California Grill - table or lounge?

[TeresaWen]

On our last two trips we had dinner in the lounge at the California Grill. The first time we got very lucky. We were let up right away and found a table right by the window. We enjoyed one of the best meals ever and had a great view of Wishes. Second time when we went to the check in desk we were asked to try back again in an hour or so because the lounge was full. We did go back, were let up and again had a great dinner and watched wishes from the lounge.

I want so much to do this again this year but because we are going so close to Christmas I am concerned we may not get up to eat in the lounge. So I made an ADR. It is for 7:00 with wishes at 9:30.

If when we get to the restaurant there is a window table open in the lounge can we ask to be seated there? We actually love eating in the lounges. If not:

1) if we end up with a table with a view would the timing work to see wishes from our table. We have drinks, apps, dinner, desert, after dinner drinks.

2) would it be better to move to the lounge for desert, coffee, drinks. I am guessing by this time the lounge would be full.

So looking forward to our meal but also watching wishes over after dinner drinks!

 

[pepperandchips]

Yes, you can absolutely elect to sit in the lounge with an ADR - however, the last few times I've been to California Grill, my pager went off for the table before I even made it up the elevator. 7:00 ADR for 9:30 wishes might be stretching it out a little more than usual, but you're not going to be chased off or anything. You can also check in for your ADR a few minutes late and still be fine being seated. I would do that and indicate to the hostess on the second floor before the elevator that you are willing to wait on a window table and just take your time between ordering your different courses. We've always had good to excellent service and the servers know diners want the wishes experience so I think you will be pleased with the experience sitting at a table just as you have in the lounge. Hope you have a great time!

 

[TeresaWen]

Thank you! I guess we will play it by ear that night. If we don't end up being able to have dinner in the lounge we will either have after dinner drinks at our table or get our check and move to the bar. Are folks able to stand at the bar and order or do you nee to have a seat to be served?

 

[AThrillingChase]

You can order drinks, we took ours onto the viewing platform outside as did many others. Though, if you are still ordering I do not think it would be a problem to stay at all until wishes. Check in at 7 or maybe even 5 min after. Order drinks first and then order courses as you go. I usually do similarly and have a drink, app, entree, and cappucino after and it takes 2 hours at least.

 

[pepperandchips]

And you can stand at the bar and be served - we did this at our first visit (which is the only one I can remember not having the pager go off before we got off the elevator!) no problems there.

 

[Uncleromulus]

You can stand at the bar--but not likely you will be able to sit at the bar.

And if memory serves are not the "lounge" (and I use that term loosely since all it is are a small # of very low tables smack dab in the middle of the restaurant) tables very low--barely above knee height??