When visiting the Smithsonian Institution museums in Washington, D.C., you’ll find a variety of food options to satisfy your hunger while exploring the world-class exhibits. Here are some great places to eat within and around the Smithsonian museums:
1. The National Museum of American History
- The Sweet Home Café: Located inside the museum, this café offers a unique and delicious dining experience with a menu inspired by American regional cuisine. You can enjoy dishes from different regions of the U.S., including Southern favorites like fried chicken, gumbo, and collard greens.
- Café: For a quicker bite, the museum’s café offers salads, sandwiches, and pastries, perfect for a light meal during your museum visit.
2. The National Air and Space Museum
- Eateries in the Museum: The National Air and Space Museum has several places to grab a bite, including a café serving sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. The museum’s food options are perfect for a quick stop while exploring aviation history.
- The Wright Place: Inside the museum, this is the ideal spot for a coffee or light snack, offering a selection of pastries, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages.
3. The National Museum of Natural History
- The Atrium Café: Located on the museum's first floor, the Atrium Café offers a selection of salads, sandwiches, and snacks. It’s a convenient and relaxing spot to enjoy a meal while taking a break from exploring the dinosaur exhibits or the Hope Diamond.
- Mitsitam Native Foods Café: Located in the nearby National Museum of the American Indian (which is part of the Smithsonian), this café is worth the short walk. It serves indigenous-inspired dishes from North and South America, such as bison stew, corn soup, and fry bread, offering a unique culinary experience.
4. The National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Sweet Home Café: As one of the highlights of this museum, the Sweet Home Café offers a menu that celebrates the African American culinary tradition, with dishes inspired by Southern, Creole, and soul food cooking. From fried chicken to shrimp and grits, this café is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy authentic, flavorful food.
5. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- Hirshhorn Café: This café offers light snacks, salads, and sandwiches, with both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a great place to refuel after viewing contemporary art, and it’s especially enjoyable when the weather is nice and you can sit in the sculpture garden.
6. The Smithsonian Castle
- The Castle Café: Located in the Smithsonian Castle, this casual café offers sandwiches, salads, and beverages. It’s a convenient spot for a quick bite, especially if you’re exploring the National Mall and want to take a break in between museum visits.
7. The National Gallery of Art
- Cascade Café: Located in the East Building of the National Gallery of Art, this café offers a variety of light bites, including sandwiches, pastries, and salads. It’s a good place to relax and enjoy a snack after exploring the art collections.
- Garden Café: Situated in the West Building, the Garden Café offers fresh salads, sandwiches, and beverages in a peaceful setting overlooking the sculpture garden.
8. The National Zoo (part of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute)
- The Elephant Outpost Café: For a meal while enjoying the zoo, this café offers a variety of food options, including hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads. It’s a perfect stop after watching the elephants or other animal exhibits.
- Zoe's Café: Located near the visitor entrance, Zoe’s Café serves snacks, beverages, and light meals, including vegetarian options for those with dietary preferences.
9. The Arts and Industries Building
- Temporary Food Stalls & Pop-ups: Depending on the time of year, the Arts and Industries Building often hosts food stalls or pop-up food trucks offering a variety of foods ranging from gourmet burgers to international street food. These options provide a fun, informal atmosphere for grabbing a quick bite between exhibits.
10. Around the National Mall and Smithsonian Museums
If you’re looking to explore dining options beyond the museums, the areas surrounding the National Mall have a wide variety of restaurants and food trucks:
- Food Trucks: The area near the Smithsonian museums is home to numerous food trucks serving quick and delicious meals, including tacos, falafel, and other street food options. You’ll find these trucks parked along Independence Avenue and near major museum entrances.
- Old Ebbitt Grill: A historic restaurant located just a short walk from the National Mall, Old Ebbitt Grill serves classic American seafood and dishes like oysters, crab cakes, and chowder.
- The Hamilton: A popular restaurant near the National Mall, The Hamilton offers a wide selection of American fare, from burgers and salads to steaks and seafood.
11. For Sweet Treats
- Teaism: Located near the museums, Teaism offers a selection of sweet treats like matcha cakes, cookies, and Asian-inspired desserts, along with a variety of teas.
- Baked & Wired: If you're craving something sweet, head to this nearby bakery known for its delicious cupcakes, cookies, and other baked goods.
Tips for Dining at the Smithsonian:
- Grab-and-Go Options: If you’re short on time, many Smithsonian museums offer grab-and-go options at their cafés, so you can take your meal with you as you continue to explore the exhibits.
- Plan for Crowds: During peak tourist seasons, it can get crowded at museum cafés, especially around lunchtime. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or grabbing a bite earlier in the day.
In summary, whether you're looking for a sit-down meal or a quick snack, the Smithsonian museums offer a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes and preferences. From indigenous-inspired dishes to classic American fare, you'll find plenty of delicious options to keep you fueled as you explore the rich cultural offerings at the museums.
