Yachtsman Steakhouse or California Grill

[Jaylie]

We received a gift card for Disney, and wanted to go for a special dinner (dh is retiring ). So, I'm looking for pros and cons of both these restaurants. We'll be staying at BW beginning July 22nd.

Thanks - Jaylie

 

[MickeyNicki]

We love the Yachtsman and have been there a few times...always very good and wonderful service.

We are going to Cali Grill for the first time in Oct..hope we enjoy it!

 

[oybolshoi]

I vote for California Grill - they have a wide variety of items to choose from on their menu and the setting is lovely - where else on property can you dine overlooking the MK?

We've had great food and service both times that we've eaten at CG.

We've never tried Yachtsman, but steakhouses are plentiful in our neck of the woods so I'm not really interested in eating at one on vacation.

Enjoy your dinner!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

We are among the very few that do not like the Cali Grill. Our experience there was so bad that DH won't go back. I'm all for trying it again, but he refuses. Most people just love this place. I have to say that the view is awesome, especially if you are there during fireworks at MK.

We are going to the Yachtsman in September. I have heard many good things about it so I hope that we won't be disappointed.

 

[Geoff_M]

We like both places, but I'd go with CG. The food is great at both, but CG's got better atmosphere and you can't beat the view.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

A very recent, now closed thread reported a bug in their salad (and the trials and tribulations involovd) at Yachtsman's so IMO, at this point in time the choice would be easy.

 

[kimis]

We have eaten at both and love both! CG is a little more fancy but they have a great view of the fireworks at MK. Both have a business dress code but that never bothered either of us.

 

[vicki845]

We have gone to both. The food was very good. You really can't go wrong at either one but if I had to chose one it would be the Calif. Grill because of the view and the fireworks.

 

[Jrabbit910]

our favorite restaurant last year was CG.... we loved everything about it...
the only thing that I thought was a bit strange was checking in.. You have to check in on the 4th floor; then a "special" elevator takes you up to the restuarant... it wasnt a big deal at all but I thought it was strange, especially for never being there we felt like we were running around the CR looking for it.
as for the restaurant itself.... it is amazing... the service, the bar, the atmostphere, the food, watching the fireworks in the resturant or out on the patio- it truley is a WONDERFUL place. I really dont think you will be dissappointed...

 

[DeeCeeSW]

The only thing that I thought was a bit strange was checking in.. You have to check in on the 4th floor; then a "special" elevator takes you up to the restuarant... it wasnt a big deal at all but I thought it was strange, especially for never being there we felt like we were running around the CR looking for it.

I believe it is done this way now so that the restaurant is full of paying customers with reservations. Used to be that anybody and everybody would go up to watch the MK fireworks on the rooftop by saying they were getting a drink at the bar, etc. I like having a "special escort" up to the CG. Makes me feel important, LOL.

 

[robinb]

I prefer California Grill, but I think that you may be limited to what is available this late in the game. Both restaurants are very good. Have you called for availability yet?

 

[Jaylie]

Thanks for all the responses, everyone -- I called and was able to book the California Grill!

 

[Mary2e]

I ate a both 2 weeks ago, as well as many times before.

The Yachtsman is NOT what it used to be. The steaks were not tender, nor cooked as they should be in a steak house. I lenjoyed the California Grill, as usual. The view up there can't be beat.

But, the big surprise was Citricos. The food was outstanding and the best meal of our entire trip - and we ate mostly at the signature restaurants.

 

[Geoff_M]

I believe it is done this way now so that the restaurant is full of paying customers with reservations. Used to be that anybody and everybody would go up to watch the MK fireworks on the rooftop by saying they were getting a drink at the bar, etc.

Bingo!!!! Before last month, the previous time we dined at CG in 2003 we watched a man and woman get off the elevator shortly before the fireworks started. The CM at the desk asked the man if he could help him. The guy said they he was just there to see the fireworks. The CM said "Sorry Sir, but the restaurant and deck are for dining guests only." The man replied shortly "Look!!! They said I could see the fireworks from this hotel when I booked it, so I'M GOING TO SEE SOME!!!" and then marched off towards the deck. The CM briefly followed the man saying "Sir, but Sir!" and then gave up and let the guy go. It wasn't too long after that I read they'd moved the check in desk down to the lobby.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I ate a both 2 weeks ago, as well as many times before.

The Yachtsman is NOT what it used to be. The steaks were not tender, nor cooked as they should be in a steak house. I lenjoyed the California Grill, as usual. The view up there can't be beat.

But, the big surprise was Citricos. The food was outstanding and the best meal of our entire trip - and we ate mostly at the signature restaurants.

Ok, now I am getting nervous. Maybe I need to change my Yachtsman ADR? I have heard good things about Citricos from a co-worker. She never misses an opportunity to go there.....

 

[CamColt]

Ive dined at YSH 3 times and CG twice. I would give a slight edge to the food at YSH and CG wins for atmosphere/view. With that said DH & I will be at YSH on 7/22 for our anniversary.

 

[cafetao]

For me the only advantage to California Grill is the view. When I ate there I found all the dishes that I tried to be good but nothing special. Our server was inattentive and condescending (ironic as I knew more about the food than she did).

However I would not discourage someone from eating there. The food was pretty good, and the view is great if you're by the window.

For me give me Jiko or Artists Point