February 2001 – January 2018
LOCATION
Paradise Pier – If you followed the main path, across the bridge, you’d find the Cove Bar on your right, just beyond the entrance to Ariel’s Grotto. You could also reach the Bar from the rear of Paradise Pier, by following the path next to the California Screamin’ launch pad. You’d find the Cove Bar on your left, right across from the gift shop.
EXPERIENCE
Details:
- Service Type – table service
- Seating – outdoor waterfront patio
- Entertainment – none
Looking for bayside drinks and some finger food? Look no further than the Cove Bar. This waterfront bar was a great spot to get off your feet or watch the sunset over the bay. The Cove Bar sat right at the center of Paradise Bay, with great views of the Mickey’s Fun Wheel, California Screamin’, and the periodic water shows. Whether you visited in the afternoon or after dark, you’d find the Cove Bar to be a mini oasis within California Adventure.
CLOSURE
During the summer of 2017, Disneyland announced plans to split Paradise Pier into two new lands: Paradise Park and Pixar Pier. As part of this transformation, the boardwalk side of Paradise Pier would be completely redesigned to Pixar theming. The Cove Bar closed in January 2018, to make room for the new land’s theming.
TRIVIA
My original rating: The Cove Bar is one of the best places to relax and grab a drink and a snack in California Adventure. This restaurant does not offer full meals, and is one of the less kid-friendly spots in the park. If you’re visiting without kids and want a chance to kick back and have a drink overlooking Paradise Pier, this is the perfect place to unwind. There is almost ALWAYS a long line to get in though, so I’m bumping the rating down to four stars. It’s a pain to get in sometimes, but I do think it’s worth the wait. (★★★★☆)
The Cove Bar was a good example of how Imagineers originally envisioned California Adventure: as an adult alternative to Disneyland, serving alcoholic beverages and housing tons of restaurants.
When Paradise Pier changed to a 1920’s Victorian theme during the park’s expansion and renovation, this restaurant underwent no surface changes to match the new façade.
In 2015, the Cove Bar went through a massive expansion, nearly doubling in size!