You’ve just finished another ride on Soarin’ Over California, and something about hang gliding over an entire state has you famished. It’s the perfect time to head to Taste Pilots’ Grill in Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort!

I was really surprised to find that this oft-maligned counter service spot was actually one of my favorite stops on a recent California Adventure visit! Maybe I’m crazy, but I really had a delicious meal here. Let’s take a look… .

Atmosphere

At first glance, East Coasters may feel like there’s something vaguely familiar about Taste Pilots’ Grill. And then it dawns on you — the set up is vaguely reminiscent of a cross between Studio Catering Company and Backlot Express at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I don’t know. Maybe it’s all that red and yellow in the decor.

At any rate, the theme here is that you’ve wandered into a hangout for test pilots, which is conveniently located in an airplane hangar. Utilitarian touches like corrugated metal walls and exposed duct work carry across the industrial, back stage feel of the place.

There are vintage touches all around, like the chalkboard notes, which include antique planes and notes from the pilots.

Brushed aluminum chairs are lightweight and sturdy. Tables feature diagrams (blueprints?) of planes and their parts, and remind me of old dinette tables from the 1950s.

Much of the outdoor seating is covered by umbrellas for a respite from the…heat? rain? other things that don’t happen in Southern California?

Back inside, the ordering area is the classic Disney [Read more…]