The Cottage Restaurant and BJ's Restaurant ?s

[lntsmom]

I am a planner. As in: we have one day to spend at Laguna Beach. It's pretty much a full day as we arrive at SNA at 8:05 a.m.

I figure we'll probably want to eat two meals while we're there. After reading the Laguna Beach and OC visitor's brochures and doing some online searching, it seem like these two restaurants would fit my family's needs.

Because print doesn't always tell the whole story, I thought I'd ask if anyone here is familiar with these restaurants. I thought we might stop at The Cottage for breakfast. They don't post their prices, which is a little scary. Has anyone here eaten there in the past year or so? If so, are they family-friendly (my kids are older...they'll be 8 and 13 at the time of our visit) and what are their prices like?

As for BJ's...it says they're right across from the main beach. I don't remember them being there on our previous visit in 2005. They're a chain, but for me that's a good thing because I have a picky eater and I know I can get him chicken strips there. Is their food good? I was thinking of calling in an order to go and sitting on the beach eating and watching the sunset. Can anyone see any problems with that???

If anyone has any alternative suggestions I'd love to hear them!

TIA!

 

[LavenderPeach]

I don't know about the Cottage Restaurant but I love BJ's. I've been to various locations and they've all been good. I've been to the one in Laguna Beach 2 times about 6-7 years ago when we lived near there. That location is not very big so I can see how it would be easy to miss. I think it's right across from where you can actually see the beach (with the volleyball courts right there) as opposed to across from houses or other shops/restaurants.

I usually get a personal pizza which is really good and it's enough food without making me too full. This is especially important because I love their Pazookie dessert and DH and I often split one. It's a freshly baked cookie baked in a mini pizza pan and topped with ice cream. We usually get half choc. chip and half peanut butter. SO good. DH usually gets pizza too but he also likes the chicken strips salad (not sure the actual name). It's probably not the healthiest salad but it's yummy.

Hope that helps!

 

[lntsmom]

I learned last time to trust Disboarders for restaurant reviews! I'm going to go ahead and plan on BJs for dinner for sure!

I saw that Las Brisas has a patio menu, and if the boys decide they aren't in the mood for breakfast we might just walk there for an early lunch. I've been trying everything to get my fussy eater to try new things- the only thing he's loved so far is onion rings . This is my fourth "where can I get chicken strips" Disney trip!


I guess I'll keep checking here to see if anyone has any experience with The Cottage or Las Brisas!

Thanks again for the good news about BJ's!

 

[LavenderPeach]

Also, most BJ's I've been to can have a long wait at dinner. Not sure about the one in LB since we were there at lunch. Since it's pretty small (especially for a BJs) i would think it can get crowded so you might want to plan on getting there a little early, like before 6. And of course, a weekday will probably be less crowded than a weekend.

 

[cirquelovers]

Another vote for BJ's. My husband says they have great beer, I don't drink the stuff but the hard cider was good. They have great comfort food. The meatloaf sandwich is wonderful, as is the pot roast sandwich! Their pizzas are yummy and they have many varieties. The baked potatoes are huge, you used to have a choice between fries, salad or half a baked potato as your side for burgers and such and the potato alone filled me up. The onion straws are the best!! I sometimes just get those after a football game and eat a slice off hubby's pizza, yummy!

My son loves their kids meals. The chicken strips or the pizza. He prefers sausage pizza and they always make one for him.

Try to save room for a pizzookie, the cookie dessert. I think it's so cool to be able to order it half chocolate chip and half something else, as my family agrees on nothing

I know they have to go orders, as we have ordered and taken it back to our room, at least up here in Oregon.

Have a great trip!

 

[lntsmom]

Thanks, all!!! It is good to hear so many positive reviews for BJ's.

Based on the advice here, I think we'll call in our order then take it to eat on the beach!

I'm really getting excited about the trip now that the details are coming together for me!

 

[initiation]

another vote for Bjs.. I haven't eaten at that particular location.. but I've eaten at about 4 different locations, and now that there's one near my house, I'm guilty of going 2-3x a month. if you like pasta, try the grilled chicken pasta.. or the fettucini alfredo... simple but delicious. Another vote for the mini pizzas as well, although I only like the cheese ones there. they have an online menu. enjoy!

 

[sharen24]

The only time I ate at the Cottage was for dinner and I got food poisoning from the vegie lasagna. Las Brisas is excellent. They have a wonderful brunch and a great view.