Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

Earlier this year, Disney confirmed what fans have long known, that one of the original eateries from Downtown Disney’s early days, Tortilla Jo’s, would be shuttered and something fresh and new would be taking its place.

Soon after the restaurant’s closure in April, it was then confirmed that a new steakhouse and adjacent barbecue restaurant would be taking its place. This announcement was significant, as the Disneyland Resort hasn’t had a proper steakhouse since the 2020 closure of the Disneyland Hotel’s, Steakhouse 55.

Speculation began as to when the structure of the former Tortilla Jo’s would be demolished, and when construction would begin on the new steakhouse. While we still don’t have any concrete dates, we were given new details and concept art of the two new restaurant concepts coming to the resort.

Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon

It’s been confirmed that the new steakhouse, being opened by Michilin-starred Chef Joe Isidori, will be called Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon. The restaurant is named in honor for Isidori’s father, Arthur Isidori, who worked as a butcher by day and ran a restaurant at night.

In the concept art above, you’ll notice the black accents of the entry atrium, which features a cascading crystal ball chandelier in the interior, and the rest of the exterior being made up of brick, which gives it a classic steakhouse vibe.

While it’s far from confirmed, the concept art does suggest the restaurant’s dining room will be single-story. This is a departure from the old Tortilla Jo’s building, which featured a two-story dining area. In case you’re wondering, yes, the old building will indeed be demolished and a new, custom structure will take its place.

Arthur & Son’s exact menu hasn’t been released just yet, but it will consist of many steakhouse classics and favorites, such as prime cuts of beef, chops, seafood, sandwiches, and salads. Additionally, a center bar will be featured, serving up a variety of inventive, bourbon-focused cocktails.

Pearl’s Roadside BBQ

Pearl’s Roadside, a new quick-service barbecue restaurant that will accompany Arthur & Sons, will be located adjacent to the new steakhouse, facing eastward towards Splitsville Luxury Lanes. Its menu will feature numerous barbecue favorites, such as smoked wings, beef brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, and smoked turkey, as well as a variety of craft beers and moonshine cocktails.

The restaurant’s bright white exterior with red and green accents will be a stark contrast to the neighboring steakhouse, which perhaps was done with intentional purpose. The concept art features an outdoor deck-style seating area with a u-shaped bar and hanging patio lights. It’s unclear if there will be interior seating.

About Chef Joe Isidori

Isidori served as Donald Trump’s executive chef at Mar-a-Lago and earned his Michelin Star at the DJT restaurant, located inside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Additionally, he runs several Arthur & Sons restaurants in New York City, with a focus on Italian fare rather than steak.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in 2000, the celebrity chef has appeared on numerous Food Network shows, including “Iron Chef America” and “Beat Bobby Flay”. He’s been cooking since the young age of five, helping to prepare salads and side dishes in several family-owned restaurants throughout New York City.

Isidori is no stranger to the Disneyland Resort either, as he’s the co-founder of the ever-popular chain, Black Tap Craft Burgers, which has a location in Downtown Disney (a other top-tier destinations). It opened in 2019 during the district’s initial construction phase. Additionally, he owns “Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew” at Disney Springs in Florida.

Turning to commentary, my wife and I ate at Black Tap during one of our visits earlier this year. It was one expensive burger, no doubt about it. However, it was easily one of the best I’ve ever had (and I’ve eaten a lot of burgers). If Black Tap is any indication as to how the food will be at “Arthur & Sons” and “Pearl’s BBQ”, I’m here for it.

When Will the New Steakhouse Open?

That’s the million dollar question at the moment. As of right now, we don’t have any firm dates as to when demolition and construction will begin, let alone an opening date. However, with the work on the forthcoming Parkside Market nearing completion, I do have ideas.

Disney has been working on their modernization of the Downtown Disney District since around 2017. In the first phases, we saw the openings of Ballast Point (which rumor has it may be closing up shop), Black Tap Craft Burgers and Shakes, and Splitsville.

Then, more announcements came, and work eventually began to bring us Jazz Kitchen’s refresh into “Jazz Kitchen Coastal Patio and Grill”, a trio of restaurants by Chef Gaytan in “Centrico”, “Paseo”, and “Tiendita”, Michelin-starred Taiwanese classic, “Din Tai Fung”, “Palm Breeze Bar”, a Disney-owned restaurant, and local favorite,“Great Maple Modern American Eatery”.

Additionally, we still have a number of restaurants opening in the near future, including “Porto’s Bakery”, a new location for “Earl of Sandwich”, and the aforementioned “Parkside Market”, which in of itself will contain four individual eateries, such as “Sip & Sonder”, “Vista Parkside Market”, “Seoul Sister”, and “GG’s Chicken Shop”.

As of the time of this post’s publishing, Parkside Market has yet to receive a firm opening date, with Disney only stating, “opening this winter”. Considering the progress workers have made on this recently, I anticipate it’ll either open in December 2024 or January 2025.

Additionally, after multiple months of doubt and speculation, we finally have confirmation that Porto’s Bakery is indeed on its way. Porto’s has been in a state of flux, so-to-speak, ever since Disney announced their impending debut over two years ago at D23 2022.

Until recently, rumors swirled as to if that was still the plan, as there’s been zero progress on the project. However, we’ve recently learned that not only is it still happening, but Downtown Disney’s Porto’s will be the chain’s first location with table-service dining and a bar.

It is unclear as to when they’ll begin construction on Porto’s, but they’ll likely want to get started on it right away, as it’s already been delayed for far too long already. It’s also unclear whether Disney is heading up construction on the restaurant, or if Porto’s itself is taking charge.

Either way, I don’t anticipate work to begin on Arthur & Sons until they’re finished with Parkside Market and the new home of Earl of Sandwich, at minimum. Beyond that, they’ll likely have crews working on the steakhouse and Porto’s, simultaneously, to get them both done, asap.

Given Disney’s pace of construction in recent years, I expect Arthur & Sons to receive an opening date for sometime in mid to late 2026. I hope I’m wrong, as there are no two things I love more than a filet mignon paired with an Old Fashioned. For now, I sit in helpless anticipation.