Unique to DL Food/Snacks- Must Try Suggestions

[Abharmagic]

I know we have to try the Beignets. I have heard about the food in cones, too. Any other unique food recommendations? We are avid WDW travelers. Looking for unique to DL/DCA stuff to try.

 

[ktlm]

The churros at DL, put the churros at WDW to shame. That is on our DL must do list (often as breakfast when we enter the park).

The Beignets are great! Food in cones is fun to try too.

 

[Abbey1]

The skewers at Bengal Barbeque are super yummy and unique to DL. If Cove Bar or the new Lamplight Lounge are open during your visit, the lobster nachos are amazing. They are my favorite thing to eat in DCA by far. There are a few yummy treats at Jolly Holiday that I *think* are Disneyland exclusive- the Matterhorn macaroon (so good) and the raspberry macaron.

And although these can be found in other Disney parks, the corn dogs at the little red wagon and the churros throughout the park have a reputation for being superior to those found in WDW.

ETA: The beignets at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express in DTD are delicious! Although the Mickey-shaped beignets in the parks are cute, they aren’t nearly as good as the ones found in DTD, IMO. We’ve found the ones in the park to be less fluffy and fresh tasting.

 

[BadPinkTink]

There are a few yummy treats at Jolly Holiday that I *think* are Disneyland exclusive- the Matterhorn macaroon (so good) and the raspberry macaron.

I kept hearing about these so I tried them last year, as I love macaroons. Neither of them were nice IMO, maybe Im just used to real French macaroons.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I kept hearing about these so I tried them last year, as I love macaroons. Neither of them were nice IMO, maybe Im just used to real French macaroons.

I also tried the coconut Matterhorn macaroon recently for the first time, but I actually loved it! It was way better than I was expecting!

 

[Abbey1]

I kept hearing about these so I tried them last year, as I love macaroons. Neither of them were nice IMO, maybe Im just used to real French macaroons.

I definitely prefer the Matterhorn macaroon to the raspberry macaron. They are totally different. The raspberry macaron is similar to a tradititional French macaron, and certainly doesn’t compare to one you’d find at an upscale bakery, but I still found it to be good. The Matterhorn macaroon is super coconutty, moist, and delicious.

I also tried the coconut Matterhorn macaroon recently for the first time, but I actually loved it! It was way better than I was expecting!

Yes! I love the Matterhorn macaroon!

 

[MATTERHORN]

Matterhorn Macaroon is THE BEST!! Well, if you love coconut.

 

[figment_jii]

There are so many yummy treats at DLR! Some of it depends on when you're going...

Jolly Holiday - I really like the Raspberry Mickey Macaron, the S'Mores Bar (seasonal), and the Opera Cake (seasonal).
Mint Julep Bar - Everything tastes better when it's Mickey-shaped at Disney!
Candy Palace - English Toffee, Easter Eggs (seasonal), Hand-Made Candy Canes (seasonal)
Red Rose Taverne - Grey Stuff Gâteau (DL's version of the Grey Stuff is very different from BOG's - more like mousse, less like frosting).
Plaza Inn - Fried Chicken! (I know there are fried chicken options at WDW - e.g., Home Coming -, but I like DL's better)
Cafe Orleans (TS) - Pomme Frites and Gumbo
Carnation Cafe (TS) - Fried Dill Pickles (like Sci Fi's, but all spears) and Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Award Wiener - Funnel Cake Fries
Clarabelle's - Oswald Sundae
Cove Bar - Lobster Nachos
Carthay Circle Restaurant (TS) - House Biscuits
Paradise Garden Grill (during F&W only) - Beer Battered Cod (my family liked this better than the Fish & Chips from Rose & Crown)

 

[BrianL]

I kept hearing about these so I tried them last year, as I love macaroons. Neither of them were nice IMO, maybe Im just used to real French macaroons.

Really, the French macaron sandwich cookie type thing is very different from a "macaroon" which is like a mound shaped cookie with lots of coconut shreds. Personally, I've never understood what's so special about the French version. They're good, sure, but not a top cookie in my book. Macaroons on the other hand, I love!

 

[smartlabelprint]

There are so many yummy treats at DLR! Some of it depends on when you're going...

