Give me your table service restaurant opinions!

[LizzyS]

So, it's official that we're going for a quick, one day holiday trip to Disneyland this December! In saying that, we will only be in Disneyland, but since this is one, long marathon day, I was thinking maybe we should do a reservation somewhere at a table service restaurant to kind of veg for a while at dinnertime. By veg, I mean "sit down", lol.

Anyway, the only place I've done reservations for was Steakhouse 55 and am not looking to do that again this trip, even though I loved it, so what other table service restaurants would you recommend and why? I know Blue Bayou is a favorite, but I'm not sure DH would like the food there. I'm even from the South and the Monte Cristo seems a little scary, lol.

Any opinions from those of you who have done it all would be greatly appreciated!

 

[LizzyS]

After poking around some since posting this thread, the Plaza Inn looks like it might be a good option for us. Opinions on having dinner there? I mostly see people talking about having the character breakfast, but also about how great the fried chicken is there.

 

[Lights_Out]

If you haven't tried the Monte Cristo you can split it with your husband.

We didn't like Blue Bayou that much... the food was meh, but the obvious reason to go there would be for the atmosphere (or for desserts).

How about eating a meal somewhere else and going to BB for desserts? You are allowed to do that I hear, although I've never done it myself.

A lot of people here love Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, we've never been but plan to for our next trip.

If you're open to going to DTD that opens up a lot more options!

 

[Lights_Out]

After poking around some since posting this thread, the Plaza Inn looks like it might be a good option for us. Opinions on having dinner there? I mostly see people talking about having the character breakfast, but also about how great the fried chicken is there.

The menu items at Plaza Inn are a bit basic for me to spend Disney money on (

), but people seem to love the pot roast and chicken there!

 

[rwhistler92]

If you are only there one day I wouldn't waste time with a place you need a reservation. Plaza Inn in a great idea or Hungry Bear. They are great places to sit a relax while you eat.
If you will be at DCA at all I would suggest Flo's. Lots of great places to sit and lots to see.

 

[KateDrake]

I agree, if you are only there one day, I wouldn't do a TS meal. It just takes up too much precious time! I'd grab something at Jolly Holiday and sit on the veranda, or at the Hungry Bear and sit out on the deck. Still great places to veg and people watch, but you won't lose as much time.

Now that said, I think Blue Bayou is worth doing at least once. Just for the atmosphere alone. I am not a fan of the Monte Cristo, but I did like the crab cakes last time we had dinner there. Portions are big, so you could probably share! Not the best food ever, but the experience is definitely one you'll remember.

 

[Lights_Out]

True. Like the others said, grabbing a quick meal would probably be best in your tight schedule (unless you don't mind). I find that it's relaxing enough on long slow rides like PoTC or Haunted Mansion

 

[LizzyS]

You guys do have a point on it taking up time, but this trip I actually don't expect to do everything in the park. I'm still thinking about it, tbh.

My husband will hate the menu at BB, which I confirmed with myself after I made the initial post.

We might want to do a dinner in DTD the night we arrive, which will not be spent in the park. What restaurants do you recommend in DTD? Do I make reservations for those at Disney's website, too?

 

[Lights_Out]

We've never eaten at a sit down restaurant at DTD, but I've heard great things about Ralph Brennan's
Looks like you can make reservations online? https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/downtown-disney-district/ralph-brennans-jazz-kitchen/
Catal as well https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/downtown-disney-district/catal-restaurant/

 

[Sherry E]

Since this will be a holiday trip in December, I might suggest Storytellers Café in the Grand Californian Hotel (easy to get to from DTD) instead of a restaurant in DTD itself. It's a nice place to sit down and veg. There is a cute, real gingerbread house stationed near the entrance of the restaurant. The whole vibe of Storytellers kind of lends itself well to the holiday feeling, and there may be some special seasonal items on the menu.

If you're set on eating in DTD, as Lights_Out mentioned, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen gets a lot of good reviews.

As for in the park -- How about Carnation Café? That's a good place to eat, inside or outside.

I really love the chicken and mashed potatoes at the Plaza Inn. Plus, Plaza Inn will have some seasonal desserts (if that is of interest to you).

The BBQ at Big Thunder Ranch is very popular, and the Jingle Jangle Jamboree (which is right next door to it) is lively and fun.

 

[LizzyS]

Thanks everyone for your opinions!

I am heavily leaning towards the dinner in DTD on our arrival day, honestly. I will have to check the menu for RB's Jazz Kitchen and see if that's something we would like!

 

[LizzyS]

Wow, the Jazz Kitchen's menu for dinner looks DELICIOUS!

 

[Lights_Out]

Wow, the Jazz Kitchen's menu for dinner looks DELICIOUS!

Yeah, I love their menu! And I say that we are going to try RBJK every trip, but we just don't end up spending much time at DTD

 

[rentayenta]

Love the DTD and hotel restaurants but with just one day, I don't think I'd want to leave Disneyland to eat. I vote for the Plaza Inn. The location can't be beat.

 

[Lights_Out]

Love the DTD and hotel restaurants but with just one day, I don't think I'd want to leave Disneyland to eat. I vote for the Plaza Inn. The location can't be beat.

They're considering a DTD restaurant for their arrival day (I think?). Not their Disney day

 

[LizzyS]

They're considering a DTD restaurant for their arrival day (I think?). Not their Disney day

Yes, you are correct!

We'll arrive on Friday after lunch and do Disneyland on Saturday, return home on Sunday.

RB's Jazz Kitchen looks great; I think we have a winner!

 

[rms123]

My favorite TS right now is Big Thunder BBQ. Close second is Cafe Orleans.