Restaurant Recommendations

[brymolmom]

Hi there.

I am a DW veteran, going to DL for 2nd time. The kids are much older this time so I think we'll get a LOT more out of it.

We aren't big foodies so we'll be eating some meals offsite on the way back to our hotel (Desert Inn). But I think we might want 2 or so sit-downs. Last time we only did a character meal at the Grand Californian. I would like to stay in the park this time around.

At WDW - we are big fans of more casual places like The Plaza Restaurant. Is there anything along those lines (sandwiches, burgers, yummy milkshakes) that I would find in one of the parks at DL?

Thanks!

 

[Abbey1]

Since you mentioned sandwiches and shakes, I'd recommend Carnation Cafe. We are actually trying it for the first time on our trip next week. It always gets great reviews here and their malts (especially cherry) are really popular.

My favorite casual TS restaurant is Cafe Orleans. Their pommes frites are SO good. We really enjoy our meal and the atmosphere every time we go.

 

[MikeRx]

We love Carnation Cafe, but usually do this for a late am breakfast. I echo Cafe Orleans as a great option in DL and a bit more casual than Blue Bayou. We are still fans of the tried and true Blue Bayou in DL and the Wine Country Trattoria in DCA. In DCA you could grab something more casual on the Wharf and then get a shake or dessert at Ghirardella or Clarabelle's. Plaza Inn (fried chicken is a quick service, but a cult favorite), Rancho del Zocalo and Golden Horseshoe also would make good options in DL. River Belle Terrace is now table service for dinner...all great options. We are trying the TS at RBT for the first time in 2 weeks. We really are going to miss Big Thunder Ranch BBQ...

While not WDW in scope the individual quality of each option is pretty good in DL and DCA. Have a great trip.
Mike

 

[ShaunaM]

Ditto to carnation cafe and cafe Orleans. ..at carnation the veggie burger got a thumbs up from our vegetarian dd. DS loved the sourdough melt...we all love the malts and or shakes and the deep fried pickles and baked potato soup...meatloaf is good too.. The fries and gumbo are great at Orleans.
In DCA for simpler fare we love Flo's at night outside watching RSR. Good milk shakes and the ribs were good too. Another simple option is corn dogs ..links and cheese sticks are good too...either at corn dog castle in dCA or the little red wagon on mainstream DLR or at the stage door? Think that is name in Frontier land. They are a must on our trips.

 

[figment_jii]

There aren't a lot of TS locations inside the parks. Carnation Cafe, Blue Bayou, Cafe Orleans, River Belle Terrace, Plaza Inn (breakfast only), Carthay Circle, Wine Country Trattoria, and Ariel's Grotto are the only ones that come to mind. Of those, I second the recommendation to take a look at Carnation Cafe and Cafe Orleans, both located in Disneyland. Carnation Cafe is probably closest to the Plaza Inn at MK. Cafe Orleans has very good food, but it's not burgers and milkshakes. They do have some very popular sandwiches (e.g., the Monte Cristo) and a great location.

DCA is going to be harder because none of the TS locations (Carthay Circle, Wine Country Trattoria, and Ariel's Grotto) are like the Plaza Inn. I would probably stick with Counter Service in that park. Flo's V-8 Cafe (in Carsland) is a good choice; they have very good milkshakes. Three Pig Cafe (aka Starbucks) is another option to consider.

 

[smartlabelprint]

We prefer counter service restaurants over eating out of the parks. So you may consider these options on your way home or for lunch & snacks.

Our favorites: Plaza Inn DL
French Market DL
Boardwalk Pizza & pasta DCA
Award wieners veggie sandwich DCA
Rancho del Zocalo DL although they removed my fave taco meal so I hope Cocina cut among has it in DCA.

http://allears.net/dlr/dining/menus

 

[my*gracie*girl]

DD 13s favorites for the past few years are: Flo's, Carnation Cafe and the meat skewers across from the treehouse...drawing a blank on that name. Oh and the clam chowder in a breadbowl at DCA/wharf. We will eat at Cafe Orleans this time for the first time and I expect she will like it, but I think their menu is a bit more 'taste specific' and I don't think she will count it a favorite.

 

[Kkb0517]

How is smokejumpers grill?

 

[chipw]

DW loves smokejumpers grill. She gets the bacon cheeseburger with onion rings which are an extra charge. There is a fresh condiment bar lettuce, tomatoes, pickles etc. to add as much as you want. We have to go everytime we are in DCA.

 

[MillauFr]

We liked Napa Rose, Whitewater Snacks, Café Orleans, Trader Sams, Naples, Pizza Press, and Paradise Garden Grill

 

[smartlabelprint]

I'm not a fan. The atmosphere isn't anything special. The food feels like old park 'simple burgers' & pizza.

How is smokejumpers grill?

 

[ADLFAN]

How is smokejumpers grill?

I like their grilled chicken sandwich and onion rings! But yeah, it's kind of a standard burger and fry place. Oddly, I think it's DCA's only burger outlet! Suppose they had to include one!

I also love the spicy meatball skewer from Paradise Garden Grill. I just recently tried the fried chicken from the Plaza Inn and count me in as a new convert! It was so moist and delicious and the salads, desserts and sides were pretty great, too!