California Grille Questions

[nicolem05]

After so much debate and tons of reading on here I decided that C.G was the perfect place to take out DH for a special birthday dinner alone.
I managed to get an 8:20 pm reservation and the fireworks are at 9pm. Is this a good reservation time? How do we view the fireworks? I read something about stepping outside.. I have never been there, so is it acceptable to just get up and go outside? Is this a balcony we are exiting to? I did mention when I made the res. that it was a birthday/anniversary reservation hoping for a window. Do you have to (or can you) request a window at time of booking? or get their early and hope at the podium?

Thank you

 

[tinks86]

After so much debate and tons of reading on here I decided that C.G was the perfect place to take out DH for a special birthday dinner alone.
I managed to get an 8:20 pm reservation and the fireworks are at 9pm. Is this a good reservation time? How do we view the fireworks? I read something about stepping outside.. I have never been there, so is it acceptable to just get up and go outside? Is this a balcony we are exiting to? I did mention when I made the res. that it was a birthday/anniversary reservation hoping for a window. Do you have to (or can you) request a window at time of booking? or get their early and hope at the podium?

Thank you

We ate in CG and luckily finished our meal just before the fireworks started. If you ask for a window seat then you may have a great view from your table, otherwise there did seem to be a let up in the serving to allow people to walk out onto the balcony, which is just to the side of the restaurant and watch from there. They do pipe the music into the restaurant and dim the lights so you get the full effect!

 

[Booyakasha]

First of all the chances of you getting seated for the 9:00 fireworks is not good. People are not going to leave their table at 8:15-8:30 when they know the fireworks are coming. CG's reservation system never comepensates for this. Last time I was there we had 7:45 reservations and did not get seated until after fireworks. That does not mean you absolutely won't get a table before fireworks but consider yourself lucky if you do. After fireworks the place clears out pretty quickly. So I would plan to watch the fireworks on the balcony and sit down to dinner after. I like the wineroom as it is much quiter than the main dining room which is very loud and chaotic.

B.

 

[griffs95]

The wine room is IMO tops. We went out on the observation deck to watch the fireworks. Points for me for going during that time and you guys will enjoy it also.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Even if your table isn't ready by 9:00, with confirmed ADR's you can still go up and see the fireworks from the deck. If by chance you do get seated on time, (and don't get a window table) then all you need do is step outside to the deck (along with almost everyone else) to watch the fireworks.
Be sure to mention your special occasion when you check in!!

 

[nicolem05]

Thank you everyone for the very helpful answers!

Can I request the wine room? Also is there a bar we can have a drink at (it sounds like we might have a very long wait ahead of us!)?

Here I thought I had scored a great time!

Thanks again!

 

[thesupersmartguy]

8:20 is perfect, we ate there last trip and the view was great from the window.

 

[Sandy321]

We have always had the best experience at CG - the servers, and chef know how to time the meals so not to interfere with the Fireworks! (Rose and Crown, not at all, Le Cellier, its up to you - but CG - they know how to enhance the dining with the fireworks!!)

We had a window table - but dd wanted to go outside - she loves the observation deck - so we head out to get a front row view (sometimes it can get 2 deep - there are 2 decks - we prefer the closer one) but its never "crowded"

If you get seated at 8:20 they may "rush" the appetizers so you will have time to finish your appetizers before the fireworks... but like a previous poster said, more likely than not you will be taken up the elevator and you can sometimes find a seat at a "bar" area, or along a wall and order a drink, and wander out to the deck!!

Its just a wonderful experience!

 

[Uncleromulus]

nicolem05: You can certainly sit at the bar if there is a seat available. And ask for the Wine Room when you check in on the second floor.

 

[ToddyLu]

Have done this every year for the last 6 years. It is always a terific experience and we have always been taken care of and have gotten to see the FW. One year we saw the MK fireworks--and then saw Illuminations way off in the distance from the wine room when we sat down. Have a wonderful evening.

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

When we were there 2 yrs ago, they did NOT dim the lights during wishes which was a small disappointment-I had stayed in because our 9 month old was asleep in the stroller. We've always asked to go out the back deck because it's usually much less crowded! Very nice! I'm taking my hubby 1/27 for his bday dinner! We skipped last year because I was too cheap to use 2 TS credits. It's his favorite place, and I guess since it's his birthday, I'll give in!