St. Paddy's at Raglan Road: Worth the Stop?

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day? Eating and drinking at Disney Springs' lively Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is certainly a memorable experience! In fact, we like this place so much, that we have eaten there our very first night for our last two trips. If you're in Florida, you might look at it as a place to experience. But is it worth it when there are so many great places at Disney Springs? Are there better places to splurge? How's the entertainment? The drinks? The food? Would I recommend it and will we dine there again? Would I recommend it if it weren't St. Patrick's Day? Read on for the latest Dine or Ditch.

The live entertainment is good-

but you may end up seated in an out of the way location.

Why has this been our first stop on our last two trips? Well, traveling with our youngest son. Although his ethnicity is very mixed, the lad  identifies with the Irish piece of his heritage more than his German, English or Italian sides, so Raglan was the place we chose to begin our trip and let the vacation kick off in high gear. 

I can't tell you what mid-week looks like in the restaurant, but on the weekend, my bet is Raglan is one of the most popular choices. It was the first place we booked on line when reservations became open, and it was the most difficult of all to get the time we wanted. Once we arrived, the entertainment district was mobbed. When guests go to the Springs, they go to party. 

Our wait was about 15 minutes from the time we finally checked in. We were seated in the back left side of the restaurant in a dark, moody, corner as far away from the stage as could be, but it was a perfect setting to have a long and relaxed meal and a drink. Surprisingly, part way through our drinks, one of the dancers came and set up a mini stage next to us and began dancing. It was great! We felt like part of the action and not second their tourists because we were not in the main seating area in front of the larger stage. 

The Whiskey Flight.

"Irish Rage" is one happy guy tonight!

I began with a gin based drink and my wife chose something lighter. Not our son! He's a hard liquor guy and was very pleased to sample the menu's Whiskey Flight- even if it did cost more than our meal. Our drinks were actually pretty good! Vacation had started! I knew Raglan was my son's top choice for a meal on the Disney property, and I didn't want to disappoint him when he suggested it again. I'm glad I gave in to his preference. 

One of the tastiest appetizers we had the entire trip.

We began with complimentary bread and butter that was a meal in itself.   Our waiter was prompt, relaxed, and knowledgable. Never pushy and an excellent listener- which is not always the case when you're shoving through hundreds of guests a night. He let us sit, drink, and relax, bringing in a second basket of bread. There was no rush to take an order or push us out once our meal was complete. This was the kind of service offered by professionals and something so needed on a vacation that can be overwhelming with tight schedules and big crowds. He was rewarded well for his approach as is also our custom. 

Pull the Boxty is not the name of a kid's prank. Instead, it is a potato and hamhock creation that is every bit worth the very high price tag. The list of appetizers was extensive but when we ordered this one, our server told us it was one of the most popular for a very good reason. It was in fact one of the most flavorful dishes we ordered the entire trip. And it was no small plate! Hearty and heaping, everyone had their fill. I would have been happy to order this as my main meal, and I will probably do so if we ever go back.

The slow braised short ribs were a quick and easy choice for my beef-loving son. My wife picked the pot pie and was very pleased with her choice. Flaky crust, rich, hearty, and generous filling, all very well presented. I stuck with my preferred choice of fish and chips when I'm in a restaurant that is known for great fish. My beer battered cod was not as crispy as I normally like it, but it was undeniably excellent and flavorful, much milder than I expected. The chips were standard fare, which was rather surprising. The short ribs were easily the best of our lot with a mouth watering reduced red wine jus, but the accompanying roasted veggies almost stole the show. Almost.

The desserts were tempting, but were passed as by the time we left, if was very late, and we were stuffed. The music was bright and upbeat. We were actually close enough to enjoy it but also could hear each other speak. In short, the room that seemed farthest away was actually the one that struck the perfect balance for the kind of "first night of vacation" that we wanted it to be.

Then came the bill. 

Including our very generous tip for excellent service, our night out at Raglan Road was actually the most expensive meal of this vacation, close to $200 price tag for a pub trip. That's just about more than $65 a head. Yes, that is a lot. Keep in mind that this is cheaper than the in-park hard to book meals. And it included live entertainment that had nothing to do with Disney rubberheads. 

We found Raglan Road - the only one outside of Ireland itself- worthy of its reputation and worth the price for a special event, but you may feel differently. If my wife and I go back without my son along, we'll probably pick a different place for our first night at the Springs. But he is carrying on his own tradition as he will take his new bride to Disney for her first trip. Raglan Road will be their first stop. Some traditions are meant to be carried on!

