Calling all dining experts: Best Upscale Restaurants with a Bar

[PrncesKMW]

This solo trip is the best thing that ever happened to me! Since I'm only paying for myself, I can afford to indulge the foodie in me.

So here's where you come in - I'd like to find places that meet the following criteria:
1. Within 15 minutes walk of DLR
2. A bit more upscale - somewhere above a Red Robin but below a Club 33
3. Has a bar in the restaurant that serves the full menu

I would love to go to Steakhouse 55 one night - does it meet #3? I prefer to eat at the bar when dining alone, much easier to blend in.

 

[furb & dez]

While I'm not aware of anything for #3 (just not my thing...), for #1 and #2, you could do Napa Rose, Steakhouse 55, or perhaps even Storyteller's.

#1—The neighborhood really isn't walkable (if you value your wallet/life/ability to ambulate under your own power). CA is not a walking state.

#2—The restaurants in the area outside the resort mostly cater to the chicken nugget/mac & cheese crowd. And the restaurants in Downtown Disney are just chains, for the most part—there's absolutely nothing that could be considered even mediocre dining, really.

 

[Kathymford]

I can completely vouch for the wine at Napa Rose and I just went to Steakhouse 55 for my birthday and the fancy adult beverages (martinis and the like) were quite yummy there also. I love both places both for the food, drinks, and ambiance.

 

[FlameGirl]

Napa Rose is wonderful.

"And the restaurants in Downtown Disney are just chains, for the most part—there's absolutely nothing that could be considered even mediocre dining, really."

I mostly agree with this, with the exception of Ralph Brennan's. We have had lovely meals every time we have eaten here. Better than mediocre, even.

 

[Kathymford]

Napa Rose is wonderful.

"And the restaurants in Downtown Disney are just chains, for the most part—there's absolutely nothing that could be considered even mediocre dining, really."

I mostly agree with this, with the exception of Ralph Brennan's. We have had lovely meals every time we have eaten here. Better than mediocre, even.

I love the Chocolate Bread Pudding at the Jazz Kitchen....

 

[the donut]

And the restaurants in Downtown Disney are just chains, for the most part—there's absolutely nothing that could be considered even mediocre dining, really.

I actually like Catal and Ralph Brennan's. But for solo dining, I'd get chef's counter at Napa Rose or eat at the lounge there.

ETA: Uva Bar if the weather is nice is a great outdoor option. There are definitely bar seats, the food is great, and its price point is probably the lowest out of these options.

 

[sonnyjane]

#1—The neighborhood really isn't walkable (if you value your wallet/life/ability to ambulate under your own power). CA is not a walking state.

As someone that lives in CA and walks around (even at night) quite regularly, I certainly wouldn't condemn a whole state like that! The area immediately around Disneyland is certainly safe. I am a female in my late 20's and have never had any problems walking alone back to a hotel at night. Harbor is well-lit and yes, while I have seen an occasional homeless person near a bus-stop, I've never felt in danger.

I do agree that the restaurants in DTD are not "fine dining", but they are also not McDonald's. I haven't made it to Napa Rose yet, but if you're going alone (i.e. only paying for one) I would for sure consider it! I've read nothing but good things.

 

[ArchOwl]

Do the Chef's Counter at Napa Rose! Talk to the chefs, order what you like or have the chef choose for you. Amazing wine and fabulous cocktails are both available to you. This is by far your best option. Look at the Napa Rose Chef's Counter thread that is on the front page now. So delicious!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I know this isn't super upscale, but I really like Ralph Brennen's in DTD. It is a little fancy and has a full bar. The food excellent as well!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Do the Chef's Counter at Napa Rose! Talk to the chefs, order what you like or have the chef choose for you. Amazing wine and fabulous cocktails are both available to you. This is by far your best option. Look at the Napa Rose Chef's Counter thread that is on the front page now. So delicious!

I second this. We do not drink but for a single female this maybe the best. I also really like SS55.

Jack

 

[PrncesKMW]

Just checked out the Napa Rose Chef's table thread - holy gourmet food batman! That will definitely be my splurge meal of the week! I hadn't even considered it - only time I ever did the Chef's table was at a Buca di Beppo and it was NOTHING like what Napa Rose looks like!

I better start hitting the treadmill to get ready for all that food

 

[skiingfast]

McCormick and Schidts in Garderwalk. Has a bar, not sure if the menu is different. Within 15 minutes walking.

 

[merriwthr]

McCormick and Schidts in Garderwalk. Has a bar, not sure if the menu is different. Within 15 minutes walking.

This is a chain, and my experience has been that the food is just so-so -- expensive and nothing that I would consider spectacular. Just my humble opinion.

As a single female that often travels alone - and headed to Disney in a couple weeks, I would most definitely do the Chef's Table at Napa Rose if I was on my own... but alas... I have others in my travel party that have already planned our meals!

Enjoy!

 

[Dobie]

This is a chain, and my experience has been that the food is just so-so -- expensive and nothing that I would consider spectacular. Just my humble opinion.

Enjoy!

I must second this. Although the Dobies haven't eaten at the McCormick and Schmidt's in Gardenwalk, the one in Portland is basically an overpriced Outback.

The Dobies do, however, drink. A lot. We really really really like the Mimosas for breakfast at La Brea Bakery. Ummmmm.....in fact, we like them so much that Mr. Dobie brought home a bottle of Mimosa bubbles the other day, just to help us start training for our July trip!!!!!!!

 

[sonnyjane]

I must second this. Although the Dobies haven't eaten at the McCormick and Schmidt's in Gardenwalk, the one in Portland is basically an overpriced Outback.

The Dobies do, however, drink. A lot. We really really really like the Mimosas for breakfast at La Brea Bakery. Ummmmm.....in fact, we like them so much that Mr. Dobie brought home a bottle of Mimosa bubbles the other day, just to help us start training for our July trip!!!!!!!

I like the way The Dobies think I'm enjoying some vino as I type

 

[Kathymford]

The Dobies do, however, drink. A lot. We really really really like the Mimosas for breakfast at La Brea Bakery. Ummmmm.....in fact, we like them so much that Mr. Dobie brought home a bottle of Mimosa bubbles the other day, just to help us start training for our July trip!!!!!!!

And this is why I love the DIS. I am a local to DL and go almost every weekend and had NO IDEA there were Mimosas at La Brea Bakery!!

 

[disneyobsessed808]

Napa Rose chef's counter is amazing. The food is to die for, and as an often solo traveler, I go there and get to talk to the chefs which is really cool. The bar itself is also wonderful, however, they have only a partial menu with apps and desserts (I believe)

 

[PrncesKMW]

I must second this. Although the Dobies haven't eaten at the McCormick and Schmidt's in Gardenwalk, the one in Portland is basically an overpriced Outback.

The Dobies do, however, drink. A lot. We really really really like the Mimosas for breakfast at La Brea Bakery. Ummmmm.....in fact, we like them so much that Mr. Dobie brought home a bottle of Mimosa bubbles the other day, just to help us start training for our July trip!!!!!!!

The Dobies sound right up my alley! On our last 8 day trip to WDW we spent about $600 on booze, and still managed rope drop every morning - I was even impressed

Have you done any of the wine tastings at the Trattoria? I thought this sounded like a nice break for people watching and enjoying a beverage.....

 

[skiingfast]

Have you done any of the wine tastings at the Trattoria? I thought this sounded like a nice break for people watching and enjoying a beverage.....

I haven't done this but heard it's a fairly good value for what you pay to how much wine you get.