Different people will say different things, but here were my experiences with various locations:
1. Tortilla Jo's-Because Mexican food is always a safe option with my mother, who can be picky, and it was 2015. We thought it was fine, but it was 2015 and we didn't know any better. Never felt a desire to go back.
Never ate at TJ's. The very existence of this restaurant is puzzling to me, from the outdated architecture to the unseemliness of serving (what everyone says is) bland and overpriced Mexican food in southern California.
2. Earl of Sandwich-actually really enjoyed Earl when it was at its OG location, though the portions seemed to shrink a bit over time. Probably won't go back until they're in a permanent spot.
Earl is fine. Never understood the hype, but it's not bad.
4. Jazz Kitchen-Beignet was very good, don't much remember the food. And this was pretty recent, because my friend and I went in 2022 specifically to experience the OG version before it got generified. Also tried some popcorn chicken on my first adult trip, t'was mediocre.
Ate there once. The beignets are better than the ones in the park. My entree was okay. Redesign is truly offensive.
5. Sprinkles-perhaps one of the only people on this board who liked Sprinkles? Gone now.
Dude I loved Sprinkles haha. There used to be (maybe it's still there?) a Sprinkles in DTLA next to my wife's office, and her boss would frequently pick it up as a treat for the office. I miss the leftover carrot cake cupcakes she'd bring home. DTD's location never had a line.
6. Naples-haven't been, but have no interest, because it's basically Via Napoli, which I don't care for.
You're not missing anything.
7. Salt & Straw-I've tried this twice. Maybe I've just picked bad flavors, but so far I don't get the hype. Call me basic, but I've been much happier with Ghiradelli.
Tried it once (in San Diego) and felt the same way. Wife and I waited 20+ minutes; there were stanchions out the door. An employee was greeting and making conversation with everyone outside, promising "good vibes" inside. Ice cream was fine but not memorable.
8. Black Tap-haven't had here, but had it in Vegas. It was fine, but I don't feel the need to revisit based on the experience I had there.
This might actually be the best meal I've had at DTD. Just looked it up; I got the "Greg Norman" and it was a really solid burger. That said, it was sticky and smelled like ketchup inside, so we sat outside where it was overcrowded and loud. For that reason, in spite of the great burger, haven't been back. Poked my head into the one at the Venetian and it seemed like a better atmosphere.
So I haven't had that many positive experiences, and the ones I did have tended to be at places that don't exist anymore. Never had any interest in ESPN Zone, Rainforest, Catal, or any of the other places that have left.
Eating at the Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom in 1999 is among the best dining experiences I've ever had. I was 9 years-old at the time; it's
possible I'd feel differently today. Sadly never made it to the Anaheim location.
Still, I'd love there to be some quality options, because otherwise there's really nothing that actually draws me to DTD. For me, it's little more than a vaguely-pleasant corridor to get between the parks and the hotel restaurants.
I feel exactly the same way. I'm looking forward to Din Tai Fung, Porto's, Centrico, and the mini food hall.
