Restaurant Lounges that serve apps or full menu

[Jess Wilhite]

Hi there... Planning our first WDW trip in April. And its time to start thinking about food (geez). My husband and I are traveling with our 4 year and we aren't big eaters but love nice restaurants and food. Can you recommend nice restaurants that may have a lounge area that serves appetizers or off the main menu and good cocktails. We like to share and we don't always feel comfortable taking up a prime dining table. Also needs to be suitable for a well behaved 4 year old.

Thanks

 

[holden]

Lots of lounges have apps/small plates. Check out the menus on all ears dot net. Not sure how seating would work out since kids can't sit at the bar. I think Martha's Vineyard and Trader Sam's have table type seating. I'm sure other bars must have regular tables too but I'm not sure which ones. For example, I'm pretty sure the lounge at The Wave is bar seating only, but I'm not positive.

If you want to make reservations you'd have to eat at a regular restaurant. Lounges don't take reservations. You could just order apps/salad from a restaurant. I do it all the time and they never mind.

 

[Crystal824]

Most of the lounges have app/small plates. On one trip, our two year old fell asleep. We had planned to dine QS in the MK, but instead we went to the lounge at the Poly. We had drinks and app. They let us keep her in her stroller asleep. It was a nice evening. After we ate, we went to the MK. Don't worry, when she woke up we fed her at the MK.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

Territory Lounge at WL would be a good choice. They have tables and an appetizer menu.

Last time I was there I asked the bartender about ordering off the Artist Point menu from the lounge. When I'm solo I often prefer to eat at a bar. She said that for one person they're o.k. with it, but for more than one they would discourage it. She didn't flat out say no, but it was clear they didn't really want to allow that but were trying to accommodate solo travelers who may not be comfortable sitting alone at a restaurant table.

But really for three people don't worry about taking a table. People often share meals, apps and/or desserts at WDW restaurants. Many book ADRs just for dessert.

 

[Jess Wilhite]

Thank you for the feedback. Great suggestions and part of the reason we like lounges is too many reservations drive me crazy

 

[MHDTS]

California Grill has a lounge that doesn't require resizes, and the full menu is available in adding to great apps and drinks.

 

[Nanajo1]

We got great service in the lounge at Sanaa.

 

[NOLA_Tink]

Most of Disney's lounges have a bar within them, but aren't just bars. During earlier business hours, I'd have no problem bringing my toddler to them. I'd actually be more concerned about bringing him to a signature restaurant than their neighboring lounge. Wilderness' Lodge's Territory Lounge, near their signature restaurant Artist Point, is a MUST DO! They have tables and chairs in the lounge, and you can just roll the stroller up to one of the tables. Last time we were there waiting for our Artist Point ADR, a few families were in the lounge. We love their old portobello bisque and are looking forward to trying the updated recipe soon. We also really like Tambu Lounge, which is right next to 'Ohana. There are families all over the place there because they're waiting for an 'Ohana table. During peak hours, it might be tough to snag a seat, but we've sat there during slower times- and they have the 'Ohana bread pudding on their menu! Best wishes!
Territory Lounge menu: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/wilderness-lodge-resort/territory-lounge/menus/
Tambu Lounge menu: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/polynesian-resort/tambu-lounge/menus/lounge/

ETA: If you feel like walking from Epcot to the Yacht Club, Crew Cup's Lounge also offers a great menu, including chowder, crab cakes, & lobster rolls- https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/yacht-club-resort/crew-cup-lounge/

 

[L&Lfan]

I literally counted over 40 WDW bars and lounges that serve food. Perhaps if you could let me know the park/resort/area you'll be in I could give you the names.

 

[Jess Wilhite]

We will be staying at the Beach Club and visiting all 4 parks with 2 days at MK and 2 days at Epcot.

Here is my list of options I like so far:

- Crews Cup
-CA Grill
-Tambu Lounge
-Jock Lindsey's
-Sanaa

In the parks:
- Nomad Lounge
- Brown Derby Lounge

Does anyone know if Flying Fish or IL Mulino have lounges that serve off the main menu or just bar seating.

Thanks

 

[L&Lfan]

Il Mulino's lounge serves a bar menu.

Flying Fish only mentions the adjoining Abracadabar and mo mention of food.

Martha's Vineyard at the Beach Club (a personal favorite) serves light appetizers from the next door Cape May Cafe.

At Epcot: La Cava del Tequila has Mexican appetizers, Rose & Crown Pub has British pub fare, Sommerfest has an interesting German menu, and Tutto Gusto has a fairly extensive variety of Italian small plates.

We love the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge and it's a must do for us for late morning (we've seen it open as early as 11:30 am) cocktails and the cheese and charcuterie plates.

 

[dgthree]

I was just there last week. Flying Fish does not have a lounge, and Abracadabar doesn't serve food. Sorry!

 

[littledebbie335]

I would definitely try the lounge at Sanaa! We had great service there and the food is amazing! I bet your 4 year old would enjoy sharing the bread service with you and your husband. Some of the dips are hot, but they arrange them from mild to spicy, so it's easier to figure out which dips a kiddo might enjoy.

 

[punkin712]

At Il Mulino, you can order from the full menu at the bar/in the lounge. DH and I go 2 or 3 times every trip and actually prefer to eat in the lounge. Like you, we hate making reservations so far in advance! Have fun!

 

[kastoney]

I'd also offer that Misner's is a good option and you can order food from Citrcos. I'd also be careful at Tambu Lounge. The food and drinks are great, but it gets very crowded with people waiting for reservations at Ohana. You may have trouble finding room for all 3 of you.

 

[Uncleromulus]

California Grill has a lounge that doesn't require resizes, and the full menu is available in adding to great apps and drinks.

HOWEVER--if it is full (which it always is anywhere near fireworks time)--they won't let you in w/o a reservation. There are but 8 tables in the "lounge" area.

 

[OKW Lover]

Il Mulino's lounge serves a bar menu.

You can order off the full restaurant menu as well.

 

[halfpintpeggy]

The lounge at Shula's is great!

 

[Jess Wilhite]

Thank you for all your detailed responses. I now have a wonderful list of options because of all your suggestions

This is our first trip and I don't now how y'all do it. You make your ADR, have your list of Lounges and QS and have to wait 5 months. It's kinda torture

 

[Uncleromulus]

The lounge at Shula's is great!

But probably not for a 4 year old--