It's been a roller coaster of emotions (pun intended) with saying farewell to Cove Bar and hello to Lamplight Lounge at Disneyland. First, we were devastated to hear our favourite casual eatery and bar would go away, then we found out the new restaurant would be keeping the lobster nachos on the menu (huge sigh of relief), then we actually experienced the wonder of this new-and-improved Pixar-themed eatery when it opened on June 23, and all was right in the world. Located at the entrance to Disney California Adventure's just-opened Pixar Pier, Lamplight Lounge takes over the entire upstairs and downstairs space that was formerly Cove Bar and Ariel's Grotto and is a very cool, waterside gastropub-style restaurant and bar. It's a major upgrade from the previous restaurants as far as design and food goes, and one of our favourite things about it is all the discreet and overt odes to Pixar Studios throughout the space. Ahead, see some of the delicious culinary highlights in addition to some of the many Pixar details.
Lamplight Lounge at Disneyland Review and Pictures
There Are So Many Hidden Pixar Details at Disneyland's Lamplight Lounge
The Exterior
The Lamplight Lounge got a bright and bold makeover. Here's the entrance to the downstairs area. Keep walking down the pier for the upstairs bar that takes walk-ins but has a limited menu.
The Menu
Here's the full menu for the downstairs restaurant.
Floor Mosaic
The Pixar lamp (Luxo Jr.) and ball (the Luxo Ball) pop up in a number of spots, including in this cool floor design.
Wall Artwork
There's also beautiful Pixar artwork throughout.
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Sketch Chandelier
This chandelier is made up of Pixar sketches and notes on pieces of paper.
Wall Artwork
The artwork is often framed by fun illustrations painted on the walls.
Luxo Ball Wall
The downstairs host stand is right next this cool wall of light-up Luxo Balls. On the other side of this wall is a special themed booth featuring a table of mini cars from the movie Cars.
Restroom Sign
The entrance to the restrooms is an ode to Up.
Restroom Hallway
The chalkboard-inspired walls feature quotes from Pixar employees.
Women Sign
The restroom signs have characters from The Incredibles.
Cast Member Sign
Toy Story aliens adorn the "cast members only" door sign.
T-Shirt Wall
The shirts on display were all designed by different Pixar Studios departments for specific films. They'd wear the shirts during production. Sadly, they aren't for sale!
Kitchen Doors
Can you figure out which movie these signs are an ode to? (Hint: it probably gave you a lot of feelings.)
The View
Here's the view from the downstairs lounge area. Love the waterside location!
Downstairs Space
Here's another shot of the downstairs bar and restaurant.
Downstairs Tables
The space has a modern vibe.
Downstairs Bar
Here's the cool bar space.
Bar Lamp
There are a lot of vintage-inspired lamps, naturally.
Beer on Tap
There are quite a few beer selections available, including draft, bottled, and canned. The Pizza Port amber ale is a must!
Bar Menu
The bar menu is a work of art and worth reading through.
Downstairs Lounge
One of my favourite areas is this lounge space.
Downstairs Lounge
It features lots of comfy seating and low tables.
Coco Chair Detail
Seriously, the Pixar details are all over the place, like this Coco-adorned leather chair.
Cars Table Detail
The booth right behind the host station downstairs features this cool table with the matchbox-size versions of the Cars characters. It was inspired by a conference room table inside Pixar Animation Studios.
Bubbling Infinity Fizz Mocktail
I had to try the bubbling Infinity Fizz mocktail, but I will say it looks cooler than it tastes! It's a sweet blend of Powerade Mountain Berry Blast and apple juice with miniature cherry juice-filled balls that reminded me of Gushers.
Cocktail Menu
There's also an alcoholic version called The Sequel (Absolut Citron Vodka, Bacardi Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron Rum, Liquid Alchemist Passion Fruit, lime juice, and agave nectar) as well as a number of other fun cocktails.
Cute Coasters
Even the coasters have fun Pixar references. There are a variety of options to choose from, all featuring sketches of different characters.
Downstairs Restaurant Menu
The menu is described as California gastropub, and it offers nice midrange options that include everything from healthy salads to indulgent burgers.
Crispy Piggy Wings
These spicy wings were my favourite. The meat fell right off the bone and the flavour combination of the chili-ginger sauce was perfect.
Crab and Tuna Roll
I was pleasantly surprised by how good the stone crab and yellowfin tuna sushi was as well.
Tuna Poke
To get to the poke, you had to tap the outer shell first.
Tuna Poke
You then use the shell to scoop up the watermelon, avocado, edamame, shishito pepper, mango, and tuna poke. This was also tasty!
Chicken Tenders
Here's the chicken tenders from the kids' menu.
PB&J Roll
This innovative kids' menu option is a twist on the classic PB&J.
Lobster Nachos
Don't worry! They kept the fan-favourite lobster nachos on the menu.
Mini Doughnuts
Thankfully, the only dessert item on the menu happens to be delicious! It's warm doughnuts with raspberry and chocolate dipping sauces.