You don’t always associate theme parks or hotels with fine dining, but there are some exceptions. Case in point, Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel at, where else? Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.
We always make it a point to visit this white-linen, dark wood, classic steakhouse at the resort’s original hotel when we are at the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Named for the year Disneyland opened, Steakhouse 55 features a lounge outside the dining room where small plates, as well as the full menu, can be enjoyed at the bar, as well as a large dining room full of photos celebrating Walt Disney and Hollywood celebrities.
Let’s talk about the lounge first. The small bar has about 12 seats, but there are also sofas, chairs and cocktail tables. It mainly serves as an area to enjoy a cocktail or wait for your table in the dining room to be ready. Like I said earlier, you can eat at the bar, and one night we did by ordering off the lounge menu that includes salads, flatbreads, appetizers and a burger, French dip, and a crab cake sandwich.
We ordered a Pepperoni Flatbread ($12) which was just average. There was nothing spectacular about it, just a typical thin crust – probably pre-fab – with average toppings. The better of the two things we ordered was the French Dip ($18 – Dijon mustard, creamy horseradish, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, au jus and fries).
The shaved prime rib was cooked medium and sliced thin. There was a good balance of meat –vs- toppings and overall this was a good, filling sandwich.
Many of the bartenders working the Lounge, have been working it for years and can tell many a tale about the history of the hotel and some of its famous visitors. Oh, and the cocktails aren’t bad either!
But where Steakhouse 55 shines is in the dining room where flawless service begins as soon as you sit down and are presented with menus. You’re welcomed to your table by your server who offers water choices, takes your drink order and lets you know about some of the featured dishes.
I will add a little warning here. You’re going to be given a large loaf of freshly baked sourdough bread. It’s crusty. It’s delicious. It’s addicting. It was so good, that after a few slices I had to ask for it to be taken away as we would have spoiled our appetite if we ate anymore!
After the table was crumbed and a few cocktails were enjoyed, our dinner choices began to arrive. Each course was perfectly timed, the table crumbed, and silverware replaced after each course. Water glasses seemed to be filled almost magically in service that I would describe as being attentive but not intrusive.
For starters, they have a Sea and Land Tartare ($18) that is a combination of chipotle-spiced ahi tuna and charred filet mignon. You can get them either one of each or two of the same, which I did, making my selection the filet mignon.
My only complaint about this was the presentation. The crisp rye crouton that the tartare is placed on is, well… crisp. So with the first bite, it falls apart. There’s a good portion of the tartare on it, so you end up eating the rest without the crouton. While the presentation looks great, the execution needs work. But the tartare was absolutely delicious! If you’re into that, it’s a must-have.
Next up was the Tiger Prawn Cocktail ($18) which was just what one would expect from a shrimp cocktail.
For salads, we tried two different ones. The first being the Steakhouse 55 Wedge ($12 – iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, bacon lardons, candied pecans and blue cheese vinaigrette dressing). Like the shrimp cocktail, this salad was as expected.
The second salad was a Prosciutto, Burrata and Tomato Salad. It featured red, yellow and green tomatoes, halved and topped with a creamy Burrata mozzarella cheese and a few slices of prosciutto. Delicious!
On to the main event! Steakhouse 55’s steak selections include filet mignon, New York strip, prime rib, rib-eye, Kansas City strip, short ribs and lamb chops. There’s also a cold water lobster tail, half chicken and salmon on the menu. There are two additional options, a Wagyu flat iron steak and a 26oz cowboy rib chop for two.
We enjoyed the 8oz Center-cut Filet Mignon ($43), which was cooked to our perfect temperatures – one medium and one Pittsburg Style. Lightly seasoned and fork tender, these were a hit.
Another winner was the 14oz Hickory-mopped New York Strip ($48) a unique take on this steak, it was “mopped” with a light sauce that added a nice flavor but wasn’t overpowering. If you don’t want the sauce, you can ask for it to be left off, but it added a nice dimension of flavor to an already flavorful and tender steak.
Steaks are all served with bone marrow and sides are a la carte. If you want sauces such as Bearnaise or the signature SH55 Steak Sauce, these are ala carte as well, for an additional $4. For sides, we chose a few different ones including their take on a loaded baked potato ($13) that was topped with bacon lardons, fontina cheese and… broccolini!
Other sides we enjoyed included sautéed green beans ($11), sautéed onions, and creamed Bloomsdale spinach ($11) which are all large enough for two people to share. Other sides include a nightly risotto, truffled mac and cheese, mashed and scalloped potatoes.
Dessert? Yes, they have it. No, we did not have room!
If you’re vacationing at Disneyland and are looking to take a break from the kids and have an adult night, I highly recommend experiencing Steakhouse 55 at least once during your trip. It’s certainly a treat and a nice, quite, un-rushed night out with great steaks and hopefully great company.
If you’re a Disneyland Annual Passholder, discounts apply. One final thought. While the steakhouse may be “classy,” don’t expect all your fellow diners to be donning “steakhouse formal” attire. You are at Disneyland after all and expect to see people dressed up and dressed down.
Reservations are suggested although they do take walk-in’s if there is availability. They also offer breakfast but are not open for lunch.