Hearthstone Lounge vs. Cove Bar?

[WonkaKid]

Folks, I'm not a drinker. But when my mother visited a few months ago and we went to DL, I took her to Hearthstone Lounge in The Grand Californian. She likes to get away from the noise in the mid afternoon and smooth the road a bit with a gin and tonic. She really likes this bar. It's quiet, elegant and in a nice setting. Has anyone been to HL and Cove Bar and can compare the two? The next time she comes, I might like to take her somewhere else, just for a bit of variety. Any thoughts?

 

[tlovesdis]

The Cove Bar is great, but not quiet by any means. You can hear the roller coaster going and people screaming! There is lots of music coming from the boardwalk area as well. That being said, it is a great place to grab some food and delicious drinks! But if it's quiet you are looking for this isn't the place!

You might look at the Alfresco Terrace in DCA (above Wine Country Trattoria). I haven't been yet, but it looks nice!

 

[gottalovepluto]

I have not been yet but Cove Bar is NOT a chill, quiet place. (I've been researching Cove Bar for my upcoming trip too!) Cove bar is very popular and you have to stand in line outside for a while (depending on the time of day) to get inside. How about Carthay Lounge? It's chill and sometimes you have to wait to get inside but we didn't wait too long last time we went. The bartenders make EXCELLENT drinks and there's this jazzy 30's version of tons of classic Disney songs that plays in the background. Can't recommend it enough. (I don't think Alfresco Tasting Terrace will fit the bill here, I've only seen wine and beer on their menu not hard liquor, but I'm not 100% sure on that.)

ETA: Also all seats in Carthay are inside!

 

[ParkHopper1]

Cove bar is still theme park feel....NOT an escape if that is what you are looking for.

Try the lounge in Napa Rose. You can sit at the bar or in the lounge area in the front...it s first come first serve and even more of an escape and relaxing than Hearthstone. They have some great light appetizers as well you can order.

 

[TinkLoverSam]

The wine bar mentioned above is lovely as is the Carthay Circle Lounge

 

[ADLFAN]

I think the Hearthstone Lounge is definitely more elegant, and I also love the classic look in there.

We tried the Cove Bar and while I enjoyed the atmosphere and great service (we sat at the bar) and would gladly return, it is pretty noisy and busy. There is usually a line to get in, which is not the case at the Hearthstone Lounge for sure!

Also, the Cove bar is open air, and although they ask your preference (shaded table, sunny table, or at the bar), anywhere is likely to be warmer than Hearthstone.

I think Hearthstone Lounge might be the ideal location for a little mid day recuperation! Glad you brought it up!

The other places I was tempted to try are the Lounge at Carthay Circle and UVA Bar in DTD, mostly for their appetizers. Does Hearthstone have food, too?

Oh yeah! Flatbreads, ribs, wagyu sliders! I might have to work this one in for a hot afternoon break in August.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Total opposites of each other but both great!
Cove has all the sounds of the pier area, especially Screamin and the HS is very quiet and reserved and even a bit darker.
If one really wants to get away from the noise, the HS is your best bet.
BTW, I had the best Irish Coffee there!

 

[sweethannah]

Polar opposites imo. The Cove is a great place to have a drink inside the Park and still partake of that ambiance. The Hearthstone is a place to get away from the Parks while still enjoying a refined Disney experience. I think the Carthay Lounge would be a much better fit for your mom and as a fellow G&T drinker she will enjoy the one from the Lounge.

 

[Nevada Jen]

UVA bar in DTD as well as the bar at Jazz kitchen are other good choices. If it is a nice day, sitting outside at trader sams by the fireplace can also be wonderful (or not, depending on who else is there, but it is usually quiet). Oh! And the steakhouse 55 bar at DLH! Definitely try that if you walk past trader sams and it is busy or loud outside!

 

[meggles]

Carthay circle lounge or catal restaurant in DTD. Catal has a second story patio overlooking DTD so it's intimate, shaded, yet still has interesting people watching opportunities. Very delicious food too!

 

[arcadiandj]

My wife and I go to the Cove Bar for the Lobster Nachos and "The View." The Nachos and "The View" are worth standing in line for an hour-which this over 40 couple are up for on a regular basis. The drinks are standard, not great (if you like tiki drinks, you will be disappointed and YOU MUST go to Trader Sams). We LOVE HL, but no view and the eats are not so memorable. We go there regularly for the quality of the space, the relaxing ambiance, and their drinks. WE LOVE the lounge at Carthay-GREAT ambiance, great drinks, less than 20 minute wait, and the food has earned its way into our regular rotation. Seriously, some of their appetizers/food is killer. My wife and I go to the Alfresco Terrace lounge for wine, some lovely appetizers, and a GREAT view of Radiator Springs. It is also QUITE relaxing up there. We also saw a Disney cat once.

In summary, if you think she would like an AMAZING appetizer (the Lobster Nachos) and a CLASSIC view (if you time it right, you can even watch the light/fountain show from up there in the evening), go for the Cove Bar. If you are looking for some down time, look at the Carthay and the Alfresco Terrace, and of course you have the HL.

I should note my wife and I have not been to the Napa Lounge, but we are more than interested. Finally, on one lovely occasion, we were seated in front of the fireplace at the Grand Californian. My wife ran off to the HL and got a couple drinks, and we had the most relaxing and enjoyable time catching our breath.

Please let us know what you decide next, and how it goes!

 

[Malcon10t]

Try the lounge in Napa Rose. You can sit at the bar or in the lounge area in the front...it s first come first serve and even more of an escape and relaxing than Hearthstone. They have some great light appetizers as well you can order.

I don't think the Napa Rose lounge opens til 5pm.

I love the Cove Bar, but I wouldn't recommend it if she is looking for quiet. Carthay also has the quiet and relaxing atmosphere she would like. The Alfresco Bar is great too, but I *think* they only serve wine. I also like the Lounge at Steakhouse 55. It is quiet and subdued and great drinks!

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

I believe you are right on the Alfresco bar, they only serve wine and beer, but it is a nice quite place to hang out. They have some decent appetizers too. Also agree on SH 55 lounge, another nice place to relax.