where to eat lunch near African American museum for 100 person school group?

[Anonymous]

Our school is taking a field trip to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, and the cafeteria there only seats 400, and we're concerned that as popular as it is, it will be a logistical nightmare with a 100 person school group.

Would the food court in the Ronald Reagan building be better?

Anywhere else near 14th and Constitution?

The museum doesn't allow outside food, and the weather will probably be too cold for eating outside, which is why I don't think bagged/boxed lunches are a good option.

[Anonymous]

I used to always take school groups here, but I see it closed:

https://www.popville.com/2020/05/dc-food-hall-eat-at-national-place-national-press-building-permanently-closed/

Honestly if costs aren't prohibitive, I would stagger your group to different lunch times and eat at the museum.

[Anonymous]

I think the Ronald Reagan food court would be better. Just a heads up that everyone will need to go through security (just a metal detector) so factor that into timing. However, I’ve been there recently and there is more than enough space and good options.

[Anonymous]

Air and Space

[Anonymous]

Has anyone eaten at the Museum of African American History and culture recently? If we broke into smaller groups for lunch and staggered times, would that be doable?
Thanks for all the replies!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the Ronald Reagan food court would be better. Just a heads up that everyone will need to go through security (just a metal detector) so factor that into timing. However, I’ve been there recently and there is more than enough space and good options.

This was going to be my suggestion too. Lots of food options and plenty of space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone eaten at the Museum of African American History and culture recently? If we broke into smaller groups for lunch and staggered times, would that be doable?
Thanks for all the replies!

My experience was probably a year ago, but it was crazy busy at lunchtime.

[Anonymous]

Have you asked the museum for advice?

How old are these kids?

I think it would be best to stay on site and stagger.

Pethaps the museum has event space it can use to help you, and you can get pre-paid lunches transported to it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Air and Space

that's not close at all, what terrible advice.

[Anonymous]

National Gallery of Art

I would strongly suggest you break into groups of 10-20 and go different places. 100 people is A LOT for any eating establishment.

[Anonymous]

Please just get on the bus and go home.

[Anonymous]

Can the kids go to the food trucks?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone eaten at the Museum of African American History and culture recently? If we broke into smaller groups for lunch and staggered times, would that be doable?
Thanks for all the replies!

Yes. Split into four groups. Stagger times by 30 min. A little overlap is fine because I’ve stood in line for 10+ min before.

Give the kids the menu with prices in advance and warn them that certain dishes run out fast so they need a backup.

[Anonymous]

look at a map and call the restaurants. I wrk by a large chain and I regularly see them seat and feed 100kids. They line them up outside, yell at them about what's going t happen when they go inside and I strongly suspect it's al l pre-ordered burgers.

[Anonymous]

Can't they bring a bagged lunch?

That's what most field trip kids do.