California Grill Lounge for Drinks

[SweetSpot]

I haven't been able to find any current information so maybe someone could help me. I would love to go to CG but only for a drink, possibly appetizer, in the lounge. I don't care if I am there to see fireworks so will avoid that time. Is it possible to do this?

 

[TDC Nala]

Yes. You must ask at the 2nd floor check-in desk.

 

[SweetSpot]

Thank you for such a quick response!

 

[SweetSpot]

I should have also asked do we need to get dressed up to go to the lounge? I am not a t-shirt wearer, and try to always look presentable but we will be doing parks and walking all day so wouldn't want to be running to the hotel to change for a drink.

 

[Tara]

Unless I'm missing something (and I've dined there goodness knows how many times - at least a dozen times), there isn't really a lounge - there's an extended bar and you can sit there to eat, so drinks and appetizers wouldn't be a problem. But it isn't physically removed from the restaurant, so that might influence how you want to dress. You'll still have to conform to the dress code (not that I think you had any question about that part).

See the bar here - the large open area is usually filled by lots of people milling about while they wait for their tables to be ready and only that first low wall divided the bar area from the rest of the restaurant: http://www.bigfloridacountry.com/contemporary/Dis_7-28-07_058.jpg

 

[TDC Nala]

Yes, there's a lounge area with tables and chairs. It is small and it is really not all that physically separate from the dining room though. However, you may sit there as long as you like, and you can order from the full menu.

 

[Tara]

Yes, there's a lounge area with tables and chairs. It is small and it is really not all that physically separate from the dining room though. However, you may sit there as long as you like, and you can order from the full menu.

Where is it?

 

[TDC Nala]

In the photograph you posted, the guy in the picture...it would be on his left. The corner of one of the lounge chairs is visible in the lower right of the photo.

 

[SweetSpot]

I've never been up there so I really appreciate the information. I pictured a lounge separate from the restaurant. I would never go up there not properly dressed which is why I asked first. I would feel uncomfortable and very out of place. I would love to have a drink there because I know we will never eat there. Nothing on the regular menu is very appealing to plain eaters like us.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Be sure to go early--or late. Without a reservation they MAY not even let you in.
As mentioned, the lounge is a tiny little area and the bar is usually SRO anywhere near fireworks time.

 

[Googelibear]

I've never been up there so I really appreciate the information. I pictured a lounge separate from the restaurant. I would never go up there not properly dressed which is why I asked first. I would feel uncomfortable and very out of place. I would love to have a drink there because I know we will never eat there. Nothing on the regular menu is very appealing to plain eaters like us.

I am glad that you are concerned about the standards at CG. We were up there a couple of years ago for the first time and were appalled at the choice of clothing some guests made. I was also upset that no one stopped them when they checked in.
There were people in cut-offs (shirts and pants), old ratty t-shirts. It was not pretty and made us feel very uncomfortable.

I have seen that "lounge" part in the restaurant and would prefer the bar for drinks and appies

Have fun

 

[ElizabethB]

No worries. There is no dress code other than no tank tops on men, no torn jeans, no swimsuits and no t-shirts was distasteful pictures or words.

As long as you are not wearing one of the above, you are "properly dressed". You won't be stopped nor will anyone else. Disney tried to institute a business casual dress standard some time ago, but it never took. So, they gave up.

You'll see everything from cargo shorts, t-shirts and sandals to khakis and sun dresses. I certainly haven't seen any cocktail dresses on women or jackets on men. Theme park wear is fine.

If you want to dine in a place with a real dress code, V&A is the only restaurant at WDW in that category.