While the Disneyland Resort continues to prepare for the much anticipated Diamond Anniversary later this month, some of the refurbishments are already starting to open.  Formerly known as Taste Pilots’ Grill,  Smokejumpers Grill at Disney California Adventure has its doors open and is ready to serve hungry adventurers.

Atmosphere

Located right next door to Soarin’, this counter service restaurant specializes in burgers and chicken sandwiches.  Enormous in size, Smokejumpers has plenty of seating both indoors and out.

This indoor seating area is located at the entrance of Smokejumpers Grill.

There is also indoor seating both to the left and right of the ordering kiosk/kitchen.  Below shows the seating to the left. It is basically identical with some different decor on the right side.

My absolute favorite thing about the new Smokejumpers Grill (besides the french fries) is the

new decor.  I hadn’t been to Taste Pilots’ Grill in forever, but from what I remember, the layout is exactly the same; it’s just been rethemed from plane/pilot paraphernalia to an homage to the often unsung heros that fight California’s forest fires.

There’s lots of gear, photos and even some fabulous vintage Walt Disney  movie posters on the walls around the seating. The decor makes you feel like you are in the employee cafe of a National Forest Visitor’s Center.  There are uniforms on display, “personal” coffee mugs hanging on racks, and other little things to make you feel right at home.

The little wall/door below leads to the kitchen. This decor makes me imagine the smokejumpers heading here after a long day at work to unwind and relax with a cup of coffee served from their favorite mug… I’m seriously obsessed with the vintage props Disney imagineers have incorporated here.  That little vase on top is way too cute.

I love the little details like this cute collection of souvenir spoons!

This wall features some forestry gear and some initials!

Another vintage Disney movie poster to drool over.

Industrial type walls and doors remain the same (pre-remodel) throughout the restaurant.

Even the trash cans are forest appropriate!

Food

You can see by our past review of  Taste Pilots’ that even the menu hasn’t changed much.

Ordering is done at a kiosk.

While in line, you can grab a menu to look at more closely.  I find this handy, as the close up photos help with decision making.  It’s not always easy to see the details on those ceiling level menu boards.

After ordering at the kiosk, you’re handed your receipt and you head up a few steps to the pick up area.

My boys both went for the Bacon Cheddar Burger, minus the cheddar, so here you go! I’m sure it would look (AND TASTE) much more appetizing with the cheese.  The 1/3 lb. Angus Beef Patty is generously sized and the bun was soft and fresh.  I was also pleasantly surprised by how crispy the bacon was.  No complaints here!  All burgers and sandwiches are served with either French Fries, which are totally amazing, or Zesty Coleslaw.

Don’t be too appalled by the plainness of this burger, because once you are served, it’s time to head over to the condiment bar and dress your burger to your liking.

I was extremely impressed with the condiment bar.  All of the produce was chilled and looked fresh. The area was also spic and span. I watched cast members clean up spills on demand.

Here, you can also decide if you’d like to add condiments such as Ranch or Thousand Island dressing.

Looking for the more traditional toppings like ketchup, yellow mustard , BBQ Sauce or mayo? They’ve got that too!

I ordered the Grilled Chicken & Jack Sandwich; a grilled chicken breast topped with melted Monterey Jack Cheese and  Chipotle Aioli.  Like the burgers, you are free to visit the condiment bar to dress your sandwich as you please.

My cheese wasn’t quite melted to my liking and I really didn’t like the Chipotle Aioli.  But, I saved the day by scraping off the aioli and throwing that Zesty Coleslaw right on to my sandwich.  Also added some pickles, lettuce and a little regular mayo and voila! I had a great lunch!

If you have to choose though, I’d say stick with the fries as your side. My boys had them, so we shared, but unless you’re worried about the calories, fries > coleslaw.

There are also some menu items we didn’t get to try, but don’t worry, I stalked other guests to get some photos! Below are more menu items available at Smokejumpers Grill.   My creeper level stops at photos.  Although I’d love a taste, I never ask for a bite!  How serious does this Chili Cheeseburger look?  It’s a 1/3 pound Angus Burger Patty topped with Cheddar and Chili.

Looking for a nostalgic kids meal in an adult size? Check out these Chicken Fingers Baskets.  They looked so good!  If you’ve got two little ones wanting chicken fingers, I’d actually recommend ordering this basket to share. You get way more food for your money than ordering 2 of the smaller kid-sized meals.

Love Onion Rings? You can order a side of them for $3.69 or for just 50 cents you can order them in place of French Fries.  They look crispy & delicious; I’m hoping to try them soon! Don’t forget to visit the condiment bar for dipping sauce options galore!

Other menu items include The All American Cheeseburger, a Garden Vegetable Burger, and a Grilled Chicken and Feta Salad.  A side not pictured here are the Chili Cheese Fries, so imagine that Chili above on a bed of French Fries topped with cheese, YUM!  Fresh Fruit is available for purchase as well as Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Smokejumpers Grill has plenty of beverages to choose from, too.  They have fountain drinks, chocolate and vanilla milkshakes, tea, cocoa, coffee, milk, juice boxes, and for the 21+ crowd, red sangria & beer on tap.

Overall

Smokejumpers offers a pretty decent meal.  It definitely won’t be my go to spot, but I would for sure visit again.  I love the build your own toppings bar, and really appreciated the freshness of the produce.

The overall cleanliness of the restaurant is a plus and I’d also say that it’s a great spot for pleasing kids.  If you’re looking for a burger and fries, Smokejumpers has you covered.  Need a good french fry fix, this is your spot.  Want a shady spot to grab a drink, perfect…  I can’t wait for the walls of Grizzly Peak Airfield (formerly known as Condor Flats) to come down to see the rest of the area’s new look!

Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here!