Favorite places to eat in DD

[katmigordon]

With all the videos and research I've done I haven't heard of this one w

Another vote for Ballast Point. I especially love the outdoor patio upstairs.

 

[katmigordon]

Getting a little nervous no one mentioned Jazz Kitchen., it was the one place we saw in dtd that looked interesting to us. Centricos would have been great when we still lived in ky - but living in phoenix means good mexican around every corner so we don't tend to it on vacation.

 

[Louis63]

Jazz kitchen was a big disappointment, the server was great, the food was nothing like was described on the menu.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

We used to love the Jazz Kitchen before the remodel, but we haven't tried it since.

Centrico was really good even though we have access to a lot of good Mexican food. Also you might be able to more easily get a walk-up at Centrico if you don't mind sitting at the bar. We have sat both at the bar and at a table, and I like the outdoor seating environment. It would be too much for me in the sun on most days though, and there were tables with a lot of sun exposure with parties seated at them when we were visiting.

Din Tai Fung I would recommend reservations for because the waits can get very long. We enjoyed Din Tai Fung a lot the two times we visited, but we still feel it is a bit over-hyped. It is also a very loud environment which I found less than restful. If you are looking for a relaxing or calming meal break, this isn't what I would pick.

Earl of Sandwich is a great value and the sandwiches are decent.

We used to occasionally enjoy Black Tap for a burger because they weren't quite as expensive as some of the other resort area burger choices, but I'm not sure that is true anymore. Also, they stopped selling onion rings which was a big disappointment to me.

I see a lot of love on here for Splitsville lately, so I might have to try that to see what I have been missing out on.

 

[katmigordon]

It's all looked really good on youtube
I swear the more I try to plan the more I second guess even going to Disneyland - the whole thing feels like I'm about spend thousands of dollars for a six flags experience with a small touch of nostaliga from characters.

Jazz kitchen was a big disappointment, the server was great, the food was nothing like was described on the menu.

 

[LAS2AMS]

It's all looked really good on youtube
I swear the more I try to plan the more I second guess even going to Disneyland - the whole thing feels like I'm about spend thousands of dollars for a six flags experience with a small touch of nostaliga from characters.

You’re second guessing yourself because somebody had a poor dining experience? The restaurants in DTD aren’t Disney-owned and do not provide a Disney experience (the same is true in Disney Springs at WDW). You’re in Los Angeles, a foodie’s paradise - take advantage, use DoorDash or Uber Eats if you don’t have access to a car.

But if you don’t like what you see, I suggest visiting WDW instead.

 

[LKing]

I swear the more I try to plan the more I second guess even going to Disneyland - the whole thing feels like I'm about spend thousands of dollars for a six flags experience with a small touch of nostaliga from characters.

What is the reason for visiting Disneyland in the first place? Is it for the food? The roller coasters?

 

[katmigordon]

The reason for visiting Disneyland is because WDW is all the way across the country. Roller coasters are out of the question - disabled. Mostly what we were looking forward to in Disneyland was character meets because it looks like the villians walk around alot from what I've seen online. I don't remember much I couldn't ride at wdw - but half of the stuff I want to ride in Disneyland doesn't have access. We never had a hard time finding good food in wdw lots of good choices - DL seems to be mostly counter service. We were on the short list of people who used to use the old deluxe dining plan at wdw and come out way ahead. Food is not the only thing that matters - but it will make a trip miserable if we can't find good food. Having table service also meant not having to try to ride around looking for a table to stop and eat at while balancing drinks and a plate of food.

What is the reason for visiting Disneyland in the first place? Is it for the food? The roller coasters?

Not just because of that no, it's a lot of little things that have popped up over the planning process, It's funny you should bring up WDW as that's a big part of the problem. We went to WD every year for years before we moved out here and I've been scared of DL because I worry it just wont hold up.

