Resturant Suggestions

[DahliaRW]

I agree to some extent; I think you run the risk of a bad meal/experience at any restaurant. Out of curiosity, I looked up Brennan's on Yelp and it got an aggregate score of 3.5 and most everything DLR got a score between 3 and 4, inclusive. I'm not saying that you didn't have a bad experience! I believe you that you did and I'm sorry to hear that because I like Brennan's.

There were a lot of complaints about food quality on yelp. It definitely has gone downhill in the last few years. Park food seemed to be about the same as I remember, IMO. We're pretty big foodies, so it's something I tend to notice. People who aren't would probably not be as disappointed with the food.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Just a suggestion for future visits to any DLR or DtD restaurant, I always advise foodies to be as proactive as possible when ordering. Ask questions, make sure the server knows what you are expecting, clarify any special needs, etc. That way, the kitchen knows what you want, the server knows what you need, and you know what can or can't be provided for you. The better the communication all around, the better the dining experience. Yes, there are exceptions, but it can't hurt to try -- it's really helped us have good dining experiences at DLR.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Our tradition is to kick off the first night at Carthay Circle with the World of Color package. We had dinner there last Saturday. It was a wonderful meal. We especially enjoyed this location for their excellent bar. We loved the Carthay Manhattan so much we returned for another drink on Monday (prior to our Blue Bayou dining package). If you do the WOC package be sure to arrive 30 minutes before the show. We were running late and the only viewing option was in the back of the CC section behind some very tall people.

I'm sad to report that Jazz Kitchen was a bit disappointing this trip. It has always been a favorite. The service was extremely slow, the prices were high, and the quality has declined (particularly with the kid's menu)

I look forward to dining a Carthay Circle again for sure. Our friends voted Blue Bayou as their favorite.

To the OP, just an FYI - World of Color won't be showing in February so do not plan to do a WOC dining package during your visit.

I love Jazz Kitchen. Just ate dinner there Dec 7th and it was just as great as ever. My personal favorite is the beef medallions--yummy! I share it because it's a lot of food for me, and since you get 2 medallions it's perfect. You each get full sides, too. We also ordered a salad (me) and a soup (sister), and we split a dessert (double chocolate bread pudding, which is huge). Bananas Foster is also fabulous. If you want the double chocolate bread pudding, which I have to say is nothing like it sounds but more like a souffle in which you pour white and dark chocolate ganache, be sure to order it when you place your dinner order because they have to make it for you right then and it takes some time.

Jazz Kitchen would be my hands-down favorite. I prefer the outdoor seating, especially the balcony. It can get too loud inside if they're playing music, I never seem to be cold outside since it's heated, and if you go at the right time you can watch the fireworks

I haven't been to DTD in years so I can't recall...can you "people watch" from the outdoor seating? Can I request an outdoor table?

Yes, the food. Their kids choices were not great as well, we went for brunch and there was very little brunch offered, none for kids. The food quality was not what I remembered (paying 20 for a mediocre omlette with a side of potatoes that was maybe 1/3 cup worth and practically burnt). I'm totally fine paying a premium for good food, but this wasn't THAT much better than ihop or Denny's...honestly the food I had at rainforest was better....

The OP is asking about dinner so this brunch talk is kind of irrelevant.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

...I haven't been to DTD in years so I can't recall...can you "people watch" from the outdoor seating? Can I request an outdoor table?..

Yes, you can people watch from the lower patio area (especially by the railing) and from the railing (outer) tables on the balcony. You can request an outdoor table. Usually, you will be told that requests cannot be guaranteed, but if you won't be dining at a very busy time, your request should be honored. (If you will be with a large group, make sure to note this on your reservation since Jazz Kitchen doesn't have lots of tables or spaces for really large groups. The staff is very eager to work with you, though.)

 

[ClaraOswald]

Do you need a reservation for Jazz Kitchen on say, a Monday, for an early dinner?

I've only eaten there once years ago and we didn't have a reservation.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

You probably don't need one, but it couldn't hurt -- especially if you have any special requests or dietary needs. If you want to sit outside by the railing, make sure to note that in your reservation. Also, if you will be visiting during a busy time (like now during the holidays), I would suggest getting a reservation. You can use the DineLine or Open Table.

 

[ClaraOswald]

We'll be there the first week of February. We aren't sure if we'll eat there so I think I'll go without a reservation.