Anaheim area restaurants -- am I on the right track?
I've been searching the Chowhound old posts to come up with some places to try while on a 4 night trip to Disney (without wholly relying on food at the parks). I've only booked one lunch-time meal at Blue Bayou if you have any recommendations on what to order (or steer clear of).
I'll be taking my 7 year old daughter who is also a Chowhound, so don't plan to stick to chicken-nuggets and happy meals fortunately. However, I don't plan on going anywhere too fancy and want some suggestions for cheap-eats or casual restaurants.
Please let me know if these places are still around or good-bets:
Los Sanchez
Zankou Chicken
El Farolito's
Ali Baba Restaurant
El Torito Grille (which location is closest to the parks?)
Also, for family dining, are Milli's or Mimi's completely offensive? Or would one of these places please the kids and adults alike for a convenient meal.
I also have not seen anything here on Tu Tu Tango or Citrus City Grill... are either of these recommended?
Many thanks!
- Vancouver Chowhound
epicureangirl
Mar 28, 2004 07:22PM
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I think you will be sorely disappointed by Blue Bayou. The price you pay for the low quality of the food you get will amaze you. Of course, I have had dinner only there, where I paid almost 30 dollars per person for a sorry excuse of a prime rib; dry and chewy beyond belief. Imagine gnawing on a piece of burlap and you get an accurate picture of what I'm talking about here. The side that it came was very sad. Each dish comes with sauteed vegetables, which aren't really sauteed at all, but steamed in bulk in Disney ovens (imagine broccoli and carrots). The starch it comes with is either the gluey and gloopy scalloped potato or the equally school-cafeteria-like mashed potato, or the even worse rice. The portions are generous, but I think it is because they are just trying to get rid of the stuff and desperately trying to justify how much they are charging.
I've never had lunch there though, so perhaps it might be different. I heard that the Monte Cristo Sandwich is the thing to get during lunch, but seeing as how it is available for cheaper at other places in the park, I haven't really justified going back there.
The only thing I can recommend at Disneyland, in terms of food is the homemade corn dogs made fresh at the corn dog truck at the end of Main Street. It's greasy, crunchy, tasty and humongous (about $5.50 which includes a drink and a bag of chips).
Other Anaheim area recs:
El Pollo Inka on Euclid.
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What's Inka's hours?
I've driven by just after noon, midweek, and it's been closed.
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Hmm. That is a good question. I usually come around for dinner, but I know they are also open for lunch. Didn't realize they closed at all.
Unfortunately their website doesn't say much about their hours either (see below).
Here is their number though: (714)772-2263
BTW, Chris G. has noted that Nory's #2 in Cypress is also good for Peruvian (in his opinion Nory's #2 is Number 1). I haven't yet had a chance to try Nory's (since I can't tear myself away from Zankou Chicken lately when I'm in the Anaheim area)
Link: http://www.inkaanaheim.com/index.htm
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I'll be staying at the Hyatt in Garden Grove... how much time do you think it would be to drive to Nory's #2 in Cypress? I have no idea where Cypress is... but I'll buy an area map when I get into LA.
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Norys not in Cypress, its either Anaheim or Stanton anaheim is No.1 & Stanton is No.2
Stanton is better I think, but Anaheim is closer to isney land
(714) 761-3332 6959 Cerritos Ave @ Knotts
North West corner
Stanton, CA
(714) 774-9115 933 1/2 S Euclid St @ Ball road
North West corner
Anaheim, CA
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Reading this previous review (which it mentions Nory's in Anaheim, it sounds like it is to be avoided)
See below:
Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/...
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The Stanton Nory's (counting on toes and fingers) is about 5.5 miles from Disneyland.
In this part of the world that's a mere stone's throw away, especially for a good meal. Depending upon traffic it's, perhaps, a 15 minute drive.
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Right across Chapman, from your hotel, is Joe's Crab Shack, one of elmomonster's "bucket-o-seafood" spots!
This also puts you about a mile north of Thai Nakorn.
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I almost forgot about that!
Joe's Crab Shack. Yes, "bucket-o-seafood" rocks! Actually it is called "Louisiana Steam Pot" on the menu, it's only thing I order there. Very festive atmosphere, almost to the point of annoying, with lots of unrelated chotskies tacked up on the wall.
Thai Nakorn is a MUST!!!! You owe it to yourself to go if you love Thai food, as it is one, if not THE best Thai food in L.A. It's in Garden Grove, although I seem to have blanked out on the address...maybe someone else can chime in.
Link: http://www.joescrabshack.com/
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Oops. Curt already noted Thai Nakorn's address in his post earlier.
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Oops, did it again!
