Disney Springs Dinner - Adults Only?

[sconnell]

What would be your pick for an adults only dinner in December at Disney Springs and why?
This particular group isn't big on drinks, likes good food and ambiance.
Not super loud (some place that we could have a conversation) would be a bonus.

 

[BrianL]

What would be your pick for an adults only dinner in December at Disney Springs and why?
This particular group isn't big on drinks, likes good food and ambiance.
Not super loud (some place that we could have a conversation) would be a bonus.

T-Rex?

Just kidding. I actually haven't been, but The Edison strikes me as a cool, adults kind of place, though I am not sure if it is loud. They do have music and a show, but I think that starts later, so if you are early it might work. Otherwise, Boathouse is a popular choice with a good reputation, or you might check out the new Summer House on the Lake.

 

[sconnell]

T-Rex?

Just kidding. I actually haven't been, but The Edison strikes me as a cool, adults kind of place, though I am not sure if it is loud. They do have music and a show, but I think that starts later, so if you are early it might work. Otherwise, Boathouse is a popular choice with a good reputation, or you might check out the new Summer House on the Lake.

HAHA, done the T-Rex a few times when the kids were younger, as well as Rainforest Cafe.
I'll check out The Edison. I got ADRs at Boathouse, but am second guessing myself. There's a lot of new places since we've been.

We've done Morimoto, Wolfgang Puck, House of Blues, Terralina. Not really interested in Splitsville, Planet Hollywood, Jaleo, Frontera Cocina, or Homecomin'. I've heard good things about them, but have plenty of Mexican and home cooking at home.

I guess my choices are down to Boathouse, Raglan Road, STK, Summer House, The Edison, or Enzo's.
Anyone have thoughts on any of those? Or we could just do quick service...

 

[Mommb]

The places you've listed are fine. I do want to point out, though, that Jaleo is Spanish, not Mexican. It might be fun with a group because it features lots of small plates to be shared around the table.

 

[Peyton McLean]

What would be your pick for an adults only dinner in December at Disney Springs and why?
This particular group isn't big on drinks, likes good food and ambiance.
Not super loud (some place that we could have a conversation) would be a bonus.

I highly recommend Morimoto Asia https://www.morimotoasia.com/. Amazing food and the restaurant is SO nice.

It is pricey but worth it in my opinion!

 

[MemoryMakers]

I was going to suggest Jaleo as well...as Mommb accurately points out, it's Spanish and perfect for a group of adults (as long as everyone is willing to share/try everything ordered).

Morimoto is also excellent.

Recently went to Summer House. It was "good" not "great". Does have a good variety of options but nothing anyone got (there were 8 of us) stood out as excellent.

 

[rangerxenos]

If it's a nice evening, I like to make a reservation at Boathouse and sit out on the deck, it's lovely around sunset, and I love the food and drinks.

 

[sconnell]

The places you've listed are fine. I do want to point out, though, that Jaleo is Spanish, not Mexican. It might be fun with a group because it features lots of small plates to be shared around the table.

Oh great! Thanks for pointing that out! My mistake!

 

[zackiedawg]

Lots of good restaurants throughout Disney Springs - I don't think any would necessarily be a bad choice. But quiet is a little more difficult to find there - most of the restaurants can get pretty loud. Probably the quietest would be Enzo's Hideaway, which is smaller and in an underground 'cellar'. Summer House, Art Smith's Homecomin, Morimotos, Wine Bar George, and Boathouse inside are conversationally loud - but not so much you can't hold a comfortable conversation at your table. Maria and Enzos can get loud mostly because the big 2-story central design - but again not bad. Frontera Cocina is not bad volume wise - if you get outdoor seating at can be quieter. Boathouse outside also can be a nice quieter option. I'm not a big fan of Edison's food - cocktails and entertainment are fun. City Works, Raglan Road, House of Blues, Splitsville, Paradiso 37 all tend to be a little louder, with music and conversations - they're more boisterous in general.

Food wise, my favorites are Raglan Road, Morimoto, Art Smith's, Summer House, Wine Bar George, and Enzo's Hideaway. I also never mind a meal at House of Blues, Rainforest, and T-Rex - which I consider all to be casual American chain restaurant level - nothing special, but reliable and filling. Frontera Cocina, Boathouse, and Maria & Enzos can all be good with certain dishes, just less selections for me.

For an outside-the-box option, consider also walking over to Saratoga Springs (or take the boat over), and hitting Turf Club - the latest iteration has been very good with a chef- change a year or two ago, and it's a much more laid-back and quiet atmosphere. Over the years it has swung between OK and very good, never bad - the current iteration has been on the better side of the restaurant's history.