You’re second guessing yourself because somebody had a poor dining experience? The restaurants in DTD aren’t Disney-owned and do not provide a Disney experience (the same is true in Disney Springs at WDW). You’re in Los Angeles, a foodie’s paradise - take advantage, use DoorDash or Uber Eats if you don’t have access to a car.

But if you don’t like what you see, I suggest visiting WDW instead.

What is the reason for visiting Disneyland in the first place? Is it for the food? The roller coasters?

 

[cruisehopeful]

We went to WD every year for years before we moved out here and I've been scared of DL because I worry it just wont hold up.

It's going to be very different. You just need to remember that it's not what you are used to and try not to compare, even though that's difficult. I think you'll have a very good time.

Jazz Kitchen was a favorite of many, not just the food, but the atmosphere. It was remodeled and turned very bland. I haven't eaten there since it reopened, but it doesn't look "fun" like it used to. Someone who loved it before probably wouldn't like the changes, but since you've never been there, you'll probably be fine if you like the menu.

I eat mostly at the hotels and I am extremely picky. I don't like theme park food. You might enjoy the Craftsman Bar at the Grand or the Palm Breeze Bar or Broken Spell Lounge at the DLH. Those places all have good food and are just a few steps from Downtown Disney. Of course, it all boils down to what you like to eat and how much the atmosphere is going to matter to you.

 

[DizMe]

With all the videos and research I've done I haven't heard of this one w

It's upstairs in DTD. There is an indoor area and outdoor patio.
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/downtown-disney-district/ballast-point-brewing-company/

I just read that you have a disability. I'm not sure whether Ballast Point would work for you since it's upstairs, but it does have an elevator. Both the indoor and outdoor areas are nice and often have fun views of DTD. If you're not familiar with it, DTD is not to be compared to Disney Springs or whatever the WDW version is called. DTD has much smaller venues and a smaller footprint overall. It doesn't take long to walk from one end to the other.

 

[LAS2AMS]

DLR is an urban park catering to locals. I would strongly suggest sticking to WDW because you will be disappointed. Food is mostly counter service and prices are higher than WDW.

 

[katmigordon]

We're not big on drinking or bars - esp the wife, she very uncomfortable in bars.
We are planning on doing Great Maple at Pixar Place.

It's going to be very different. You just need to remember that it's not what you are used to and try not to compare, even though that's difficult. I think you'll have a very good time.

Jazz Kitchen was a favorite of many, not just the food, but the atmosphere. It was remodeled and turned very bland. I haven't eaten there since it reopened, but it doesn't look "fun" like it used to. Someone who loved it before probably wouldn't like the changes, but since you've never been there, you'll probably be fine if you like the menu.

I eat mostly at the hotels and I am extremely picky. I don't like theme park food. You might enjoy the Craftsman Bar at the Grand or the Palm Breeze Bar or Broken Spell Lounge at the DLH. Those places all have good food and are just a few steps from Downtown Disney. Of course, it all boils down to what you like to eat and how much the atmosphere is going to matter to you.

 

[irlandaise]

We never had a hard time finding good food in wdw lots of good choices - DL seems to be mostly counter service. We were on the short list of people who used to use the old deluxe dining plan at wdw and come out way ahead. Food is not the only thing that matters - but it will make a trip miserable if we can't find good food.

I think you're underestimating the quality of the quick-service food at Disneyland. There are a lot of tasty options. (I'll put in a plug here for Bengal BBQ in Adventureland.) But with your other comments about seeing characters and having a guaranteed table, you probably will be happier if you make a few sit-down meal reservations.

BTW...it's a little difficult to understand your replies when you put them before other people's previous comments. One kind of has to go through your reply and then read what you're replying to for the context and then go back to the reply for it all to make sense.

 

[LKing]

The reason for visiting Disneyland is because WDW is all the way across the country. Roller coasters are out of the question - disabled. Mostly what we were looking forward to in Disneyland was character meets because it looks like the villians walk around alot from what I've seen online.

