best places to eat where I won't feel stupid being by myself?

[TigerLaw]

WDW vet, DL newbie here. Got a solo trip coming up (adding extra days to a work trip), and I am sure at SOME POINT, I will get sick of burgers, hot dogs, etc., so if anyone can give some tips as to places to possibly eat that (1) they like and (2) where I won't feel stupid for being there by myself, I would appreciate the help!

thanks!

 

[JustAKid]

I would say if you're self conscious about eating by yourself the best places to go would have "take-out" options. Or, a bar for you to sit at.

On a totally seperate note, my two cents is that you shouldn't feel silly eating by yourself at all. I think there will be MANY parents there wishing they could be doing the same thing.

 

[pycees312]

I'd say eat anywhere! people will be so absorbed into thier own to even notice you lol. they may even think you are an off duty cast member... have fun!

 

[disneymum58]

I think I've seen a bar at Rainforest Cafe where you can order food as well.

 

[DDhunter]

Well, you could try Blue Bayou. If you are uncomfortable sitting alone, no one would notice in there as it is very, very dark. Food is good, but it is on the pricey side at around $30 a plate, but this includes soup or salad, entree, veggies and potatoes.

 

[debdreamsofdis]

I agree you shouldn't feel "stupid" about eating alone, but I can completely understand feeling a little awkward or uncomfortable. It's one of those things where you have to step outside your comfort zone.

If it was me, I would love to sit at the chef's counter at Napa Rose, not exactly cheap though.

There's more options than just burgers/hot dogs at counter service places too, like the sandwiches at River Belle Terrace and the bread bowls at Pacific Wharf Cafe.

 

[brergnat]

I've eaten by myself at Cafe Orleans. If you eat outside on the patio, you will, basically, feel like you're eating at any of the counter service locations with outside seating. But, the food is MUCH better.

Carnation Cafe on Main Street is ALL outside. Although, it gets crowded and usually have to wait quite awhile for a table.

Along those lines, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney has outside balcony and patio seating. And, EXCELLENT food (better than anything Disney offers up). I'd eat here alone ANY day. You can people watch over Downtown Disney to keep busy.

Also, La Brea Bakery has outside patio seating, as does the Catal Bar area (these are both in Downtown Disney).

To be honest, though, there are LOTS of good counter service options at DLR beyond burgers, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets.

French Market comes to mind, as does Riverbelle Terrace, Rancho del Zocalo, Bengal BBQ, Royal Street Veranda (for Gumbo in bread bowl), and at DCA--Cocina Cucamonga and Pacific Wharf Cafe offer "different" types of cuisines.

 

[bumbershoot]

On a totally seperate note, my two cents is that you shouldn't feel silly eating by yourself at all. I think there will be MANY parents there wishing they could be doing the same thing.

Agreed.

I'd say eat anywhere! people will be so absorbed into thier own to even notice you lol. they may even think you are an off duty cast member... have fun!

Agreed!

I think I've seen a bar at Rainforest Cafe where you can order food as well.

Well but then you are sitting on an animal-behind stool and you'll look like you have a tail...trading one silliness for another.


OP, just bring a little journal, or a little book, have your camera, people-watch...most people who actually notice you will think that you're so lucky to be there on your own, or they'll think you're just waiting for people.

 

[spacemermaid]

I've eaten at pretty much every restaurant in the Park by myself, at one time or another; only one I've not eaten at by myself is Blue Bayou.

Pizza Port is a good place to eat if you feel self conscious eating by yourself; there are so many places to sit that you could even sit waaaaaaaaaaay out of the way, if you wanted to. I know you mentioned possibly getting sick of burgers, but the Hungry Bear is a great place to go if you feel a bit self conscious dining by yourself- you can go to the lower level, where there are less people, and just watch the steamboat/canoes go by. Carnation Cafe' is another good one, as the tables are pretty small & you can sit & read a map or a guidebook whilst waiting for your food. My tradition on solo trips is to write out postcards when waiting for food at the table service restaurants. Honestly, I've never felt out of place or like I was drawing attention eating by myself in the Park...just think of it this way: you can eat wherever YOU want to, whenever YOU want to!

