There are quite a few amazing dining options at Disney’s California Adventure, however there will always be one place at this park that is my favorite-Lamplight Lounge! The outdoor patio has an epic panoramic waterfront view with the Incredicoaster and Pixar Pal-A-Round gondolas. Depending on where you are seated you can see a good portion of the park and it is just breathtaking.
I recently went for the first time in over a year and it was the most magical experience. I usually get seated by the upstairs bar, but this time I was seated by the downstairs bar, an area I had never been to before. Let me tell you Insiders, it was really awesome! To get downstairs you have to go inside and head down the winding staircase. Hanging over the stairs, like a chandelier, are sketches of different Pixar characters.
I requested a water-front view and of course the Cast Members worked their Disney magic and seated me at the best spot in the house. Check out this view from my seat!
It was a beautiful, warm day in the park and not a cloud in the sky. I was seated at 4:00pm and it was the perfect time of day to enjoy a meal there. It was probably one of the most relaxing dining experiences I’ve had in the park, and I probably could have sat there for hours on end just enjoying the view, the shade and some refreshing drinks!
Now for the other great (and important) part about this spot, the food and drinks! Lamplight Lounge has an amazing menu. In my opinion, hands down their best entree is the Lobster Nachos. I am not lying when I say these are the best nachos I think I’ve had in my entire life! The chips are warm and crisp, the ingredients (black beans, cheddar-Oaxaca cheese sauce, pico de gallo, and chipotle crema) are so fresh it’s out of this world. The lobster is tender and delicious, and it is diced up so it is not overpowering at all. I always ask for extra jalepenos on the side because I like mine extra spicy.
Other popular menu items at Lamplight Lounge include:
- Crab and Tuna Roll: Stone Crab with Avocado, Jicama, Yellowfin Tuna, and Fireball-Yuzu Sauce
- Pastrami-spiced Impossible™ Burger: Plant-based Patty, Dairy-free American Cheese, Pastrami-spiced Pineapple, House-made Pickles, Mustard Aïoli, and Toasted Focaccia
- Salmon PLT: Grilled Salmon with crispy Pancetta, Romaine Lettuce, Roasted Plum Tomato, Lemon-Bacon Aïoli, and Toasted Focaccia served with Malted Fries
- Chicken Ratatouille: Roasted Eggplant and Bell Pepper Ragout with Zucchini Noodles, Burrata, Mushrooms, Smoked Tomato Sauce, and Basil Aïoli
- and much more!
You can view the full menu here.
Now on to the drinks! This time I tried something new that is actually on their secret menu. It’s called the Fun Wheel, which is a fun twist on the Long Island Iced Tea. It has gin, rum, and vodka. Now the “fun” includes Pineapple juice, X-Rated Passion Fruit Vodka, and blue curaçao. All those different components make up the gorgeous colors in the drink! It was very delicious and I would highly recommend trying it, especially if you do like a Long Island Iced Tea.
I do not like my alcoholic beverages to taste strong, so I asked the waitress to serve mine weaker because Lamplight Lounge is known to have some pretty potent alcoholic beverages. Other popular and fun drinks at Lamplight include:
- Open Ocean with a Splash: A Frozen Cocktail made with Bacardi Raspberry Rum, Bols Blue Curaçao, Liquid Alchemist Orgeat (Almond), Agave Nectar, and fresh Lime Juice
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Scream Canister: Bacardi Reserva Ocho Rum, Cream of Coconut, Pinapple and Orange Juice with a mist of Angostura Bitters
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Sunrise Spectacular: Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Tropical Juices, Agave Nectar, and a dash of Angostura Bitters
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The Sequel: A Bubbling Cocktail with Absolut Citron Vodka, Bacardi Superior Rum, Liquid Alchemist Passion Fruit, fresh Lime Juice, and Agave Nectar
- and more!
Overall my entire experience at Lamplight Lounge was beyond magical and I was so happy to be back! The food and drink was out of this world amazing and I already can’t wait to go back to eat and drink there again. If you are making a trip to California Adventure, I would highly recommend making a reservation here. It’s one experience you don’t want to miss out on!
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