Have you eaten at California Grill solo recently?

[aboveH20]

Two months from now I'll be staying at the Contemporary Resort, hooray. I thought about eating at the California Grill the night I arrive. Naturally I would love a window seat but realistically I'm guessing they will want me to sit at the bar/counter/whatever they call it. Honestly, I do not want to watch people cooking, doing laundry or vacuuming while I'm on vacation. I've been solo to Jiko and Flying Fish and "had" to sit at the bar.

Has anyone gone solo recently and been able to sit "in the restaurant". And by solo, I mean just me! I love it when people say they're going solo with four kids or other adults. I'm too literal, solo means solo

 

[Simba's Mom]

Two months from now I'll be staying at the Contemporary Resort, hooray. I thought about eating at the California Grille the night I arrive. Naturally I would love a window seat but realistically I'm guessing they will want me to sit at the bar/counter/whatever they call it. Honestly, I do not want to watch people cooking, doing laundry or vacuuming while I'm on vacation. I've been solo to Jiko and Flying Fish and "had" to sit at the bar.

Has anyone gone solo recently and been able to sit "in the restaurant". And by solo, I mean just me! I love it when people say they're going solo with four kids or other adults. I'm too literal, solo means solo

Not recently, but I have been there solo, a few years ago, and I don't think they even asked about the bar (or if they did, it wasn't a strong recommendation, since I don't remember it). But they did give me a nice monorail view, near a window, where I could watch the comings and goings while I ate.

 

[supersnoop]

I dined there solo in September. I was seated in a back room (the "wine room?") up against a window. I don't remember anyone sitting at the bar. Seating someone overlooking the kitchen seems like a bad idea at this time.

 

[aboveH20]

Not recently, but I have been there solo, a few years ago, and I don't think they even asked about the bar (or if they did, it wasn't a strong recommendation, since I don't remember it). But they did give me a nice monorail view, near a window, where I could watch the comings and goings while I ate.

I dined solo a few years ago as well . It was before they closed for the major rehab. I was wondering if part of the reason for the bar was so we darn singles don’t take up a whole table.

I dined there solo in September. I was seated in a back room (the "wine room?") up against a window. I don't remember anyone sitting at the bar. Seating someone overlooking the kitchen seems like a bad idea at this time.

When we ate there as a family, probably 20+ years ago, we were seated in the wine room. It was our first time and our waiter never told us about fireworks viewing from the deck. We were wondering why the restaurant was suddenly empty.

 

[kwdw]

If you don’t want to be at the bar, book an ADR. No promises where you’ll be seated though. My last trip was my first trip to CA grill solo and I went without an ADR so I did sit at the bar. I actually liked it better than expected as the bartender didn’t rush me, the full menu is available, and I did briefly chat with the folks next to me (pre-COVID).

 

[Ross Kratter]

When I have eaten there solo, they have seated me at tables, both in the wine room (the back room) and the main room.

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

I dined there solo in October. I checked in right as they opened and asked for a table by the window and got it. I had a reservation for 5:45 but made sure I was there early ;-)

Oh. And if you can't find a reservation, keep trying. ON my next trip, I was able to find one for 6:20. Remember that you may have to look for a reservation for 2. They've never given me a problem for only being one.

 

[Blondie58]

Two months from now I'll be staying at the Contemporary Resort, hooray. I thought about eating at the California Grill the night I arrive. Naturally I would love a window seat but realistically I'm guessing they will want me to sit at the bar/counter/whatever they call it. Honestly, I do not want to watch people cooking, doing laundry or vacuuming while I'm on vacation. I've been solo to Jiko and Flying Fish and "had" to sit at the bar.

Has anyone gone solo recently and been able to sit "in the restaurant". And by solo, I mean just me! I love it when people say they're going solo with four kids or other adults. I'm too literal, solo means solo

I have been at WDW solo three times and I mean litterally solo with no kids or other adults. I have not been asked to sit anywhere other than a table when I had a reservation. I even went to high tea at GF and was seated at a wonderful table where I could overlook the grounds and see the beautiful flowers. I would not accept the bar seating arrangement if it was not right for you going forward. I would kindly express your preference. I hope you find a request will work. Have a great time.

 

[aboveH20]

If you don’t want to be at the bar, book an ADR. No promises where you’ll be seated though. My last trip was my first trip to CA grill solo and I went without an ADR so I did sit at the bar. I actually liked it better than expected as the bartender didn’t rush me, the full menu is available, and I did briefly chat with the folks next to me (pre-COVID).

