California Grille

[MiknMinMouse]

Has anyone dined here? We have priority seating for our first night at WDW here (just DH & I) but have found out that the MK stays open a little later. Was wondering if it's worth leaving the MKfor.

 

[imbe@aol.com]

Originally posted by MiknMinMouse
Has anyone dined here? We have priority seating for our first night at WDW here (just DH & I) but have found out that the MK stays open a little later. Was wondering if it's worth leaving the MKfor.

Oh yes, it's ABSOLUTELY worth leaving the MK for! LOL The Grill is my favorite restaurant .. period!... and I don't think you'll be sorry. The view is phenomenal, and so is the food and service. And you might want to try to coordinate your dining time to coiincide with the fireworks at the MK (if they have them that evening) You can see them from the restaurant, and the music is piped in too!

 

[Goofyposter]

I agree...but...just don't expect a formal dinning experince like you'd find at Bistro de Paris, or V & A's....the tables are covered with paper to allow for kids to use crayons...the food is good...if there's fireworks in the MK...unless you're VERY lucky..you'll have to stand up and walk away from your table to get a good view of them....also...plan on a very long wait....30 mins Minimum to get a table even with your PS....I'm not complain'in....just pass'in on my experience

 

[Sarah]

Mmmmm! California Grill is hands down my very favorite restaurant. The food is just spectacular! We sat in the lounge once when we had my daughter with us in a stroller--had a window seat and I must say--she had the mac and cheese and it was the BEST darn m&c I have ever had.(My baby on the other hand would not touch it- it wasnt bright orange ha ha).

Definately try and time it for the fireworks(45-1hr ahead), very magical. I can't wait for Nov. to have dinner there again. YUM!

 

[Uncleromulus]

I think it's worth it--heck, I'll be there myself this coming saturday nite at 7:45!!
AS noted, not all seats have a good fireworks view, and on certain nites (like Saturday) there may well be a wait for a table, even with PS.
But it is a fine restaurant with a great view.

 

[ddank]

Sit in the lounge for dinner. The seats are plush and comfortable and you're going to get a good seat for the fireworks. The service is not as attentive in the lounge but the location is great. Great restaurant, great experience.

 

[MiknMinMouse]

Thanks for all the great reviews. Hubby and I will keep our PS. I'm assuming fromwhat I've read that dress is park casual? Hoping this is the case since we're coming from MK.

 

[monte]

We have reservations for the night of 10/5 for 7:30pm and I believe the fireworks begin at 8pm, so I hoping to get a good view while dining. I've never been there, but have read so many wonderful reviews! Can't wait.

 

[Erikarate]

OOOHHHH Uncleromulus your so lucky! We too LOVE CG. Here's a link to my last review of the place:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=236710

 

[Pa@okw95]

It is my favorite. I never saw paper table clothes there like someone said. What I think happens is there is a portion of the restaurant that is set up for the fireworks show. They may put the paper clothes over there. It is fine dinning at its best- I don't know where these other poeple are coming from, if it wasn't I would not eat there. It is one of the top restaurants at WDW for fine dining--paper table clothes just don't happen there when I go--it must be for the fireworks people with their kids. At any rate niext to V & A it is really top notch dinning.

 

[luvdzny]

We love CG, we make a point to go there every visit. I would not say that the attire is "park casual" though. When you make the PS's they tell you no tank tops. We usually dress up when we go, not everyone does, but many do.

 

[disboo]

California Grill, Jiko and Boma are my three current favorites. The Grill is beautiful inside. Not all seats have good views of the fireworks, but right before they go, the kitchen stops sending food. Those without great views can get up, take a brief and leisrely stroll out onto the observation deck, and get a perfect view of the fireworks out in the fresh air. The oohs and aahhs of your fellow viewers adds to the enjoyment. When you get back, your meal resumes. It is a very civilized way to see the fireworks!

Last time I had tamarind barbecue beef served on braised escarole and mashed yukon gold potatoes. Very delicious. My companions had pork tenderloin w/balsamic mushrooms and polenta, and spit-roasted chicken with roasted veggies and rice. Desserts were just as great - lemon meringue souffle, spiced cheese cake w/orange saboyan, anf butterscotch creme brulee.

Also, just as good was their warm bread with fennel infused olive oil and cracked pepper.

I can't wait to get back there again - fireworks or not!

 

[BCV23]

It is an excellent restaurant that we've enjoyed many times. They do put white butcher type paper over the linen tablecloth on an angle.The waiter signs his name on it sometimes. I've not noticed if some tables don't have it and can't remember if it was there or not in the wine room which is where my older son and I were seated the last time we dined there in January. But that is sooo beside the point. The food is great, the view is special, the service is usually outstanding and you'll have a wonderful dinner.

There is a wide variety of dress there. Some business dress, some business casual, resort casual (which is what they requested when I made a PS for June which we ended up canceling). When I made a PS for this Dec., they said no tank tops or swimwear....as if!! At CG I think you'll always see many people like you who will have just left the MK. You'll be fine as I imagine Uncle will reassure you.

BTW Uncle Romulus, have a great trip. I'm sure we'll all eagerly be awaiting your reviews.

 

[Uncleromulus]

'"Theme park casual" dress reassurance cheerfully given!!

Can hardly wait for Saturday to get here!! The 2 other couples going with us have never eaten at CG, so I'm hoping for another overall excellent experience.

 

[jdkdorn]

We love this restaurant. We went 2 years ago for my DH 40th BDay. He has not stopped talking about it yet. I have reserved a 7:30 reservation fo us on Oct 3rd. We can watch the fireworks from a romantic table for two by the window.

This is also the restaurant that a lot of the Disney talent eat at. When we were there last time we sat near a table with Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson, Sally Field, Robin Williams, & John Goodman. Our server said that this was their 3rd visit that week.

It was so cool. We did not bother them because I feel it is rude to bother people when they are out dining, but it was neat seeing them.

 

[MiknMinMouse]

I don't do tank tops. We usually wear khaki shorts and for hubby a nice t shirt or polo and me a top. I've been watching the weather reports and it doesn't look good for next week. Hoping that will all change.

 

[MiknMinMouse]

Just wanted to thank all of you for your recommendation. My husband LOVED this restaurant. It is now his favorite Disney place to eat

 

[Mrs. Snowgod]

The CG is awesome, and our favorite for dinner at WDW! Going back for our 3rd time for our arrival night dinner, and my mouth is watering already. First time we sat in the window and watched the fireworks right from our table, 2nd time we went out to the viewing deck, and this time, who knows? It is a treat every time, and a fabulous experience!

 

[PNO4TE]

We love the California Grill! It is a must-do for all of us. Our first night in December it is dress-up night and we booked the CG for 7:15 p.m. I just checked the December hours and discovered that the MK fireworks are at 8:00 that night. Am I good, or what?? Now we can hope for a great table to go along with my great luck

 

[ozziewags]

It is now a tradition that we go to the Calif. Grille on our last night, then to MK. We all love this place, DH, DS(20), DD(23)!