Dining at Disney-MGM
Disney-MGM ranks second behind Epcot as the best overall park to dine in. Make sure you are here for a lunch. Interestingly enough, there are no character meals of note within this park, but there are plenty of character meeting areas in the park, so you should be fine.
Table Service
50's Prime Time Café
$$ American
Comfort food with a side of attitude. This is our favorite "experience" meal, where you dine at the kitchenette table in your mom's house. That is, if your mom was stuck back in the 50s. Meatloaf, roasted chicken, and other American classics are served by a staff that will make you eat your green beans, keep your elbows off the table, and say "please" and "thank you." This is truly fun for all ages, so make an advanced reservation for a lunch here, and order a shake as you leave.
The Hollywood Brown Derby
$$$$ American
Modeled after the famed (and long-since closed) Hollywood star hangout, the menu has some selection, but the Cobb Salad is the star, as are the authentic rolls. Perhaps not the intimate setting you might expect for the cost of the meal, however.
Hollywood & Vine
$$ American/Buffet
Open only for dinner, the broad spread of choices is especially good for large groups who may have a problem coming to a common decision on what they want to eat. The 50s soda shop interior is bright and cheerful, and makes for a fun group setting.
Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
$$ Italian
Try the pizzas, or one of the other Italian classics, in this friendly and cheerful locale that provides a nice alternative to the higher price or heavily themed alternatives. If you are in a hurry, load up on one of their pastas.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
$$ American
Your table is a car at a drive-in, watching 50s-era sci-fi movie clips. This is a popular family choice with carhop waiters bringing you burgers and sandwiches that typically are a bit better than those at the counter-service restaurants. Order a shake to go before you leave; they are great, and serve as an excellent portable dessert.
Counter Service
ABC Commissary Burgers, as well as Cuban sandwiches and other specialties from Asia and South America
Backlot Express Standard burger and fries offerings
Dinosaur Gertie's Ice Cream of Extinction Ice cream treats
Sunset Ranch Market The best counter-service restaurant at Disney-MGM with outdoor dining and a wide selection, including turkey legs
Starring Rolls Café Candy apples, pastries, fudge, and other goodies
Toy Story Pizza Planet Arcade Pizzas and salads