Delightful Cincinnati Zoo Food: 5 Tasty Treats to Savor

Zoo Core Editors Desk

Delightful Cincinnati Zoo Food: 5 Tasty Treats to Savor

Overview

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden offers a diverse range of dining options to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. From classic American fare to international flavors, the zoo’s food options are designed to ensure a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.

Food Locations and Hours

Cincinnati Zoo Food

The Cincinnati Zoo features several food locations, each with its unique offerings and operating hours. Here’s a breakdown of the available options:

Location Hours
Base Camp Cafe 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Hops 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Outpost Cafe 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Mai Thai’s Market 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Taco Caja 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dippin Dots Various locations and hours
Savannah Soft Serve 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Base Camp Cafe

The Base Camp Cafe offers a variety of classic American dishes, including hand-breaded chicken tenders, LaRosa’s pizza, seasonal salads, deli sandwiches, and grilled burgers. The cafe is also certified as the “Greenest Restaurant in America” by the Green Restaurant Association, showcasing the zoo’s commitment to sustainability.

Hops

Hops is a unique dining option that features local craft beers and serves made-to-order flatbreads, nachos, and pastas. The cafe overlooks the Roo Valley and the adventure ropes course, Kanga’ Klimb, providing a scenic backdrop for your meal.

Outpost Cafe

The Outpost Cafe celebrates classic Cincinnati flavors, offering Skyline Chili, Grippo’s Chicken Sandwich, and Avril and Bleh Brats, among other local favorites.

Mai Thai’s Market

Mai Thai’s Market is a one-stop-shop for snacks, beverages, and specialty coffee. It also serves local hand-dipped Graeter’s ice cream and features a Grab and Go section for quick bites.

Taco Caja

Taco Caja offers a taste of Mexican cuisine, serving up soft tacos, nachos, and a fresh Baja Bowl.

Dippin Dots and Savannah Soft Serve

For those with a sweet tooth, the Cincinnati Zoo features several locations offering Dippin Dots ice cream and Savannah Soft Serve.

Ordering and Payment

The Cincinnati Zoo offers several convenient options for ordering and payment:

Online Ordering

Visitors can order ahead of time at the Base Camp Cafe for a seamless pickup experience.

Zoo Bucks

The zoo’s own currency, Zoo Bucks, provides a hassle-free way to pay for snacks, meals, and gifts during your visit.

Sustainability Initiatives

The Cincinnati Zoo is committed to sustainability, and this commitment is reflected in its food offerings:

Green Restaurant Certification

Both the Hops and Base Camp Cafe locations are certified by the Green Restaurant Association, recognizing their eco-friendly practices.

Plastic Bag Free

The zoo encourages visitors to bring reusable bags or purchase a Zoo-themed tote for $2.99, reducing the use of single-use plastic bags.

Tips and Recommendations

To make the most of your Cincinnati Zoo food experience, consider the following tips:

  • Plan Ahead: Check the zoo’s website for food location hours and plan your meals accordingly.
  • Bring Your Own Food: If you have specific dietary needs or preferences, consider bringing your own food.
  • Support Local: The zoo features local breweries and food options, supporting the local community.

References

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