Restaurants outside park?

[MouseEaredJedi]

Hey, my friend and I are probably going to eat a picnic lunch in the park for our trip but he wants to go someplace 'nice' for dinner. I have no clue about restaurants around Disneyland or how much things cost, so I don't know what to suggest (since he's never been there at all).

Nothing that costs an arm and a leg, but no fast-food either. (About average-priced for a sit-down restaraunt) Any suggestions?

[bennette]

Well, I have no idea what your standards are for costs, really or nice but here's a go:

Not fancy but generally speaking good and a very good value is Mimi's on Harbor.

Nicer? I like the California Pizza Kitchen at GardenWalk (not fancy at all but quieter away from the parks). If you share an appetizer or a salad, it's reasonable. I don't think their desserts are that great, so focus on other parts of the menu.

Buca di Beppo has huge portions but it's fun and not too pricey.

I like Storyteller's in the Grand California Hotel. Not too formal but good service and good food. Comfy booths.

Others will be on shortly for moderately priced meals in Downtown Disney. There are several choices but I can't say any of them are my favorite.

[CariBelle]

Nothing that costs an arm and a leg, but no fast-food either. (About average-priced for a sit-down restaraunt) Any suggestions?

If you colud narrow it down it will be a lot easier to provide suggestions. What costs "an arm and a leg" to you might not for me, and average for a sit down meal is a huge variable. Are you interested in any certain type of food?

[daveywest]

There are several choices in Downtown Disney for a good meal. I like Tortila Jo's and ESPN Zone. Depending on what you drink, expect to pay $15-20 per person including tip.

[DwarfPlanet]

On our last trip we went to go to Bakers Square (South on Harbor past Katella) and found it was now a Chubby's. We had never heard of one so tried it and the food was good and the staff super friendly and polite. It was a very nice dinner. Price was reasonable.

[Malcon10t]

There are several choices in Downtown Disney for a good meal. I like Tortila Jo's and ESPN Zone. Depending on what you drink, expect to pay $15-20 per person including tip.See, I can't get out of ESPN Zone for under $25 per person (usually closer to $35 per), including tip, and we don't drink. A low end burger is $14, plus a tea and tax and tip, is $22. Want the steak or ribs, just the meal is $25 before drink and tax/tip.

I like Storytellers. I would expect about $35 per there. If you want to spend less, Mimi's is great. I love it, closer to $15-18 per, depending on what you order. Also, Tony Romas is good, but can't remember their prices.

I don't know what the OP classifies a average meal out price.

Oh, and I second Buca Di Beppo (my kids call it Buca di Food...) LOTS of food, decent prices.

[MouseEaredJedi]

I'll have to ask my friend to find out for sure what the price range is.

[CarlieB]

I love Uva Bar - good food, great ambience and a nice wine list:)

[sjhanksaz]

There is a Mimi's Cafe you can walk to if you don't mind it and a Toni Romas if you want some ribs.

You can walk to both, no need to drive.

There is also a Denneys and I-Hop right accross the street. Not sure if that is what you had in mind.

[DisneyMouse]

My DH and I recently became fans of Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney! We went for lunch so I'm not sure what the price difference is for dinner but we both got our own entree and were out for under $30 although we thought we could have easily shared. Here is the menu http://www.rbjazzkitchen.com/menus.php kindly with prices listed :)

[CaptainTom]

Fire and Ice at the Gardenwalk was under $20 each.

[disneyochem]

Ditto on the Uva Bar. We enjoy eating there every trip--nice to sit in DTD and people watch outside of parks. We also like to eat inside as well. Very good margaritas!

Also, we like Roy's (little pricey), Cheesecake Factory (only because we don't have one at home!) and Buca's (lots of food!).

I would also encourage you to sign up for e-coupons for all of these places if you can. I always get coupons and discounts for restaurants that help with the budget! In addition, some places will also give you discounts/free desserts/drinks, etc. for birthdays and anniversaries. The Patina Group has some great deals every once in a while that allows us to save big bucks at Catal!

[disneyochem]

I would also encourage you to sign up for e-coupons for all of these places if you can. I always get coupons and discounts for restaurants that help with the budget! In addition, some places will also give you discounts/free desserts/drinks, etc. for birthdays and anniversaries. The Patina Group has some great deals every once in a while that allows us to save big bucks at Catal!

Note: Be sure to put in the zip code for Anaheim to get the coupons/discount!

[candles71]

http://www.anaheimoc.org/Articles/Archive/Webpage10153.asp
There's a coupon on ACVB for California pizza kitchen 20 percent off, as well as La Brea and McD's.

[fairestoneofall]

Nicer? I like the California Pizza Kitchen at GardenWalk (not fancy at all but quieter away from the parks). If you share an appetizer or a salad, it's reasonable. I don't think their desserts are that great, so focus on other parts of the menu.

Buca di Beppo has huge portions but it's fun and not too pricey.

I like Storyteller's in the Grand California Hotel. Not too formal but good service and good food. Comfy booths.

Thumbs up to these! I would also add that there is an El Torito on the corner of Ball and State College as well as a Benihanna (but I haven't been there in years).
The Gardenwalk also has Cheescake Factory and Bubba Gump!
Does anyone know if the new location of The Catch is open yet? That place was always good in their old location, but they moved last year. There still in the same general area (Katella and State College) near Angel Stadium.

[Promo-Man]

Does anyone know if the new location of The Catch is open yet? That place was always good in their old location, but they moved last year. There still in the same general area (Katella and State College) near Angel Stadium.

Yes it is open. It is on Katella next to the Grove of Anaheim

[fairestoneofall]

Yes it is open. It is on Katella next to the Grove of Anaheim
Thanks, Santa!
Have you been since reopening? I'm curious....

[bennette]

http://www.anaheimoc.org/Articles/Archive/Webpage10153.asp
There's a coupon on ACVB for California pizza kitchen 20 percent off, as well as La Brea and McD's.

CPK gives 20% off to AP holders...including liquor! Probably not useful for the OP but just FYI for others.

[candles71]

CPK gives 20% off to AP holders...including liquor! Probably not useful for the OP but just FYI for others.

doesn't help me, either...:crying: mine expired in Dec.

[CMHusband]

I'm going to suggest Tony Roma's just outside the park, right across the street from the entrance on Harbor. Great ribs, chicken and steaks. excellent baked potatoes, nice atmosphere, full bar if you want an adult beverage and reasonably priced for what you get.

[SigalTchelet]

I'm going to suggest Tony Roma's just outside the park, right across the street from the entrance on Harbor. Great ribs, chicken and steaks. excellent baked potatoes, nice atmosphere, full bar if you want an adult beverage and reasonably priced for what you get.

We are going to Blue Bayou the first night I might suggest Tony Roma's the 2nd night I miss Tony Roma's here in Sacramento, especially the onion string loaf!

[nflguy007]

We love Joe's Crab Shack!
Its a bit up the street; but we put it on our must do every time we're in town. When we go we're in the $30-$35/person range.

Crab Shack Garden Grove
12011 Harbor Blvd.
Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 703-0505