The Bronx Zoo in New York City is a renowned wildlife conservation center that attracts millions of visitors each year. While the zoo’s primary focus is on showcasing its diverse animal inhabitants, it also offers a range of dining options to cater to the needs of its guests. The Bronx Zoo Restaurant is a key component of the zoo’s visitor experience, providing a variety of culinary choices to satisfy the appetites of zoo-goers.
The Dancing Crane Cafe: The Main Dining Destination
The Dancing Crane Cafe is the primary restaurant at the Bronx Zoo, located near the Zoo Center and opposite the Bronx Zoo Store. This expansive, 17,500-square-foot establishment serves as the main dining hub for visitors, offering a diverse menu of hot and cold dishes, snacks, and beverages. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating, providing stunning views of the natural marsh surrounding the area.
The Dancing Crane Cafe operates daily from 10:00 a.m. to closing, ensuring that guests can enjoy a meal or refreshment throughout their zoo visit. The menu at the cafe is divided into three main sections: the Main Menu, the Ice Cream & Coffee Menu, and the Zoo Bites Menu, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.
Seasonal Cafes and Food Stands: Expanding the Dining Options
In addition to the Dancing Crane Cafe, the Bronx Zoo also offers a variety of seasonal cafes and food stands that cater to the needs of visitors. These dining options are typically open weather permitting, providing additional snack and refreshment choices throughout the park.
Some of the seasonal cafes and food stands at the Bronx Zoo include:
| Cafe/Stand | Location |
|---|---|
| The Patio | Near the Children’s Zoo |
| Pecking Order | At Northern Ponds |
| Asia Plaza | Near JungleWorld |
| Somba Village | Near the Baboon Reserve |
| Zoo Bites | At Tiger Mountain |
| Zoo Brews | Near Nature Trek |
These seasonal dining options offer a range of menu items, including sandwiches, salads, snacks, and in the case of Zoo Brews, beer and wine.
Other Dining Choices: Expanding the Culinary Landscape
In addition to the Dancing Crane Cafe and the seasonal cafes and food stands, the Bronx Zoo also offers several other dining options for visitors to explore. These include:
- Asia Plaza Cafe
- Asia Plaza Sweet Shop
- Pecking Order at Northern Ponds
- The Patio at Somba Village
- Village Burger at Somba Village
- Zoo Bites at Tiger Mountain
- Zoo Brews
The hours of operation for these additional dining options vary, with some opening later in the day or only on certain days of the week.
Cost Considerations: Moderate Pricing with Nearby Upscale Options
The prices at the Bronx Zoo’s restaurants and cafes are generally moderate, with most menu items ranging from $5 to $15. However, for those seeking a more upscale dining experience, there are several nearby options, such as the Hudson Garden Grill at the New York Botanical Garden, Roberto’s Restaurant, and Frankie’s Restaurant Arthur Ave.
Conclusion
The Bronx Zoo’s dining options cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its visitors, offering a range of culinary choices to satisfy every appetite. From the main Dancing Crane Cafe to the seasonal cafes and food stands, the zoo provides a well-rounded dining experience that complements the overall zoo-going adventure. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, the Bronx Zoo Restaurant has something to offer for every zoo enthusiast.
References:
– https://map.bronxzoo.com/place-types/9-eat-shop
– https://map.bronxzoo.com/place-types/123-dining
– https://www.opentable.com/landmark/restaurants-near-bronx-zoo-101538
– https://map.bronxzoo.com/places/57-dancing-crane-cafe
– https://bronxzoo.com/plan-your-visit/dining