Jolly Holiday - I really like the Raspberry Mickey Macaron, the S'Mores Bar (seasonal), and the Opera Cake (seasonal).
Mint Julep Bar - Everything tastes better when it's Mickey-shaped at Disney!
Candy Palace - English Toffee, Easter Eggs (seasonal), Hand-Made Candy Canes (seasonal)
Red Rose Taverne - Grey Stuff Gâteau (DL's version of the Grey Stuff is very different from BOG's - more like mousse, less like frosting).
Plaza Inn - Fried Chicken! (I know there are fried chicken options at WDW - e.g., Home Coming -, but I like DL's better)
Cafe Orleans (TS) - Pomme Frites and Gumbo
Carnation Cafe (TS) - Fried Dill Pickles (like Sci Fi's, but all spears) and Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Award Wiener - Funnel Cake Fries
Clarabelle's - Oswald Sundae
Cove Bar - Lobster Nachos
Carthay Circle Restaurant (TS) - House Biscuits
Paradise Garden Grill (during F&W only) - Beer Battered Cod (my family liked this better than the Fish & Chips from Rose & Crown)

Funnel Cake fries??? This is new to me! We'll try next trip. Thanks for the tip.

OP I will add that at Award Wieners I love the veggie sub.

 

[smartlabelprint]

My fave restaurants (but not necessarily must haves for you to try) are Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta in DCA and French Market in DL.

 

[figment_jii]

Funnel Cake fries??? This is new to me! We'll try next trip. Thanks for the tip.

They're really good, but be sure to eat them when they're hot!

The Parks Blog had a posting about the differences between the Macaron and the Macaroon. There are pictures of both the Raspberry Mickey Macaron and the Matterhorn Macaroon in the posting.
A Sweet Lesson: Macaroons vs. Macarons

 

[mjr0483]

The skewers at Bengal Barbeque are super yummy and unique to DL. If Cove Bar or the new Lamplight Lounge are open during your visit, the lobster nachos are amazing. They are my favorite thing to eat in DCA by far. There are a few yummy treats at Jolly Holiday that I *think* are Disneyland exclusive- the Matterhorn macaroon (so good) and the raspberry macaron.

And although these can be found in other Disney parks, the corn dogs at the little red wagon and the churros throughout the park have a reputation for being superior to those found in WDW.

ETA: The beignets at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express in DTD are delicious! Although the Mickey-shaped beignets in the parks are cute, they aren’t nearly as good as the ones found in DTD, IMO. We’ve found the ones in the park to be less fluffy and fresh tasting.

Our first beignets were at Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans and frankly, Disneyland beignets are a complete let down after having the real deal.
We have never tried Ralph Brennan's and will have to try them on our next trip.

 

[mjr0483]

I got into a little spat with the WDW fans over on the WDW restaurant boards. If anything DL fans and WDW fans are loyal.
I asked why DL has better snacks and counter service that WDW and I was met with some pretty angry folks.

 

[mjr0483]

They're really good, but be sure to eat them when they're hot!

The Parks Blog had a posting about the differences between the Macaron and the Macaroon. There are pictures of both the Raspberry Mickey Macaron and the Matterhorn Macaroon in the posting.
A Sweet Lesson: Macaroons vs. Macarons

Simple
Macaroon = Coconut
Macaron = French almond meringue cookie with various fillings (YUM)

 

[EDS19]

SOOO many good suggestions. I love the Matterhorn Macaroons, and I even bring them home sometime they put them in a plastic cup and they travel great.
As far as treats, the Churro Funnel Cake is a must have a the Hungry Bear restaurant. It can feed several family members or friends and just cost a little more then a typical churro.
And I always have at least one dinner at Plaza in.

Here is the video I've made for my friends of my must have treats at Disneyland:

 

[Lyndisty]

I have one super dumb must-have DLR snack that I cannot find replicated at WDW, and I specifically make time for it every time I go West:

the Hot Link Corndog at Corn Dog Castle in DCA

I don't know what it is about that stupid spicy sausage, but I find it a million times tastier than regular corn dogs, and I wish I could get it closer to home.

 

[MommaBerd]

I got into a little spat with the WDW fans over on the WDW restaurant boards. If anything DL fans and WDW fans are loyal.
I asked why DL has better snacks and counter service that WDW and I was met with some pretty angry folks.

I’ve been to WDW many times and DL only once, and I totally agree! I remember telling my husband during our DL trip how much better the food tasted than at WDW.

 

[ludari]

With the Food and Wine Festival at DCA they are plenty of opportunities to sample all sorts of goodies. a few of my favorite standard meals are the lobster nachos at Cove Bar and the Zocalo burrito at Rancho Del Zocalo. You will not see it on the menu since it's part of the secret menu.

 

[BrianL]

I got into a little spat with the WDW fans over on the WDW restaurant boards. If anything DL fans and WDW fans are loyal.
I asked why DL has better snacks and counter service that WDW and I was met with some pretty angry folks.

I'm a WDW fan, but I definitely thought DL had better food overall. Heck, I'd say that Southern California had better food than many other places, including Orlando.