Review! The New Lamplight Lounge on Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure!
It’s time to visit Lamplight Lounge on Pixar Pier for the very first time!
Lamplight Lounge
Even though we’ve been in this space before…
Views of Pixar Pier from Lamplight Lounge
The space that once was Cove Bar (upstairs) and Ariel’s Grotto (downstairs) is now Lamplight Lounge. The locations have been transformed into one entirely new space that pays tribute not only to the films of Pixar, but also to the artists of Pixar Studio who bring the stories to life.
Sketch Chandelier
The famous lamp, Luxo Jr., which forms the “i” in the Pixar logo, inspires the name of Lamplight Lounge. You’ll also spy Luxo’s companion, the Luxo Ball, in the Lamplight Lounge logo.
Lamplight Lounge
And it’s with this beginning that we step into the story…
Check-in area for Lamplight Lounge
Atmosphere
The setting — by way of story — of Lamplight Lounge is an old warehouse that was renovated into a lounge. Once the renovation was complete, it became a regular spot for Pixar artists from the nearby Studio.
Lamplight Lounge decor
The former warehouse vibe of the two-story building is reflected in the “original” wood boards lining the floor (which have been refinished and also added as part of the ceiling panels).
Downstairs at Lamplight Lounge
Steel structural beams are seen along concrete and brick walls to complete the feel.
Lamplight Lounge decor
Of course, since the renovation of the warehouse, plenty of seating has been added for guests… many of whom, as the story goes, come directly from the Pixar Animation Studios.
Downstairs at Lamplight Lounge
Lamplight Lounge
The “Pixarian” frequenters are represented throughout the space as well. Tucked into every nook and cranny are tokens that the artists have left in the lounge!
Lamplight Lounge decor
These include collectible toys of Pixar characters. For instance, a dining room table featuring die-cast cars from… well, from Cars 
Cars Dining Table
Finalized film posters are displayed, having “grown up” from the concept art stages.
Lamplight Lounge decor
Lamplight Lounge decor
Sketches can be found on the coasters… there are a ton of different ones!
Lamplight Lounge coasters
You can even find a blank one to draw on if you’re so inspired by the creative juices represented throughout the Lounge.
Lamplight Lounge coasters
And, of course, the beloved Pixar film characters can be seen throughout every aspect of the space.
Lamplight Lounge decor
Lamplight Lounge decor
This T-Shirt Wall represents a Pixar Studios tradition. During production of a Pixar film, various departments create and don t-shirts in celebration of the film.
T-shirt Wall
Not only does this wall display the shirts; it’s also meant to show and celebrate how many departments go into making a film.
Even if you don’t have to go to the restroom during your visit (if you get my drift)… you totally have to go to the restroom in Lamplight Lounge!!! First, because the hallway is lined with awesome Pixar film quotes that were written by Pixar employees!
Hallway to Restrooms
Hallway to the Restrooms
Even the restroom signs themselves are pretty sweet.
Restroom sign collage
Let’s all be honest here: Disney bathrooms are pretty fascinating.
As we learned during a Sneak Preview for Pixar Pier, one of the goals of the design team was creating a spot where you could find something new every visit, with “lots of little secrets to find.” You’ll have to keep us posted on your finds when you go on your very own Pixar treasure hunt in the Lamplight Lounge!
The size of the space is noteworthy in its entirety with downstairs seating and its capacity for 261 guests, and capacity for 200 more upstairs.
Lamplight Lounge
Views from Lamplight Lounge
Views from Lamplight Lounge
It’s also on the way UP! (see what I did there?
Heading Upstairs
… that you can check out the Sketch Chandelier in all its glory! Major Art of Animation Resort vibes here, right?
Sketch Chandelier
Notice a few blank pages in the mix, signifying the start of the creative process.
There’s one more space we have to show you. And that’s The Office.
The Office
Read all about this secret, private dining space — and the way to get inside! — right here!
The Vault
Okay, now that we’ve had a long look around (and believe it or not, you’ll still find more when you go), let’s grab some BITES!! And SIPS!!
