Did I make a mistake? San Angel Inn vs Garden Grill

[catho72]

I just canceled our ressie at Garden Grill for dinner for the five of us. We are now dining at San Angel Inn. I was looking at the menu for Garden Grill and I didn't get excited about any of it. We have ressies at Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace already so we really didn't need another character meal. I have seen some positive (as well as negative) about both GG and San Angel. I would love your thoughts on these two restaurants.

BTW, we have lunch ressies at LeCellier and Coral Reef (my fav in WDW) during our stay.

 

[solfan68]

I just had this discussion with some fellow DISers the other day. My family likes San Angel a great deal. The food is flavorful without being overly spicy. The atmosphere may be among some of the best on property. Eating in a Mexican courtyard, in the shadow of a pyramid, underneath the twinkling stars - even at noon ? Good stuff.

Last June our server was both attentive and personable. Some complain that the setting is TOO dark, making it hard to read the menu. Interestingly enough, this summer we are trying Garden Grill for the first time. I've heard that it is the 'sleeper' of all the characters meals, so I've got high hopes.

 

[kimberlym4]

I've never eaten at San Angel but have done Garden Grill. I think the food is only passable (actually the chicken is pretty good the steak and catfish were not). They do have GREAT character interaction. However, we were just there and the rotating floor is not working which is part of the draw of the place. I wrote about it on another thread just yesterday. If you have the other character meals I'd probably sit this one out.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Let me preface by saying I am not a huge Disney food fan. Garden Grill is not the greatest food, but is my favorite character meal (if you can get one of those outside booths) because it has a peaceful, private feeling. I didn't think the food at San Angel was terrrific (I am from Houston, so we have great Mexican here), but I did not find it to be bad and I just LOVE the atmosphere in there.

Order a margarita before your food comes, and everything will taste GREAT!

 

[nytimez]

If you don't want/need the characters, then go for San Angel.

 

[TiszBear]

I have eaten at San Angel three times and I can say I won't eat there again. Didn't enjoy the food and neither did those that were with me. Garden Grill we got as a last minute reservation, there was a cancellation. We all loved it!! Yes it was a character meal but it didn't matter. The food was really good. Have since eaten there 2 more times and it is still a favorite of mine.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I dined at SAI last October. It was the worst meal of the trip. The only thing passable was the Ice Cream I had in a cup to go. Service was slow which I could have lived with, but my flank steak was cold and slimey

 

[Toot Sweet]

Ummm....is there a third option?

 

[webray]

San Angel Inn is definately the better choice. Been a favorite of ours since the kids have been little (now all mid 20's).

Just a note, while chef mickey's can be fun, the food is absolutely horrible.
You will need a big snack after breakfast.
Enjoy!

 

[WildernessBride]

I dined at SAI last October. It was the worst meal of the trip. The only thing passable was the Ice Cream I had in a cup to go. Service was slow which I could have lived with, but my flank steak was cold and slimey

That sums up my experience last summer when we ate there...except I had no ice cream . The atmosphere is great ...the food not so much...IMO.