You’re at Disneyland. It’s been a long day already. It’s lunch time and your stomach is growling. You’ve got to get something fast. But, you’re afraid that all there is to order will be hamburgers. Not that burgers are bad, but you’re looking for something more. Here’s 5 recommended hidden gem eateries around Disneyland.
Refreshment Corner on Main Street
On the corner of the long boulevard of stores on Main Street, before you get up to the left side of the hub, there is Refreshment Corner. Also known as “Coke Corner” this delightful walk up restaurant has a few fun items on the menu. The main fare are hot dogs, but before you think there is no variety to that let me say the four options: regular hot dog, chili dog, pulled pork dog and a mac and cheese dog are all featured here.
My personal favorite is the mac and cheese dog. As a kid it was a treat to get cut up hot dog in my homemade mac and cheese. This item at Coke Corner definitely takes me back to those days. With a side of chips it’s a surprisingly filling meal.
Besides hot dogs, the Corner offers chili in a bread bowl and assorted pretzels, including one in the shape of Mickey Mouse. I also recommend getting a drink with a flavor syrup. You can get lemonade with raspberry, or coke with vanilla syrup. If you’re really daring you can try lemonade with vanilla syrup.
There’s not a huge variety of items here, but I think it has some unique ones to try out. Besides the food there’s the atmosphere. After getting your tray you can head out and listen to some ragtime piano while you eat. It’s a great area to relax and still get some great Disney magic while enjoying your meal.
Cafe Orleans As A Blue Bayou Alternative
Blue Bayou has a great menu and amazing atmosphere. But, it’s often busy, and can be a little pricey. My suggestion? Check out Cafe Orleans instead. With some similar items to Blue Bayou it has a great menu. The Monte Cristo sandwich is my personal pick. I also suggest the pommes frites which has a good amount of delicious garlic. It’s one of the best appetizers around.
Though the decor and environment isn’t the same as Blue Bayou, where you get to be inside an attraction, it still has a wonderful feel. Much of it is fashioned after New Orleans restaurants, and with the hustle and bustle of guests walking by it’s fairly authentic. Besides this, it’s still nice that it’s a table service restaurant. There’s no need to take your food to a table. All this can make for a very relaxing meal time.
Harbour Galley
My personal favorite go to spot for food is Harbour Galley. Located at the edge of New Orleans Square and Critter Country, this nautical walk up stand features baked potatoes, sandwiches, and bread bowls. I’d like to think this is a delicious and nutritious alternative to salads if you’re going for a healthier route. Having a baked potato with some light meat and vegetables makes for a great meal. The other great thing about this spot is the view. There’s not a lot of tables, but each offers a view of the Rivers of America or New Orleans Square. The sights seem bustling, but the area is relaxing. It’s like eating at a waterfront. The only thing about Galley is it is not open year round. It may be a walk to see if it’s open, but it may be worth it when it is.
Troubadour Tavern
I would almost bunch Troubadour Tavern with Harbor Galley because it has a couple of the same type of items as the Galley. So, the main reason I put this on the list? Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Again, a good meal for having 
something a little healthier than a burger. In addition to this fare are Bratwurst, Apple Slices with Caramel, and Pretzel Bites. Though it has hardly any seating, the real benefit is that you can grab a meal before watching a show at the Fantasyland Theater or a parade as it rolls out beside it’s a small world. The food is somewhat unique and you get a great atmosphere in addition.
Jolly Holiday Bakery
Located across from Refreshment Corner, this eatery houses more than just sweet treats. It always offers sandwiches and salads to sample. And, the menu isn’t quite the same all year round. It’s hard to go wrong with any of the sandwiches or the salad, but my personal choice is when they have a roast beef sandwich. Top it off with a pastry and it’s a pretty good sized, delicious meal. Also worth trying is the signature beverages that are different throughout the year.
Like Refreshment Corner, seating is outside and lets people watch the crowds on Main Street. The piano can also be watched and heard from the 
Bakery’s seating. Though it’s around the Hub of Disneyland, this is a jolly time to sit and rest from the day’s travels.
So, there you have it! These are my picks for some alternative and unique locations to eat at Disneyland. Not that anywhere else is bad, but these have some great featured delicacies that are sure to please. And, the atmosphere is hard to beat! If you check any of these places out, let me know what you think in the comments!