Considerations: 

• Book early. Really early! Try to get something after dark for the best authentic atmosphere. 
• Nighttime is not kid friendly, so try brunch if there are children in your group. Or the take away shop next door if you just want the excellent food and don't care about the entertainment.
• Decide ahead of time what type of experience you want. Seating places a big role in this restaurant. 
• The live entertainment is excellent- but it is a very loud restaurant.
• Go hungry or don't go. If you've filled up on a big lunch, choose this for another day.

Let me end with this traditional Irish blessing:

"May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.

May the soft winds freshen your spirit.

May the sunshine brighten your heart

May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.

And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love."

Want more Dine or Ditch?

Check out these other reviews:

Sci-Fi Dine In at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom

Garden Grill at Epcot

Cafe Orleans at Disneyland

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Orlando Resort

San Angel Inn Restaurante at Epcot

Nomad Lounge at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Cafe Orleans at Disneyland

Mythos at Islands of Adventure

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Celebrating St. Paddy's at Raglan Road

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day? Eating and drinking at Disney Springs' lively Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is certainly a memorable experience and if you're in Florida, you should certainly consider it for your party. But is it worth it? Are there better places to spend your hard earned money? How's the entertainment? The drinks? The food? Would I recommend it or will I dine there again? Read on for the latest Dine or Ditch.

The live entertainment is good-

but you may end up seated in an out of the way location.

Although his ethnicity is very mixed, our youngest son identifies the most closely with the Irish piece of his heritage, so Raglan was the place we chose to begin our trip and let the vacation kick off in high gear. 

I can't tell you what mid-week looks like in the restaurant, but on the weekend, my bet is Raglan is one of the most popular choices. It was the first place we booked on line when reservations became open, and it was the most difficult of all to get the time we wanted. Due to really awful service at the end of Magical Express, we ended up at Disney Springs almost 1.5 hours later than our initial reservation- and on a Saturday night no less. The entertainment district was mobbed, but thankfully, I had called the pub and advised them of our delay. They graciously found a place for us. 

Our wait was about 15 minutes from the time we finally checked in. We were seated in the back left side of the restaurant in a dark, moody, corner as far away from the stage as could be, but it was a perfect setting to have a long and relaxed meal and a drink.

The Whiskey Flight.

"Irish Rage" is one happy guy tonight!

I began with a gin based drink and my wife chose something lighter. Not our son! He's a hard liquor guy and was very pleased to sample the menu's Whiskey Flight- even if it did cost $27. Our drinks were actually pretty good, and they did help sooth my frazzled nerves after a very frustrating arrival on the property. But out was time to finally begin our vacation- so I put it behind me. I knew Raglan was my son's top choice for a meal on the Disney property, and I didn't want to disappoint him.

One of the tastiest appetizers we had the entire trip.

We began with complimentary bread and butter that was a meal in itself.   Our waiter was prompt, relaxed, and knowledgable. Never pushy and an excellent listener- which is not always the case when you're shoving through hundreds of guests a night. He let us sit, drink, and relax, bringing in a second basket of bread. There was no rush to take an order or push us out once our meal was complete. This was the kind of service offered by professionals and something so needed on a vacation that can be overwhelming with tight schedules and big crowds. He was rewarded well for his approach as is also our custom. 

Pull the Boxty is not the name of a kid's prank. Instead, it is a potato and hamhock creation that is every bit worth the $17 price tag. The list of appetizers may have been shortened due to COVID-19, but when we ordered this one, our server commented it was one of the most popular for a very good reason. It was in fact one of the tastiest dishes we ordered the entire trip. And it was no small plate! Hearty and heaping, everyone had their fill. I would have been happy to order this as my main meal, and I will probably do so if we ever go back.

The slow braised short ribs were a quick and easy choice for my beef-loving son. My wife picked the pot pie and was very pleased with her choice. Flaky crust, rich, hearty, and generous filling, all well presented. I stuck with my preferred choice of fish and chips when I'm in a restaurant that is known for great fish. Other than the fact that my beer battered cod was not as crispy as I normally like it, it was undeniably excellent and flavorful, much milder than I expected. The chips were standard fare, which was rather surprising. The short ribs were easily the best of our lot with a mouth watering reduced red wine jus, but the accompanying roasted veggies almost stole the show. Almost.

Delicious and different.

The desserts were tempting, but were passed as by the time we left, if was very late, and we were stuffed. The music was bright and upbeat. We were actually close enough to enjoy it but also could hear each other speak. In short, the room that seemed farthest away was actually the one that struck the perfect balance for the kind of "first night of vacation" that we wanted it to be.

Then came the bill. 

Including our very generous tip for excellent service, our night out at Raglan Road was actually the most expensive meal of this vacation, hitting the $175 price tag for a pub trip. That's almost $60 a head. Now, before you scoff, keep in mind that this is cheaper than the in-park hard to book meals. And it included live entertainment that had nothing to do with Disney rubberheads. 

