Dinner at California Grill for under $100 for a couple?

[R W B]

Since I've never been I checked out there menu and if I read it right I think a couple can have dinner for about $100 there including a avg 15%-18% tip. For you more experienced ones, is this possible or am I being cheap? Keep in mind my G/F or I are not big on Alcohol so that wont be an issue.

Also on their menu, they have "First Course" and "Main Course", is the "first course" equal to appetizers?

 

[DizneyPryncess]

This would be pretty difficult. My husband & I also don't drink, I think we both had iced tea or I may have even just had water. Most of the entree's average out to $40, so even if you just an entree a piece & got a non-alcoholic drink, you'd be looking at $100 - with tip included in it.

We split the goat cheese ravioli appetizer, which is $14. So our 2 entree & 1 appetizer would be about $100.

So if you skip appetizers & desserts, you can do it for $100. But at that restaurant, the appetizers & desserts are SO good. You should try one or the other. Even splitting it can cut down on cost. You can get close to $100, but I too would guess closer to $150. It's very much worth it for the experience.

 

[njDizFan]

Just as stated above, even if you both ordered the cheapest entree, split an appetizer and had 2 non-alcoholic beverages, with tax and tip you would just around $100.

Save your pennies and prepare to splurge a little. 2 entrees, 2 apps, and 2 desserts, with tax and tip you are looking at $175.

 

[WASaMATTR]

If the dinner is a "Special" occasion you may want to make reservations a head of time. Depending on the time of year, you may get a better table and a “Special” dessert for the both of you to share. Then you can add more to the tip. I spent around $170 for drinks (1 each), appetizer, entrée, and tip. Regardless, the restaurant has some amazing views and the food is delicious. Enjoy. :wave:

 

[R W B]

Awesome replies so far, thanks.

My G/F and I usually only split an app or a dessert when we go out, we can never do a 3 course meal each (app, entrée, dessert) simply because we usually get full. I dont mind spending more then $100 on the dinner, I was just trying to get an idea of what to expect.

As far as it being a "special" dinner, the trip itself is kinda like a birthday gift for my G/F so we could do that, however being only a month before our trip I'm sure from the way everyone speaks of this place its a good chance they are booked solid.

Now non food related question, this is a pretty nice place right? Another words no shorts or t shirts I would assume right.

Also, if I call to make reservations can I ask for a table in a certain area of the restaurant and if I can which area do you all recommend or is the whole place just one good view no matter where you sit?

 

[Phonedave]

Awesome replies so far, thanks.

My G/F and I usually only split an app or a dessert when we go out, we can never do a 3 course meal each (app, entrée, dessert) simply because we usually get full. I dont mind spending more then $100 on the dinner, I was just trying to get an idea of what to expect.

As far as it being a "special" dinner, the trip itself is kinda like a birthday gift for my G/F so we could do that, however being only a month before our trip I'm sure from the way everyone speaks of this place its a good chance they are booked solid.

Now non food related question, this is a pretty nice place right? Another words no shorts or t shirts I would assume right.

Also, if I call to make reservations can I ask for a table in a certain area of the restaurant and if I can which area do you all recommend or is the whole place just one good view no matter where you sit?

In ANY other setting you would be correct. No shorts no T-Shirt. But this is WDW, and they will let you in with shorts and a T-shirt. I have eaten there wearing NICE shorts (not beat up cargo shorts, but nice golf shorts) and a polo and did not feel out of place. I WOULD feel out of place in cargo shorts and a T-shirt. They would let me in, but I would feel under dressed.

The whole place is pretty much a good view, however there are tables that are closer to the windows. You may want to ask for a window table.


-dave

 

[R W B]

In ANY other setting you would be correct. No shorts no T-Shirt. But this is WDW, and they will let you in with shorts and a T-shirt. I have eaten there wearing NICE shorts (not beat up cargo shorts, but nice golf shorts) and a polo and did not feel out of place. I WOULD feel out of place in cargo shorts and a T-shirt. They would let me in, but I would feel under dressed.

The whole place is pretty much a good view, however there are tables that are closer to the windows. You may want to ask for a window table.


-dave

Thanks for the info Dave. Hearing that nice shorts are not out of the question is music to my ears, lol. I get so hot when I have to wear long pants.

Thats good to hear the whole place has good views though. I'm going to have to try and call and see.

 

[disneygirl76]

Since I've never been I checked out there menu and if I read it right I think a couple can have dinner for about $100 there including a avg 15%-18% tip. For you more experienced ones, is this possible or am I being cheap? Keep in mind my G/F or I are not big on Alcohol so that wont be an issue.

Also on their menu, they have "First Course" and "Main Course", is the "first course" equal to appetizers?

You "may" be able to do it but I think you will have to get the cheapest entree or split the entree you want to try. Or only get water and don't get dessert or an appetizer. Yes, first course is an an appetizer - they just have them in 3 categories - sushi, flat breads and first course. My DH and I each got the steak, and it was like $44 a person - he got a flat bread and I got a salad - that was about $30 for both - we did have 1 glass of wine each - we didn't get their dessert as I had a bday cake made for my DH from the Disney Bakers and it was brought to the table. So our bill, including tip, was well over $100. Good luck! It is a wonderful experience to do once - but I don't think we will do it again. We enjoyed the steak at Les Chefs and Le Cellier just as much.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

In ANY other setting you would be correct. No shorts no T-Shirt. But this is WDW, and they will let you in with shorts and a T-shirt. I have eaten there wearing NICE shorts (not beat up cargo shorts, but nice golf shorts) and a polo and did not feel out of place. I WOULD feel out of place in cargo shorts and a T-shirt. They would let me in, but I would feel under dressed.

The whole place is pretty much a good view, however there are tables that are closer to the windows. You may want to ask for a window table.


-dave

I echo Dave here in terms of dress. I went there in August so it was obviously pretty hot out and since we wanted to go to the MK afterward for EMH shorts seemed to be the best option. I wore nicer shorts and a button down shirt and definitely did not feel out of place at all, nor did I think it was out of the question considering the location and temperature.

 

[Frau Farbissina]

You do see people dressing up and making a big night of it, but overall most people just come from the theme parks. If you're coming directly from the parks, maybe dress a little bit nicer than you usually do that day.

You will love it. Splurge a little if you can. That extra $25 or so that you spend will be more than worth it.