Top 10 Disneyland Counter Service Restaurants
Looking for the best counter service restaurants at Disneyland for an inexpensive and quick meal? We cover our 10 favorite dining options in California’s castle park, offering entree and dessert recommendations, and more! (Last updated August 1, 2019.)
Note that if you’re looking for the top options at DCA, consult our list of the Best Disney California Adventure Counter Service Restaurants. Disneyland Resort’s second gate is arguably even more of a foodie park than Disneyland now! Still, Disneyland has some excellent options, especially now that a new restaurant has opened in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
This list is based on our subjective determination of best based upon our opinion of food quality, value, and theme–with an emphasis on food quality. Of course, it’s only based on restaurants where we’ve actually dined (in most cases, several times), but we’ve dined at most counter service restaurants at Disneyland Resort.
Below is a brief synopsis why each restaurant is a great pick, along with what specific items we recommend from the various restaurants…
10. Little Red Wagon – It might seem like a bit of a stretch to include a corn dog stand on a top 10 list like this, but it’s not. Little Red Wagon’s standard corn dog is the gold standard.
Enjoy one in late morning by grabbing a bench facing Sleeping Beauty Castle and decompressing after racing around Fantasyland doing rides. It’s a blissful experience!
9. Royal Street Veranda – The menu here is basic and simple, but it has a couple of Disneyland fan-favorite items. Sarah eats at Royal Street Veranda at least once per trip for their bread bowl gumbo.
I don’t normally eat at Royal Street Veranda because I don’t like having soup when it’s hot outside, but I’d agree that it’s a solid pick during the winter months!
8. Hungry Bear Restaurant – Hungry Bear Restaurant’s stock has dropped considerably in recent years. First, they eliminated fan favorite desserts like the Lemon Cupcake and Trixie’s Pie. Then, the fatal blow was struck, with the removal of the popular Fried Green Tomato Sandwich.
Nevertheless, there are a few solid choices here if you’re in a pinch. More than anything, we like Hungry Bear Restaurant for the ambiance–there are few better ways to relax than by grabbing a table at the edge of the Rivers of America at sunset.
7. Harbour Galley – This unassuming little dockside window located along the Rivers of America as you head towards Critter Country will catch you by surprise. It doesn’t seem like much, but it has a surprising strong menu with bread bowls, lobster items, and salads.
While the hidden seating area behind Harbour Galley is a delightful reprieve from the crowds, our recommendation here is to take your order (the Lobster Mac & Cheese Bread Bowl is our #1 choice) and walk over to the back of the upper terrace at Hungry Bear Restaurant and enjoy a serene meal overlooking the water, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
6. Jolly Holiday Bakery & Cafe – Jolly Holiday Bakery is an excellent option, especially for baked treats. Several of the items on the lunch and dinner menus are good options, but it could probably use a couple more items (and menu diversity) in order for Jolly Holiday Bakery to stand as an elite counter service restaurant in Disneyland.
Still, the sandwiches are delicious and when you add the best selections of baked goods of any restaurant in Disneyland, Jolly Holiday becomes one of the best overall dining options in Disneyland.
5. Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante – Rancho del Zocalo is one of the many Disneyland restaurants that’s technically a counter service restaurant, but has meals that are almost table service quality. The prices at Rancho reflect that, as many options here are priced slightly above what you’d find at an average counter service restaurant. However, the quality and portion size more than explains why the dishes are priced where they are.
Add to that very impressive ambiance in a venue that is (dare we say) romantically lit at night, this could be a great place for a cheap date! If you really want to save money, split the Carne Asada & Red Chile Enchilada (or Tamale, depending upon the season) Platter (our recommendation here) with your date. Or not. Depends upon how your date feels about being taken out for fast food and splitting a meal.
4. Red Rose Taverne – Back in Fantasyland you’ll find Red Rose Taverne, Disneyland’s once temporary but now-permanent Beauty and the Beast-decorated restaurant. The restaurant itself is charming thanks to its original design, even if the overlay is a yawn.
Thankfully, what this restaurant lacks in Beauty and the Beast theme it makes up for with an excellent menu full of guilty pleasure indulgences and other surprises. Sarah’s top pick at Red Rose Taverne is the Enchanted Cauli-Flower Sandwich while I’m a big fan of the Slow-cooked Beef Poutine.
3. French Market – Probably the most well-rounded counter service restaurant in all of Disneyland Resort, offering something (delicious) for everyone as well as incredible ambiance in New Orleans Square and great entertainment. Only one thing prevents it from taking the top spot, and that’s crack-like fried chicken.
In all seriousness, just about everything at French Market that we’ve tried is delicious, albeit a little on the pricey side in comparison to other counter service. Like many of these restaurants, though, the quality and portion sizes surpass what you’ll find at other counter service restaurants. My favorite item is the Market French Dip, but you can’t go wrong with the pasta or chicken, either. For dessert, go with the Bananas Foster Cheesecake. We’re not fans of the Mint Julep here, but lots of people love it, so consider giving it a try.
