Downtown Disney restaurants???

[princess124]

Bongo's Cuban Cafe is absolutely wonderful. I have to stop there every time we go. They have both QS (a walk up window to the left of the main entrance with a limited menu) and TS. I've done both the QS and TS numerous times and have never had a bad meal. The papas rellenas and empanadas are amazing! If you're not sure you'll like it, try the QS first. Like I said, never had a bad meal. Enjoy!

 

[Dizneydaz]

TS-I rec. reservations at all of these, if you can
Raglan Road
Wolfgang Cafe
House of Blues (with certificate, a good deal!)

CS-Cookes of Dublin
Earl of Sandwich
Wolfgang Puck Express-the one in the Marketplace has more selection but both are good.

We had our first meal, of our trip last year, at DTD. We were using QSDP for the first time. Even though it was a Tuesday night in late Sept. most of the CS venues were packed. First we checked WPE by DQ-no tables available. We jumped on the boat and then we checked out WPE in Marketplace. Very crowded (line out the door) and I asked how they were doing on desserts and they were basically out-so we moved on to EoS. Again, another big line. So we went to our final option. By now I would say it was close to 8:30 p.m.

We went to Cooke's and there were only a few people in line. We ordered Shrimp and Chips, Scallops and Chips, and the Chicken and Chips. All of it was good, the scallops and chicken were excellent. If you are on the DDP you are only allowed the fresh fruit cup as a dessert choice but it was very good fruit-nice and fresh. We took it back to room and had it with breakfast the next day. And still had some left over. Cooke's can be hard to get a table but we were able to get one inside. We were very happy with our choice.

 

[WheelCEO]

one word: PORTOBELLO

/thread

 

[Dizneydaz]

Is in necessary to hava a reservation for DTD? I've seen a lot of you put "without reservation" when speaking about a restraunt.

You can make ADRS at TS at DTD. I would recommend it if you can. What FireDancer meant by "without reservation" was she would eat there again, with having any doubts. Not without ADRS.

 

[cigar95]

Is in necessary to hava a reservation for DTD? I've seen a lot of you put "without reservation" when speaking about a restraunt.

Oops. I think our posters were in some cases using that turn of phrase as if to say "I wouldn't hesitate", or "without a second thought".

While many of the DtD places are less crowded than restaurants in the parks, or in the more popular resorts, it's still a good idea to make a reservation if you know your schedule in advance.

Two places where a reservation will really help are T-Rex and Planet Hollywood. Wolfgang Puck's might be in that category also. In the case of T-Rex, you may find that calling the restaurant directly will allow a reservation even when Disney's reservation system has none left.

Depending on what time of year you're going, many of the other places should be accessible with a walk-up.

I was going to add Paradiso to the list, but I'm pleased to see that so many of my fellow DISers have already done that!

 

[JimmyV]

Our flight arrives at 1:45 and I plan on using this first day to explore our hotel and the grounds little and maybe swim, or go shopping at DD. I would like to make a reservation at a restaurant in DD. Any suggestions?

In order of preference:
Wolgang Puck Dining Room (upstairs)
Fulton's
Water Taxi to Saratoga Springs and dine at Turf Club
Portobello
Wolfgang Puck Cafe (downstairs TS)
Raglan Road
Bongo's
Paradiso 37
T-Rex

Do not care for:
Rainforest Cafe
Planet Hollywood
House of Blues
(Not terrible, per se, but too much of a "been there, done that" feel for me when I am on vacation at WDW. I want something more locally unique.)
Captain Jack's-Haven't had anything edible there since 1982 or thereabouts. Tried it a couple times since and it has been miserable every time.