We found Raglan Road worthy of its reputation and worth the price for a special event, but you may feel differently. 

Considerations: 

• Book early and try to get something after dark for the best authentic atmosphere. 
• Nighttime is not kid friendly, so try brunch if there are children in your group.
• Decide ahead of time what type of experience you want. Seating places a big role in this restaurant. 
• The live entertainment is excellent- but it is a very loud restaurant.
• Go hungry or don't go. If you've filled up on a big lunch, choose this for another day.

Let me end with this traditional Irish blessing:

"May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.

May the soft winds freshen your spirit.

May the sunshine brighten your heart

May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.

And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love."

Want more Dine or Ditch?

Check out these other reviews:

Sci-Fi Dine In at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom

Garden Grill at Epcot

Cafe Orleans at Disneyland

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Orlando Resort

San Angel Inn Restaurante at Epcot

Cafe Orleans at Disneyland

Mythos at Islands of Adventure

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Dine or Ditch San Angel Restaurante for Cinco de Mayo?

Back in the 80s when EPCOT Center made its debut, the San Angel Restaurante captured our imaginations and our restaurant dollars. Today is Cinco de Mayo, and the beloved location is still the very best place to celebrate it at Walt Disney World. 

The restaurant sits in the perfect location- Mexico's World Showcase pavilion is beautiful! It's as atmospheric if not more so than the concept art below or even Disneyland's Blue Bayou:

The end result is better than the Imagineering art!

Sitting on the waterside of the lagoon, boats sail on El Rio del Tiempo, the River of Time, taking passengers on their way for a fun and music filled Gran Fiesta Tour. (Yes, the opening day attraction was based on the culture and history of Mexico and not Disney characters- and it was SO much better!)

As you sit there enjoying your excellently prepared tacos, perfectly cooked steak, enchiladas, or Queso Fundido, the perpetual moonlight and smoldering volcano in the distance takes you to a timeless land far away. The stresses of a Disney World vacation melt away. Isn't this why you came to Disney in the first place?

Is this the right place for you to get out of the sun and enjoy a meal when there are so many options at Epcot? This Dine or Ditch review should help you to make a wise decision on what is best for your family and particular trip.  

Regular visitors to Walt Disney World or local Floridians are most likely familiar with this restaurant. But for you on the West Coast or if you're a Disneyland only fan, picture if you will, a lushly themed Mexican version of New Orleans Square's classic Blue Bayou, and you'll get an idea of what's in store for those who choose to dine here. 

In place of the fireflies and charming Spanish moss draped trees of Louisiana, once guests venture into the giant exterior pyramid that represents Mexico and beyond the town's plaza, the lively Mariachi music  fades the deeper they go into the pavilion. They'll eventually discover a smaller Mayan pyramid hidden in a thick jungle. A smoking volcano erupts off just beyond the horizon. The majestic blue night sky glistens under the moonlight while the faint sounds of an ancient civilization are heard off in the distance. Boats sailing on El Rio del Tiempo drift by those dining on the waterfront. Here, passengers begin their journey on a music filled Gran Fiesta Tour to meet up with The Three Caballeros. 

Rarely seen Imagineering concept art of the exterior pyramid.

Sounds like a great place to relax and dine, doesn't it?

It was only fitting that we would eventually eat here during our adults only vacation with our youngest son. We all love Mexican food and great margaritas. But with so many options for this type of cuisine, would we be disappointed or delighted by choosing this place?

Things started off promising: Our wait was merely ten minutes once we arrived on time for our reservation. In what can only be described as a gift from God, at prime dining time and without us requesting it, we followed the hostess to a seat right at the water's edge- front and center - something we had never experienced in any of our other visits. Good start! I was once again instantly smitten by the place.

What to order? Margaritas were the go-to (of course), and we just had to request an appetizer of Queso Fundido, a dish we'd had first in the 80's and now a tradition for each meal here. What's not to love about gobs of gooey melted cheese, bits of chorizo and spices with tons of warm toasty tortilla chips- even at $15 USD? A cool, crisp, very large, and stunningly simple house margarita with top shelf liquor was my choice to complement our meal... but at a $23 price tag, there was not an additional one ordered. 

When eating Mexican, I normally order Carne Asada for a special night out, but after an absolutely great evening at The Edison, the $50 USD price tag for the beef forced me to instead choose the Enchiladas de Pollo at a still expensive $27. No matter, the meal was delicious and beautifully presented with a side of plantains. My wife ordered as I did, but our son chose the $30 Ribeye Tacos which he deemed quite delicious and well worth the price. For me, one of the true determining factors of a great Mexican restaurant is its salsa. I'm happy to report, it is absolutely delicious, very flavorful with more than a hint of heat. Just the way I like it. I could have made an extended meal of just the appetizers.