2. Plaza Inn – In my opinion, Plaza Inn is the undisputed champion of Disneyland counter service dining. It’s really not even close. The comfort food here is second to none, and it feels like a “table service light” restaurant. The glorious fried chicken is Plaza Inn’s claim to fame, and unlike some Disneyland snacks that get hyped-up, this chicken actually lives up to the hype.
The fried chicken is more addictive than nicotine and more delicious than bacon ice cream. During the holidays, the menu gets even better with the Yule Log added, but it’s pretty spectacular year-round. Sarah is not a big fan of Plaza Inn, which is why it didn’t receive a perfect score in our review, but I think most guests will love this place.
1. Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo – Disneyland’s newest counter service restaurant is also its best. This large venue in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has high prices–but no higher than the #2 and #3 restaurants on this list. Additionally, it has an ambitious menu with a variety of options to match those high price points.
On a cool day, the small courtyard of almost-hidden outdoor seating is your best option. As for menu choices, our top picks are the Felucian Garden Spread (pictured above), which is a great option even for non-vegans, and the Smoked Kaadu Ribs…which is like the polar opposite of a vegan option!
So there you have our top 10 counter service restaurants at Disneyland Resort! There are a few notable omissions, the biggest of which is probably Bengal Barbecue. We really like Bengal Barbecue as a place to grab a quick snack, but the prices are so high for the portion sizes that you’re likely to spend $20 or more for a filling meal! Second is Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, where we’ve had a couple of better meals recently (their Mac & Cheese Flatbread was amazing!), but it’s still hit or miss. Another one that some people seem to love is Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port, and we just flat out don’t like that place! Plenty of other restaurants that didn’t make the list have great dishes–it was difficult to narrow the best restaurants down to just 10!
If you’re preparing for a Disneyland trip, check out our other planning posts, including how to save money on Disneyland tickets, our Disney packing tips, tips for booking a hotel (off-site or on-site), where to dine, and a number of other things, check out our comprehensive Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide!
Your Thoughts
Which restaurants would make your list of the top 10 counter service restaurants at Disneyland Resort? Do you agree or disagree with what we’ve listed? Plan on trying some of them when you visit Disneyland? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments!
It makes me laugh that there is no second half to this sentence “3. Flo’s V8 Cafe – People either seem to love Flo’s V8 Cafe. ”
They love it or there’s no other option. It has made my list for a stop on our 1 day in DCA since my fathers eating habits seem to align with yours. And French Market in Disneyland for my hubs and myself. Not sure what to do for the other two meals. Corn dogs and corn dogs maybe.
Plaza Inn was very good, nice seating, comfortable, not too crowded. The WORST was the hamburger place in tomorrow land. That was HORRIBLE!
I’ve read all your reviews for DL food and still don’t know where to eat the best breakfast. We stayed at PP hotel 5 yrs ago. Theirs was ok. Would like to go in the parks earlier though this time. We are staying at Grand CA this time, December 2014. I don’t care for bananas, so the 2 you did review I wouldn’t care for. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the great list. We’re a Walt Disney World family planning our first trip to Disneyland this summer. The only thing that would make this list better would be if you identified where each restaurant is located (Disneyland or DCA).
Love your website!
the Banana-Carmel French Toast looks so good! Hungry Bear is my favorite place to eat at Disneyland!
SoCal resident here. Disneyland’s PI chicken beats out Mrs. Knott’s chicken any day (at least in my book). I still wish they would add the chicken & waffles option to the regular menu. Roscoes Chicken & Waffles is being built a mile south on Harbor, but construction looks to be stalled.
I really need to give Plaza Inn a shot. I became PI adverse during my years as a Main Street cast member because the shared kitchen served our primary cast cafeteria (back in the DAY! We won’t say what day that was). I think my contempt for PI had more to do with Inn Between prices than food quality. And boy do I love some good fried chicken, so it’s definitely on the list!
I find myself surprised by wanting to check out the recently revamped Harbor Galley. I grew up going to Disneyland several times a year, worked there for two years, and was a passholder until I moved to DC. I’ve never once eaten at Harbor Galley. But with a new BBQ Chicken Baked Potato for six bucks and lobster roll for $13 (they run about $20 in DC), this is another joint I’m willing to give a fair shake.
My only lament is I feel I need a WDW length vacation to sample all the great food at DLR. How do you two manage to fit so much in?
I am REALLY excited to try Harbour Galley’s new menu. I almost mentioned it in passing in the concluding paragraph, but decided not to. If those items are as good as they look, it will definitely be on this list. We shall see!
As for how we eat so much, whenever there is something that looks good, I demand that we stop “for the sake of the blog.” Sarah never argues as she likes to eat, too. It’s about the lamest excuse ever (and we eat waaaaaaaay too much because of this), but hey, it works! 😉
Nice list, I agree Plaza is number one. Then I would go with Flo’s and Jolly Holiday (the tomato soup and roast beef sandwich are great!).
Nice list – with quickservice i find I’m pretty loyal to a handful of restaurants.
