San angel or garden grill

shannon006

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jan 25, 2010
Messages
1,160
I'm trying to decide between the garden grill and San angel. It's just dh and me. I have heard so many negatives on San angel, but every time we take the boat ride I think how lovely it would be to eat there. On the other hand the garden grill revolves around one of my favorites attractions living with the land. Our dd 12 is very picky and won't eat at either of these restaurants so we probably won't get back to WDW anytime soon without her.
 
We love the Garden Grill. FYI, not sure just how picky your dd is, but they will bring out chicken nuggets and fries if your kids don't like what is normally served.
 
We really like Garden Grill and go there for the food more than the characters, although they are fun there. (just noticed that your daughter will not be joining you)

I have never been to San Angel but it seems to be getting better reviews lately. If it was just me and DH I'd probably go there to try it. Another idea: we really liked the food at La Hacienda and you could make your reservation time around Illuminations.
 

Agree with above posters. We really enjoyed Garden Grill with our 9 yo ds and 7 yo dd.

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We really love San Angel Inn. It's usually our favorite meal. We've never been disappointed with our dinner there. We typically eat there twice during our trip and we're planning on eating there twice this summer too. I love being inside the Mexico pavilion; the atmosphere is wonderful.

I can't compare it to Garden Grill because I've never eaten at Garden Grill, but I've been wanting to try it. I just can't seem to pull myself from Mexico.
 
I really enjoy both places, but for very different reasons. Go with your gut feeling. I bet there is one you are leaning more towards and just go for it!

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As a group of adults, my family loves San Angel. The margaritas are amazing and the atmosphere is just awesome. As bleeps recent review reminds, it isn't tex-mex food, so if that isn't your expectation and you are up for some unique Mexican dishes, then go for it!
 
I really enjoy both places, but for very different reasons. Go with your gut feeling. I bet there is one you are leaning more towards and just go for it!

I was going to put a plug in for Garden Grill as it is one of my favorite restaurants, but plutospalforever had much better advice.

There isn't a wrong choice. And there will be another time. I know you say your daughter is picky now, but there may be some time when she is older. Both restaurants have been around for a while now and are not likely to go anywhere.
 
at the garden grill, I heard you rotate to see living with the land areas. please tell me you don't have to see the fish area? I like the vegs/fruits, but fish just ill me. I have been wanting to try it.
 
I love both actually.

The Garden Grill is nice because it offers a level of privacy and intimacy, plus an ever changing backdrop. The characters are very adult-friendly too. You'll get to do at least one full rotation if you eat there.

San Angel Inn is my mother's favorite. We got to eat next to the water last time and it was just magical with the low lights, shimmering water, and erupting volcano and temple in the background. We also ate there as part of the Christmas concert package that I can' t think of the name for so we got to try many appetizers and desserts that we normally wouldn't. We enjoyed most of what we tried.

So both places can be quite romantic and calm and offer a dining experience that you won't find elsewhere in the parks.
 
I can't comment on Garden Grill, because I've never been there, but I did enjoy the experience of San Angel Inn. When I ate there (reviewed in my 2012 dining review), I didn't love my entrée, but the person I was with had such a delicious entrée! This chips and guacamole is good if you like that...most meat eaters really enjoy San Angel Inn. It's such different food, but the experience of being in the dark there next to the volcano and the boats is just really special. Then again, I didn't realize GG has a revolving view into the Living with the Land, which is also one of my favorite attractions. I'd say you won't make a bad choice, but maybe it depends what you're going for...

Best of luck deciding!
 
Neither of these places has great food but it's passable. San Angel has great atmosphere and Garden Grill has characters. Make your choice based on that.
 
We have been to both. I was always intrigued by San Angel. The atmosphere is great. I was not impressed with the food or the prices. We are adults only, and LOVED Garden Grill. Loved the food and loved the characters! We had so much fun there and it is now one of my favorite places to go.
 
I have ate both and thought they were both very good. Can you fit in both? Do garden grill for dinner and San Angel for lunch?
 
We really love both - two of our favorites. Garden Grill is better with kids - its a character meal. Very good - family style dining. San Angel is better for just a couple.
 












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