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A fully dressed burger at Duke's Counter.
A fully dressed burger at Duke’s Counter.
Duke’s Counter/Facebook

Where to Eat and Drink Near the National Zoo

Feed virtually any need

by Adele Chapin and Kalina Newman Updated
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A fully dressed burger at Duke’s Counter.
| Duke’s Counter/Facebook
by Adele Chapin and Kalina Newman Updated

The National Zoo is one of the most heavily trafficked tourist spots in Washington, and those crowds get even larger when there's a marquee event like Zoolights or Brew at the Zoo happening. Crowds have only increased since the zoo re-opened its Bird House to the general public, and this summer brings new cheetah cubs and elephants to fawn over.

Here's Eater's updated guide to the best dining options within easy walking distance of the Zoo, which itself is a short stroll from the Woodley Park and Cleveland Park Metro stations. Eater has narrowed the choices to restaurants within a half a mile walk, covering everything from steak frites and Indian cuisine to barbecue spots and unassuming bars.

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LiLLiES Restaurant & Bar

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This family-owned Italian restaurant features a weekend brunch with Zoo Specials like panda pancakes, a selection of eggs benedicts and a full Scottish breakfast served with smoked salmon, hard boiled egg, and sundried tomato served on sliced baguette bread.

Distance from Zoo: 0.2 miles

2915 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 450-4824
(202) 450-4824

Also featured in:

Dolan Uyghur Restaurant

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Uyghur cuisine is hard to come by in D.C., but Dolan provides a critically acclaimed taste of the culture with hand-pulled noodles called laghman, meat kebabs, dumplings dubbed manti and goshnan, a pan-fried pastry stuffed with ground beef, peppers, and sweet onions.

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

3518 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 686-3941
(202) 686-3941
Dolan Uyghur Restaurarant DC food Dolan Uyghur Restaurant

Open City

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Looking to fill up before getting your steps in at the Zoo? Open City Diner opens at 8 a.m., serving omelets, breakfast burritos, chicken and waffles, and their specialty hashbrown square. Their coffee counter serves coffee & espresso beverages made by sister restaurant, Tryst.

Distance to zoo: 0.5 miles

2331 Calvert St NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 332-2331
(202) 332-2331

Rose Ave Bakery

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This much-anticipated standalone Korean bakery, which started as a stall in The Block DC food hall, opened its doors to the public this spring. If you want one of their specialty passion fruit and ube donuts, make sure to get early — they tend to sell out.

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

2633 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Indique

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This longtime family-owned business not only serves modern takes on Indian classics like lamb roganjosh and samosa chaat, but several dishes from where the chef grew up including Malabar Fish Curry, a staple from the southern state of Kerala.

Distance from zoo: 0.4 miles.

3512 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 244-6600
(202) 244-6600
Official

Also featured in:

Medium Rare

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Picky eaters, rejoice: Cleveland Park is home to a location of Medium Rare, a steak-frites restaurant with a three course, prix-fixe menu. (Vegetarians have the option of grilled portobello, also served with fries.)

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

3500 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 237-1432
(202) 237-1432

Also featured in:

Fat Pete's Barbecue (Multiple Locations)

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You’ll find all the BBQ staples at this award-winning restaurant, from pulled pork sandwiches to brisket platters to cornbread & collard greens. Feeling adventurous? Opt for the burnt end grilled cheese, made with bourbon bacon jam and served on Texas toast.

Distance from zoo: 0.4 miles.

3407 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 362-7777
(202) 362-7777
Official

Also featured in:

Vace Italian Deli

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40+ year old Vace Italian Deli is a staple in the Cleveland Park neighborhood, serving pizza and Italian subs. If you’re looking to pick up a few groceries, Vace also sells an extensive selection of imported goods from rolls of polenta to specialty pasta.

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

3315 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 369-1999
(202) 369-1999
Cleveland Park Business Association

Also featured in:

Baked by Yael

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Baked by Yael has been serving nut-free and kosher baked goods right across the street from the entrance to the zoo. Their selection includes color and panda-themed cake pops, as well as bagels and Hamantaschen.

Distance from zoo: Just 105 feet.

3000-F Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 480-9235
(202) 480-9235
Official

Duke's Counter

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Cool off after a long day at the Zoo with a pint at Duke’s Counter. The bar keeps eight draught beers on tap, and dishes range from gourmet burgers to white truffle mac & cheese.

