Solo diner: "I'll just eat at the bar..."

[Brian Noble]

I posted this in Restaurants before it occurred to me that I should come down here where the pros hang out!

Due to an Epic Fail on the part of the school district and the University to line up their spring breaks, my family is coming down early (for a 4-night Wonder cruise) while I finish out my course for the week. Then, I'll fly down and we'll overlap for a few days after their cruise is over. But, they'll fly back while I stay behind for several days to continue thawing out. That means I've got a good chunk of time as a solo. I've solo'd at DLR, and have done the adults-no-kids thing at WDW, but haven't yet solo'd in Orlando.

One thing I often do when traveling on business and eating alone is to ask the concierge for a restaurant recommendation nearby with a decent menu available at the bar. Often, I find that eating "at the bar" (or in the lounge, etc.) leads to a more convivial environment, striking up conversations with other patrons or the bartender while I eat.

So, I'm wondering what places in WDW might have a similar setup. Requirements are: should have a more-than-just-appetizers menu (or, at least, appetizers-you-could-make-a-meal-of), and should have a decent atmosphere in terms of a healthy crowd: not usually empty, but not usually so full that you can never find a seat. If there are some in the parks, that would be a bonus.

Suggestions?

 

[tinker&belle]

I was solo for a day last August and I went to AK for a day because my friends were arriving that evening. I went to the Rainforest Cafe at AK and ate at the bar. The bartender was very nice, and they had a full menu.

 

[Jason71]

Prime Time Cafe in the Studios (tho gets packed in the busy season) has the full menu.

I believe the bar at Yak & Yeti has a full menu, as well, but it's been a while since I visited. Not a lot of seating, tho, and not sure many people know about it.

Raglan Road offers the full menu at the bar, can be lively. Great food and friendly bartenders at least.

Both Rain Forest Cafes and T-Rex, stangely enough, have fairly large bars with full menu service. A lot of atmosphere, like the restaurants themselves, always loud. House of Blues would fall into this category, as well. I assume you can eat at the bar at Bongos, tho I have never actually done so.

In the hotels, California Grill would be my top pick. If not the busy season and you're solo, they might let you up without an ADR (especially true once the fireworks are done).

I want to say Citricos has a small bar area, as well, but it's been a year, not 100% sure on that.

 

[robinb]

You can eat at the bar at the Flying Fish. We got in New Year's Eve week last year as a walk up and they actually seated us at a table .

 

[Amysita]

All ESPN Zones/Clubs have large bars & serve off the menu. I've always run into engaging bartenders there. And if the people around you don't want to adopt you for the nite...there are more than plenty of TV's for viewing. You can find one on the Boardwalk. I highly recommend the ESPN Dinger sandwich. <drool>

 

[Poohs Pal]

You can eat at the bar at the Flying Fish. We got in New Year's Eve week last year as a walk up and they actually seated us at a table .

I vote for this one.

 

[nurse.darcy]

By no means comprehensive but these restaurants are faves and offer the full menu at the bar. . .

Tune Inn Lounge (at 50's Prime Time Cafe). If you are there any day but Friday and Saturday, Tell Dave that Darcy and Patty sent you. . .lol. Also say Hi to Enzo and the other David (we call him "stoic" Dave - though we have gotten a smile out of him on occasion).

Flying Fish at the Boardwalk

Raglan Road at Downtown Disney

Fultons Crab House at Downtown Disney

Both restaurants at the Poly offer a bar with full service meals

Jiko and Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Yak and Yeti at Animal Kingdom


I am sure there are many others, these are just the ones I have been to and can attest to. I am sure that Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex both offer full menus at the bar but I have never eaten at the bars there so cannot attest to that.

Have fun. I also prefer to eat at the bar if going solo.

 

[Brian Noble]

Thanks, all. A friend on another board also recommended The Wave's bar.

 

[Chautauqua]

Anyone know:

1. If eating at the bar (from the full menu) in one of these table service restaurants, are you able to use table service credits from the dining plan?
In other words, do you actually have to be at a table, or does eating at the bar count too?
I have been to WDW solo before and have largely stuck to counter service meals. If table credits could be used at the bars, perhaps the regular dining plan might be a decent option for a solo that prefers bars over tables.

2. If making a dining reservation online or on the phone, can you request seating at the bar, or do you need to just show up and wait for a seat to open up?

 

[LindaBabe]

I've eaten at the bar in the Yacht Club - is it Admiral's cup?

 

[BunsenH]

This question is popular. Maybe the topic should be a sticky??

Check out this thread (that references another related thread.)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2348282

Have fun. Cheers!

 

[lustergirl]

I eat solo at the ESPN Club and have an engaging conversation with the bartenders as well.

 

[cityofweasels]

Add Wolfgang Puck's Cafe and Bongos to the list (both West Side.)

 

[jamstew]

Jiko & Flying Fish. Also, the lounge at California Grill, though not technically a "bar" bar--KWIM?

 

[Straughn]

You can eat at the bar at the Flying Fish. We got in New Year's Eve week last year as a walk up and they actually seated us at a table .

Flying Fish gets my vote as well.
I often eat at the bar here when I am by myself. The bartenders are very friendly and will talk to you if they are not busy.

 

[SoloFriendly]

It's been my experience that it is the very rare restaurant that won't allow you to dine off the full menu at the bar. If they don't automatically give you the full menu, just ask.