Restaurants Good/Bad

Bad and trust me it pains me to say this but we had the worst service ever at Trader Sam's last week, I mean like terrible. Beyond slow and they really need to come up with some sort of viable wait list system because their *honor* system way of seating is total crap. Our appetizers came out before our drinks and our drinks took over 20 minutes. Even water. Terrible. :(
 
Not sure when you are going but I would make one in park dining reservation a day if it is at any time that is going to be busy. I agree with the others. Blue Bayou is pretty much a must for the experience alone. Plaza Inn breakfast, the food is average but you can knock out tons of characters during that time with no line waiting (and it is noticeably cheaper than other character meals). I was surprised to find that I really enjoyed breakfast at Flo's. Use your early entry hour to hit all the big ticket rides at DCA and then go sit outside at Flos and enjoy breakfast and a break. Huge fan of UVA in DTD if it is nice out. My greatest find was the Alladin's Oasis Paint the Night Package. The food is totally average but if you eat it there it is really relaxing (outside seating) and you get access to the reserved area for PTN for a price that is less than you would pay at any sit down resteraunt. Last but not least, World of Color Dessert Party. Totally worth the money.
 

DTD: For Quick Service in DTD I like Wetzel's Pretzels, or walk-up counter at the Jazz Kitchen. For Table Service we love Catal, they have a balcony upstairs where you can see the Disneyland fireworks while you eat if you time it right! Also pro-tip: if you are looking for an alcoholic beverage and Uva bar is packed (like always) there is a bar upstairs in Catal that is always empty! Get the pear martini! Also Jazz Kitchen full service is awesome!

DL: For Quick Service I recommend the French Market or Jolly Holiday! Very good food and French Market has huge portions so you could probably share depending on your appetite. Or of course try the corn dogs. For sit down I really love the Blue Bayou for the atmosphere. The food is pretty good too I've never had a bad meal but it is quite pricey so I only recommend this if you are looking for a unique and special Disneyland experience. As a cheaper alternative I recommend Cafe Orleans!

DCA: For Quick Service we like Flo's, Paradise Garden (this is Americanized Mediterranean food with some great healthy options), Boardwalk pizza and pasta, or soup in a breadbowl from the pacific wharf bakery! Also Cocina Cucamonga is pretty good! We love the wharf area to take a break, eat and have a few beers from the Karl Strauss beer truck. For sit down if you're looking for something a bit nicer Carthay Circle is what you want. Also, you have just got to try the Cove Bar! Also again try a corn dog.

Have an awesome trip!
 
Carthay WoC lunch is a phenomenal deal. I did it 4x over 9 days in November. I dream of that food.

For a lighter/heavier meal, I love fried pickles and chilli from Carnation. That's filling and cheaper than the counter service I've had. Also, sometimes it's faster than counter service
 
We like Uva/Catal for a proper sit down dinner and drink. In the park, if you've never been Blue Bayou is fun. We like the Little Red Wagon corn dogs for a quick meal. My wife is a pescatarian so we visit Harbor Galley - great little hideaway seating out back while my son and I split a turkey leg. Carnation Cafe as others have mention for fried/broasted chicken.
 
The BWPPI breakfast is UPSTAIRS from captain kidds.....it is not run by them, it is cooked and presented by BWPPI, (so it is safe!)
As far as good places, Steakhouse 55 in DLH is YUM!! Love it! Can always find good food at Jolly Holiday on Main Street and Paradise Garden Grill in DCA. The (lunch/dinner) Plaza Inn fried chicken is good and huge (easily fills 2 adults). Blue Bayou is iconic.....and the food is tasty! definite cannot miss! so many choices......dole whip, soft-serve ice cream, churros, cream cheese filled mickey pretzels, candy store, candy store........yum-yum-yum......
{If you want pizza do NOT get any in the parks...red rocketts pizza is terrible! and Broadway pasta and pizza in DCA was.......?meh.... I keep hearing about Pizza Press on Harbor and do want to try that....great reviews! }
 
The BWPPI breakfast is UPSTAIRS from captain kidds.....it is not run by them, it is cooked and presented by BWPPI, (so it is safe!)
As far as good places, Steakhouse 55 in DLH is YUM!! Love it! Can always find good food at Jolly Holiday on Main Street and Paradise Garden Grill in DCA. The (lunch/dinner) Plaza Inn fried chicken is good and huge (easily fills 2 adults). Blue Bayou is iconic.....and the food is tasty! definite cannot miss! so many choices......dole whip, soft-serve ice cream, churros, cream cheese filled mickey pretzels, candy store, candy store........yum-yum-yum......
{If you want pizza do NOT get any in the parks...red rocketts pizza is terrible! and Broadway pasta and pizza in DCA was.......?meh.... I keep hearing about Pizza Press on Harbor and do want to try that....great reviews! }
My daughter loves the pizza at Village Haus and the have my favorite apple cheddar salad.
 
My favorite 'not-to-be-missed on any trip' restaurants are Blue Bayou and Cafe Orleans. We usually try to sneak in one breakfast at Minnie and Friends on multi-day trips. I really enjoy an afternoon snack at both the Cove Bar and the Mendocino Terrence on days when we have a heavier breakfast and/or dinner and don't want a full third meal. Napa Rose is outstanding if you want to take the time to enjoy a truly spectacular meal. Beignets at the Mint Julep Bar and churros are our favorite sweet treats.

Beyond slow and they really need to come up with some sort of viable wait list system because their *honor* system way of seating is total crap.

What's the "honor system"? I've never been to Trader Sam's, but it's at the top of my list for my upcoming trip.
 
What's the "honor system"? I've never been to Trader Sam's, but it's at the top of my list for my upcoming trip.




There is no official wait system, no hostess, nothing. Basically you stalk the bar or tables to grab a seat and first come first serve is not honored at all. Its got a great theme with fun drinks but could be soon much better.
 
DTD certainly has some recommendations mentioned here, one or two of which I can also attest to being decent places to eat.

Catal is lovely but can be quite expensive, however, service is seriously out of this world.
La Brea Bakery is also good too.

In DCA, Wine Country Trattoria is definitely a must-visit.

Outside of the parks, if you are looking for moderately priced snack food such as sandwiches, CVS Pharmacy do some good deals here - also on wine too.

The 7-11 opposite CVS on Harbor have a decent selection of bottles of wine.

Hope this helps :)
 












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