Brookfield Zoo, located in Brookfield, Illinois, is a popular destination for families and nature enthusiasts. While exploring the diverse animal exhibits, visitors often seek out the various dining options available within the zoo. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the details you need to make the most of your Brookfield Zoo eating experience.
Brookfield Zoo Dining Options
Brookfield Zoo offers a wide range of dining options to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of its visitors. From main restaurants to snack stands and carts, there’s something for everyone.
Main Restaurants
- BZ Red Hots: Located near the Seven Seas exhibit, this restaurant offers a variety of classic American fare, including pizza, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and seasonal salads.
- Café del Sol: Situated near the Living Coast exhibit, Café del Sol serves up vegetarian bowls, burgers, hot dogs, and more.
Snack Stands and Carts
- Bites & Brews Stations: Strategically placed around the park, these stations offer festive favorites like beer, pretzels with cheese, popcorn, and cotton candy.
- Cup & Cone: Located near the tram stops, this stand specializes in ice cream and custom-made coffee drinks.
- Dippin’ Dots Carts: Scattered throughout the zoo, these carts offer a variety of ice cream treats.
- Leinie’s Lodge: Found near Carousel Plaza, this spot provides cold beer, bottled water, Gatorade, popcorn, and pretzels.
- Graze: Situated on the East Mall, Graze offers hamburgers, barbecue, seasoned fries, and a selection of beverages.
- SWEETY BIRD: Located between South Gate Market and Hamill Family Nature Plaza, this stand specializes in ice cream, funnel cakes, gourmet popcorn, and other sweet treats.
- The Coop FOOD Truck: Parked on the East Mall, this seasonal food truck serves up hand-breaded chicken sandwiches.
- Taco Caja Food Truck: Also located on the East Mall, this seasonal food truck offers delicious street tacos.
- Wild Burger: Near the Great Bear Wilderness exhibit, this stand provides all-beef hot dogs, burgers, and more.
Tips and Recommendations
- Order Early: To avoid long lines and enjoy quicker service, consider ordering your food by 11:30 AM, especially on busy days.
- Indoor Seating: If you’re looking for a more comfortable dining experience, BZ Red Hots offers more indoor seating, which can be particularly helpful on rainy days.
Nearby Dining Options
If you’re looking to explore dining options outside of the zoo, there are several excellent restaurants in the vicinity:
- Posto 31: An Italian restaurant located 5-10 minutes from the zoo, offering pasta and short rib gnocchi.
- Burger Antics: Known for their delicious burgers and unique ketchup offerings.
- Beach Ave BBQ: A great spot for meat lovers, serving up mouthwatering barbecue.
- Irish Times: A cozy establishment with a fireplace and outdoor seating area.
Holiday Dining at Brookfield Zoo
During the holiday season, Brookfield Zoo offers a special Holiday Dinner Menu, featuring a variety of salads, entrees, and desserts. Prices for this festive dining experience range from $84 to $107 per person.
Accessibility
For visitors with accessibility needs, the path to BZ Red Hots is equipped with a ramp. To access the restaurant, simply go around the corner to the left as you face the building.
General Information
- Food Quality: The main food options at Brookfield Zoo are of decent quality and moderately priced, as is typical for museum-style dining.
- Variety: The zoo offers a wide range of dining choices, including vegetarian and seasonal options, catering to diverse dietary preferences.