt Disney World desserts. This is a pleasant dessert offering and a cute photo-op if you love Minnie Mouse, probably no the best dessert option unless you absolutely need a Strawberry snack and are eating here.

Overall, I’m happy about the loss of the turkey leg from another park (as the sight of them makes me fairly ill), but I was hoping for something more here. Honestly, the loaded baked potato was solid, but would work better as a smaller side item. It is better than the Disney counter service french fries without a doubt, bnut does little to warrant being a full meal at a counter service location. Also, the one-pounders toppings are vile…

OVERALL SCORE FOR FAIRFAX FARE BAKED POTATOES – 3 OUT OF 7

• Category: Disney's Hollywood Studios, NOINDEX, Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World Resort