The GCH Craftsman Bar is located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and is a serene pool-side restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The comfortable, open-air seating has the option to sit at standard tables, oversized lounge sofas, or a full-service bar. The Craftsman Bar is a table service restaurant is bookable in the Disneyland App and frequently has walk-up availability, making it the perfect escape from a busy day at Disney California Adventure (DCA).
The menu is very similar to what can be found over at the GCH Craftsman Grill, the quick service restaurant located across the breezeway. Most of the entrees are over-sized, making them a great value for sharing. Breakfast items include brioche French toast, a seasonal Belgian wale, lobster Benedict, breakfast sandwiches and other breakfast classics. The lunch/ dinner menu includes salads, pizzas, a burger, baked nachos and a carne asada quesadilla, and lobster Mac and cheese.
On a recent trip to Disneyland, we decided to enjoy a late-lunch after a busy day at California Adventure. The walk from DCA to the Craftsman Bar takes less than 5-minutes and we’re able to score a walk-up reservation right away.
The cocktail menu is impressive at the Craftsman Bar, including the option to order select cocktails and margaritas as a shareable pitcher. Adding to the ambiance of sitting, sipping, and savoring the perfect Southern California weather. There is also a selection of California-based draft beers and wine.
Craftsman Garden – Illegal Mezcal, lemon juice, agave nectar, and muddled blackberries – $20.75
The Craftsman Garden is the perfect mix of smoky and sweet while still being light with plenty of fresh blackberry. This is a great drink if you’re looking for something with a little edge on a warm California day. We can’t wait to order it again on our next visit!
Passion Fruit Martini – Buffalo Trace Bourbon, lemon juice, passion fruit, Aperol, and thyme – $20
The Passion Fruit Martini came in an oversized glass and all the flavors paired surprisingly well. The bourbon gave the right amount of depth when combined with the sweet passion fruit, tart lemon, and bitter Aperol. I was pleasantly surprised by both the serving size and balance of flavors. Get the Passion Fruit Martini if you like bourbon and are looking for more of a pool-side, vacation-style cocktail.
Baked Nachos – choice of shredded beef or chicken, tortilla chips, cheese sauce, shredded cheese, black beans, green onions, pickled jalapeños, cilantro, queso fresco, avocado, cream, and salsa rojo – $29
The Backed Nachos are a Grand Californian must-have! They’re massive and meant to be shared with at least two people… even as an entree. It literally comes out in a casserole dish. The toppings are plentiful in each layer and the chicken is well prepared with the right amount of spice. These are by far the best nachos you can get at Disneyland and is great value when shared.
Salmon Salad – salmon filet, cucumber, avocado, tomato, sweet peppers, farro, charred green onions, shallots, Valbreso sheep’s milk feta, pink peppercorn vinaigrette, and arugula (option to substitute flat iron steak or chicken) – $33
Another large portion size, the salad is well tossed with plenty of avocado, sweet peppers and feta cheese. The dressing is light, making it a tasty salad that also feels good for you. While the salmon filet was also a good cut, it was a little dry and just-okay. Because I loved the salad by itself so much, I would be tempted to try it with the steak or chicken.
The GCH Craftsman Bar is a hidden gem at Disneyland and should not be missed even if you’re not staying at the Grand Californian. The atmosphere is so peaceful under the wisteria covered pergola and the menu is fresh with something for everyone. Enjoy a full meal or just a cocktail with a view. You won’t be disappointed with this scenic departure from the bustling theme parks right outside!
