The Bronx Zoo offers a variety of dining options for visitors, with both year-round and seasonal cafés and food stands located throughout the park. From the main Dancing Crane Café to the various seasonal food stands, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.
The Dancing Crane Café: The Main Dining Destination
The Dancing Crane Café is the primary restaurant at the Bronx Zoo, open year-round and serving a wide range of hot and cold dishes, snacks, and beverages. Located near the Zoo Center and opposite the Bronx Zoo Store, the café can accommodate up to 500 guests, making it an ideal spot for large groups or families. The café is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to closing.
Seasonal Cafés and Food Stands
In addition to the Dancing Crane Café, the Bronx Zoo offers several seasonal cafés and food stands throughout the park, including:
- The Patio: Located near the Children’s Zoo, offering tables for boxed lunches
- Pecking Order: Located at Northern Ponds, serving a variety of dishes
- Asia Plaza: Located near JungleWorld, offering café and sweet shop menus
- Somba Village: Located near the Baboon Reserve, serving a variety of dishes
- Zoo Bites: Located at Tiger Mountain, offering a selection of snacks
- Zoo Brews: Located near Nature Trek, serving a variety of beverages
These seasonal options provide visitors with additional dining choices, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Dining Options Outside the Zoo
For those looking to explore dining options outside of the Bronx Zoo, there are several highly-rated restaurants located nearby, including:
- Hudson Garden Grill at the New York Botanical Garden: Serving contemporary American cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients.
- Roberto’s Restaurant: An authentic Italian restaurant known for its use of local ingredients, offering a variety of dishes, including pasta, veal, and seafood.
- Frankie’s Restaurant Arthur Ave.: Another highly-rated Italian restaurant located in Belmont, serving prime dry-aged steaks and other Italian dishes.
- White Castle – Bronx – E Fordham Rd: A popular fast-food chain known for its small square hamburgers, offering a variety of menu items, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, and breakfast items.
Cost and Hours of Operation
Dining options at the Bronx Zoo range from moderate to expensive, with most main dishes priced between $10 and $20. For those looking to save money, there are several affordable options available, including sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
In terms of hours, the Dancing Crane Café is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to closing, while other cafés and food stands are open weather permitting. For those looking to dine outside of the zoo, hours vary by restaurant, with most open for lunch and dinner.
Conclusion
The Bronx Zoo offers a diverse range of dining options, catering to the needs and preferences of its visitors. From the main Dancing Crane Café to the various seasonal food stands, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a full meal, a quick snack, or a beverage. And for those who want to explore dining options outside the zoo, there are several highly-rated restaurants located nearby, serving a variety of cuisines and dishes.
References:
– Bronx Zoo Dining Options
– Restaurants Near Bronx Zoo
– Bronx Zoo Map – Dining Locations
– Reddit Discussion on Lunch Options Around Bronx Zoo
– Bronx Zoo Map – Eat and Shop