Coral Reef ....Is it worth a second chance?

[DawnaJean]

We had a bad experience this summer with Coral Reef at lunch. We ordered the daily "combo" or whatever it was called and the entree portion was a "fish cake"....gross. The waiter said it was a mixture of different types of fish but didn't mention the "cake" part and the fillers...onions, whatever. I should have questioned "mixture" anyway. Anyway, it was yucky, but the inside of the restaurant was beautiful. I'd like to be able to convince my husband to give it another try (the high prices combined with the fish cake experience and multitude of other restaurant choices are pulling us away)......Should we try again or just learn from our experience?

Dawna

 

[Houston_Disney_Fan]

Coral Reef is a "must-do" for us on each trip, and we've never had a bad experience there, in fact the worst thing that's ever happened to us is being seated far from the fish aquarium. Having some small tanks situated around the restaurant, a la Rainforest Cafe, would probably help. Food and service have always been excellent.

 

[melomouse]

Hi Dawna -

We were at CR for the first time this past October and we two adults also ordered the daily combo lunch thingy. DBF's scallops, soup and dessert were awesome, but the chicken salad they brought me for mine was awful - it was warm chicken - and I sent it back. Without a word, they took it back. Instead, I had kid's grilled chicken, potatoes and broccoli - more than enough food. The server was gracious and accomodating.

So.. I hear you on the bad experience you had...LOL - that said, I would go back if it fit into my plan BUT I want to try Spoodles, too! I wouldn't write off CR just yet, though...

Good luck! melomouse

 

[TwingleMum]

We have been to CR twice last year. It was wonderful each time. In fact at lunch I had an awesome steak and this incredible blue cheese bread puddding. I wish I could get the recipe but I've tried requesting it to no avail.

 

[liamsaunt]

I like the Coral Reef. Maybe the plan should be to avoid the combo special! My DH and I had the mahi mahi off the menu and it was really good, very fresh. My Dsis had the combo special, a type of flounder or trout I can't remember which, and said it was bland. If the mahi mahi is on the menu when you go, I'd recommend it.

 

[liznboys]

I would just take a look at the menu (on allearsnet.com) and see if other things on the menu appeal to you. If yes, then maybe give it another go. However, it might be better for you to try out some other places you've never been to first, then go back to Coral Reef another trip. We happen to love Coral Reef and have enjoyed everything we've ordered there, we ate there three times for lunch last year. We've never ordered what you had though! lol

 

[tweedlewtwinsmama]

How likely is it to get a tank-side table for 4 at a 1:00 lunch? Can we request it and wait?

 

[Forever42]

I wouldn't bother giving it a second chance - we certainly won't. We had a horrid experience with the service and food in December and we don't have any reason to waste our time or money there again.

We had been in the summer and were looking forward to trying it again for the CP package, but it was just awful the second time around.

 

[Gerweniel]

My sons and I were also there in December - we had a great time and really enjoyed the food (it was dinner- we had whole snapper, tilapia oscar and shrimp pasta). The only thing that I was unhappy about was the noise level. It was later in the evening and the place was packed. I about had to shout for my sons to hear me. That was a downer, but not the restaurants' fault and certainly not enough to keep us from going back.

 

[maine_jennifer]

I had the best meal at Coral Reef in October and I don't eat seafood. Had a 12pm ADR, was seated around 12:10pm. Had a table for 2 one "row" away from the tank. The table was pretty close to another table for 2 that was up against the tank. So close in fact, I nearly stole a roll while waiting for my server - I was hungry.

Will definitely go back in June with my nephew, if not this weekend. If you had such an awful experience, you wouldn't be reconsidering it. Since you are, why not give it a second chance? I would!

Cheers!

 

[byoung]

Have eaten there a few times it's been OK.