Eats
The cuisine at Lamplight Lounge has been dubbed “California gastro pub, playfully presented.” An aim of Culinary Team was to keep the diverse audience of Southern California in mind, so a variety of flavors, textures, and ingredients are represented on the menu. Here’s an overview of the full food menu.
Lamplight Lounge Food Menu
But let’s take a closer look at the sections, starting with the Bites which are comprised primarily of sharable plates.
Lamplight Lounge Bites Menu
Bigger Bites present full entree options. And we should note, these are only available to order in the downstairs seating area.
Bigger Bites (available downstairs)
Budding Artists are items just for the kiddos!
Budding Artists Menu
Fun fact: items like the PB&J Roll are presented to look like what mom and dad are eating. Here’s a look at it from a Sneak Preview we attended for Pixar Pier.
PB&J Roll Plate
You can see the “flower pot” of veggies with hummus and fresh fruit on the side, which come with all the Budding Artist items.
The drink menu features handmade cocktails unique to Lamplight Lounge, with names inspired by the film industry and Pixar Studios.
Lamplight Lounge Menu
Even before you order your drink, the sketch book-style menu already gives you something to enjoy!
Lamplight Lounge Drink Menu
Lamplight Lounge Drink Menu
Be sure to take time in the midst of choosing to enjoy a different vantage point
Lamplight Lounge Drink Menu
Lamplight Lounge Drink Menu
Lamplight Lounge Drink Menu
Lamplight Lounge Drink Menu
Draft, bottled, and canned beer selections are also available.
Lamplight Lounge Drink Menu
Here is a look at the upstairs selection, including the Featured Selection which is a proprietary brew by Bottle Logic Brewery.
Draft Beer Menu
Non-alcoholic Mocktails are up for consideration, too.
Lamplight Lounge Mocktail Menu
First, we tried The Sequel. And, honestly, still pictures don’t do this thing justice. Why?
The Sequel
Because this combination of Absolut Citron Vodka, Bacardi Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron Rum, Liquid Alchemist Passion Fruit, lime juice and agave nectar is further combined with dry ice for a smoking effect! Seriously — check it out on diningatdisney’s Instagram.
Special Glass for The Sequel
Next up? The Short!
The Short Cocktail
Served with seasoned vegetables, Plymouth Gin, lime and lemon juices, and agave nectar come together for a more classic cocktail.
And finally (of the specialty cocktails) we couldn’t resist the Over Budget.
Over Budget Cocktail
It’s your classic ginger-y mule made with Grey Goose Vodka and ginger beer, along with lemon and lime juices. But there’s a tasty twist with the unexpected addition of Liquid Alchemist Passion Fruit.
From the non-alcoholic Mocktails, we chose the 2319.
2319 Mocktail
This blend of frozen strawberry puree, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice is all topped off with Coca-Cola. And as you might anticipate, it is PLENTY sweet.
But the next Mocktail really steals the show! The Infinity Fizz is made of Powerade Mountain Berry Blast, apple juice, and cherry pearls.
Infinity Fizz
And as vivid and pretty as the colors are, this is another one you need to see in action to fully appreciate it. Dry ice in the unique glass (similar to The Sequel’s glass) keeps the drink “active.” Check it out here! I truly appreciate a creative Mocktail, and it seems the ones at Lamplight Lounge fit the bill!
And as for those Bites? Let’s start with one of our new favorites: Deviled Eggs and Toast.
Deviled Eggs and Toast
Served atop toasted almond romesco sauce, these suuuuuper creamy deviled eggs are also presented with Manchego cheese crisps and dill.
Deviled Eggs and Toast
If you are a fan of deviled eggs, you can’t miss this dish.
Deviled Eggs and Toast
Why don’t we follow those up with another new favorite?! Check out the Crispy Piggy Wings!
Crispy Piggy Wings
These pork “drumettes” are covered with a pretty spicy chili-ginger glaze nicely crisped in the cooking process, topped with sesame seeds, slaw, and cilantro in large enough pieces that they can easily be avoided by AJ’s fellow cilantro-averse peeps!