Our server was beyond excellent, leaving us time to enjoy each piece of the meal while still providing attentive service. Not only did he happily take several "money shot" photos of the three of us with both the pyramid and volcano perfectly in the background, he also spent time talking with us about Epcot, his love for the park, and his appreciation for the company he works for which is headquartered in Mexico City. He much enjoyed the family environment among those who work at his location and stated many of the staff are still there since opening day. 

The relaxing pace, the excellent food and drink, and the professional yet very warm service made for a very leisurely and memorable meal (and an appropriately large tip. I believing in blessing those who provide excellent service). We certainly were not rushed out or pressured to finish our meal in any way. This made it a wonderful setting to discuss the trip, our love of family and being together, and the faithfulness of God. All told, we found San Angel Inn Restaurante to be worth every effort to reserve and every bit of cash it took to dine there.

Should you dine there?

Here are a few things to consider as you decide:

Do you have children with you? In spite of the kid friendliness of the Gran Fiesta attraction, the atmosphere of the restaurant proper feels very adult. It's dark, moody, romantic, and nicely quiet the nearer you are to the lagoon. If your children are patient, well-behaved, and love learning about other cultures, they may enjoy and appreciate the relaxed but refined experience- and so will the diners around them. If they need stimulation or interactions with Disney characters, this may not be the right choice.  

 

Consider your trip budget. It's difficult to deny that San Angel is very pricey for what it is. Although the upscale food is quite good and the drinks sublime, you are paying for the magical Disney atmosphere here. How much is atmosphere worth? That would be the tipping point for us as we have great restaurants in Denver, but none with this type of environment. When the Disney Dining Plan returns, this place should at least be on your list of places to consider.  

Timing. If your desire is to transition out of the hot late afternoon sun to refresh your body and soul and lift your spirits, San Angel Inn is a perfect choice. It feels far away from the crowds and provides a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be duplicated elsewhere in the World. Wanting a quick bite as you go from attraction to attraction? Maybe not worth your time. After dark, San Angel Inn may not be your best choice as many restaurants offer outside dining options alongside the World Showcase Lagoon. (If you still prefer Mexican for an evening meal, try La Hacienda de San Angel. Their food is even more high cuisine than San Angel Inn, but I find their atmosphere more ordinary. The prices are about equal.) If an evening viewing of Harmonious is a priority as part of your day at Walt Disney World's second theme park, this dining location is not for you.

Dine or Ditch for San Angel Inn Restaurante?  Your mileage may vary, but if you're looking for unique experience that's pure Disney, and you don't mind the high price tag,  it's a "Dine". If Mexican cuisine is not a favorite, the timing is off, or active children are in your party, it's a definite "Ditch". 

Want more Dine or Ditch?

Check out these other reviews:

Raglan Road at Disney Springs

Sci-Fi Dine In at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom

Garden Grill at Epcot

Cafe Orleans at Disneyland

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Orlando

(Top photo copyright Simply Sinova. All other photographs copyright the Mark Taft.)

Dine or Ditch: Disneyland's Cafe Orleans

In the world of Disney dining, sometimes the reservations you don't get lead to meals you're so glad you did. Such was the case when we could not get reservations at Disneyland's iconic Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square. But let me go back a few steps.

In a fortunate turn of events, my sister and I were out visiting our parents at the same time. (My wife was set to visit her mother during the same time but in a different part of the state. We couldn't both see all our parents, so we split up.) We decided to ask our Mom to join us for a day at Disneyland, knowing it had been three decades plus since her last visit. (Full trip report here.) We did not take the trip lightly as when your mother is 81 years old - even if she is in great shape- you plan to rest when you need to and stop for long casual meals to talk and regroup. All said, we knew at least one sit down meal would be on our agenda. Getting on a handful of "must see" attractions, including Rise of the Resistance,  was a priority, but it was still second to making sure she had a great time.

 

 A decent menu with a nice selection at a fair price. 

As with any Disney trip to Walt's kingdom, Pirates of the Caribbean was in the top five of our list. This happens to be my Mom's favorite ride, and even after all the newer previously unseen attractions like Rise and Indiana Jones Adventure, it remained at the top of her list. How could it not? It is an epic attraction that showcases the peak of Imagineering's creativity and accomplishment. 

 

Boarding our swamp bateaux, we floated by the magnificent Blue Bayou. Mom commented by name that she remembered they served a great Monte Cristo sandwich there.  Not being an idiot, that was my clue as to where we'd go for lunch.

 

Of course, reservations for that location were long gone. I walked over to Cafe Orleans and much to my delight, I discovered the famed sandwich was on the menu here as well. Within moments, we were all sitting on the beautiful patio overlooking New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America.  

