Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen

January 2001 – January 2023

LOCATION

Downtown Disney – Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen faced the open courtyard between the Uva Bar patio and the Monorail station. You wouldn’t miss the massive building with its wrought-iron detailing, standing across from Tortilla Jo’s.

EXPERIENCE

Details:

• Service Type – table service
• Seating – dining rooms downstairs, upstairs, and on the patio/balcony
• Reservations – yes
• Entertainment – periodic live jazz performances

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen magically transported diners from Downtown Disney into the French Quarter in New Orleans. In the dining room, guests dined under an ornate Mardis Gras ceiling display. Outside, diners enjoyed the sounds of an enormous fountain and people-watching. Whether you were stopping by for brunch, a full dinner, or just desserts at the end of the evening, you’d enjoy a unique dining experience in the Jazz Kitchen.

CLOSURE

In January 2023, Disney announced plans to re-theme the jazz kitchen within the Downtown Disney District. The restaurant would still serve Cajun inspired dishes, but the Ralph Brennan name would be removed and the building would receive a modernized makeover. The restaurant reopened a few weeks later as the Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio.

TRIVIA

My original rating: I wasn’t a huge Cajun food fan before my first trip to New Orleans, so for a long time I kind of ignored the Jazz Kitchen. But I finally stopped by once for lunch, and was really impressed. This restaurant celebrates New Orleans, with periodic jazz performances downstairs. I removed a star for the pricing; the food is decent, but a bit underwhelming considering how much you’ll spend on a meal. But all in all, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen ranks among the better restaurants in Downtown Disney. (★★★★☆)

Ralph Brennan’s family purchased the Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street in 1943. Does that sound familiar? It was once the stomping grounds of famous pirate Lafitte!

The artwork featured inside the restaurant was specially designed by New Orleans-based artists.