Artist's Point, California Grill, or neither?

[WriteDisney]

I already have Artist's Point booked for our upcoming Sept vaca (me and DBF) but I'm having second thoughts. We have family who were just in WDW and ate at the California Grill (and went back to the viewing platform and watched wishes) and thought it was amazing.. so now I don't know if I should change our ADR to California Grill..

We really wanted to see the Wilderness Lodge.. never been.. but maybe we don't have to eat there to visit...

Also, were on the dining plan, so it would count as two meals... we ate at Yachtman's Steakhouse last time we were there.. and although it was very nice.. we weren't sure it was worth using two table service dining credits and vowed to not do it again...

We were looking for a special meal for our trip, since it's basically our biggest vacation of the year. So, what do you think? Should we stay with Artist's Point, change to California Grill, or do neither?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Pakey]

I would look at the menus and select the place that you believe offers you more of the type of food you are interested in trying. Since both places are expensive (or use 2 TS credits), I personally would want to eat the best food.

They are very different in both the food and the atmosphere and I don't think it's easy to compare one against the other. AP is going to be rustic, cabin looking with that pacific northwest menu. It will be quieter, tables are a little further apart. CG is hustle, bustle, noisy, tables closer together, a more eclectic menu.

 

[Frankiesmom]

I would say to do both! We always do- as they are our 2 fave places! Either one you choose will make for an amazing meal!

 

[bsusanmb]

Depends what kind of food you like. If you like California cuisine and sushi, then CA Grill. If you like steak, salmon, and we had the most delicious buffalo sirloin...then Artist Point. Artist Point is more relaxed and quiet. Ca grill can get really noisy. They are both nice and we usually eat at each one on our vacations.

 

[tiggr33]

I would look at the menus and select the place that you believe offers you more of the type of food you are interested in trying. Since both places are expensive (or use 2 TS credits), I personally would want to eat the best food.

They are very different in both the food and the atmosphere and I don't think it's easy to compare one against the other. AP is going to be rustic, cabin looking with that pacific northwest menu. It will be quieter, tables are a little further apart. CG is hustle, bustle, noisy, tables closer together, a more eclectic menu.

Very well said. If you have to pick one of the two, then the above suggestions are very sound. I agree it is like comparing apples to oranges, they are so different. Both serve excellent food. Ambience is quite different.

 

[MissionMouse]

If you are fine with the menus of both California Grill and Artist Pointe we would select the Grill. We have dined at both. We have lived in the Rocky Mountain region for a decade and were more pleased with the Grill for dining atmosphere, service, menu and food quality.

 

[serendipity]

We just ate at both this past weekend. Artist Point was MUCH better from the ambiance, to the food. When you're finished you can walk around the beautiful lobby, watch old faithful erupt and see the water parade. The food was superb. We had the mussels (amazing), cheese plate (amazing), salmon (good) and buffalo steak (out of this world). The dining room is beautiful with huge paintings everywhere and is very quiet and romantic. Tables are far from each other giving privacy. Service was outstanding.

California Grill was okay. We're huge sushi people and thought we can get just as good sushi at home at a much less expensive meal. My husband had the filet and we both agreed it wasn't as good as Artist Point. The restaurant itself isn't as pretty, but it does have a nice view. It's also very loud...kind of like a NY singles bar.

 

[bsusanmb]

We just ate at both this past weekend. Artist Point was MUCH better from the ambiance, to the food. When you're finished you can walk around the beautiful lobby, watch old faithful erupt and see the water parade. The food was superb. We had the mussels (amazing), cheese plate (amazing), salmon (good) and buffalo steak (out of this world). The dining room is beautiful with huge paintings everywhere and is very quiet and romantic. Tables are far from each other giving privacy. Service was outstanding.

California Grill was okay. We're huge sushi people and thought we can get just as good sushi at home at a much less expensive meal. My husband had the filet and we both agreed it wasn't as good as Artist Point. The restaurant itself isn't as pretty, but it does have a nice view. It's also very loud...kind of like a NY singles bar.

I couldn't have said it better! Yes, NY singles bar!

 

[WriteDisney]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your input. After looking over the menu's, we were more excited about food at Artist's Point. It was a tough choice but there's always next time for California Grill.

Thanks again!

 

[tiggr33]

A tip for those not concerned with the view and wanted a little less noise, ask for a table in the wine room.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

I would pick CG over AP.

 

[madalex]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your input. After looking over the menu's, we were more excited about food at Artist's Point. It was a tough choice but there's always next time for California Grill.

I think you have made the right choice. Both restaurants are very good, but I like the food a little better at AP and AP has a much more interesting wine list than CG does (CG has a fairly standard California-centric wine list, while AP's wine list focuses on less commonly seen wines from Oregon and Washington).

 

[bsusanmb]

I think you made the right choice. You will never be disappointed in Artist Point. You might be with CA Grill if you choose the wrong entree etc...less choice at Artist Point and you don't need someone to explain the menu to you. When we were at CA Grill in Feb....the chef's specialty was lamb cheeks...WHAT?? I asked the server if that was the butt end and she said No, these cheeks and squeezed her face...Oh, lordie, I don't think I would have liked that...