Given this is 2022 and with Disney parks being under the leadership of Bob Chapek, I was actually surprised the offerings were not much more expensive than they were. We decided to order a Monte Cristo to share as well as a Caesar salad. My sister ordered a bowl of Chicken Gumbo soup. We all ordered drinks but threw in a Mint Julep for the three of us to taste. 

Our server was great, relaxed, friendly, and she had just the right balance of checking in on us and letting us sit and relax. Great service is a hallmark at the Disneyland Resort. Cast members there seem to take even greater pride working in the park Walt Disney himself actually created and walked in. This isn't to say that Walt Disney World has lower quality cast members. It just feels different in Anaheim. You have to experience it to understand it.

Safe to say Mom enjoyed her lunch with her favorite and only son (and daughter too!)

I was needlessly worried that we hadn't ordered enough to eat. The portions were quite large. The Parmesan fries were so addicting, perfectly seasoned and cooked. The sandwich was filling and rich- and very tasty. Half of it was more than enough to satisfy our memories and our sweet tooth. Surprisingly, the hearty portion of salad was easily shared among the three of us. The Gumbo was apparently excellent as well, and we certainly all enjoyed the Mint Julep- even without the alcohol.

All this for less than half the price of what we'd have spent at the Blue Bayou.

From arriving at our table until the time we left, it was about an hour. It was time well spent and without the feeling of being rushed by our server. A very, very enjoyable experience! We were left ready to continue our day, refreshed by being off our feet, and happy to sit and talk about the day's events while sitting in the shade during a perfect California day. 

So... is Disneyland's Cafe Orleans a Dine or Ditch?

When you want something more than hamburgers and nachos, there are not a lot of options in Disneyland proper. Cafe Orleans gives you the high quality food, something different than the ordinary, with terrific service, all at about a 30% increase in price over a theme park hamburger. Maybe best of all, you can get into the restaurant without having to maker reservations months in advance. All of this makes it well worth it. Cafe Orleans is a definite Dine.

There's one main reason you'd be tempted to Ditch. If you're needing the iconic experience of dining waterside, under a moonlit bayou night with fireflies and the sounds of Pirates of the Caribbean  off in the distance, you'll only have that at Blue Bayou. But you'll pay big bucks for similar quality food... and as of this post, that famous Monte Cristo sandwich is no longer on the menu there. 

Want more Dine or Ditch?

Check out these other reviews:

Raglan Road at Disney Springs

Sci-Fi Dine In at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom

Garden Grill at Epcot

San Angel Inn Restaurante at Epcot

Toothsome Chocolate  Emporium at Universal Orlando

(Top photo copyright Simply Sinova. All other photographs copyright the Mark Taft.)

Dine or Ditch: Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Orlando's City Walk

We've heard it said many, many times that you don't go to Universal Orlando's Toothsome Chocolate Emporium for the food, you go for the desserts and incredible shakes. We thought it was time to check it out for ourselves- and it was the Number One dining destination for our stay over the days at Walt Disney World's fast growing competitor. 

Let me say in advance, this is our first Dine or Ditch for Universal, but it won't be our last. We had some great meals there!

Unlike the mess that dining has become at Disney World, we found reservations at Universal's beloved restaurant easy to come by. We only booked a month or so in advance because we wanted to make sure we got in. During our son's previous trip with one of his best friends, it was to be the dinner spot for his birthday celebration, but an unexpected electrical blackout made eating there impossible. When power came back up an hour or two later, they had already chosen another location. Unfortunately, they had to go home the next day. So, for this trip with dear old Mom and Dad, we wanted to make sure we got in. It was our top dining priority at Universal.

 

 

There's two easy approaches to Toothsome, and each one brings different views. The restaurant is right next door, about a three minute walk actually, from the entrance to Islands of Adventure. It is probably seven or eight minutes from the Studios. This makes it the perfect place to go for a meal midday or after a park visit.

 

We first saw it as we entered Universal's City Walk for the evening. Our first park visit wouldn't be until the next day, so we'd set aside the shopping and eating district for the first night. The place had a nice vibe! Think Disney Springs but for a younger, hipper crowd, with much more moderately priced restaurants (about a third less in price than those at Disney Springs and as good as all but the high end chef run locations such as Morimoto's), a slew of shops and even a couple of booze stands. Oh yeah, there's a great looking set of miniature golf courses nearby. We've got to try those out on our next visit.

 

We chose to walk around the lagoon to take it all in. Later, we took a launch (seen above) to the Loew's Royal Pacific Resort, an absolutely stunning hotel with a Southeast Asian theme. The resort's grounds are gorgeous, and the eateries look worth exploring. Perhaps next trip.