Distance from zoo: Less than 500 feet.

3000 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 733-4808
(202) 733-4808

Hot N Juicy Crawfish (Multiple Locations)

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Head to Hot N Juicy Crawfish for seafood boils served by the pound in a steaming hot bag. Seafood selection includes crawfish, clams, shrimp and crab when seasonal.

Distance from zoo: 0.4 miles.

2651 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 299-9448
(202) 299-9448

Lebanese Taverna (Multiple Locations)

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A D.C. area staple, family-run Lebanese Taverna offers classic Mediterranean dishes like chicken shawarma. On Monday, their mezze menu goes bottomless for $38.

Distance from zoo: 0.4 miles.

2641 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 265-8681
(202) 265-8681
Official

Also featured in:

District Kitchen

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Sit down for a prix-fixe dinner at District Kitchen, where three courses (an appetizer, main and dessert) are priced at $40. Dishes include small plates like burrata salad, brussel sprouts, and tuna ceviche, and mains range from cast iron paella made with shrimp, mussels and chorizo to gnocchi & lamb sausage ragu.

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

2606 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 238-9408
(202) 238-9408
District Kitchen

Also featured in:

Macintyre's

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After a day at the Zoo, crash at Macintyre’s to watch a Nationals or Capitals game at this sports bar from the owners of Maddy's, open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Food selection includes bar food classics like jumbo wings, pretzel sticks, potato skins and chicken tenders.

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

2621 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 506-3427
(202) 506-3427

New Heights Restaurant

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This Woodley Park veteran restaurant was recently added to the Michelin Guide for its humble atmosphere and flavorful food. Take a seat at the bar downstairs or head up to the dining room for dishes like broccolini with black garlic Caesar dressing, rack of lamb topped with salsa verde and crispy fried oysters with pickled cauliflower.

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

2317 Calvert St NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 234-4110
(202) 234-4110

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Cracked Eggery

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Whether you’re looking for a casual breakfast or just happen to be a passionate fan of egg dishes, Cracked Eggery’s menu has you covered. Get fueled for the zoo with egg-adorned sandwiches made on toasted challah bread with selections ranging from the “The Animal” stuffed with cracked bacon, scrambled eggs, tator tots, American and cheddar cheeses, or the “Paulie Cicero” with prosciutto, a fried egg, ricotta, arugula, hot honey and more.

Distance to zoo: 0.3 miles

3420 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 351-6168
(202) 351-6168

Also featured in:

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LiLLiES Restaurant & Bar

2915 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

This family-owned Italian restaurant features a weekend brunch with Zoo Specials like panda pancakes, a selection of eggs benedicts and a full Scottish breakfast served with smoked salmon, hard boiled egg, and sundried tomato served on sliced baguette bread.

Distance from Zoo: 0.2 miles

2915 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 450-4824
(202) 450-4824

Dolan Uyghur Restaurant

3518 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

Uyghur cuisine is hard to come by in D.C., but Dolan provides a critically acclaimed taste of the culture with hand-pulled noodles called laghman, meat kebabs, dumplings dubbed manti and goshnan, a pan-fried pastry stuffed with ground beef, peppers, and sweet onions.

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

3518 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 686-3941
(202) 686-3941
Dolan Uyghur Restaurarant DC food Dolan Uyghur Restaurant

Open City

2331 Calvert St NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

Looking to fill up before getting your steps in at the Zoo? Open City Diner opens at 8 a.m., serving omelets, breakfast burritos, chicken and waffles, and their specialty hashbrown square. Their coffee counter serves coffee & espresso beverages made by sister restaurant, Tryst.

Distance to zoo: 0.5 miles

2331 Calvert St NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 332-2331
(202) 332-2331

Rose Ave Bakery

2633 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

This much-anticipated standalone Korean bakery, which started as a stall in The Block DC food hall, opened its doors to the public this spring. If you want one of their specialty passion fruit and ube donuts, make sure to get early — they tend to sell out.

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

2633 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Indique

3512 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

This longtime family-owned business not only serves modern takes on Indian classics like lamb roganjosh and samosa chaat, but several dishes from where the chef grew up including Malabar Fish Curry, a staple from the southern state of Kerala.

