Carnation Cafe Ice Cream Parlor opened on July 17, 1955. Sponsored by Carnation, the focus of the establishment was an ice cream counter, where guests ate ice cream on stools. Guests could also eat their ice cream outside on a patio.[1][2] In 1977, the restaurant expanded into West Center Street, adding more outdoor seating.[1] The Carnation Cafe Ice Cream Parlor closed in January 1997, and in March 1997, it reopened with only outdoor seating as the Carnation Cafe. Nestlé, the owner of the Carnation brand, pulled out as a sponsor of the restaurant, but allowed Disneyland to keep the name. The former ice cream parlor became Blue Ribbon Bakery, which closed upon the opening of Jolly Holiday Bakery Café. In 2012, the Carnation Cafe took back over the space, providing indoor seating for guests.[1]
Oscar Martinez, served as chef of Carnation Cafe from 1967 until 2017. He was the longest employee at Disneyland. His dish "Oscar's Choice," remains on the menu.[3]
Design
The restaurant, housed in a two-story Victorian-style building, offers both indoor and outdoor dining. The patio is covered and offers views of Main Street, U.S.A., including views of the parades that pass by.[2][4]
Carnation Cafe serves American-style comfort food, including dishes that were favorites of Walt Disney, including Walt's Chili, which was the same recipe he used to enjoy when he was alive. The chili is described by Time Out Los Angeles "straightforward, meaty, tomato heavy classic that comes topped with cheese, sour cream, and chopped fresh tomatoes."[6]
A vegan Mickey Mouse shaped waffle at Carnation Cafe.
Entrees include Chicken-fried Chicken with buttermilk fried chicken, mashed potatoes, country gravy and vegetables[4] and Homemade Meatloaf, a blend of pork and beef, served with a ketchup glaze, mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy and vegetables. Carnation Cafe also offers sandwiches.[2]
The restaurant offers special seasonal food during the holidays. For Christmas 2019, the menu included a Fried Bologna Sandwich and a Pork Chop TV Dinner, the latter served in a classic TV dinner tray with seasoned apples, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, and a cheddar and chive scone with bread pudding.[12]
Reception
In 2019, Time Out Los Angeles named chose Walt's Chili as the 27th best food at Disneyland. SFGate says Carnation Cafe serves "consistently quality food."[13]Inside the Magic named Carnation Cafe one of the "Most romantic dining spots at Disneyland Resort."[5]