So far, Toothsome sounds pretty good: easy to book, great convenient location, and an inviting Steam Punk inspired exterior. How did it hold up to closer scrutiny for what you really go for? Well, we'd discover that the next evening after a day in the parks. (I'll cover our first meal at Universal in another Dine or Ditch post.)

After a fun-filled and exhausting day at the parks, I was anxious to finally eat there. We checked in about 5 minutes early. The place was packed with adult couples and lots of families. It was upbeat and fun, not tense or high strung. That contributed much to the experience as a whole.

The bakery/treat area at the front of the restaurant was filled with delicious and very fresh looking delights, making it a great stop when you are touring City Walk and want to pop in for a midday snack. Be warned, you could pay as much as a full meal for two or three of these items. Would it be worth it? Hmmm...

We bypassed the cases, finding we were seated rather quickly once we checked in.

 

In a bit of a disappointment, I found the atmosphere inside to be not nearly as magical as the front of the building would lead you to think. It was dark and elegant, but most of the scenery was provided by video of the "factory" at work. But the walk around character shown above was an unexpected addition, and kids eating there were delighted to get a peek at the old school Jules Verne styled robot. Seeing him made me miss Epcot's old classic Horizons. If you were among those who got to ride it, you get the reference. 

Time for drinks and the food. I had a Vanilla Chocolate Cocktail- strong but good. Mostly chocolate, as was to be expected. My wife had a glass of wine, my son a straight up whiskey. 

Our whole dinner was just excellent! My Classic Flounder Amandine was absolutely melt in your mouth perfect. The accompanying green beans and potatoes were perfectly prepared and tasty. Like the other items on the menu, my selection was well priced. My wife tends to order well, and her Chicken Bourguignon brought everything together that she likes. My son is a beef lover, and he was thrilled with his New York Strip Steak. 

Dessert. We were so stuffed, that we ordered one dish to share. Since this was his birthday dinner, our server delivered a slice of Flourless Chocolate Cake. The cake itself was topped with Nutella ice cream. Yum!

We left more than happy with our choice. By the time we finished, the sun was setting, and the warm glow on the water made for a very nice evening view. The buildings of City Walk were lighting up, and music was filling the air. For us, it was a perfect Florida night.

So... is The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen a Dine or Ditch?

If you are looking for a uniquely Universal Orlando Resort dining experience, and one with a kid friendly atmosphere that still feels grown up, this is a definite dine! And the price won't kill your vacation budget. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Why on earth would you ditch it? Perhaps a couple of reasons. Maybe you want a different type of cuisine than your excellently prepared but mostly American styled dinner. There's many other great options at City Walk if that's the case: Mexican, Italian, and more. If you're in the mood for live music or want a busier Friday night bar crawl feel, this is definitely not your place. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, if you're a huge fan of the Steam Punk aesthetic, The Edison at Disney Springs may be more to your liking- but you're going to pay much more for the experience. Much more.

Would we eat there again? Yes, and next time we'll definitely save room for dessert!

Want more Dine or Ditch?

Check out these other reviews:

Raglan Road at Disney Springs

Sci-Fi Dine In at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom

Garden Grill at Epcot

San Angel Inn Restaurante at Epcot

(Photographs copyright the Mark Taft.)

Spending St. Patrick's Day at Disney Springs' Raglan Road

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day today? Eating and drinking at Disney Springs' lively Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is certainly a memorable experience and if you're in Florida, you should certainly consider it for your party. But is it worth it? Are there better places to spend your hard earned money? How's the entertainment? The drinks? The food? Would I recommend it or will I dine there again? Read on.

The live entertainment is good-

but you may end up seated in an out of the way location.

Although his ethnicity is very mixed, our youngest son identifies the most closely with the Irish piece of his heritage, so Raglan was the place we chose to begin our upcoming trip and let the vacation kick off in high gear. 

I can't tell you what mid-week looks like in the restaurant, but on the weekend, my bet is Raglan is one of the most popular choices. Last trip, it was the first place we booked on line when reservations became open, and it was the most difficult of all to get the time we wanted. 

Due to really awful service- just miserable, actually, at the end of Magical Express, we ended up at Disney Springs almost 1.5 hours later than our initial reservation- and on a Saturday night no less. The entertainment district was mobbed, but thankfully, I had called the pub and advised them of our delay. They graciously found a place for us. 

Our wait was about 15 minutes from the time we finally checked in. We were seated in the back left side of the restaurant in a dark, moody, corner as far away from the stage as could be, but it was a perfect setting to have a long and relaxed meal and a drink.

The Whiskey Flight.

"Irish Rage" is one happy guy tonight!

I began with a gin based drink and my wife chose something lighter. Not our son! He's a hard liquor guy and was very pleased to sample the menu's Whiskey Flight- even if it did cost $27. Our drinks were actually pretty good, and they did help sooth my frazzled nerves after a very frustrating arrival on the property. But out was time to finally begin our vacation- so I put it behind me. I knew Raglan was my son's top choice for a meal on the Disney property, and I didn't want to disappoint him.