Distance from zoo: 0.4 miles.

3512 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 244-6600
(202) 244-6600
Official

Medium Rare

3500 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

Picky eaters, rejoice: Cleveland Park is home to a location of Medium Rare, a steak-frites restaurant with a three course, prix-fixe menu. (Vegetarians have the option of grilled portobello, also served with fries.)

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

3500 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 237-1432
(202) 237-1432

Fat Pete's Barbecue (Multiple Locations)

3407 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

You’ll find all the BBQ staples at this award-winning restaurant, from pulled pork sandwiches to brisket platters to cornbread & collard greens. Feeling adventurous? Opt for the burnt end grilled cheese, made with bourbon bacon jam and served on Texas toast.

Distance from zoo: 0.4 miles.

3407 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 362-7777
(202) 362-7777
Official

Vace Italian Deli

3315 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

40+ year old Vace Italian Deli is a staple in the Cleveland Park neighborhood, serving pizza and Italian subs. If you’re looking to pick up a few groceries, Vace also sells an extensive selection of imported goods from rolls of polenta to specialty pasta.

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

3315 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 369-1999
(202) 369-1999
Cleveland Park Business Association

Baked by Yael

3000-F Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

Baked by Yael has been serving nut-free and kosher baked goods right across the street from the entrance to the zoo. Their selection includes color and panda-themed cake pops, as well as bagels and Hamantaschen.

Distance from zoo: Just 105 feet.

3000-F Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 480-9235
(202) 480-9235
Official

Duke's Counter

3000 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Cool off after a long day at the Zoo with a pint at Duke’s Counter. The bar keeps eight draught beers on tap, and dishes range from gourmet burgers to white truffle mac & cheese.

Distance from zoo: Less than 500 feet.

3000 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 733-4808
(202) 733-4808

Hot N Juicy Crawfish (Multiple Locations)

2651 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

Head to Hot N Juicy Crawfish for seafood boils served by the pound in a steaming hot bag. Seafood selection includes crawfish, clams, shrimp and crab when seasonal.

Distance from zoo: 0.4 miles.

2651 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 299-9448
(202) 299-9448

Lebanese Taverna (Multiple Locations)

2641 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

A D.C. area staple, family-run Lebanese Taverna offers classic Mediterranean dishes like chicken shawarma. On Monday, their mezze menu goes bottomless for $38.

Distance from zoo: 0.4 miles.

2641 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 265-8681
(202) 265-8681
Official

District Kitchen

2606 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

Sit down for a prix-fixe dinner at District Kitchen, where three courses (an appetizer, main and dessert) are priced at $40. Dishes include small plates like burrata salad, brussel sprouts, and tuna ceviche, and mains range from cast iron paella made with shrimp, mussels and chorizo to gnocchi & lamb sausage ragu.

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

2606 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 238-9408
(202) 238-9408
District Kitchen

Macintyre's

2621 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

After a day at the Zoo, crash at Macintyre’s to watch a Nationals or Capitals game at this sports bar from the owners of Maddy's, open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Food selection includes bar food classics like jumbo wings, pretzel sticks, potato skins and chicken tenders.

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

2621 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 506-3427
(202) 506-3427

New Heights Restaurant

2317 Calvert St NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

This Woodley Park veteran restaurant was recently added to the Michelin Guide for its humble atmosphere and flavorful food. Take a seat at the bar downstairs or head up to the dining room for dishes like broccolini with black garlic Caesar dressing, rack of lamb topped with salsa verde and crispy fried oysters with pickled cauliflower.

Distance from zoo: 0.5 miles.

2317 Calvert St NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 234-4110
(202) 234-4110

Related Maps

Cracked Eggery

3420 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Whether you’re looking for a casual breakfast or just happen to be a passionate fan of egg dishes, Cracked Eggery’s menu has you covered. Get fueled for the zoo with egg-adorned sandwiches made on toasted challah bread with selections ranging from the “The Animal” stuffed with cracked bacon, scrambled eggs, tator tots, American and cheddar cheeses, or the “Paulie Cicero” with prosciutto, a fried egg, ricotta, arugula, hot honey and more.

Distance to zoo: 0.3 miles

3420 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 351-6168
(202) 351-6168

Related Maps