Disney's California Adventure: Cove Bar

Cove Bar in Disney's California Adventure is one of Chad and my favorite places to have lunch. While they have a pretty limited menu the food is good and it is the only place in the Disneyland Resort to get a "real adult drink" At the Cove they have not only wine and beer on tap, but they make a variety of mixed drinks as well. And one of the best parts of having lunch here is the wonderful view and people watching. You will need some sort of park admission to get to the cove, but if you find yourself in the park its worth checking out.

The cove is sometimes hard to find if you've never been, as is not on the disney map or publicized in the park. It is located upstairs from Ariel's Grotto Restaurant. The hours of operation vary. during the summer the Cove is open 7 days a week and opens around lunch time (12pm) and closes 30 min before the park closes. During the year the Cove is only open on the weekend but the hours remain the same.
With the beginning of Summer Nighttastic and World of Color however, starting at 6pm there is a $10 dollar cover to enter or remain in the Cove bar as it is prime seating for the show. This would be a good way to see World of Color and avoid buying an expensive meal or waiting hours for a fastpass.

The Cove has recently updated its food menu removing its spinach artichoke dip and adding both chicken, shrimp, mushroom spring rolls (a big success from this years food and wine festival) and a shrimp cocktail. the menu also includes tri-tip sliders, chicken wings, bbq chicken pizza, lobster nachos (which can be made as regular nachos or chicken nachos on request) and fish tacos. I believe thats it, but I may have missed something. The food is good and more adult and gourmet than most other places to eat in the park. Their menu is strictly appetizers. One of the best parts is the food AND alcohol here are really no more expensive than eating at a TGIFridays!


Our favorites are the chicken wings:

though we have found they are better with the sauce on the side, as they are too messy if you don't ask for the sauce on the side.

The BBQ chicken pizza:

tasty, crispy, with nice BBQ sauce and big pieces of chicken.

and the tri-tip sliders
(sorry no photo)
the sliders come with a garlic herb sauce and fried onion straws and are tender and delicious.

While the food and atmosphere at the Cove are some of the best in the park, the service leaves something to be desired. If you sit at the bar don't worry the service will be fine; but if you are sitting at one of the Cove's many table (which some of have the best view) prepare for long waits and incorrect food orders. It is an unfortunate truth that this fantastic Disney secret has some of the most un-Disney service in the park. James however, if you have the pleasure of meeting him is hands down the best waiter/bartender at the Cove.

The next time you are thirsty at the parks, head on over to the Cove for a drink and a snack.