Crispy Piggy Wings
And YES — though we’ve mentioned it a few times, this is just a friendly reminder that you can indeed still get the Lobster Nachos from when this spot was the Cove Bar!
Lobster Nachos
Whew!
Lobster Nachos
Now, we did already have the chance to try the Potato Skins at a Sneak Preview event for Pixar Pier. But this really fun twist on a standard bar-and-grill item is just done so well, we had to try them again. Crispy Yukon Gold potatoes are served with brown butter-caper yogurt, smoked paprika aioli, and Manchego cheese.
Potato Skins
Not only is the flavor terrific when you swirl the sauces together before taking a bite, but the texture of the potatoes — crunchy on the outside, nice and soft on the inside — is spot on.
Moving onto the Bigger Bites (again, these entrees are served downstairs only), we’ll start with the Chicken Sandwich.
Chicken Sandwich
There’s a lot more going here than the simple name implies. Crispy chicken is covered with a spicy chili-ginger glaze, then topped with vinegar slaw, pineapple butter, and served on a toasted Amish bun. It’s served with some seriously awesome Malted Fries.
Chicken Sandwich with Malted Fries
Honestly, I’m all for flavor, but some of the unique tastes (like the pineapple butter) got a bit lost in the general heat of the spice of the glaze. It was a bit too much for me. It’s SPICY. And pretty messy, to boot.
Chicken Sandwich
Though if you’re reeeaaaallllyyyy into spice, you probably won’t mind that aspect.
Still, those same terrific fries are served with the Cheddar Burger.
Cheddar Burger and Malted Fries
It’s fairly standard: topped with Tillamook Cheddar and an avocado ranch spread along with tomato and red onion, it’s placed in between the toasted Amish bun as well.
Cheddar Burger
It’s good to know there’s an option for those who might not be as much into the unique meals served here, but still want to experience the whole thing.
The Ratatouille is a terrific vegetarian selection.
Ratatouille
It’s features a roasted eggplant and bell pepper ragout with zucchini noodles, a smoked tomato sauce, and basil aioli. Delicious!
Ratatouille
It’s served over warm Burrata cheese, and — let’s face it — it’s a fun nod to the Pixar flick of the same name as the dish!
You may have noticed, Disneyland has developed kind of a thing for donuts as of late, and the new tradition keeps going at Lamplight Lounge, with the Donuts served with dipping sauces!
Donuts with Dipping Sauces
You have to be able to trust that — as the only dessert on the menu, it’s gotta be a good one.
Donuts with Dipping Sauces (AND a Bonus Mickey!)
Fortunately, that is indeed the case!
Donuts
Warm and fluffy, these sugar-encrusted donuts are very good on their own, but the chocolate and raspberry dipping sauces up the ante all the more.
Donut dipped in Raspberry Sauce
And that was a sweet way to end our first visit to Lamplight Lounge!
Nosh or Not?
You’ll want to visit Lamplight Lounge if:
- You are a mega (or even casual!) fan of the Pixar movies! You’ll be in your element.
- You want some seriously upscale pub grub.
- You love oodles upon oodles of Disney details, Pixar or otherwise. Or you just like cool bathrooms
You’ll want to pass by Lamplight Lounge if:
- Ummm… if you’re on the new Pixar Pier, I don’t think you’ll want to pass this by.
Overall
Woo hoo!! The first visit to Lamplight Lounge is in the books! And as much as I — and many others — had a major soft spot for the ol’ Cove Bar (and I really did love it), the sheer amount of classic Disney detail and Imagineering involved in this spot is truly impressive. And it sure doesn’t hurt that the food is pretty craveworthy, and the specialty beverages are super fun and creative. Overall? I say “Well done, Pixar Pier.”
A few logistics: you can make reservations for Lamplight Lounge via the Disneyland website or by calling (714) 781-DINE. This will land you seating downstairs. The upstairs operates the way Cove Bar did: first come, first served. Enjoy!!
There is SO much more fun to be had on Pixar Pier! See it ALL here!!
Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disneyland to experience their new location. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ
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