20 Places to Eat on the National Mall
One of the most underrated problems we face in Washington, DC is finding places to eat on the National Mall. We’ve all been there. You are ready to explore the monuments and museums but need to fuel up before or after your adventure. Your best bets for restaurants near the National Mall can be found in two areas: near the White House and a few blocks north of Constitution Ave in Chinatown. I’ve rounded up 10 local spots of various price points to make sure you don’t go hungry while exploring.
This list does not include food options inside the museums. Museums can offer pretty good options but work best if you are already visiting one of them. This list is meant to inspire your dining without limiting your sightseeing plan to a specific museum.
Where to Eat Near the White House
Old Ebbitt Grill: This historic saloon has been a local hot spot for decades. Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding, and Theodore Roosevelt were frequent visitors and it is still a local favorite for politicians. The Victorian design reflects the styles of the restaurant’s beginnings in 1856. Now owned by Clyde’s, it’s a perfect lunch or dinner option to bring out-of-town family and friends. Find Old Ebbitt Grill next to the White House.
- Go for the history
- Closest to: The White House
- Best for brunch, lunch, dinner, or a cocktail at the bar
The Hamilton: The Hamilton offers a wide menu including seafood, meat, and pasta. It is another great spot full of history to bring out-of-town family and friends. The restaurant also serves as a music venue so look out for upcoming performances as live music returns. It can get busy during peak dinner hours so plan to go for lunch or an early dinner. Find The Hamilton next to The White House near Old Ebbitt Grill.
- Go for the big menu
- Closest to: The White House
- Best for brunch, lunch, dinner, or a cocktail at the bar
Immigrant Food: Immigrant Food offers dishes inspired from influences around the world. They weekend brunch, weekday lunch, and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Don’t miss their happy hour specials from 3 to 6:30 pm from Tuesday to Saturday. They also have a location near Planet Word.
- Casual dinning
- Closest to The White House and the Renwick Gallery
- Best for lunch
GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar: GCDC offers a grown-up twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup. Plus, don’t miss the loaded mac & cheese options. This is a kid-friendly crowd-pleaser but the huge variety and full bar make this is a great option for adults too. Find GCDC right next to the White House. Visit them for a mid-day meal – they are only open until 3 pm every day except Saturday when they are open until 7 pm.
- Grab and go
- Closest to The White House and the Renwick Gallery
- Best for lunch
Blackfinn DC: Blackfinn is an upscale, pub-style restaurant near the White House with a big menu. Enjoy hearty bar snacks, salads, burgers, tacos, pastas, chicken, crab cakes, and more. It’s dark decor makes it feel cozy in the winter and a nice place to cool off in the summer heat. Join them for happy hour Monday to Friday from 3 to 7 pm.
- Go for casual food and a drink
- Closest to: The White House
- Best for lunch, dinner, or happy hour
Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken: Astro Doughnuts has some of the best doughnuts in the city. If you are craving something sweet near the National Mall, this is your stop. If you need something a little more filling, go next door to Astro Beer Hall for filling appetizers, sandwiches, and fried chicken. The doughnuts are only open until the late afternoon but Astro Beer Hall serves food until 9:30 pm Tuesday to Thursday,11 pm on Saturday, and 6 on Sunday (closed Mondays). Find them near the White House, about 2 blocks from Old Ebbitt Grill.
- Go for casual dining
- Closest to: The White House
- Best for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
District Taco: District Taco is a great, quick stop for food any time of day. You can load up tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos with a variety of toppings. They also offer a kid’s menu and breakfast all day. District Taco is a local chain with additional locations in Dupont, Tenleytown, Rosslyn, and more. These tacos also make a great to-go option for a picnic. Find them in Metro Center – about a 10-minute walk from the White House.
- Casual dining or grab and go
- Closest to: The White House
- Best for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
National Mall Itineraries
Where to Eat in Federal Triangle and Penn Quarter
Federal Triangle and Penn Quarter are just north of Constitution Ave where you’ll find the African American History Museum, the Museum of American History, the Museum of Natural History, The National Gallery of Art, and the National Archives.
&pizza: &pizza is an inexpensive, casual option for great pizza. They serve up classics like mushroom pizza, garlic white pizza, and pineapple pizza but you can also build your own. These pizzas a flatbread style and big enough to serve 1 person. Find &pizza about a 6-minute walk from the Museum of Natural History on the National Mall.
- Casual dinning or grab and go
- Closest to the Museum of Natural History
- Good for lunch or dinner
Pavilion Cafe: For a quick bite, head to the Pavilion Cafe in the outdoor Sculpture Garden. This cafe offers drinks, sandwiches, chips, cookies, and ice cream with options for kids. Dine at one of their outdoor tables or in the grass while enjoying the sculptures. The Sculpture Garden also allows outdoor food so you can enjoy any snacks you brought from home too. The cafe is open daily from 11 am to 3:45 pm and is located outside the National Gallery of Art.