1. Flo’s
2. Lucky Fortune Cookery – I’m all about the coconut curry
3. Paradise Garden Grill – it sometimes even feels slightly healthy
4. Jolly Holiday – one of the few places on this coast you can get a decent mozzarella caprese
If Boardwalk pizza ever makes the Mac and cheese one permanent it’d be on my list too – though it is a perfect carb loading spot before a half marathon.
Hungry Bear is growing on me and the location is a great escape. French Market I’ve had two lackluster meals at – what would you recommend aside from the French Dip (I don’t eat beef)?
We really like Jolly Holiday Bakery, too. The biggest reason it didn’t make the list is my fault, and that’s because I always just get cupcakes and other sweets here. I’ve only had a sandwich there once (it was good)! I need to try a few more menu items. They all look great, but I’m not yet qualified to review the restaurant.
The Jolly Holliday Bakery is my family’s favourite (not a typo – there’s a ‘u’ in favourite in “communist Canada” ;-)) spot. We do love the deserts (flourless choc cake is delish), but have had great sandwiches there & we love the Jolly Holliday Salad. We spent 5 days in the parks last trip & ate here 3-4 days for lunch. Fabulous!
Waaaaaaaaaait a second…
…they have internet in Canada?! 😉
We leave for Disneyland in a month! Where is this burger from that you speak of…
I assume you’re referring to the one on the Facebook post? That’s Tangaroa Terrace. There’s more about it in our review of Tangaroa Terrace (link above).
where is tangaroa terrace?? I feel so confused. I’m usually pretty good at knowing where everything is located in Disneyland. I even looked it up on my app that has all the restaurants and their menus and it doesn’t come up…
Hungry Bear is the best! Had a delicious meal here on Sunday night as we watched them setting up and ferrying performers for Fantasmic! My vegetarian friends loved the Fried Green Tomato sandwich, I went with the Chicken sandwich which is also a great option here.
Yep, the chicken sandwich there is another good pick!
Thank you for the list, I really appreciate it! I’m looking forward to trying a few of these new things out next spring and, of course, getting a corn dog or two.
For me, Flo’s would be at the top just for that pie!
However, I think you should expand the list to include Downtown Disney. Given its proximity to the parks, we found it just as convenient to find someplace to eat in DD, and the food was generally cheaper and tastier.
In particular, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Tortilla Jo’s, and Naples Pizza all do a counter service option that we loved. I strongly recommend DD as a viable counter service option at Disneyland.
I’ve heard great things about all of the locations you mentioned. Thanks for the comment!
For those in the know (or the need to know), Rancho del Zocalo is also the only place in Disneyland to get Dr. Pepper!
Wha-wha-WHAT???? Thanks for the tip!!
I was a little surprised that River Belle Terrace made the list and that it made it to number six. Of all the wonderful things to eat I find it hard to cough up $13 for a cold sandwich and a few baked beans. I think Village Haus and Tomorrowland Terrace both top River Belle Terrace.
Otherwise good choices. Paradise Garden Grill is my new favorite.
Still have never had a corndog. I think I ate one once as a little kid. But definitely never one at Disneyland.
It seems like there’s not a lot of love for River Belle Terrace out there, but I love it. You get a lot of meat and can pile the toppings on. Plus, the sandwiches are (relatively) healthy. I’ll admit that it’s not the most unique food at Disneyland, but the sandwiches are great.
I’ll possibly give you Village Haus (I’m not a fan, but I know people like it), but Tomorrowland Terrace?! Unless it has very recently improved, I’d rank that in the bottom 5. Curious as to what you enjoy there…I might have to give it a second (more like fourth or fifth) chance!
I’m having deja vu. I thought you already covered this topic before. Maybe I’m just too tired. I do agree Plaza Inn’s Chicken dinner is the undisputed heavy weight champion of the counter service meals at Disneyland.
What do you think is better…Cosmic Rays Chicken dinner or Plaza Inn?
I covered this topic for Walt Disney World: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/best-disney-world-counter-service-restaurants/
I also wrote about the Top 7 Must-Eats (individual snacks or dishes) at Disneyland: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/top-disneyland-counter-service-foods/
Never done an article on the top counter service restaurants, though!
LOVE Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante! We discovered it on our trip last October and it was my favorite meal!! My husband is also very sad that Disney World doesn’t have a a corn dog equivalent to the Little Red Wagon 🙂
My favorite meal during my Disneyland trip (which was all counter-service restaurants) was the bread bowl clam chowder. I didn’t have a great meal at the Hungry Bear Restaurant, but the ambiance was definitely a big plus. I can’t wait to check out some of the other places on this list!
Really enjoyed the lucky fortune cookery and cocina cucamonga on the pacific wharf. My wife had her first EVER corn dog at corn dog castle (and loved it- like a true patriot). And the Jolly Holiday Bakery is always delightful.
Lucky Fortune Cookery is one I’d like to give another shot. Sarah ate there once and didn’t like it, so we haven’t been back.
The downside to being a corn dog-addict is that sometimes I miss out on trying other restaurants! 😉
No Starfield of Greens Salad??!??! Blasphemous! Just kidding, great list. I think Hungry Bear is should be a little higher and Royal Street Veranda should be lower, but thats just me.