Recommended Dining for Solo Travelers?

[Novatrix]

Are there any recommendations or must do dining for solo travelers?

Unfortunately, I completely forgot about the 60 day reservation window when it opened for my trip tying into Memorial Day. (Arrive late afternoon on the 29th leaving mid to late day on 6/2.) The only restaurant that I'm bummed I'll be missing out on is Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki bar, as I adore the one at WDW and stop by there any time I can for food, drinks and hijinks. I was hoping for a World of Color dining package, but they either haven't release them yet or they won't be available for my trip. I managed to snag a reservation for lunch at Lamplighters lounge for lunch on my last day, Cafe Orleans for lunch on a previous day, and a dinner at Napa Rose for the Monday since I've heard good things, but other than that I'm kind of at a loss.

So now I'm looking for other recommendations on where else to eat. Honestly, if there are any good restaurants with walk-up bar seating that would be my number one pick, as I hate trying to predict when I'll be hungry weeks in advance. I'm not big on typical entrees, usually preferring to order a couple of appetizers. I have a number of go to places at WDW that fit that description (mostly the deluxe resort lounges), but what about DL and DTD? Good QS restaurants are in the running too.

Doesn't need to be on Disney property, I'm good walking up to 1.5 miles off property as long as it's a safe area. Just no national food chains, however chains unique to California would be interesting. Worst case scenario, I'm going to stash food in the mini-fridge in my hotel room.

Also, do you really need reservations for the DTD restaurants? I understand it will be busy due to the holiday, but is there any place that will be walk-up? I don't mind putting my name on a list and returning 2 hours later.

 

[wowsmom]

I like Hearthstone Lounge in the GCH. They have bar seating plus tables inside & outside.

 

[DLRExpert]

Still try for Trader Sam's. If you get there during an off time or they have one bar seat available for one, you are good to go.
Just know, that one bar seat may not be in the best location on the bar.

 

[Novatrix]

Hearthstone Lounge is just the kind of place I like. Thank you so much for the suggestion!

I'm definitely still going to try for Trader Sam's (and stalk reservations for the back half of the trip, since those dates don't appear to have been released yet.) I don't care if I have to stand in the wost corner of the room, I just want to eat some of the small plate dishes, and get another hideous tiki mug for my collection.

 

[DizMe]

I was able to get a table at Jazz Kitchen day of by walking up. That was in Nov, so I'm not sure about how it would be now, but maybe worth a shot. The experience was wonderful and so was the food (and the drinks!).

I second the recommendation to try for Trader Sam's and also the outdoor bar area of Tangaroa Terrace. I've usually been able to get a spot there and it's one of my favorites.

I also really love the outdoor terrace that is upstairs at Ballast Point in DTD. You can people watch from above and it has a nice ambiance. They take walk-ups (maybe that's all they do, I'm not sure) and text you when your spot is ready. I love the food, love the varied beer options that include flights, and love that they let me order off the kids menu.

Also completely agree with the Hearthstone Lounge recommendation!! Get there early and you'll have a good shot. If you wait until later, you'll have a lot of competition. My sister and I went the week before Christmas and easily got a great seat at around 11. We were waiting for some friends who kept "getting delayed," so we finally moved from our table to the couches that face each other. It began to feel very uncomfortable as there was a long line of people waiting to get in and they would sort of walk around and see who looked like they might be close to leaving, so we just texted our friends that we'd meet them elsewhere. It wouldn't have been fair of us to take up seating for too long in the lounge and I was pretty miffed at our friends, who didn't show up for over 2 hours past the latest time they'd said they'd be there. Glad we didn't stay in the lounge longer.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

For solo trips/days, I like:

Carthay Lounge
Hearthstone Lounge
I sure miss SH 55 for breakfast
Lampliight-upstairs
Napa Rose Lounge
Pacific Wharf
Uva Bar
Ralph Brennans or Naples Bar
Wine Country Bar upstairs

 

[Pluto468]

I keep wanting to reply "Oga's" because as soon as I see Solo I think of Star Wars.

If you are looking for a place on Harbor, try Mimi's. We really like it, it's next to Hojo. Also agree with others suggesting Trader Sam's. GCH Craftsman grill is very nice, too.

 

[Becca1007]

Honestly, Disney is the best place to dine solo. I have eaten solo at Carthay and I had the best service! And Trader Sams often has room for one at the bar seating because of odd sized parties.

 

[Novatrix]

Liking all the suggestions. Pity the Napa Rose lounge is closed, as that would've been more my scene than the full sit down meal in Napa Rose itself.

Honestly, not too fussed about seeing Oga's Cantina. I've been to the Disney World one a number of times, and haven't been too impressed due to the lack of good appetizers. I've heard the Disneyland one is pretty similar.

 

[disneycat321]

Try setting an alert with Mouse Dining for reservations you still want to get. I've had luck with that service.

My favorite food at Disneyland is Bengal BBQ. Also a big fan of Tropical Hideaway. Those fit your appetizer criteria. They're both QS.

 

[Novatrix]

Thank you to everyone mentioning certain notification services for dining! I got a reservation for May 30th for Trader Sams. Not preferred day or time, but since it was my very few must dos I'll make it work if a better day/time doesn't become available.