- Outdoor dining in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
- Closest to the National Gallery of Art and the Museum of Natural History
- Best for lunch or mid-day snacks
Oyamel: Bring your Mexican food lovers here! Oyamel by Jose Andres offers amazing made-to-order guacamole and margaritas. This tapas-style menu offers both meat and veggie options for all types of diets. Enjoy this spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Find Oyamel in Penn Quarter – about a 9-minute walk from the National Gallery of Art.
- Go for Spanish tapas and to enjoy a restaurant by Jose Andres
- Closest to: the National Gallery of Art & The National Archives
- Good for lunch, dinner, and cocktails
Hill Country: Hill Country is the perfect spot for a meat-loving crowd. Grab individual portions of meat or build a Pitmaster to feed a crowd. Don’t forget the sides – my favorites are the macaroni and cheese with the corn bread. Guests order food cafeteria-style and enjoy at large tables so this spot is perfect for a larger crowd. You can also catch happy hour specials from 3 to 7 pm at the bar from Monday to Friday.
- Go for great BBQ and drinks
- Closest to the National Gallery of Art & The National Archives
- Best for lunch and dinner
Carmine’s: Carmine’s is a family-style Italian restaurant that is great for large groups. Order some drinks and a variety of pastas, vegetables, and meat dishes for the table. The staff is friendly and can help you make sure you order the right amount for your table.
- Go for a meal with a large group
- Closest to the National Gallery of Art & The National Archives
- Best for lunch and dinner
Luke’s Lobster: Enjoy a lobster, crab, or shrimp roll from Luke’s Lobster. Can’t decide? Get a fight of three mini sliders to try them all. They also offer New England clam chowder and lobster bisque – perfect for chilly days!
- Fast casual or grab and go
- Closest to the National Gallery of Art & The National Archives
- Best for lunch and dinner
Seoul Spice: Seoul Spice is a fast casual Korean restaurant offer build your own rice, noodle, or salad bowls. These hearty bowls will keep you full for a day of exploring on the National Mall. You can also order them to go for a picnic or dinner back at your hotel.
- Fast casual or grab and go
- Closest to the National Gallery of Art & The National Archives
- Best for lunch and dinner
Where to Eat in Gallery Place
Gallery Place is slightly north of Penn Quarter where you’ll find the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of American Art. While this is not part of the National Mall, you may find yourself here to visit this two other Smithsonian museums.
Mi Vida: This upscale Mexican restaurant is great for date night or a crowd. They offer plenty of entrees or you can order a family style meal. Try them for happy hour every day from 3 to 6 pm at the bar include specials for tacos on Tuesdays. Mi Vida has two other locations on 14th Street and The Wharf.
- Go for upscale Mexican food
- Closest to the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of American Art
- Best for brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour
Dirty Habit: Located inside the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Dirty Habit is a trendy cocktail bar and restaurant. Dirty Habit is open for all meals including daily breakfast but is best for brunch or a splurge dinner. Don’t miss trying a creative cocktails or the tasting menu on Tuesdays.
- Go for date night or cocktails
- Closest to: the National Gallery of Art & The National Archives
- Best for dinner
The Smith: The Smith is an upscale spot with American dishes. Known for their shareable starters, hearty entrées, and raw bar, The Smith is perfect for everything from a casual brunch to a celebratory dinner. Don’t miss their signature mac & cheese skillet! While this is a go-to for dinner, this is also a great option for breakfast or weekend brunch.
- Go for a nice dinner with good cocktails
- Closest to: the National Gallery of Art & The National Archives
- Best for dinner or weekday breakfast
Cafe Riggs: Housed in the historic Riggs Hotel, this French inspired cafe with blends European charm with a DC flair. Cafe Riggs is open for all meals but I think it is the most fun for weekend brunch, a fancy weekday breakfast, or a late lunch. It’s a bit of splurge so plan this for a special occasion.
- Go for a fancy breakfast
- Closest to: the National Gallery of Art & The National Archives
- Best for brunch
Urban Roast: Urban Roast is a cafe by day and a vibrant cocktail bar by night. Check them out in the morning for breakfast or coffee – served everyday until 3 pm. For dinner, you can make a meal out of a few starters but the main draw is their fun cocktails and picture worthy decor. Urban Roast often features seasonal decor for cherry blossom season, fall, and the winter holidays.
- Go for the seasonal the vibes
- Closest to: the National Gallery of Art & The National Archives
- Best for breakfast or cocktails
Zaytinya: Chef Jose Andres serves up Mediterranean dishes at Zaytinya with inspiration from Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon. This upscale restaurant is best known for its small plates like hummus, lamb kebabs, and crispy Brussels sprouts. Pair your meal with a good wine or one of their cocktails.
- Go for Mediterranean dishes and to enjoy a restaurant by Jose Andres
- Closest to: the National Gallery of Art & The National Archives
- Best for lunch, dinner, and cocktails