Brown Derby or Mama Melrose's?

[sher92]

Could I get some opinions and feedback for lunch on either? We're trying to decide between them and just not sure which one to pick?

Thanks!

 

[CindyKansas]

I have had great meals at both of them. Just really depends on what type of meal you want to eat.

 

[snykymom]

For me, there's no choice - Brown Derby! We ate there in January and again two weeks ago. In January, my d had the steak, which was cooked perfectly. I had the oyster & brie soup - fabulous! Unfortunately, the soup wasn't there anymore 2 weeks ago. But, never fear! I had the pork tenderloin with cheesy spaetzle - delicious! I am hesitant to order pork because it's often dry, but this wasn't. D had the Cobb Salad - they list it as an appetizer for 2, but it's more than big enough for an entree.

My feeling is that there are a lot of places that serve Italian food like Momma Melrose's, but not many places serve food like Brown Derby.

Please note, though, that I was not on the dining plan, so I don't have to worry about 1 credit v. 2 credits. It was definitely worth the price we paid!

 

[Mad4Mickey]

I have eaten there a lot over the years and I can say that the Cobb salad is the only thing that I have had there that has not changed . It is always yummy , I love the dressing! The food there does go up and down to me though and we had sworn it off for 2 years after 3 meals in a row being bad there . So we are almost to the end of the 2 year mark and I am looking forward to giving it a try again

 

[irunnoft]

Up until last June, we'd enjoyed Mama Melrose's. Not any longer. They served absolute swill the last time we were there. My son got a kid's pizza that I would've been embarrassed to serve when I was a waiter. My wife's salmon was just "ok," to quote her. My chicken parm was inedible. It was a rubbery piece of chicken slathered not in a pomodoro sauce, but rather tomato paste. That's it. It was covered with a thick layer of tomato paste and it was utterly disgusting. We couldn't get out of there fast enough. Not even six months prior to this, we'd eaten at MM in December and everything was great. I know the kid's pizza had changed since then, but the total drop in food quality was abrupt and sad. It'll be a long time before I even attempt to venture back there.

On the other hand, the Brown Derby has remained consistently wonderful. I agree with a previous comment about the pork tenderloin. It's my favorite tenderloin on property. Absolutely awesome. Everything about the BD has been great - from food to servers.

The BD is a "must do" for us every time we go to WDW!

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Brown Derby no question, we eat there every trip and it is always a delight.

This last trip I had the best meal of the trip, bay scallop appetizer, pan seared duck entree, and Banana Toffee Tower dessert!

The only thing I have had there that I didn't care for was the Cobb Salad I had a few years ago, and the reason I didn't like it was because it was over chilled. I'm sure it would have been delish if it wouldn't have been icy.

The food is so good there, I don't know why it doesn't stay packed.

I can not say the same for Mama Melrose, I have only dined there once and it was enough for me. Never again.

 

[MJMcBride]

I find that the Brown Derby is better but significantly more expensive. Its also a bit more daring in its menu.

If you want safe and cheaper go with Mama Melrose's. Its a nice place.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I have had great meals at both of them. Just really depends on what type of meal you want to eat.

I have to agree with this. I have had good meals at both.

But for me, for lunch, I'm usually hankering for the the Cobb Salad at the Brown Derby. I love it and have not been able to find anything like it anywhere else.

If you're on the DDP this would best be an OOP meal. At least if you are only ordering Cobb Salad and a piece of cake.

 

[rs505]

I hate to be negative about anything at WDW since I'm a huge fan, but I have to call it like I see it, and I'd say to stay away from Mama Melrose. The food ranged from inedible to wasted calories.

My wife's tuna entree was gross, like it hadn't properly thawed. I also got the tuna, and mine was at least properly cooked, but tasted like bad fish.

My kids got the pizza, and they didn't eat it since they didn't like it, and when do kids not like pizza.

As for dessert, the tiramisu tasted like kool whip with brown powder on top. There was absolutely no flavor. The lemon creme dessert was only slightly better as it had a hint of lemon.

So while we haven't eaten at BD, after eating at Mama Melrose, I'd have to say that anything is better than Mama Melrose, so stay away.

 

[mybgirl]

HI love the Brown Derby 2004 2005 2006,
tryed to save some mony in
2007, 2008 Mama Melrose's ok in 2007 but in 2008 my DS said his food was very bad, he did not eat , and my salmon very over done.

This Dec Brown Derby for us FDP .

Mary

 

[Searching4Neverland]

Absolutely the Brown Derby. I prefer Tony's in MK to Mama Melrose's if you want Italian, and I've read that Tutto Italia is wonderful as well. But for me, nothing beats the Cobb salad and grapefruit cake. Not to mention, I feel like Audrey Hepburn sitting in that sophisticated setting.

 

[ms_missy66]

I don't know...we absolutely love Mama Melrose. The two times in the past few year we've been to Brown Derby we've been disappointed. The food is quite expensive, tries really hard to be gourmet and seems to miss the mark. Mama Melrose has been *that* place for us where the food is always good and comfortable. It seems to be one of those places where everyone (including my picky kids) have several things they like on the menu, there's no frustration about how much or what anyone ate, we share our food and leave happy.