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Thai Nakorn's at 12532 Garden Grove Blvd,south on Harbor, then left on GG Blvd.
It's on the right, opposite the medical center.
BBQ chicken (kai yang), somtam and sticky rice are good choices (classic Issan).
Chicken or pork satay is great.
They do a pretty good pad kee mow too.
If it's available, try the pumpkin custard for dessert.
===
I finally tried a pizza at Marri's; Although I'm not a certified pizza snob, I really liked it.
The sausage was quite flavorful, without repeating all night!
Marri's is on Katella, where Walnut runs into it.
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Also here is my review of Thai Nakorn Garden Grove. Loved just about everything I tried.
Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/...
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Real close to the Hyatt is La Casa Garcia, 531 W. Chapman, Chapman and Harbor, 714-740-1108. Its a old family owned authentic Mexican restaurant. They have a mexican buffet daily with freash guacmole, BBQ ribs and various mexican dishes. All very tasty. Sundy is brunch.
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Oops, I meant:
Inka Anaheim on Euclid.
El Pollo Inka was their old name.
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You know, I've never tried a corn dog or expected to get a recommendation to eat one. They're not particularily available in Vancouver (except in the freezer section of the supermarket) for some reason.
I'll keep an open mind though and try one...
Cheers.
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7-11 has great corn dogs in Vancouver...
mmmmmmm... cornnnnn doggggsss.
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That's funny...
I actually never considered going to a 7-11 for a meal. What have I been missing all these years?! :)
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In Bangkok, 7/11 has wonderful bao !
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People rave about Blue Bayou and people pan it.
But, IMHO, it's really more about the atmosphere.
Personally, I wouldn't advise anyone against the place.
I have heard numerous reports of dry pork tenderloin.
Lunch is definitely much cheaper.
If you go, head over early morning and make a lunch reservation.
The restaurant's closed but there is someone there for reservations.
When you return, ask for a waterside table; it might take a few minutes more, but it's way you're there.
In Downtown Disney, Rainforest Cafe might be fun for the kids.
Thai Nakorn, 12532 Garden Grove Blvd, is always rated as a top Thai eatery.
Head south on Harbor, about 2 miles, then left on Garden Grove Blvd. It's about a quarter mile on your right.
La Palma Chicken Pie shop is great if you want to eat cheap.
It's about a half mile north of I-5, on Euclid.
Zankou's great. It's a few miles west of Disneyland, on Ball.
It's on the left, about a block past Brookhurst.
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I second every rec Curt makes. Especially Zankou Chicken and Thai Nakorn!
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I second the rec. on La Palma Chicken Pie Shop. Cali
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The El Torito GRILLE (with more inventive cusine) is NOT in Anaheim (Irvine, maybe - 15 miles away). It is just an El TORITO (more traditional menu). See link below for Anaheim addresses. Ball Road is closest. But the other is a stones throw also (in case the crowd is full)
And, Mimi's is not at all offensive. It is a chain, but you might be pleased for a conventional meal. I have enjoyed Mimi's for several years for a conventional meal (at Tustin, Costa Mesa, and Irvine) In chains, often the city makes a difference in quality of service and food. But the recipes are all the same.
Maybe another chowhound will confirm this so you're not just relying on my opinion.
Link: http://www.eltorito.com/menus/el_tori...
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Yes, it was the El Torito Grille in Irvine I was interested in. I'll have a car and don't mind a little bit of a drive for great food.
Thanks for you reply.
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El Torito Grille really isn't that great. The food is pretty mediocre. I agree that Mimi's is pretty good.
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The OC Weekly (the area's alternative newsweekly) has a dining guide with various Anaheim choices. Visit it online at www.ocweekly.com/food and pick "Anaheim" from the choices. Most of the restaurants listed in previous posts here are included, along with some stranger choices (Sinaloan seafood, Lebanese pizza, and Romanian). Enjoy!
Link: http://www.ocweekly.com/food
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Thanks for the link. After reading the summaries for restaurants in the area, I am curious about Taquería del Amigo in Garden Grove. Any experience with this restaurant or their barbecued lamb?
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Personally, I'm not a big fan of Joe's Crab Shack. I think its more fun than tasty. I sort of feel like it's a lot of skinny crab legs that require a lot of work for a little bit of meat.
If you like japanese food, I would recommend Honda-Ya in Tustin for Japanese noodles, skewers, and soft shell crab. They are open until 1am everyday. 556 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780. We just went to disneyland last night and then headed there afterwards to eat, it is a little bit of a drive, but I think closer to your hotel? maybe 10-15 min ;)
Have fun!