Have fun on your trip!!!

 

[rpezz]

Do not feel stupid eating anywhere alone. Enjoy yourself wherever you go. Although a suggestion of a good place to eat alone at CA is the bar at Ariel's Grotto (I cannot remember the name of it.) I have eaten alone there several times as has my husband. Sometimes we take turns taking a break from all the rides and walking around with our son and that is our usual spot.

By the way, a solo trip sounds absolutely wonderful. I absolutely love my family and have the best time with them at DLR but it would be kinda nice to spend a day or two enjoying the park at my own pace.

 

[DangerMouse]

I always recommend White Water Snacks in the GCH (whether you are eating alone or not). It's just GOOD FOOD, and you can eat on the patio and feed the kitties.

 

[sonnyjane]

Hi Tiger! I saw your post about a solo trip in the response to my trip report!

I just wanted to say that when I went alone, I only felt awkward about being alone on the tram ride from parking to the park, when everyone was with their families, taking pictures, etc. and I started thinking "Yikes what did I do?!" but as SOON as I got through the entrance, it went away!

I was just craving counter service "junk", but regarding eating at one of the nicer places, I wouldn't worry if that's what you want to have. While I probably wouldn't go to the restaurant here in my town by myself (too chicken lol), at I was pleasantly surprised at how many other "loners" I saw yesterday at DL. I think it's more common than people think, and if you're going, go all out!

Have fun!

 

[Judy from Boise]

I think the counter service at DLR is superior than WDW. As long as you avoid Tomorrowland terrace.....you should always have options beyond they typical.
Use the "DL Dining" link in the tool bar at the top of the page to review menus, and you will be good to go!

 

[SirRoderick]

This thread is just reminding me how pleasantly surprised I was by the wide variety of food offered at the DLR in fast-service environments. WDW does definetely have a great variety in food (I mean come on the sit down restaraunts at EPCOT are fantastic) but in order to get the full effect you need to be going to the sit down versions of the restaraunts. (Also, I am not including the amazing event known as Food and Wine Festival)

 

[pixiewings71]

The bar at RFC does have stools that look like animal butts but...hehe...they also have tables and chairs that you can sit at. Kids are not allowed at the actual bar so DBF and I sat at the bar, on normal seats, and the girls sat at a table for 2 near us.

The Cove Bar in DCA above Ariel's Grotto will be a GREAT place to eat, just sit at the bar, or at a table, and get yourself some lobster nachos and a yummy drink! You won't regret that at all!!

Also in DTD is the Uva Bar, I've never eaten there but it looks neat and they do have appetizers.

 

[lattemomof3]

A day at Disney by myself? Sounds heavenly! Just go where the mood takes you to eat - you don't have to cater to anyone else's tastes! Have fun people watching!
I also like to take a notebook or book with me on the rare occasion I am by myself.

 

[TigerLaw]

thanks everyone for the helpful hints - I think a couple of you came close to my real issue - at WDW, it is mostly table dining and fast food w. not a lot in between - sounds like DL and DCA have more in between options.

 

[mybestieismickey]

I love the Plaza Inn. The pasta is yummy, and the fried chicken looks fabulous (i never get it though because I have this thing about bones in my food). They have both indoor and outdoor seating and technically it's counter service (cafeteria style), but way beyond burgers and fries.

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

thanks everyone for the helpful hints - I think a couple of you came close to my real issue - at WDW, it is mostly table dining and fast food w. not a lot in between - sounds like DL and DCA have more in between options.

I think you are right, I would classify most (not all) table service at DLR to be "cassual". I would feel comfortable eatting alone at most table service at DLR. And I also agree that counter service is much much more at DLR, so dont rule that out.

 

[asianbma]

There is a lot of resturants and fast food across the street from Disneyland. It just a 2 min. walk. You will not feel stupid at all.