What’s The Best Counter Service at Animal Kingdom? These 5 Will Help You Decide!

I think you’re going to find my list of the 5 Best Counter Service at Animal Kingdom downright delicious!

Sure, the park is filled with attractions that bring you through a wild African safari, challenge you to defeat a menacing Yeti, and ride on the back of a Banshee! But believe it or not, these fantastical feats pale in comparison to the food found throughout the park!

Is this a surprise?! Come on, ThemeParkHipster… you know that we are all about the grub here! And based on the fact that you are reading this article, something tells me that you are too.

Now, there are currently over 30 hotspots to grab a bite at Animal Kingdom, according to the My Disney Experience App… and I’ve pretty much tried them all. But with so much to do and see inside the park, I want to focus on the Best Counter Service at Animal Kingdom to help you get in, get out, and back to the fun!

And in case you’re wondering… all of the Counter Service locations listed below are perfect for solo travel, as they provide plenty of readily available seating with a ton of fun Imagineering details to check out!

Animal Kingdom Expedition Everest in Florida Sun

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1. Harambe Market

If you’ve never been to Harambe Market, you’re missing out! Tucked away in the back right of Africa sits an open-air market, serving up hot and fresh African-inspired fare in a highly themed outdoor environment!

As the story goes, Harambe Market was constructed around an old colonial-era train depot. That is why this Counter Service location showcases a distinct one-of-a-kind menu— because it was created by using produce and raw goods delivered daily by the local locomotive.

Animal Kingdom Harambe Village with Wanjohi Refreshment Red Bike

When it comes to theming, every square inch of Animal Kingdom could win an award. But there is something special about the aesthetic and architectural quality of Harambe Market that makes it feel specifically authentic!

Exposed wires, handmade signage, and rope switchback lanes all help to set the stage for a very memorable dining experience.

Though it doesn’t have some of the additional trinkets that you may find at Tiffins or Yak & Yeti, the charm here is much more tangible and out there in the open… pun intended!

What to Eat at Harambe Market?

In addition to tasty ribs and a succulent chicken bowl, you will also find a Harambe salad with chicken, hot link bowl with plant-based sausage, and an adorable Simba cupcake inspired by The Lion King cub himself.

Harambe Market Menu Ribs and Chicken Bowl Grilled Chicken Bowl Simba Cupcake Animal Kingdom

Now, there are four windows from which to choose, Kitamu Grill, Famous Sausages, Chef Mwanga’s, and Wanjohi Refreshments. However, some of these serve the same thing. So, either pick the shortest line or whichever you feel is most Instaworthy!

  • Price Range: $
  • Top Dish: Harambe Salad with Chicken – Mediterranean-influenced Salad with Pepperoncini, Kalamata Olives, Cucumber, Tomato, and Feta served with Grilled Chicken with Greek-style Vinaigrette Dressing

Hipster Power Tip: While this is a Counter Service location, it does tend to get rather busy throughout peak hours. Hey, blame it on the tantalizing scents wafting from the kitchen! Make every minute at the park count by timing your meals according to crowd levels.

2. Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes

Found in Asia, Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes present a Counter Service menu that seamlessly blends the bountiful flavors of China, India and Nepal. 

American Kobe Beef Hot Dog At Yak and Yeti CafeBest Counter Service at Animal Kingdom
American Kobe Beef Hot Dog Animal Kingdom

Similar to Flame Tree BBQ and Harambe Market, Yak & Yeti showcases roomy outdoor seating with a plethora of Disney details to go around, including a stunning water feature!

What to Eat at Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes?

The menu is reminiscent of a Panda Express, featuring chicken and beef bowls, egg rolls, and fried rice. Though the selection may be a bit predictable, it certainly is yummy!

Yak and Yeti Counter Service Animal Kingdom
  • Price: $
  • Top Dish: Honey Chicken – Tempura Chicken, Carrots, Snap Peas, Honey Sauce and White Rice

Hipster Power Tip: If you like to start your park days bright and early, head to Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes for Breakfast!

3. Flame Tree Barbecue

Flame Tree BBQ is positioned in Discovery Island, offering guests an opportunity to enjoy a fine feast whilst being surrounded by tropical foliage, exotic sculptures, and vibrant décor, including boho-inspired lanterns, ironwork chairs, and more. Heck, it even presents a stunning water-front view of Expedition Everest!

Flame Tree Barbecue Animal Kingdom

While all this vibrant theming may seem like a lot to take in, we assure you that Flame Tree BBQ is one of the most relaxing (and shady) places to grab a bite on site! And while I’m on the subject…

What to Eat at Flame Tree Barbecue?

Enjoy an assortment of lip-smacking smokehouse meat and chicken dinners, served with a heaping side of coleslaw and baked beans… you know, just in case you had a little extra room to spare!

Oh, and if you can’t get enough of that Flame Tree BBQ Sauce, you can find a giant pump full on the condiment islands located within the restaurant. So, slather away!

Though the menu is a bit simplistic, it is the perfect place to share a meal because these portions are HUGE! And not only that, they also feature a Spice Rub and Flame Tree BBQ Sauce exclusive to this location!

  • Price Range: $
  • Top Dish: St. Louis Rib Dinner – St. Louis Ribs served with Beans and Coleslaw

Hipster Power Tip: A beautiful cornucopia of lively music, wonderful aromas, and awe-inspiring sights await. So, be sure to grab a good seat and stay a while!

4. Restaurantosaurus

Dine in a dino-themed dorm, located in… where else? DinoLand U.S.A.

If you and your family love dinosaurs, this is a must-do!

