I can easily say that Steakhouse 55 is one of my top 3 favorite Disney Resort restaurants.
We eat there several times a year, and we always wait for our table in their lounge. Because we’re such fans of Steakhouse 55, we’ve never ordered anything but drinks in the lounge; we’re always on our way to a fabulous meal in the restaurant!
Well, we recently decided to give the lounge a try and I’m so glad that we did. Let’s be honest though, we only ate there because it was a last minute decision. The Earl of Sandwich line was too long and there were no walk ins being accepted for Steakhouse 55… But it was great!
Atmosphere
The atmosphere of the lounge complements the decor inside of Steakhouse 55. Classic and dark, but also inviting, the room is located at the entrance to the restaurant. In addition to a full bar with seating, there are options to sit at small tables, couches, and some gorgeous high back chairs as well. The decor includes lush velvet drapery and pillows in deep purple.
Looking to catch a game? No need to hit ESPN Zone, there’s a TV here too!
Eats
The menu is not very big, but I did think that the choices were fabulous for a lounge. Options include Salads, Flatbreads, Bar Bites, and three different “Between Bread” choices.
AND what would be a meal without the fabulous Steakhouse 55 hot out of the oven Sourdough Bread??? Although not on the menu, they will bring it out upon request. So don’t forget to ask for it!
My family went for the “Between Bread” section, but not before we ordered the Smothered Potato Chips.
House made potato chips with Monterey Jack, Blue Cheese, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Scallions, Tomatoes, Pepperoncini, Grilled Onions, and Sour Cream. Yep! Like home made potato chip nachos!!!
Served warm and crispy, the flavor explosion in this dish is pretty amazing. I can’t believe I’d never had them before. This dish alone is worth a trip to the lounge. Next time, though, I’m asking for extra blue cheese. I am a big blue cheese fan and there just wasn’t quite enough.
The Smothered Potato Chips could have easily been a full meal for two. But we didn’t realize that, so lots went to waste when our entrees came.
All four of us ordered from the Between Bread section of the menu which includes a French Dip Sandwich, a Bacon Cheddar Burger, and a Grilled Chicken Sandwich. All of these entrees come with a choice of either house made chips, french fries, or fresh fruit. Three out of four of us went with the Bacon Cheddar Burger.
My boys believe that “Everything is better with bacon” and this burger rings true to their life motto. Served on a freshly toasted bun, the burger comes topped with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Cheddar, and all the fixings you need or do not need… The amount of fries accompanying the burger is very generous. All plates were cleaned, so this burger was deemed a success.
I’m always a sucker for a good Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Generally speaking, if it’s on the menu, it’s usually what I order. Plus, I do love me some pesto so this was right up my alley.
The Grilled Chicken Sandwich comes with a generously sized Chicken Breast topped with Sliced Tomatoes, Avocado, Arugula, and Pesto Aioli served on a Ciabatta Bun.
I’m always concerned when I see lettuce as part of a topping when the sandwich is served warm. Not a fan of warm lettuce. But this sandwich was well crafted. The only warm items were the Ciabatta Bun and the Chicken Breast. The Pesto Aioli was perfect in flavor, not at all overpowering. I’d highly recommend this sandwich.
AND as an added bonus? The sandwich comes with a tasty dill pickle spear too! After the Smothered Chips, though, I wish I would have chosen the fresh fruit as my side. Hindsight is 20/20, right???
Just for fun, I wanted to share the Non-Alcoholic Specialty Beverage list. This is pretty much what you’ll find in Disney World, too.
The Non-Alcoholic Specialty Beverage List can be found throughout the resort. On my last few visits to the parks, I’ve been obsessed with the Coconut Elixir. Made up of ZICO Coconut Water with Pineapple and Cranberry Juices, it’s so refreshing and delicious.
Overall
Overall, I would easily recommend a visit to the Steakhouse 55 Lounge. Even though it’s located directly next to Goofy’s Kitchen, the atmosphere is relaxing and you quickly forget that you are anywhere near a theme park.
The food is fantastic, the service is great, AND you can used your annual pass for a discount. I would definitely go back again. That is… if Steakhouse 55 is full!
Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here!
Love Steakhouse 55! Especially for dinner. Best DLR breakfast too IMHO.
I most definitely want to try those smothered chips when we are there for the Avengers Half Marathon in November. But I know my husband is going to want an actual steak. What do you think my chances are of them allowing me to order the chips in the main dining room?
You can typically order off the dining room menu in the lounge as well!
Your chicken sandwich looks great, but I have to disagree about the burger. My girlfriend and I went to the lounge specifically based on other reviews about the burger, and we were both sorely disappointed. The room is nice, but the menu uses the same standardized drinks found elsewhere on the property. Even those were made just so-so.
The burger that we had heard so much about was really lackluster. It’s essentially the same as what’s found at other restaurants on the property – not seasoned or dressed up in any real way to make it special. It arrived warm(ish) and cooked all the way through (not how we ordered) and rather puny looking on that bun. For about the same price, there are many steakhouses that really turn out an exceptional burger: Capital Grille, Musso & Frank, The Palm, Morton’s, David Burke, Del Frisco’s etc. I’d love to see Disney do something in this room that’s really a standout. The full restaurant next door is terrific – we had a great meal there a few months before and will definitely go back. Sadly, the lounge was a big “miss” for us.
@Jason – I agree!!!!! That breakfast is so fabulous!
@Beth – I asked if we could order them in the dining room and they said no… Bummer!
@Kate – Good to know, too bad it doesn’t work the other way around as well!
@John – Bummer you didn’t have a great experience. I agree that the restaurant is top notch, but we enjoyed the lounge too.
I noticed from a recent ‘Disney Insider’ article that Chef Marcel is heading up the food services for the Disneyland Hotel. I know its still early in the transition, but has anyone noticed any changes in the dining experiences in the hotel? I think he’s mainly at Steakhouse 55.
@Doc – YES! He is there and you can order the Chef Marcel Burger from Club 33. It’s not on the menu, but if you ask for it, he will make it. Will be posting soon on Disney Food Blog, it’s insane!!!
Hi – what is the dress code at the restaurant and the lounge?
Nice review! DL Today recently tweeted that the full Steakhouse 55 menu is now available in the lounge! Yay!
@Michele – We’ve gone in casual and dressed up! Many people come straight from the parks.
@Christian – Thanks for the compliment and the info, great to know!
That looks like a nice place for Lunch. Is Steakhouse 55 Lounge open for Lunch and Dinner or just Dinner? That would be less for Lunch than Cafe Orleans and it looks better lite for my mom who can’t see well.