 

[pezgirlroy]

Hands down Jaleo.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Jaleo(constant praise for the chicken croquettes, tomato bread shouldn’t stop you from trying the sausage and beans dish - serious whoa), Wine Bar George, Paddlefish (the lobster guacamole is delicious; ignore the fried lobster appetizer, a true what were they thinking moment? IMO), Boathouse. Once upon a time Morimoto would be on my list but they’ve played with the menu too much of late so currently giving them a rest.

 

[erinch]

Our go-to is Boathouse on the porch. Much quieter than inside.

 

[gmi3804]

Hands down Jaleo.

Agreed. It's fun, and the food is seriously authentic. Fantastic wine list too. Probably the best all-around restaurant at DS.

The BOATHOUSE is good too, a bit raucous, but the food is decidedly "adult."

I like Wine Bar George as well, with a better than it needs to be menu, and an extensive wines by the glass menu.

 

[pezgirlroy]

Agreed. It's fun, and the food is seriously authentic. Fantastic wine list too. Probably the best all-around restaurant at DS.

The BOATHOUSE is good too, a bit raucous, but the food is decidedly "adult."

I like Wine Bar George as well, with a better than it needs to be menu, and an extensive wines by the glass menu.

Also I always want to support Jose Andres's restaurants/organizations.

 

[Smugpugmug]

100% agree with Jaleo. It's the only restaurant on WDW property that I would go to if I wasn't at WDW. I've heard the DC location is fantastic but haven't been despite living about an hour or so away.

It can get a little loud if you sit near the area where the chefs are making the paellas but it's never been so loud that I can't hear the people I'm with. I also don't love being sat in the area to the left of the check in area. The seats are SUPER uncomfortable.

 

[gmi3804]

100% agree with Jaleo. It's the only restaurant on WDW property that I would go to if I wasn't at WDW. I've heard the DC location is fantastic but haven't been despite living about an hour or so away.

It can get a little loud if you sit near the area where the chefs are making the paellas but it's never been so loud that I can't hear the people I'm with. I also don't love being sat in the area to the left of the check in area. The seats are SUPER uncomfortable.

It's a bit more civil to the far right, where the ceiling gets lower, and has nice views of the lake. Service seems to be better there, with servers more serious and diners looking for more adventurous fare than the (admittedly delicious and authentic) croquetas and shrimp in garlic oil. We've had food and service experiences there that approached the best restaurants in the country.

Oh, and if you pay with the inKind payment app, there are really good deals and promotions which could get you up to 30-40% off your bill.

 

[Smugpugmug]

It's a bit more civil to the far right, where the ceiling gets lower, and has nice views of the lake. Service seems to be better there, with servers more serious and diners looking for more adventurous fare than the (admittedly delicious and authentic) croquetas and shrimp in garlic oil. We've had food and service experiences there that approached the best restaurants in the country.

Oh, and if you pay with the inKind payment app, there are really good deals and promotions which could get you up to 30-40% off your bill.

I was sat over there once and I agree that the service was better and it wasn't as loud. Ha, I love the shrimp but one of my favorites are actually the endives. The savory + sweet combo is phenomenal.

 

[vakamalua]

Definitely Enzo's Hideaway!

 

[pezgirlroy]

100% agree with Jaleo. It's the only restaurant on WDW property that I would go to if I wasn't at WDW. I've heard the DC location is fantastic but haven't been despite living about an hour or so away.

It can get a little loud if you sit near the area where the chefs are making the paellas but it's never been so loud that I can't hear the people I'm with. I also don't love being sat in the area to the left of the check in area. The seats are SUPER uncomfortable.

I used to live in DC and would go once a month. It was my favorite.

 

[kiford]

We love Jaleo. Because it's tapas, it comes whenever it's ready and you can order more later, so if you want to be having conversation with your tablemates, I find it easier than when everyone gets a big plate of food at the same time. This allows you to share some small plates, talk, share some more, talk, order some more, etc.

Wine Bar George does not have a large food menu but it is good and there are some small plates there too which we often share.

Raglan Road is another favourite but it can get very loud when the band and/or dancers come out.

I've only been to the Boathouse once and that was for lunch. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. I'm allergic to seafood and thought the menu would be so top-heavy with it or smell like seafood (which makes me nauseous), but it wasn't, and I enjoyed both the atmosphere and the food. We were at a round table for 6, so I feel like we were maybe a little more out of the way and farther from other tables, so the noise wasn't too bad, but I could see it getting noisy. But they do have sort of separate rooms so that helps.