One of the tastiest appetizers we had the entire trip.

We began with complimentary bread and butter that was a meal in itself.   Our waiter was prompt, relaxed, and knowledgable. Never pushy and an excellent listener- which is not always the case when you're shoving through hundreds of guests a night. He let us sit, drink, and relax, bringing in a second basket of bread. There was no rush to take an order or push us out once our meal was complete. This was the kind of service offered by professionals and something so needed on a vacation that can be overwhelming with tight schedules and big crowds. He was rewarded well for his approach as is also our custom. 

Pull the Boxty is not the name of a kid's prank. Instead, it is a potato and hamhock creation that is every bit worth the $17 price tag. The list of appetizers may have been shortened due to COVID-19, but when we ordered this one, our server commented it was one of the most popular for a very good reason. It was in fact one of the tastiest dishes we ordered the entire trip. And it was no small plate! Hearty and heaping, everyone had their fill. I would have been happy to order this as my main meal, and I will probably do so if we ever go back.

The slow braised short ribs were a quick and easy choice for my beef-loving son. My wife picked the pot pie and was very pleased with her choice. Flaky crust, rich, hearty, and generous filling, all well presented. I stuck with my preferred choice of fish and chips when I'm in a restaurant that is known for great fish. Other than the fact that my beer battered cod was not as crispy as I normally like it, it was undeniably excellent and flavorful, much milder than I expected. The chips were standard fare, which was rather surprising. The short ribs were easily the best of our lot with a mouth watering reduced red wine jus, but the accompanying roasted veggies almost stole the show. Almost.

Delicious and different.

The desserts were tempting, but were passed as by the time we left, if was very late, and we were stuffed. The music was bright and upbeat. We were actually close enough to enjoy it but also could hear each other speak. In short, the room that seemed farthest away was actually the one that struck the perfect balance for the kind of "first night of vacation" that we wanted it to be.

Then came the bill. 

Including our very generous tip for excellent service, our night out at Raglan Road was actually the most expensive meal of this vacation, hitting the $175 price tag for a pub trip. That's almost $60 a head. Now, before you scoff, keep in mind that this is cheaper than the in-park hard to book meals. And it included live entertainment that had nothing to do with Disney rubberheads. 

We found Raglan Road worthy of its reputation and worth the price for a special event, but you may feel differently. 

Considerations: 

• Book early and try to get something after dark for the best authentic atmosphere. 
• Nighttime is not kid friendly, so try brunch if there are children in your group.
• Decide ahead of time what type of experience you want. Seating places a big role in this restaurant. 
• The live entertainment is excellent- but it is a very loud restaurant.
• Go hungry or don't go. If you've filled up on a big lunch, choose this for another day.

Let me end with this traditional Irish blessing:

"May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.

May the soft winds freshen your spirit.

May the sunshine brighten your heart

May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.

And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love."

Want more Dine or Ditch?

Check out these other reviews:

Sci-Fi Dine In at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom

Garden Grill at Epcot

San Angel Inn Restaurante at Epcot

Mythos at Islands of Adventure

Cafe Orleans at Disneyland 

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal's City Walk

(Photographs copyright the Mark Taft.)

Dine or Ditch: Epcot's San Angel Inn Restaurante

Atmospheric and expensive, the San Angel Inn Restaurante holds a very special place in my heart. This World Showcase eatery is one of the original EPCOT Center must-do locations, and it is one we visited for our first anniversary trip in 1983. The San Angel is also one we hadn't eaten at in a decade or so, so I was very curious about how things currently stood. Was it still great? Was I banking on nostalgia and my love for the place because our first visit there was also our first time to Epcot? 

Is this the right place for you to get out of the sun and enjoy a meal when there are so many options at Epcot? This Dine or Ditch review should help you to make a wise decision on what is best for your family and particular trip.  

Regular visitors to Walt Disney World or local Floridians are most likely familiar with this restaurant. But for you on the West Coast or if you're a Disneyland only fan, picture if you will, a lushly themed Mexican version of New Orleans Square's classic Blue Bayou, and you'll get an idea of what's in store for those who choose to dine here. 

In place of the fireflies and charming Spanish moss draped trees of Louisiana, once guests venture into the giant exterior pyramid that represents Mexico and beyond the town's plaza, the lively Mariachi music  fades the deeper they go into the pavilion. They'll eventually discover a smaller Mayan pyramid hidden in a thick jungle. A smoking volcano erupts off just beyond the horizon. The majestic blue night sky glistens under the moonlight while the faint sounds of an ancient civilization are heard off in the distance. Boats sailing on El Rio del Tiempo drift by those dining on the waterfront. Here, passengers begin their journey on a music filled Gran Fiesta Tour to meet up with The Three Caballeros. 