I don't understand this comment "the whole thing feels like I'm about spend thousands of dollars for a Six Flags experience with a small touch of nostalgia from characters." Six Flags is known for their coasters and thrill rides. Is that what you are finding at Disneyland?

Regarding the villains, I see the Evil Queen and Captain Hook pretty regularly. In fact, Captain Hook is in the cavalcade. Darth Vader has a meet & greet in the old Carousel of Progress building. Other than that, I can't think of any villains that wander the streets? Can anyone else?

I don't remember much I couldn't ride at wdw - but half of the stuff I want to ride in Disneyland doesn't have access. We never had a hard time finding good food in wdw lots of good choices - DL seems to be mostly counter service. We were on the short list of people who used to use the old deluxe dining plan at wdw and come out way ahead. Food is not the only thing that matters - but it will make a trip miserable if we can't find good food. Having table service also meant not having to try to ride around looking for a table to stop and eat at while balancing drinks and a plate of food.

Have you reached out to Disneyland's Disability Access Service? You should have access to everything as long as you can physically handle the ride.

Regarding food, you're going to have to help us with what you consider "good choices." What were your favorite restaurants at WDW and why? Miserable is a pretty strong word. If you will be miserable if you can't find food to your liking, then it sounds like food is a priority.

Not just because of that no, it's a lot of little things that have popped up over the planning process, It's funny you should bring up WDW as that's a big part of the problem. We went to WD every year for years before we moved out here and I've been scared of DL because I worry it just wont hold up.

Disneyland is NOT Walt Disney World. If you are looking for a closer WDW then you are going to be disappointed. Disneyland is a different experience.

You sound frustrated with this planning process. There are many very nice people on this forum who are eager to help those visiting for the first time. Why don't you start a separate thread and tell us a bit more about when you are visiting, what types of things you like to do, and any limitations you have.

 

[LAS2AMS]

IMO, if you value the Disney Bubble, food and character meet & greets, a Disney Cruise would be perfect for you.

The Disney Wonder sails from San Diego during March, April and early May. It does 3 & 4 days cruises but there’s a single 7 day option as well. During the summer, it sails from Vancouver on mostly 7 day cruises.

Just a thought.

 

[MillauFr]

That’s the first time I’ve see $44 pizza and cheap within the same sentence…

$44 is the going price for a large in Seattle now days. Plenty of places are $50+ for smaller pizzas. We stopped getting pizza delivery when the bill was $100+ for 3 of us.

 

[LAS2AMS]

$44 is the going price for a large in Seattle now days. Plenty of places are $50+ for smaller pizzas. We stopped getting pizza delivery when the bill was $100+ for 3 of us.

Little Cesar’s and/ or Dominos doesn’t exist in Seattle?

 

[irlandaise]

There are many very nice people on this forum who are eager to help those visiting for the first time. Why don't you start a separate thread and tell us a bit more about when you are visiting, what types of things you like to do, and any limitations you have.

Excellent idea, LKing. @katmigordon there are likely people on this forum who could help with your DL questions but aren't paying attention to this thread about Downtown Disney. As LKing says, start a new thread with a subject line about your specific questions and you'll get some helpful responses.

 

[Kit Jackson]

It's all looked really good on youtube
I swear the more I try to plan the more I second guess even going to Disneyland - the whole thing feels like I'm about spend thousands of dollars for a six flags experience with a small touch of nostaliga from characters.

I'm not sure what you mean. Six Flags is all about thrill rides and coasters. Disneyland is almost the opposite of that.

DL seems to be mostly counter service.

Don't conflate counter service with bad food. Some of the counter service meals are really good.

it's a lot of little things that have popped up over the planning process

What specific little things? If you can come up with a list of specific questions and concerns, start a new thread and I guarantee you will people will be able to offer advice and help planning a Disneyland trip.

 

[MillauFr]

Little Cesar’s and/ or Dominos doesn’t exist in Seattle?

I'm not in college anymore. You don't eat Sbarros like Michael Scott do you?