House of Blues
To me, one of Disney’s hidden gems is the House of Blues, located in Downtown Disney’s West Side, under the water tower. In keeping with tradition, the House of Blues Orlando displays the “Crazy Quilt” and keeps a metal box of mud from the Delta Mississippi underneath its stage.
I usually don’t have trouble getting seating there, although I haven’t tried during prime dinner times. Even if you have to wait for a table, there’s a comfortable seating area outside as well as a bar to quench your thirst while you wait. This is a great location for a meal prior to going to Cirque du Soleil, which is located right next door. I’ve had an early dinner here before the early show at Cirque du Soleil and found only a few people in the restaurant.
Both lunch and dinner is served at this location. The menu is mostly Cajun type food, with a little kick to it, although there are menu items for those that don’t like the heat. You’ll find the usual burgers along with Cajun shrimp, jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp po-boy, ribs, meatloaf and steak. My favorite is the catfish nuggets, which are bite-sized and served with their special sauce that is just a little spicy. I also love their sweet potato fries, which come in a serving large enough to share. My husband craves their jambalaya so we have to go there every few months so he can get his fix on that spicy dish. They do offer entertainment on certain dates, both on the porch and in the “kitchen” (located adjacent to the restaurant).
Although I love eating here, my favorite is the Gospel Brunch they have twice a day on Sunday. You start off with an all-you-care-to-eat buffet, complete with an omelet station, fruit, biscuits and gravy and your normal breakfast foods. Then it’s on to the lunch offerings, including my catfish. They also have salad, chilled shrimp, ham, beef, jambalaya, mac and cheese, red beans and rice, turnip greens and more. Dessert offerings include bread pudding, key lime pie and cobbler. After you’ve had a chance to eat, a local gospel group takes the stage for a very uplifting feeling. I’ve never been disappointed and always left feeling great. They’ll have everyone standing on their feet before the show is done. Then as you leave, you’ll be handed a warm chocolate-chip cookie. What a wonderful way to start off your week!