Enjoy a respite from museum trekking with an espresso, gelato, light lunch or other gourmet fare in the museum cafés. The Smithsonian cafés are open in conjunction with museum hours. Outdoor cafés are open spring, summer and fall, weather permitting. Please, do not bring food or beverages into the museums.

NATIONAL AIR and SPACE MUSEUM

The dining court features McDonald's, McCafé, Boston Market and Donatos Pizzari and features hamburgers, french fries, chicken, pizza, salad, panini and wrap sandwiches, pastries, specialty coffees, teas and desserts.
Group and bulk packages available
Hours: Daily 10 -5

Outdoor Kiosk (seasonal, weather permitting)
Providing hot dogs, chips, bottled beverages and ice cream
Hours: Daily 9 -4

 

NATIONAL MUSEUM of AMERICAN HISTORY

The Stars and Stripes Café
The café offers a wide selection of salads, sandwiches and other foods, and is located on the lower level west.
Hours: Daily April to August 11 - 3; September to March, 11 - 3.

The Constitution Café
Located on the first floor by the entrance, the café offers lighter fare and specialty hand-dipped ice cream.
Hours: Daily, 10 - 5.

 

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Atrium Café (Ground Floor)
The café features natural and sustainable foods including natural beef burgers, rotisserie chicken, pizza, sandwiches, soups, salads, hot dogs and desserts.
Discounts for Smithsonian members
Group packages available
Hours: Monday through Friday 11 - 3, Saturday 11 - 5, Sunday 11 - 4.

Fossil Café (First Floor)
Featuring sandwiches, salads, soups, coffee and desserts.
Discounts for Smithsonian Members
Hours: Daily 10 -5

Specialty Ice Cream and Coffee Bar (Ground Floor)
Daily 11:30 - 5

Outdoor Carts (seasonal)
Hot dogs, pretzels, sodas, ice cream and dippin' dots
Hours: Monday through Friday 10 - 3, Saturday -Sunday 11 - 5

 

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN

Mitsitam Café
"Mitsitam" means "let's eat!" in the Native language of the Delaware and Piscataway peoples. The museum's Mitsitam Native Foods Café enhances the museum experience by offering Native-inspired cuisines from five regions of the Western Hemisphere including the Northern Woodlands, South America, the Northwest Coast, Meso America and the Great Plains. The menu includes tamales, roasted turkey, grilled salmon, homemade seasonal soups, buffalo burgers and Indian fry bread.
Discount for Smithsonian members
Group dining packages available
Hours: Daily 10 - 5; limited menu after 3

 

THE NATIONAL ZOO

Cafés/Grills
Mane Restaurant on Lion/Tiger Hill
Panda Café near the Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat
Express Grill at Panda Plaza
Popstop across from the Small Mammal House (seasonal)

Snack Stands
Located throughout the park are soda, water, and snack vending machines.

Bring Your Own Picnic
Visitors may bring their own food and beverages. Coolers are permitted, but not grills or other cooking devices. There are picnic areas throughout the Zoo, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

REYNOLDS CENTER

Courtyard Café
The café features soups, sandwiches, salads, antipasti, desserts, ice cream, coffee, beer, wine and soft drinks.
Hours: Daily 11:30 - 6:30, limited menu after 3

Portico Café (seasonal and weather permitting)
Features pastries, sandwiches, specialty coffees and beverages. Wine, beer and cocktails are available in late afternoon and evening hours.
Hours: 11:30 - 5

 

SMITHSONIAN CASTLE

Castle Café and Coffee Bar
Featuring an espresso/cappuccino bar, gelato, panini, antipasti, organic salads, specialty sandwiches, soups and pastries.
Discount for Smithsonian Members
Hours: 8:30 - 5

 

UDVAR-HAZY CENTER

McDonald's
Full service McDonald's menu featuring burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, sodas and sundaes.
Group and bulk packages available
Hours: Daily 10 - 5

McCafé
Offering specialty coffees, teas and pastries
Hours: Daily 10 - 5

Treat yourself to lunch, refreshments and snacks in any of our museum cafés, food courts and outdoor carts.

After the museums close, there's a city full of exciting restaurants, chic and relaxing lounges and family entertainment.