Where to take a 15 year old boy for a mom and me dinner?

[jcemom]

One night on our upcoming 10 night trip I'll be leaving DD 6 at kids club and taking DS (almost 15) to dinner, just the two of us. My mom is going along on the trip with us but will hang out at the resort that night to put DD in and get her out of kids club so that DS and I can have the entire afternoon/evening to ourselves.

I can't decide where to take him though. We'll have park hoppers so it can be in a park or at a resort. Other places we're eating over the course of the trip: Chef Mickey's, Le Cellier, Cinderella's, 'Ohana, Hollywood & Vine lunch, Hoop De Doo Review, Grand Floridian Cafe, 1900 Park Fare, and Cape May Cafe breakfast.

I've been to Jiko and love their filet, but there are so many places I haven't been to that might be just as good or better. DS is a somewhat picky eater but he'll eat any kind of steak and most kinds of chicken or pork chops, just nothing too fancy. He's not crazy about pasta, but is more of a meat and potatoes kind of kid.

I'm looking for good food (that he'll eat, nothing too fancy), nice atmosphere, and something that a teenage boy would find special. (No ESPN Club, he's not into sports at all except for motocross and skateboarding.)

TIA

 

[4greatboys]

I had to vote for Teppan Edo because it is my favorite restaurant. It's always cool to watch the chef prepare the food in front of your and they have really good food.

 

[Shmily1]

When DS18 was 16, we went to Coral Reef for his first time and he loved it!!! He wasn't totally fascinated with the fish, but loved the atmosphere of it all and all the excitement in the room. He had steak for his meal and soup for his appetizer (I forgot what kind ) and creme brule for desert. Anytime we ask where to go eat, he always chooses Coral Reef!!!

No matter where you go, you will have a great time just spending time with your DS!!! Enjoy!!!

 

[abc999]

Yachtman's may be more boring than something like Teppan Edo, but the food is amazing.

 

[brighteyes]

What about the new T-Rex Restaurant?? I do not know if they have steak or not but just read another thread that was posted with pics. It looks awesome in there!!

Stephanie

 

[onelilspark]

I voted for Tepan Edo. We first went here when my brother and I were teens and absolutely loved it. I love some of the other restaurants on the list (Jiko is my all time favorite) but for something that a 15 year old boy would like and would find special?? Has to be Tepan Edo. Now, if you were taking a significant other somewhere...my vote would be for Jiko without hesitation!!!

 

[lpizzuro123]

Boma is not on your list but I would pick there. If you 15 year old son is anything like my DF's 20 year old son for the past few years whenever we take him somewhere to eat he could eat the whole place out of food. The food is wonderful at Boma's and it is an all you can eat buffet. My DF's son loves it.

'Ohana would be another good bet. We always go there at least once on all our trips.

Linda

 

[twinklebug]

If your son and you love AKL, my bet is you'll also love Wilderness lodge. Instead of large animals, you have giezers, streams, wild bunnies and boats to MK/Ft W & CR. Your son will love Wilderness lodge. I votes for artist point - but in thinking, that might be too ... stuffy (I've never eaten there, so not sure but I do have a 22yo boy who ws very grown up for his age and even at 15 I believe he would have felt out of place.)

WCC would be my bet for his favorite. It's a ton of fun too so long as you request to be in the 'party' section

 

[allshookup]

I voted for California Grill, because it is my DD's (14) & my DS's (11) favorite restaurant. There is a beautiful view of MK & the fireworks, and if your DS likes steak, he'll love the filet mignon. It's a really nice special night out restaurant, but not too fancy.

 

[jcemom]

I voted for California Grill, because it is my DD's (14) & my DS's (11) favorite restaurant. There is a beautiful view of MK & the fireworks, and if your DS likes steak, he'll love the filet mignon. It's a really nice special night out restaurant, but not too fancy.

I've been waiting for some Cali Grill supporters to come along, LOL. Now that you're here... can I ask a couple of questions? Is it really all about the view and can you see from anywhere or do only the tables near the windows have a good view? I hear SO much about how great it is, but all the photos I've seen of the restaurant itself just didn't seem all that impressive.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and comments so far!

 

[allshookup]

I've been waiting for some Cali Grill supporters to come along, LOL. Now that you're here... can I ask a couple of questions? Is it really all about the view and can you see from anywhere or do only the tables near the windows have a good view? I hear SO much about how great it is, but all the photos I've seen of the restaurant itself just didn't seem all that impressive.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and comments so far!

The view is gorgeous, but you can really only see the MK if you have a window seat. However, you can go out to the observation deck to see & hear the music for the fireworks (they even time your meal around them) and the view is really breathtaking. The decor in the restaurant is nice with a modern decor to match the contemporary theme, more of an understated elegance. But honestly we love the CG for the food! We've never had a bad meal there. My favorite is the shrimp tempura sushi, and I'm not a huge sushi fan, but it's very light tasting. DH's is the filet, because he's a big steak & potato guy too. My DD loves the pizza & DS loves the kid's dessert sushi, which is basically rolled up rice krispi treats & gummy fish. It's a must do everytime we go to WDW.

 

[jcemom]

Thank you.

 

[lpizzuro123]

We have been up to the CA Grill - not to eat - but for drinks - back in the days when you were allowed. Even though the view is great, there is a parking lot between the Contemporary and the MK and you really look out ove the parking lot. I know you are up high but I would much rather watch Wishes from the beach at the Poly.

Linda

 

[Hollymom1229]

I'm actually throwing a vote out for Raglan Road. The atmosphere here is so fun and lively. It's also felt like a slightly more grown up atmosphere, which for a 15 y.o. would probably be a nice change of pace.

 

[jcemom]

I'm actually throwing a vote out for Raglan Road. The atmosphere here is so fun and lively. It's also felt like a slightly more grown up atmosphere, which for a 15 y.o. would probably be a nice change of pace.

Do you happen to know when the music/band starts? And do you know if it's every day that they have entertainment? I'll try doing a search for the information if you don't know, but I don't ever seem to have much luck with the search function here so I'll ask first.

 

[Cruz Family]

I voted for Jiko, it just happens to be my 15yr old DS's favorite. But I think Cali Grill or Yachtsman would also be great choices.

 

[G-Duck]

He is 15, while Disney is great, he will want to eat where the 15 y/o girls are, sorry, but that is the truth. If he is in to sports take him to ESPN Zone.

 

[TewEpcot]

I said Artist Point (plenty o' meat & potatoes & WL is gorgeous), but Tepan Edo or Raglan Road would be good too. I just think Artist Point is special (and mom, if you like wine, it's the place to go).

 

[stitchon]

Chock another one up for Artist Point. It's not too formal, and the food is great. The resort is very pretty and the food isn't too exotic.

This is coming from a 15-year old boy as well. I've been to all the places listed in the poll aside from Narcoosee's, and I think Artist Point stood out over them all. Cali Grill is a very very close second. Either of them would be fine.

 

[beacher]

I would definitely do Coral Reef. They do a nice steak and a terrific pork-chop entree too. But the aquarium is just awesome. And since it's always changing, it will keep surprising and entertaining you all through dinner. For a table of two, try to request a table right next to the aquarium. It's something he won't ever forget!