DC's Best Museum Eats
After living in Washington for nearly five years, I have a very laissez-faire attitude toward our free museums. Occasionally, I'll hit up a blockbuster exhibit at the National Gallery or concede to take an out-of-town visitor to the Air and Space Museum. That said, there's one museum feature I never tire of: the fabulous food that's worth a trip to the National Mall just to grub. Here are a few places to grab some good eats, and if I've missed one, let us know via the comments or tips.
Outdoor Dining @ Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Independence Ave SW & 7th St SW
Washington, DC
The Hirshhorn is arguably the hippest of our free museums, with its donut-shaped exterior, contemporary art, and totally overrun Hirshhorn After Dark events. Same with … their outdoor cafĂ©, thought it only serves outside when weather permits. [link]
Wine-sipping @ Smithsonian Castle Garden
1000 Jefferson Dr SW
Washington, DC 20560
I may or may not have skipped out of work early one Friday to get a little tipsy with some friends here. The wine selection isn't exactly good, but it does the job. And … the surroundings are lovely. [link]
Astronaut Ice Cream @ Air and Space Museum
Independence Ave SW & 6th St SW
Washington, DC
I know that astronaut ice cream doesn't exactly count as food. Nor do I really think it's safe to eat, but seriously -- I got such a kick out of this stuff as a kid. [link]
Lunch @ National Museum of the American Indian
Independence Ave SE & 4th St SE
Washington, DC 20003
The restaurant here is called "Mitsitam," which means "Let's eat!" in the Native languages of the Delaware and Piscataway peoples. Oh let's! Indian fry bread, tamales, … and buffalo burgers are on the menu. [link]
Hot Chocolate @ Sculpture Gallery
3rd and 9th Streets at Constitution Avenue NW, Washington DC
The cocoa here tastes like melted chocolate ice cream. It's exactly the thing after a few hours of skating on the National Mall rink. [link]
Gelato Bar @ National Gallery of Art
[tags: Washington DC, Restaurants, Food, Museums, "DC's Best Museum Eats"
Talk about a great work of art. The selection of flavors is pretty basic (chocolate, pistachio, dulce de leche), but the gelato here is some of the best in the city. [link]
