Ale & Compass or Sebastian's Bistro?

[Wayland10]

I made my ADRs yesterday for the first part of a split stay between AKL Kidani and Beach Club. For the last day, since we'll be moving to Beach Club, I was trying for dinner at Beaches and Cream, but I didn't have any luck at all. On the phone app I was able to make reservations for 6:05 for Ale and Compass, and later on the computer I was able to make reservations for Sebastian's Bistro at 6:55. I want to release one of them, but I'm having a hard time deciding. We have brunch at Homecomin' that morning at 11:30, and I was planning a pool day after that. Should we hang out at the pool until we need to go to Ale & Compass? Or should we head over the Sebastian's? The menu at Sebastian's sounds better (although we'll see when it opens), but Ale & Compass is convenient. Or should I keep trying for Beaches and Cream?

We're a family of 4, with kids of 13 and 10, and we're all fairly adventurous eaters.

 

[jemtx]

I’d hang out at the pool and enjoy SAB and either eat at ale & compass or B&C. We ate at both and enjoyed both. The food at B&C isn’t amazing, it it’s a charming place and certain things like the onion rings or a la mode brownie are really good. Keep trying to find an adr for it (you never know) and if not go with ale & compass. We had dinner there for the first time a few weeks ago and enjoyed it. We had pastas and Parker house rolls, good service, etc.

 

[corpcomp]

Have eaten many times at B&C without a reservation. But just a party of 3 waiting outside for 30-40 minutes. Since they expanded it about 18 months ago, frankly, we noticed the quality of the food went down the time we went and the atmosphere seemed off (like in very crowded in a large setting versus very crowded in a more family friendly setting.) Not been to the other two but would suggest you go after one of those others.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I haven't been to Sebastian's but really enjoy Ale & Compass. I think it has one of the best burgers on property and the Parker House rolls are so good. They also offer mobile order/takeout.

If you're interested in Beaches & Cream (we like it there too), definitely worth continuing to check as things open all the time. You could also set an alert with the free reservation finder service from Touring Plans (it will alert you of availability but you still need to log in and book). The atmosphere isn't as cute (not cute at all, really) but The Fountain next door at the Dolphin resort is also a "soda shop" with burgers and ice cream - note that it's currently closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Another option, albeit weather dependent and with pretty limited options, is ordering something poolside (burger, chicken strips).

Homecomin' is so good (& I eat so much there ) I'm not sure if I'd be hungry by 6. I think I would probably just want to hang at the resort for the remainder of the day, especially if your only day there.

 

[cruisin5]

I'd stick with Ale and Compass for convenience. As mentioned above, you may still be stuffed from brunch and the appetizers at Ale are great.