Restaurantosaurus Animal Kingdom
Restaurantosaurus Animal Kingdom

What to Eat at Restaurantosaurus?

The menu is pretty basic, serving up standard burger and nuggets. But the atmosphere is fun, filled with little dino-friendly tchotchkes. Not to mention, the service is some of the quickest you will find at the park!

Restaurantosaurus Menu Disney Animal Kingdom
  • Price Range: $
  • Top Dish: 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger – 1/3 pound Angus Bacon Cheeseburger with Lettuce and Tomato served with French Fries

Hipster Power Tip: Don’t skip over the Safari Amber draft beer!

5. Satu’li Canteen

Enter the Valley of Mo’ara and discover the World of Avatar! Once deep inside and through the mounds of bioluminescent foliage and mystical floating mountains, you’ll uncover the one and only… Satu’li Canteen!  

Disney Mobile Ordering with colorful grilled chicken and rice
Chicken Bowl at Satuli Canteen using Mobile Ordering at Disney

Here, you are invited to indulge in the art and culture of the Na’vi while dining inside a former RDA mess hall, now owned and operated by Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE).

This unique and understated Counter Service provides a fast yet casual dining experience that will be sure to please the palate and fuel you for your next big adventure!

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.

What to Eat at Satu’li Canteen

When it comes to the menu, get ready to pack your tastebuds with highflying flavor! Satu’li Canteen offers an array of international-inspired customizable bowls comprised of Pandora’s natural abundance.

Cheeseburger Boa Bun and Cocktail in Pandora World of Avatar FoodBest Counter Service at Animal Kingdom
Cheeseburger Boa Bun and Cocktail in Pandora World of Avatar Food

Truly, there is nothing that compares to these delicious pairings of flavors presented in each bowl; tender juicy meat, tangy chimichurri, pepper spice, and much more! All we can say is… you’re sure to be craving these on the plane ride home!

Pandora Desserts Satuli Canteen Avatar WorldBest Counter Service at Animal Kingdom
Chocolate Cake and Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse

Y’all, I’m not even playing with you. Satu’li Canteen may be my favorite Counter Service location in ALL of Walt Disney World.

  • Price Range: $
  • Top Dish: Slow-Roasted Sliced Grilled Beef Bowl – Slow-Roasted Sliced Grilled Beef marinated in a blend of Garlic, Herbs, Red Pepper Spice, and Red Wine Vinegar topped with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Boba Balls served with your choice of Base and Sauce.

Hipster Power Tip: Try everything on the menu! No, really… every time you visit Satu’li Canteen, try something new. Soon you will find… each bite is better than the last!

What to Know Before You Go

Now that you know where to find some of the best food in Animal Kingdom, let’s go through a few of the most commonly asked questions.

Trilo Bites Best Counter Service at Animal Kingdom
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Chips at Trilo-Bites

Where Can I Eat Counter Service at Animal Kingdom?

There are a ton of Counter Service from which to choose at Animal Kingdom! Here are a list of 6 that are the most popular:

  1. Flame Tree Barbecue
  2. Harambe Market
  3. Satu’li Canteen
  4. Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes
  5. Pizzafari
  6. Tree of Life Awakenings

What Should You Not Miss At Animal Kingdom?

Animal Kingdom is one of the most detailed parks in all of Walt Disney World. However, a few specific attractions do stand out from the rest, such as:

Kali River Rapids Water Ride Animal Kingdom
Kali River Rapids Water Ride Animal Kingdom

What Counter Service Is Open At Animal Kingdom?

Below are the current dining options open for counter service:

  1. Anandapur Ice Cream Truck
  2. Creature Comforts
  3. Dawa Bar
  4. Dino-Bites Snacks
  5. Dino Diner
  6. Drinkwallah
  7. Eight Spoon Cafe
  8. Flame Tree Barbecue
  9. Harambe Fruit Market
  10. Isle of Java
  11. Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery
  12. Mahindi
  13. Pizzafari
  14. Pongu Pongu
  15. Restaurantosaurus
  16. Tamu Tamu Refreshments
  17. Tera Treats
  18. Thirsty River Bar
  19. Trek Snacks
  20. Trilo-Bites
  21. Warung Outpost
  22. Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes

There are currently only two Counter Service locations unavailable at this time:

  • Caravan Road
  • Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.

Is Yak & Yeti A Counter Service?

The traditional Yak & Yeti Restaurant is not a Counter Service location. However, the Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes is a Quick Service alternative, offering very similar fare as the sit down restaurant.

Yak and Yeti Restaurant

In Conclusion…

Well ThemeParkHipster, I hope my list of the Best Counter Service at Animal Kingdom provided a helpful snack of information for your next journey into the jungle!

Hopefully you’ll walk away with a better idea of where to go for solid theming, food, and fun so you can make an informed decision on your next trip to Animal Kingdom!

Animal Kingdom Snacks
Save Image for Later on Pinterest!

OH – and one last thing before I go – be sure to list your FAVORITE Counter Service at Animal Kingdom in the comments below before you leave this page – because variety is the spice of life and this park offers a ton a great options to chew on!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

Ted Wioncek III Theme Park Writer with Family

Ted Wioncek III is a professional Show Director, who specializes in developing highly themed experiences with immersive live entertainment. His work has garnered him a reputation as a “master in storytelling.”

In addition, he is also a Walt Disney World Annual Passholdin’-D23 lovin’-DVC card carryin’-theme park enthusiast, specializing in theatrical review, food critique, and double-blind Dole Whip taste testing. Ted lives in sunny Florida with his beautiful wife, daughter, and their adorable rescue beagle, affectionately named, Professor Indiana Bones. You can contact him at TheDisneyPassport@gmail.com.

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