STK could bring a new vibe to Disney Springs

Disney Parks Blog STK will be the only restaurant at Disney Springs to offer rooftop dining.

One of the new restaurants slated to open at Disney Springs later this year could bring a very different vibe to the family-friendly shopping and dining area — a little more “meat market” than steakhouse.

STK already has nine locations around the world, from Los Angeles and New York to London and Milan. Each spot is a little different, but they all seem to skew young, hip and hot. They’re described as chic, contemporary and luxurious — “not your daddy’s steakhouse.” And with DJs in some locations, they encourage guests to “mingle and have fun” and “say hello to your table neighbors.”

Visit the downtown New York restaurant’s web page, and this is the first picture you see:

The One Group

The picture fits the dress code that appears on each location’s web page:

For the ladies, throw on a LBD and a pair of your favorite heels. For the gents, grab your blazer, throw it over a collared shirt and add the final touch with dress shoes. Articles of clothing such as tank tops, flip-flops, swimwear, ball caps, and other forms of athletic apparel are not permitted and shorts are not suggested. Dress to impress…you never know who you might meet.

For me, this begs the question: Have these people ever been to Disney World, let alone eaten at a restaurant there?

There are certainly differences between the locations — the midtown New York location, for instance, leaves out mention of buying a drink for the “modelesque beauty you’ve been eyeing” at the bar. And the dress code at Disney Springs surely will make allowances for its location in the family vacation capital of the world.

Still, it seems clear STK could change the vibe of Disney Springs, perhaps aiming to draw more of the young local crowd who may be spending their Friday nights at Universal’s City Walk.

 A look at the menu

The Disney Springs menu will surely be different from other locations, but to get a taste for the place, we checked out the Miami menu.

The One Group 14-ounce bone-in filet.

Among the more interesting salads: Hawaiian hearts of palm, and heirloom tomatos with delice de Bourgogne cheese and pistachio pesto. More daring appetizers include beef tartare and crispy lobster tails. There is also an extensive raw bar.

The steaks, of course, are the stars. They range in size from 6 ounces (a filet medallion for $35) to 34 ounces (a cowboy rib steak for $92). You may choose from a variety of toppings and/or sauces. Sides look pretty standard for a steakhouse and include mac and cheese, brussels sprouts and creamed spinach.

If steak isn’t your thing, there is a selection of entrees, including lamb, short ribs, and a variety of fish.

The fun dessert menu includes a “bag o’ donuts,” “banana cream pie in a jar,” and a mini ice cream cone sampler.

STK will be the only spot at Disney Springs to have rooftop dining, Disney said this week. STK’s downtown New York location also has a rooftop venue, which offers a “lighter version” of the restaurant’s menu. Our guess is this location will allow guests to order off any menu, but that remains to be seen.