Sounds like a great place to relax and dine, doesn't it?

Disneyland's Blue Bayou has nothing on this place!

It was only fitting that we would eventually eat here during our adults only vacation with our youngest son. We all love Mexican food and great margaritas. But with so many options for this type of cuisine, would we be disappointed or delighted by choosing this place?

Things started off promising: Our wait was merely ten minutes once we arrived on time for our reservation. In what can only be described as a gift from God, at prime dining time and without us requesting it, we followed the hostess to a seat right at the water's edge- front and center - something we had never experienced in any of our other visits. Good start! I was once again instantly smitten by the place.

Tasty- and pricey.

What to order? Margaritas were the go-to (of course), and we just had to request an appetizer of Queso Fundido, a dish we'd had first in the 80's and now a tradition for each meal here. What's not to love about gobs of gooey melted cheese, bits of chorizo and spices with tons of warm toasty tortilla chips- even at $15 USD? A cool, crisp, very large, and stunningly simple house margarita with top shelf liquor was my choice to complement our meal... but at a $23 price tag, there was not an additional one ordered. 

When eating Mexican, I normally order Carne Asada for a special night out, but after an absolutely great evening at The Edison, the $50 USD price tag for the beef forced me to instead choose the Enchiladas de Pollo at a still expensive $27. No matter, the meal was delicious and beautifully presented with a side of plantains. My wife ordered as I did, but our son chose the $30 Ribeye Tacos which he deemed quite delicious and well worth the price. For me, one of the true determining factors of a great Mexican restaurant is its salsa. I'm happy to report, it is absolutely delicious, very flavorful with more than a hint of heat. Just the way I like it. I could have made an extended meal of just the appetizers.

Our server was beyond excellent, leaving us time to enjoy each piece of the meal while still providing attentive service. Not only did he happily take several "money shot" photos of the three of us with both the pyramid and volcano perfectly in the background, he also spent time talking with us about Epcot, his love for the park, and his appreciation for the company he works for which is headquartered in Mexico City. He much enjoyed the family environment among those who work at his location and stated many of the staff are still there since opening day. 

The relaxing pace, the excellent food and drink, and the professional yet very warm service made for a very leisurely and memorable meal (and an appropriately large tip. I believing in blessing those who provide excellent service). We certainly were not rushed out or pressured to finish our meal in any way. This made it a wonderful setting to discuss the trip, our love of family and being together, and the faithfulness of God. All told, we found San Angel Inn Restaurante to be worth every effort to reserve and every bit of cash it took to dine there.

Should you dine there?

The "Money shot".

Here are a few things to consider as you decide:

Do you have children with you? In spite of the kid friendliness of the Gran Fiesta attraction, the atmosphere of the restaurant proper feels very adult. It's dark, moody, romantic, and nicely quiet the nearer you are to the lagoon. If your children are patient, well-behaved, and love learning about other cultures, they may enjoy and appreciate the relaxed but refined experience- and so will the diners around them. If they need stimulation or interactions with Disney characters, this may not be the right choice.  

 

Consider your trip budget. It's difficult to deny that San Angel is very pricey for what it is. Although the upscale food is quite good and the drinks sublime, you are paying for the magical Disney atmosphere here. How much is atmosphere worth? That would be the tipping point for us as we have great restaurants in Denver, but none with this type of environment. When the Disney Dining Plan returns, this place should at least be on your list of places to consider.  

Timing. If your desire is to transition out of the hot late afternoon sun to refresh your body and soul and lift your spirits, San Angel Inn is a perfect choice. It feels far away from the crowds and provides a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be duplicated elsewhere in the World. Wanting a quick bite as you go from attraction to attraction? Maybe not worth your time. After dark, San Angel Inn may not be your best choice as many restaurants offer outside dining options alongside the World Showcase Lagoon. (If you still prefer Mexican for an evening meal, try La Hacienda de San Angel. Their food is even more high cuisine than San Angel Inn, but I find their atmosphere more ordinary. The prices are about equal.) If an evening viewing of Harmonious is a priority as part of your day at Walt Disney World's second theme park, this dining location is not for you.

Dine or Ditch for San Angel Inn Restaurante?  Your mileage may vary, but if you're looking for unique experience that's pure Disney, and you don't mind the high price tag,  it's a "Dine". If Mexican cuisine is not a favorite, the timing is off, or active children are in your party, it's a definite "Ditch". 

Want more Dine or Ditch?

Check out these reviews:

Sci-Fi Dine In at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom

Garden Grill at Epcot

(Photographs copyright the Mark Taft.)