Ballast Point?

[twodogs]

Anyone been lately? Initial reviews on here were not great, some food not being cooked through, and long waits. We are just thinking of popping in tomorrow night on arrival night around 9pm to have a drink at the bar. Anyone been lately and and tell me if that is even feasible, or is it wall to wall people still? Also, can my kids (14 and 11) come into the bar area in the evening? Thanks!

 

[RedVines2001]

we went in May with kids 4 and 6 and were able to get a table on the second floor patio, which was first come first serve, after about 15 minutes of waiting. We went around 7 and it wasn't wall to wall. the food wasn't anything that blew your mind but it was good. Loved the beer selection. Line to get a drink was about 5-7 minutes. When i went to the bathroom the bar inside was filled but it wasn't packed by any means. There was room to cozy up to get a drink if you needed to. Hope this helps. I think this is a great addition to DTD. Good luck!

 

[tarheelalum]

Both Crazy Shake and Ballast Point seem to be a disappointment from what I've read in the latest reviews. I"ll stick with the Jazz Kitchen.

 

[crystal1313]

We wanted to eat at Ballast Point but could not get a reservation last minute. My DH loves their beer. I'm thinking that at 9pm it would be less crowded, but you never know at DTD! I would maybe call and see if your daughters can go in the bar area at that time. I've heard that Trader Sam's won't let minors in the bar area after 8pm I believe. If you end up going, I would love to hear what you think!

 

[twodogs]

Thanks all! We will likely try it tonight and see what happens. I wish Jazz Kitchen sold beer, as DH would be happy with beer and beignets! But he wants to try some of the Ballast Point stuff that we can't get here in Texas, so we will attempt it. Their website says this location is "kid friendly" but they don't elaborate. I will try to call if I have time between work and catching our flight tonight (why did I think it was a good idea to work today, on departure day??? Oh yeah, paying for Savi's and Oga's tomorrow...). Thanks all and I will report back. RedVines2001, thanks for sharing your experience. Hope we have the same luck!

 

[LittleMissMagic]

Crowds at Ballast Point have definitely died down since its opening, especially with the opening of Galaxy's Edge (everyone is staying clear of Disneyland, and everyone at Disneyland is in SWGE. This will probably change on June 24 once the reservation system goes away). If you go in the opening hour for lunch (11-12), you will be seated in the main dining area no problem, even on a Saturday. Also, there is a walk-up only roof patio that you can try if reservations are all booked.

 

[twodogs]

Crowds at Ballast Point have definitely died down since its opening, especially with the opening of Galaxy's Edge (everyone is staying clear of Disneyland, and everyone at Disneyland is in SWGE. This will probably change on June 24 once the reservation system goes away). If you go in the opening hour for lunch (11-12), you will be seated in the main dining area no problem, even on a Saturday. Also, there is a walk-up only roof patio that you can try if reservations are all booked.

Thank you! We are flying in tonight so hopefully the huge crowds won't be there yet!!

 

[LittleMissMagic]

Thank you! We are flying in tonight so hopefully the huge crowds won't be there yet!!

Oh, and to answer your other question - yes, kids are welcome in the restaurant and bar area (just don't serve them beer, haha!), it's actually marketed as "primarily a family restaurant that happens to brew beer." I think 9 PM on a Friday you shouldn't have much trouble getting a seat in the main dining area or the walk-up roof patio.

For food, I recommend the cauliflower tacos or the fish tacos, and the Smokey Blue Burger. Once I had the duck confit nachos and I loved them, and then I got them another time and thought they were very cheese-heavy (and that's a weird complaint for nachos - I usually want more cheese!).

 

[twodogs]

Oh, and to answer your other question - yes, kids are welcome in the restaurant and bar area (just don't serve them beer, haha!), it's actually marketed as "primarily a family restaurant that happens to brew beer." I think 9 PM on a Friday you shouldn't have much trouble getting a seat in the main dining area or the walk-up roof patio.

For food, I recommend the cauliflower tacos or the fish tacos, and the Smokey Blue Burger. Once I had the duck confit nachos and I loved them, and then I got them another time and thought they were very cheese-heavy (and that's a weird complaint for nachos - I usually want more cheese!).

Thank you for this great info!! DH will almost certainly get the fish tacos! Glad the kids will be able to get in, though they may have preferred it if they were banned so they could hang in the room (teenagers...)!

 

[RedVines2001]

I got the California burrito and it was good. Can’t remember what else we ordered cuz of the delicious beer. Enjoy your trip and let us know how it goes!

 

[DaveNinja]

I didn't go to Ballast Point but did get lunch at Black Tap (the place under it) and was impressed. The food was good, the beer selection was good and the big shakes were a hit. Five of us split 2 shakes and it was plenty.
You stand in line to order/pay, then they have someone take you to a table and they bring over your order when ready. System was quick and easy.