Yachtsman steakhouse or somewhere else?

[koadoodle]

My hubby, DD, and I are going to Disney in May. I never knew that making reservations could be so exhausting. Anyway, we are lucky enough to be sharing our vacation with my mom and stepfather. We are doing the doing plan as it is a great deal with the military discount coming out to about $250 per person to add the dining plan for 6 nights. Couldn't pass that up! Well, my mom has been so gracious to agree to watch our DD one night so my hubby and I can go out to a nice restaurant. We will have two TS credits saved and would like to try a signature restaurant. I was leaning toward the Yachtsman Steakhouse as we are big steak eaters. However, in reading through the threads many people stated that Shula's was the better steakhouse. This worries me as we have been to many really nice steakhouses such as Ruth Chris, Capital Grille, Morton's, Michael Jordan's, Flemings, The Palm, and Shula's. Shula's was probably our least favorite of the group so I am worried I will be disappointed by Yachtsman Steakhouse. What do you think? What other options might you choose for a romantic dinner? My hubby loves seafood I do not. Thanks in advance.

Michele

 

[AllyBri]

We prefer the Yachtman.
But you will get many ops. here.

 

[Pygoplites]

You will get lots of pro- and anti-Yachtsman opinions. In my experience, it is a notch below the major steakhouses you mentioned, especially compared to Capital Grille and Morton's. Consistency is one of the main things that defines a great steakhouse and if you search this board, this is not Yachtsman's strongest suit. You certainly CAN get a great meal there, but it isn't a certainty. I can't count how many times I've eaten at Morton's and Ruth's Chris but I can count on one finger the number of bad meals I've had (at a brand-new RC).

If your husband loves seafood, go to Flying Fish where you can order an outstanding steak or one of the best pork dishes you'll ever eat. By the way, Shula's is probably out for you anyway, since they do not participate in the Dining Plan.

 

[BriarRosie]

I cannot recommend Yachtsman if you like those major steakhouses. It just doesn't come close. I was disappointed in what they called filet mignon last month.

California Grill and Flying Fish have better steaks if that's your thing and want to use dining plan credits.

 

[aubriee]

I cannot recommend Yachtsman if you like those major steakhouses. It just doesn't come close. I was disappointed in what they called filet mignon last month.

California Grill and Flying Fish have better steaks if that's your thing and want to use dining plan credits.

I have to agree. We have alot of good steak houses here in Texas. I've eaten at Yachtsman three times and each time have walked away thinking, 'What's the big deal'. I just kept thinking I'd caught them on a bad night, but after three tries have finally decided to give them a pass from now on. They're OK, but not fantastic. There's a locally owned steak house less than a mile from my house that's alot better.

 

[Crystal_27]

We also frequent high-end steakhouses, and we really enjoyed our meal at Yachtsman. I had the bone-in ribeye and DH had the porterhouse and we both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. My only real complaint about Yachtsman was the lack of dessert choices - - my DD's dessert (a chocolate puzzle) actually looked more enticing than the adult choices. Still, it was a good meal and we will be going back. I would say that if you are on the DDP and have the credits to spare, Yachtsman is a great choice, especially because you would be paying out of pocket for Shulas if you opted to go there. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Pakey]

I cannot recommend Yachtsman if you like those major steakhouses. It just doesn't come close. I was disappointed in what they called filet mignon last month.

California Grill and Flying Fish have better steaks if that's your thing and want to use dining plan credits.

I agree. We have dined at Yachtsman several times but always leave saying that it wasn't as good as we'd hoped. I have tried the New York twice, the Rib Eye once and the filet once. The filet was better than the other cuts but still disappointing so the last time I just had appetizer and salad with bread and enjoyed my experience more than the other times.

However, I do like the desserts at Yachtsman better than most of the signatures.

 

[Brook1099]

We love the Yachtsmen, we eat there every year, last year was twice because my kids who are 9 and 8 loved it there.
I always order the filet/ with the potatoes gratin. Sooo good.
My DH varies his cut of beef but always get the potato gratin too.
My DD loves the kids mac and cheese it is good! The adult version must be to die for then.
My DS also gets the mac and cheese.
Desserts are make your own puzzle for the kids and we usually get someting to go.

Also they accidentaly gave us a caesar salad last trip but told us to enjoy it and that we did it was banging.
My DH always has to get their lobster bisque. I just taste on his w/ the wonderful rolls that they serve @ the table.

Service there is always on par. If you decide to go let us know what u think.

 

[BriarRosie]

I agree. We have dined at Yachtsman several times but always leave saying that it wasn't as good as we'd hoped. I have tried the New York twice, the Rib Eye once and the filet once. The filet was better than the other cuts but still disappointing so the last time I just had appetizer and salad with bread and enjoyed my experience more than the other times.

However, I do like the desserts at Yachtsman better than most of the signatures.

I must say that the sides and bread service were far better in quality than my steak. I loved the roasted garlic that came with the bread basket, along with the onion rolls that are so good. I enjoyed creamed spinach with my meal better than the steak.

Next time I feel like those sides, I'll hit the Crew's Cup lounge again, order sides, appetizers or cheese.

 

[TxRabbit]

How fortunate you are to get a date night with your hubby!

If I were you, looking at a nice date with my hubby, I would be looking at the atmosphere and the setting of the signatures and making a plan based on that. The fact is that every signature has a steak on the menu and most of them are very good. Most also have a seafood/fish dish. Any restaurant can have an off night, as can be atested to here on the Dis where good and bad can duke it out all day long and both be right in there experience.

If, instead of food alone, you bring some other criteria into the equation for your date night, it is likely that you will still have a nice steak, or whatever meal you choose. AND you will have the added benefit of being in a place that suits your idea of the date. This way, if the food falls short, the entire experience will make up for the subpar meal.

Have fun on your trip/date!

 

[jennylyn_b]

I vote for the Yachtsman. We love steakhouses but found this one to be better than all of them. The steak was full of flavor, cooked to order and tender as can be. I swear it melted in my mouth! The sides were delicious as were the apps and desserts.
This is a favorite of ours. Go for it and enjoy.

 

[HunnyJar]

My 14 year old son has been wanting to try Yachtsman Steakhouse ever since he found out they have a 24 oz Porterhouse. For some reason he is determined to try and finish this steak. We won't have the time to stop here this trip but maybe next time he'll get his wish.

 

[Pugmalion1]

To echo what you have said, and what some others have confirmed, I think Shula's is indeed the better steakhouse. But, I think the sides and appetizers in Yachtsman are way better. A few weeks ago, I had the Maine diver scallops appetizer at Yachtsman, and it was one of the best things I think I've ever had at the parks.

So, I'd say, you can have a great meal at Yachstman, but don't limit yourself to steak on principle just because its a "steakhouse". They have a fine menu.

 

[cdepauli]

If your husband likes seafood, and you like steak (even though you are both steak eaters) why not go somewhere where you can both have a variety of entrees to enjoy. I've been to Yachtman twice and the first time was fabulous and the second kind of meh. We'll skip it for a few trips now. If I were you, I'd look at the menus online for ALL the signature restaurants, as all have steak, and see what appeals to the two of you. I LOVE the filet at Jiko (the cheesy macaroni and wine demi glace are to die for!) and have enjoyed steaks from other restaurants. Overall, my top 3 - make it 4 - Disney signatures are: Citricos, Jiko, Flying Fish, and Cali Grill.

 

[MAGGIED]

I visited the Yatchsman in October 09 for the first time and it was wonderful... we really enjoyed our meal... so much that we are going back in two weeks!!!