Ballast Point Brewing Company is a popular brewpub located in the heart of Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. With its excellent beer selection, tasty Southern California-inspired cuisine, and inviting atmosphere, it has quickly become a favorite spot for guests looking to enjoy good food and drinks while taking in the magic of Downtown Disney.
Type of Food
The menu at Ballast Point features dishes that pair perfectly with the extensive selection of craft beers on tap. It offers a variety of New American fare with a Southern California twist. Some of the most popular items include:
- BP Smash Burger – A juicy beef patty topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and BP sauce on a brioche bun
- Buffalo Fried Chicken Sandwich – Crispy fried chicken breast tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with blue cheese slaw on a brioche bun
- Pulled Pork Sandwich – Slow roasted pork shoulder with tangy BBQ sauce and creamy coleslaw on a pretzel bun
- Baja Style Fish Tacos – Beer battered cod, cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, chipotle crema, and cilantro in corn tortillas
- Black Garlic Fettuccine and Mussels – Housemade black garlic cream sauce with mussels, tomato, spinach, and parmesan
In addition to these hearty dishes, the menu also features sharable appetizers like duck confit nachos, pretzel sticks with beer cheese sauce, and Parmesan truffle fries. Salads, flatbreads, and lighter fare are available as well.
Menu and Pricing
The prices at Ballast Point are moderate, typical for the Downtown Disney area. Appetizers and small plates range from $10-17. Signature sandwiches, burgers, and entrees cost between $15-26.Some of the most popular menu items and their prices are:
- BP Smash Burger – $23
- Buffalo Fried Chicken Sandwich – $23
- Pulled Pork Sandwich – $25
- Baja Style Fish Tacos – $19 for two tacos
- Black Garlic Fettuccine and Mussels – $26
Ballast Point also offers a great selection of craft beers, available in flights of four 5oz pours for $13. Individual pints start at $7.50 and go up to $9 depending on the style. The brewpub is known for beers like the Sculpin IPA, Victory at Sea Imperial Porter, and Grapefruit Sculpin.
They do offer a kids menu and sides which typically includes: Cheeseburger, Mac n Cheese, and Crispy Chicken Fingers. Prices are around $15.
Food and Wine Festival
- Ballast Point creates special food and beer pairings only available during the festival. These have included dishes like Striped Bass, Nashville Hot Portobello, and Olive Oil Cake paired with their craft beers.
- They offer tasting flights of their beers like Watermelon Dorado Double IPA and Happy Hops IPA along with food samples.
- Ballast Point has an outdoor booth location along the Festival Marketplace where they serve their special festival menu.
- The brewery’s beers complement the overall festival theme of California cuisine with their West Coast-inspired brews.
- They experiment with new recipes and test out experimental small batch beers to debut at the festival.
Ballast Point’s participation in the Food & Wine Festival allows guests to taste limited-time food and beer pairings while exploring the offerings of a popular local brewery. The special festival menu showcases Ballast Point’s beers alongside creative dishes.
Location
Ballast Point Brewing Company is conveniently located on the second level of Downtown Disney, overlooking the central courtyard. It features a large indoor tasting room and bar, as well as a spacious outdoor patio for al fresco dining. The brewpub entrance faces the World of Disney store, situated in between the ESPN Zone and Rainforest Café.
Coming from the main Disneyland entrance, visitors can easily spot the Ballast Point signage atop the stairs across from the Lego store. With its prime location, Ballast Point is a perfect spot to relax with a craft beer and bite to eat while taking in the sights and sounds of Downtown Disney.
- Parking validation may be available at this location.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older for the duration of the dining experience.
- If applicable, 20% auto gratuity will be automatically added for parties of 8 or more people.
Mobile Ordering
While Ballast Point does not offer mobile ordering directly through their app, guests can call in takeout orders for convenient pickup. The restaurant staff is happy to bring orders down to the courtyard level for easy grab-and-go.
Magic Key Holder Discounts
Magic Key holders can take advantage of a 10% discount on all food and non-alcoholic beverages at Ballast Point. To receive the savings, guests simply need to show their valid Magic Key pass upon payment. Occasionally, Ballast Point will offer even deeper discounts like 15% off for Magic Key holders for a limited time. Be sure to check ahead to see if any special promotions are running.
Hours
Ballast Point Brewing Company is open daily from 11am to 11pm. This schedule makes it easy to stop in for a midday meal or evening nightcap. On slower days, the brewpub occasionally closes earlier at 10pm. Guests should check the hours online or call ahead to confirm.
History
Ballast Point Brewing Company originated in San Diego in 1996. It operated primarily as a production brewery until expanding into a successful chain of brewpub restaurants. In 2019, Ballast Point opened its first Orange County location at the Downtown Disney District, bringing its quality craft beers and cuisine to the Disneyland Resort. The Downtown Disney brewpub features a 3-barrel research and development brewery on-site, allowing the team to experiment with new recipes and ingredients.
Guests can get a glimpse of the working brewery from the tasting room. Since its opening, Ballast Point has become a go-to spot for visitors looking to enjoy great beer, food, and atmosphere without having to venture far from the parks. Its beers, dishes, and service continue to impress. With its laidback vibe, beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, and location, Ballast Point is undoubtedly a standout among the dining and drinking options at the Downtown Disney District.
Conclusion
Ballast Point Brewing Company in Downtown Disney offers an unmatched blend of craft beers, delectable food, and the magical ambiance only Disney can provide. Whether you’re capping off a day at the parks or starting your evening adventure, it’s a must-visit location for every Disney-goer.