At Disneyland - I like the spaghetti and meatballs at pizza port for some reason hehe. I really like the big meatballs they give you. I also like the kids meal that includes chicken mcnuggets and fries and a lil drink at the place across from the ride dumbo. Lastly, I like the clam chowder in a bread bowl near the Rivers of America. Oh and they have white hot chocolate if you are in the mood for that in one of the shops on Main Street *the one with all the coffee and kitchen stuff right at the end of Main Street. The hot chocolate for some reason is cheaper there vs. right outside hehe. so if you do get hungry while there, thats what i usually like to eat.
Blue Bayou - I have been there, it is good for the atmosphere, but the food I had was incredibly dry. I had the roast pork loin? or something like that a few years ago and it just was not tasty at all.
I would avoid Ralph Brennan's Restaurant at Downtown Disney - their gumbo and food was not very good, and neither was their service.
Have a great time at Disneyland. =)
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Actually, if you are looking for a NICE place. I was very impressed by Napa Rose in the Disneyland Grand Californian. Might be a little pricey to bring little ones to though.
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If you were planning on eating at Blue Bayou, I'd cancel, and spend the money (plus a bit more) at Napa Rose. Napa is likely the best food in Anaheim, definitely top 3 in Orange County, and most assuredly the best Disney food period. Excellent food, but it is a bit pricey. Entres are around $25 or so, but WELL worth it. Very good wine list. Please let us know where you ended up going and what you thought!
Also, hopefully without dredging up an old argument... If you want excellent Thai food, many have recommended Thai Nakorn, but MANY also greatly prefer (myself included) Renu Nakorn in Norwalk which is approximately a 15-20 minute drive from where you will be. Would be interesting to here an objective outsider's perspective and comparison of the two...
Napa Rose is in the Grand Californian Hotel in the Disney complex, and is accessible either directly through the hotel or through Downtown Disney.
Renu Nakorn is at the following address:
13041 Rosecrans Ave
Norwalk, CA 90650-4553
Phone: (562) 921-2124
Enjoy! and Welcome to Southern California!
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Thanks for all the great suggestions.
It's actually a lunch reservation I had for Blue Bayou as I have to have somewhere to eat in the park as I do the mandatory Disney day (or so). Also, I thought the atomosphere would be unique and memorable, although I'm not expecting a lot out of the food (from the sounds of it).
Napa Rose sounds great under most circumstances, but I don't think I'd choose to take my daughter there for dinner -- maybe a lunch, but I don't think it's open for lunch, is it?
Again and again, I get the Nakorn Thai recommendations, yet unfortunately I won't be able to drag my husband there (bad Thai experience, long story...).
Vancouver is full of terrific Chinese, Thai, Greek, French, Indian, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean restaurants (so I will probably not seek them out this trip) but I have been missing out on AUTHENTIC and plentiful Mexican, Peruvian and Persian food. And of course, classic American food... as I said, I've never even had a corn dog!
I would love to experience any wonderful Chicken or Lamb dishes -- the more casual and authentic the better. I will not be 'dining' this trip, but would like somewhere I can get terrific food without investing a lot of time or money. Somewhere that can do kids portions would also be helpful.
Thanks again.
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Actually, I really like the Blue Bayou, although I would only go for lunch (as late in the lunch session as possible to avoid waiting) and have the Monte Cristo sandwich, which is quite probably my favorite sandwich of all time. I am not aware that is is available anywhere else in the park--others have said that it is also served at the Katella Deli (another nice place for an informal meal) but I found it to be a pale imitation.
Napa Rose is very good, but more than I generally want to spend for dinner, particularly with children. The kids I've gone with also enjoyed going to Po' Folks near Knott's Berry Farm--they enjoy the model train, and we like the chicken livers...
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Tu Tu Tango is really expensive and so not really worth it. Thai Nakorn is a good choice, though the children may not enjoy the atmosphere or understand the food, it is a good place to go. Zankou is without a doubt a must visit, if you feel daring afterwards, go into the pastry shop next door and try one of the various versions of baklava. I know that 3/4 of the folks on this board frown upon "chains" but to me Denny's is a chain and a place like Mimi's is really a regional place with 40 locations. Go to Mimi's!! The folks from Mimi's just started a new concept called Lazy Dog Cafe which is in Westminster/Huntington Beach, haven't tried it, but might be something worthwhile. For Greek food try Daphne's or quasi Greek/Pizza etc at Pat & Oscar's which is 1/2 mile from Thai Nakorn in Buena Park. and both of those places are pretty kid/family friendly. Kids meals are free on Tuesdays at Pat & Oscar's.
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Mark,
If you get back down here, try Thai Nakorn's new location in Garden Grove, the one mentioned in this thread.
Same great food, but it doesn't have the atmosphere of a Thai tourbus lunch stop.
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