In all fairness, sitting at the bar does have advantages when solo. A few times I've run out of things to look at, so having some "entertainment" isn't all bad. For CG the whole point would be the view, so I'd love a window seat.

When I have eaten there solo, they have seated me at tables, both in the wine room (the back room) and the main room.

Good to know, thanks.

I dined there solo in October. I checked in right as they opened and asked for a table by the window and got it. I had a reservation for 5:45 but made sure I was there early ;-)

Oh. And if you can't find a reservation, keep trying. ON my next trip, I was able to find one for 6:20. Remember that you may have to look for a reservation for 2. They've never given me a problem for only being one.

An early reservation is a good idea. My flight doesn't land until 3:05 so I'm not sure how early I'd dare to book. Do they give you a 15 minute grace period? I can't remember.

I have been at WDW solo three times and I mean litterally solo with no kids or other adults. I have not been asked to sit anywhere other than a table when I had a reservation. I even went to high tea at GF and was seated at a wonderful table where I could overlook the grounds and see the beautiful flowers. I would not accept the bar seating arrangement if it was not right for you going forward. I would kindly express your preference. I hope you find a request will work. Have a great time.

Solo meaning solo is wonderful isn't it?

Thank you for your well wishes.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I adore going solo. My trip this February ended up having to be shortened since I got injured (turned out to be a stress fracture near my knee so I'm glad I left and came home). I'm hoping it will be healed before my next trip in April otherwise it will be a scooter and cane for me.

Anyways - I ate at California Grill and was seated in the main room. I did book it as 2 since I couldn't book it as 1 and they had no problem with it just being me. Food was good too.

 

[aboveH20]

I adore going solo. My trip this February ended up having to be shortened since I got injured (turned out to be a stress fracture near my knee so I'm glad I left and came home). I'm hoping it will be healed before my next trip in April otherwise it will be a scooter and cane for me.

Anyways - I ate at California Grill and was seated in the main room. I did book it as 2 since I couldn't book it as 1 and they had no problem with it just being me. Food was good too.

Sorry about your injury and having to cut your trip short.

When I first starting looking at CG for my arrival day (staying at Contemporary Resort) they had 5:35 and 9:15 available. Basically too early (my flight arrives 3ish) or too late (9 is too late for me any day, especially travel day). Now, nothing is available, so I guess I don't have to spend any more time worrying about where they'll seat me. And, now that there aren't any times available I suddenly REALLY want to eat there. Human nature is strange!

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

Since you are staying there, I would still try to be put on the wait list when you arrive...

 

[aboveH20]

Since you are staying there, I would still try to be put on the wait list when you arrive...

Good to know. I wasn't aware of wait list.

I'm finding planning for my April trip to be quite different given the early closing time in the parks. Makes for lots of time to eat (not that that was ever a problem ).

 

[jimmymc]

At California Grill specifically, the restaurant and bar/lounge have two separate lists. So if you have a reservation, that should mean they have a table for you.

It's different at most other restaurants.

 

[aboveH20]

At California Grill specifically, the restaurant and bar/lounge have two separate lists. So if you have a reservation, that should mean they have a table for you.

It's different at most other restaurants.

I didn't know that, thanks. Is there any view from the lounge?

 

[jimmymc]

I didn't know that, thanks. Is there any view from the lounge?

Yes, some table are right near windows. The bar seating all faces away from the windows, but you can always walk to the outside view deck.

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

When we were there in January, it looked like more than half of the barstools were gone. The ladies that run the podium are wonderful so I'd just ask them if you're more likely to get a table or a spot in the lounge.

 

[aboveH20]

Yes, some table are right near windows. The bar seating all faces away from the windows, but you can always walk to the outside view deck.

That sounds nice! I'll be staying at the CR and with early park closings this may be a good spot to check out.

 

[aboveH20]

When we were there in January, it looked like more than half of the barstools were gone. The ladies that run the podium are wonderful so I'd just ask them if you're more likely to get a table or a spot in the lounge.

I'm now realizing that the lounge is separate from the "restaurant". I was picturing the "counter" where people face the chefs, which I think is inside the "restaurant". That's what I wanted to avoid. I have to go look at some photos to get my bearings.

 

[MassJester]

I'm now realizing that the lounge is separate from the "restaurant". I was picturing the "counter" where people face the chefs, which I think is inside the "restaurant". That's what I wanted to avoid. I have to go look at some photos to get my bearings.

It‘s interesting that you want to avoid those seats. Just a matter of personal taste, but when I’m solo (a good 50% of my trips), I find those seats very engaging. It’s what I miss most about the pre-refurb Flying Fish.