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View Full Version : Vineyard Room Patrons - Help Please



mkcbunny
07-10-2005, 09:49 PM
Hello all,

I know there's a restaurant-review section on the site, but it's very outdated when it comes to the Vineyard Room. I've tried searches, but inevitably I wind up spending hours trolling through threads about "favorite restaurants," only to find a single reference to the Vineyard Room.

I also saw a post that I've since lost track of, wherein someone said it used to be better under different ownership. So, I'd like to hear from people who have been there in the past year [especially folks who've been there since the 50th madness began] about what they liked and did not.

This is for two adults who don't have kids and want the best dining experience we can get within the DLR [not off-property]. Kid-friendliness is not a requirement, and adult-only atmospheres are good for us. It doesn't have to be romantic, as this time I am going with a friend, not my husband.

I would especially like to hear from folks who have also been to Napa Rose or Hook's Point. I have been to Napa Rose on three visits and Yamabuki once. I really like NR [which some folks have said they thought was noisy, but we weren't bothered]. But I wasn't impressed with the sushi at Yamabuki [I live in SF, so we have very good seafood and Japanese restaurants up here, and we thought Yamabuki was OK but rather overpriced for the quality.] We are also considering Hook's Point, which seems very popular, as well.

For a couple of added info bits, we've been to Storyteller's and had an awful experience there with a large family group that took over the wing of the restaurant with no interference from the staff. So that's out. My friend doesn't want steak, so no Granville's. And neither of us is interested in the menu at Blue Bayou.

Now that you have the facts of the case, please advise. And thanks to all in advance for your help.

The Lovely Mrs. tod
07-10-2005, 10:32 PM
I adore both the Vineyard Room and Hooks Pointe-but it's like comparing apples and oranges. I'm no critic but I think the food at Vineyard Room is outstanding, especially with the wine pairings. I also am partial to outdoor dining so I really enjoy the atmosphere.

Hooks Pointe is another of my favorites-food is good but I don't think it's on a par with Vineyard room. They do, however, make one of the silkiest Creme Brulee's I've ever had, it's like a mouth full of satin.

-TLMt

mkcbunny
07-10-2005, 10:33 PM
Thanks for your comments. Mmmmm. Mouthful of satin. Yummy.

P.S. Love the Babe quote.

cstephens
07-11-2005, 04:51 AM
This is for two adults who don't have kids and want the best dining experience we can get within the DLR [not off-property].

I would especially like to hear from folks who have also been to Napa Rose or Hook's Point.

I like the Vineyard Room a lot. I'd consider it a stepping-stone to Napa Rose. It has very similar qualities, but the setting isn't as formal since it's an open air restaurant. Given a choice, I'd pick Napa Rose hands down, but I'd put the Vineyard Room at a definite second.

I like Hook's Pointe for what it is, but I think it's definitely a much more casual, regular experience than the Vineyard Room. Hook's Pointe has more regular fare on their menu. The Vineyard Room has more interesting choices. Given a choice between the two, I'd pick the Vineyard Room.

Oh, and I agree with your opinion about Yamabuki's. The sushi is ok, but just ok, and a bit pricey for it being just ok. We've got a regular place we go for really good sushi, so Yamabuki's holds no real appeal for us.

mkcbunny
07-11-2005, 06:59 AM
Thanks! Is there any other similar dining option at DLR that I am missing?

CoasterChickie
07-11-2005, 08:30 AM
I've been to the Vineyard Room twice and Hook's Pointe twice.


Both times at the Vineyard Room were extremely pleasant...great atmoshpere, great service, and great food...pricey , but worth it. Only my hubby and I went there as we have a family of six and it would be too much for all of us, so my kids understand that it's a romantic date for us.

Hook's Pointe on the other hand, works great for our family because it's a nicer restaurant than some of the others at DLR but affordable for all of us (and still a treat for the kids). The first time we went we had a big round table in the corner with a nice view of the DLH grounds. Our waitress was great and the food was excellent. The second time we went we were with a large party and got seated on the side of the restaurant with a view of the Neverland Pool, but we were too close to the kitchen. The wait staff ws just okay but the food was still very good.

We've also been to Yamabuki. I don't care for the atmosphere much... even though it's traditional, it's a little too plain for being in DLR. The sushi was good, but not nearly as good as the sushi we can get in Santa Cruz and it was definitely overpriced. But, it was nice to take a couple hours to be in a quiter setting and my daughter and husband shared the sukiyaki which was excellent.


