Paradiso 37 opens in Downtown Disney

Paradiso 37
A Review

This afternoon I was delighted to be a part of a tasting at the brand-new Downtown Disney restaurant, Paradiso 37. It is located at Pleasure Island next to the dearly missed Adventurers Club and across from 8trax.
The name of this new location is based off the 37 countries that make up North, South and Central Americas. Also, after the 37 kinds of tequila offered at the Tequila Tower. Let me begin by saying what a great experience I had here. I felt very welcomed coming in the door. The atmosphere was booming with other delighted guests (cast members) enjoying their meal. This is an Operating Participant restaurant, but the level of service exceeded my expectation of any Disney owned/operated dining location. I was seated promptly upon arrival. My servers name was Alison. She was right there waiting for me offering me my choice of drink. Throughout the entire meal Alison was excellent, along with the other staff members I was greeted by. They were all excited and passionate about their jobs and the food they were serving. They were also very knowledgeable about the restaurant offerings and the cultural significance of each dish.
The menu was very extensive. It includes a page of white and red wines, 37 tequila options, and a page of margaritas and specialty drinks. Their signature drink is a Mango Margarita served in a souvenir mug. Also there is a great offering for the beer lover. A large thermometer is raised above the kitchen that tells you the exact temperature of the beer kept below. They advertise a 29 degree F World's Coldest Draft Beer!
There were two pages of appropriately named "Sharables", appetizers. Sharing is encouraged by the themed toothpick skewers located at the center of each table. The menu offered such diverse options for even the pickiest of eaters and those with sensitive stomachs. Subs, sandwiches, and salads can be found as well. The "Street Platters" had more of a south-of-the-border feel. This included tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. You can also find N.Y. Strip steak, BBQ pork, Chilean Salmon and an interesting Surf and Turf option as well. The "Street Sweets" looked amazing- a Sundae in half a coconut, churros, sopapillas, mini ice-cream cones and several fresh-fruit popsicles.
The entire Tykes Menu comes with apple sauce, celery sticks and carrots. Kids can enjoy several entrée options like PB&J, hot dog, mini cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, and grilled fish. For a less healthier option you can add fries to a tykes meal for an additional $ .99. The children's menu is also pretty educational with a word scramble of all the countries represented at Paradiso 37.
During my dining experience I enjoyed chips and fresh salsa, the "Sharable" Mexican quesadillas (beef, chicken, and pulled pork), and the Columbian Style whole Crispy Hen. Delicious! I could not have been happier with the portion size, price value, and taste. I also got to enjoy one of their fresh strawberry popsicles! What a treat!
Like any other dining location Paradiso 37 is happy to discuss special dietary needs and requests with their guests. The prices for this location are very comparable to any dining in or outside of Disney property. I was very impressed by that.
The back of Paradiso 37 faces the waterfront and boat dock. They provide nightly entertainment starting at 6pm. I was lucky enough to get to see Greg, an acoustic musician, that will be performing every Friday night. Greg was just as excited about the experience as I was! He was beyond talented - playing musical genres from 80's to Country with a soulful sound. When guests dock they will be able to hear these performers as they arrive at Pleasure Island. And let me tell you, it is a warm welcome! I am very excited about EVERYTHING this restaurant has to offer and I look forward to dining there in the near future.