10 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.
There are two important things to remember about restaurants near the National Mall. Number 1: L’Enfant (near the Asian Art Museum, The Hirshhorn, and the Air and Space Museum) does not have a lot of food. Plan to head farther south to The Wharf or across the mall to Chinatown. Number 2: the food trucks can be very hit or miss.
Where to Eat Near the White House
Resteraunts near the White House include the famous Old Ebbitt Grill and The Hamilton and several fast-casual options. This is a great spot to start or end your trip if you are staying in Dupont or Farragut Square.
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 obviously a kid-friendly crowd-pleaser but the huge variety and full bar make this is a great option for adults too. Indoor and outdoor seating is available plus to-go options. This makes a great picnic option when you need a break in the grass. 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.
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.
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.
Blackfinn DC
Blackfinn is a nice pub-style restaurant near the White House with a big menu. Enjoy hearty bar snacks, salads, burgers, tacos, pastas, chicken, crab cakes, and more. Join them for happy hour Monday to Friday from 3 to 7 pm.
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, Astro Doughnuts serves up fried chicken pieces or sandwiches on doughnut buns. Stop by for breakfast or lunch as they close in the late afternoon. Find them near the White House, about 2 blocks from Old Ebbitt Grill. Astro Doughnuts is only open until 5:30 pm from Monday to Friday, 5 pm on Saturdays, and 3 pm on Sundays so visit them lunch or breakfast.
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.
Where to Eat Near the Museum of Natural History
The neighborhoods near the Museum of Natural History include Federal Triangle and Chinatown where you’ll have access to a huge variety of restaurants. Museums in this area include the Museum of Natural HIstory, the Museum of American History, the Museum of African American History, the National Gallery of Art, and the 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.
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.
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.
Pavillion Cafe
For a quick bite, head to the Pavillion 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.
Where to Eat Near the Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin, specifically near the Jefferson Memorial, is walkable to The Wharf. There are a huge variety of restaurants in this area, but the below are a few on the side of the boardwalk closest to the Tidal Basin.
Falafel
If you are looking for a cheap, inexpensive place to grab a falafel sandwich or bowl, this is the perfect spot. Other snacks like pita, hummus, fries, and more are also available. This is a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
Officina at The Wharf
Officina at the Wharf offers great Italian fare for brunch, lunch, and dinner plus special deals on small bites from 5 to 7 pm on Monday to Friday and 5 to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. They have a large space that includes both an indoor dining room and a rooftop.