I've not been to any of the other nicer restaurants at DL, but I did not like the food at all at Ralph Brennan's or Tortilla Jo's.

mkcbunny
07-11-2005, 03:07 PM
I've been to the Vineyard Room twice and Hook's Pointe twice. ....
Thanks so much for the help!

mkcbunny
07-11-2005, 03:10 PM
I like the Vineyard Room a lot. I'd consider it a stepping-stone to Napa Rose. It has very similar qualities, but the setting isn't as formal since it's an open air restaurant.

When you say it's "open air," is a side of the restaurant open with doors/sliders? Do they close it up when it's cold? Or is it on a giant covered patio of some kind. I've never even been up there for a look. I guess I should go hunt up some pics.

Drince88
07-11-2005, 03:14 PM
When you say it's "open air," is a side of the restaurant open with doors/sliders? Do they close it up when it's cold? Or is it on a giant covered patio of some kind. I've never even been up there for a look. I guess I should go hunt up some pics.

One side is enclosed (the kitchen is behind it) - the side facing the parade route (and I believe the two ends) has about a 3-4' wall and large openings from there up to the roof. No doors or sliders.

We were the last guests in the park when we ate there. It's kind of creepy when they turn off all the music - but we did get a personal escort out of the park (and were not rushed at all) - but this was the week after Sept 11, 2001, (so not too busy) and it was under different management.

cstephens
07-11-2005, 05:56 PM
Thanks! Is there any other similar dining option at DLR that I am missing?

We had a nice dinner at Granville's, but you said your friend wasn't into steak, so that probably wouldn't work.

I'm a very big fan of Catal in Downtown Disney. It's not as formal as Napa Rose or the Vineyard Room - I'd probably put the atmosphere on par with Hook's Pointe, but eight thumbs way up for the food and service. They have much more interesting dishes than does Hook's, though not to the level of either Napa Rose or the Vineyard Room. This is with regard to the upstairs restaurant. The downstairs part is much more informal, though they do have a few interesting things there as well.

Some people have mentioned liking Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney, but from my experience, it's not something I would recommend. For the money you'd spend there, I'd much rather go to Catal or even Hook's Pointe.

mkcbunny
07-11-2005, 09:39 PM
I'm a very big fan of Catal in Downtown Disney. ...
You know, we've never been upstairs. We grab lunch and a cocktail at the Uva bar regularly, and we've eaten downstairs inside for dinner once or twice. We've peeked at the menu a few times but it always loses out because we've spent our one big dinner at Napa Rose, and then we try to spend less every other meal. So we stand there, looking at the menu, saying, let's just eat downstairs where it's cheaper. LOL. Poor littel Catal. We should definitely try it. Thanks.

Dom262
07-12-2005, 12:15 PM
My wife and I have been to the Vineyard as well as Napa Rose.

We did not care for the Vineyard. The food that we received did not warrent the food that we ate (I had the wine pairings also). I would recommend eating downstairs at the Tratorilla (sp). The food. I thought was better and more reasonably priced.

Napa Rose on the other hand is amazing. Four of us ate there and all four were extemely satisfied. The service is wonderful. The four of us ate for less then we paid at The Vineyard for two.

I would recommend Napa Rose to anyone looking for a fine dining experience.

mkcbunny
07-12-2005, 02:12 PM
My wife and I have been to the Vineyard as well as Napa Rose.

We did not care for the Vineyard. The food that we received did not warrent the food that we ate (I had the wine pairings also). I would recommend eating downstairs at the Tratorilla (sp). The food. I thought was better and more reasonably priced.

Napa Rose on the other hand is amazing. Four of us ate there and all four were extemely satisfied. The service is wonderful. The four of us ate for less then we paid at The Vineyard for two.

I would recommend Napa Rose to anyone looking for a fine dining experience.
Thanks. When did you go?

Dom262
07-13-2005, 08:55 AM
We went to the Vineyard last month (June) and Napa Rose we have been to 3 times since March and will go again tomorrow night. We were last at the Trattoria two weeks ago. I recommend the Chiken Alfredo Lasagna.

mkcbunny
07-13-2005, 03:46 PM
We went to the Vineyard last month (June) and Napa Rose we have been to 3 times since March and will go again tomorrow night. We were last at the Trattoria two weeks ago. I recommend the Chiken Alfredo Lasagna.
OK, thanks.