Best place to eat in Downtown Disney

[deadheadbelle]

Hi, we are going to be in Anaheim July 23-26th. I am taking DH to see the Yankees (PUKE) play the Angels on the 24th. I am trying to figure out a good place to eat after the game. I was thinking somewhere in DTD, does anyone have any recommendations? There will be 6 of us, ranging from age 2 to 69.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[tlovesdis]

My families favorite place to eat in DTD is Rainforest Cafe. The atmosphere is really neat and the food and service are very good! We USED to really like ESPN Zone too, but have had two bad experiences there and won't be going back anytime soon!

 

[crazymomof 4]

I agree with the last poster the Rainforest Cafe is great because of all the special animatronics. Great for all ages! Huge menu selection as well!

 

[BelleM77]

I don't like the Rainforest Cafe. My favorites are Naples and ESPN.

 

[lntsmom]

In the area where we sat they had an American Flag display that was made of baseballs, each imprinted with the name and date of each of Nolan Ryan's strike-outs! The food was good, service was great, and if you aren't already an ESPN Zone member, sign up and you'll get a certificate for $20 off the price of your meal!

Personally, since we have a Rainforest Cafe here in town, it held no interest. I also think their prices are high and their food is marginal. Maybe someone here can explain how it's different from the other Rainforest Cafes....

 

[deadheadbelle]

Hmm, decisions, decisions. I've been to the ESPN club in WDW (and the Rainforest). I don't know how hungry we'll be since we'll probably eat hotdogs & stuff at the ballgame. Maybe we'll go to ESPN. hmmmm. I don't know anything about Naples, I'll have to check that one out, too.

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

ESPN Zone would keep the sports theme.

Another restaurant to consider is Naples Ristorante for some Italian -- they have a nice patio dining area that you might enjoy, especially if the weather is good.

If you don't want to really eat, you might consider the Lost Boys Bar at the Disneyland Hotel for drinks and snacks.

 

[HaleyB]

I like the RFC if some of your group might have had their fill of sports. They have lots of yummy starters if a full meal is too much.

If on the other hand there is no such thing as too much sports with your gang ESPN would be fun too.

I have never been to the Itilian place, I might have to do something about that.

 

[Michael623]

Red Sox suck eh? Did you write that before or after the .500 Yankees lost 7 of 8 including a sweep at the hands of Kansas city, the worst team in baseball? I'm going to ESPN Zone, but only because I can get the free $20. I don't really get the draw of the Rainforest cafe either. I assume most people who eat there don't have one near them at home. There is one 30 minutes from my house and I never eat there.

 

[acrucifer]

no, I dont. this will be our first trip to disneyland. but at the disneyworld, downtown disney, we like the house of blues, that place is great, the music and the food, very good.

 

[tlovesdis]

I don't like the Rainforest Cafe. My favorites are Naples and ESPN.

We ate at Naples once and hated it! The service was horrendous (not just us, but about 4 tables on the patio were all complaining!). The food was terrible. I've had better frozen pizza! And to top it all off, they are way overpriced for what you get!

 

[deadheadbelle]

How did my thread turn so ugly??

Thanks for all the DTD dining suggestions! I think I'll take another look at the menus & decide.

Oh, and Michale623, don't worry...even though DH will be cheering for the Yankees, I will be cheering for the Angels (especially Cabrera), LOL. And don't think I let my DH see the Yankees without making him see the Red Sox, too. We're going to Cleveland at the end of the month to see them play!

 

[Michael623]

It is amazing how a couple of hot heads can ruin a good thing. I'll be in Baltimore to see the Sox next month. A team Yankees fans and Sox fans need to keep an eye on.

Back to the original question of the thread... I forgot about House of Blues, great homestyle comfort food. The Jambalaya is fantastic.

And I hate to keep dragging this into a morass of negativity but the 21st century started in 2001. The first century was year 1-100 2nd century was year 101-200 etc. I'll lend you back that dollar so you can buy a calendar. I'm usually so mild mannered, I can't believe I'm letting this juvenile get to me.

 

[Dobie]

Hi, I am taking DH to see the Yankees (PUKE) play the Angels

Throw a dollar at Pay-Rod for Me!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jxgriffi]

My vote goes for Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. GREAT food..and if you're lucky, some nice live jazz to eat by.

 

[iggbees]

um, yeah, the yankees are definitely doing AWFUL this season.

just another sox fan here.

thanks for the info on downtown disney. we'll be there in a month too. this'll be our first time to downtown. the last time we went it was just a parking lot still. is there much to do there?

 

[dallastxcpa]

My vote goes for Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. GREAT food..and if you're lucky, some nice live jazz to eat by.

I don't know about the one at Disneyland, but his New Orleans restaurant can't be beat...... Yummy.

 

[CalGal]

Talk about teams that suck; We're SF Giant fan That is not an invitation to bash our absent Barry...

We've haven't tried Jazz Kitchen yet, because the menu didn't seem kid friendly enough to my DS. Maybe next trip. I LOVE the Voodoo shrimp at House of Blues, but HOB may also appeal more to adults than kids. We like Rainforest for the pleasant surroundings, its appeal to kids, and the menu variety. My DS says the 50-50 drink is "nummy". Rainforest Cafe is a good choice especially if you haven't been and you have a diverse party. I didn't find ESPN Zone all that memorable, but I've only been to the one at WDW during the day. I'd think it would also be a good choice for a diverse group.

 

[dulluth]

We will be at DL in early Aug, and were wondering about the DTD dining too! We have been to DTD Fla, but not CA. Sounds like HOB is a good choice??? I wanted to go there to get some T-shirts anyway, and we have never eaten at the Fla. HOB. I think last time we were there, we ate a Wolfgang's Express? (Very good for anyone going to DTD, Fla!) Just on a subtle side note ... I think my Twinkies just beat NYY 2 outa 3, thanks for listening! Thanks, also, for all those who shared insight about DTD-CA!

 

[DisneyTart]

Jazz Kitchen is my Fav! Plenty of kids were there the last time we ate there as a family, my DD13 still orders from kids menu and loved the Pasta dish AND you must order the Chocolate Bread pudding. If you are doing an adult only dinner, book it for as late as you can in the evening, DDH & I went there for our 20th Anniversary and had a very romantic dinner.