If you want something really nice, try Central Michel Richard https://www.centralmichelrichard.com/ They have doted on our group of well-behaved kids post-midday theatre (they stay in seats and aren't loud and eat something besides nuggets). The American Indian museum has one of the better cafeterias. Hill Country and Matchbox up 7th are good options. Also adventurous and has treated our children very well is China Chilcano by Jose Andres.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So many food trucks. If the weather is nice, food truck and picnic on the mall.

Yeah, we usually get a hot dog or a pretzel from one of the street stands. The National Museum of the American Indian has a great cafeteria too, in that they have a lot of options, but it's pushing for the term "kid friendly."

My kid loves watching the fountain and there’s always kid friendly food available. Plus cafeteria style is easy to manage especially if you have two adults. You can also bring in snacks/sandwiches/whatever. Idk if that’s officially allowed but no one has ever stopped me. I’m a SAHM so I’ve been a bunch.

Native American museum cafe! For sure.

The cafe inside the Native American museum is excellent and has something for everyone

Anonymous wrote:So many food trucks. If the weather is nice, food truck and picnic on the mall.

Yeah, we usually get a hot dog or a pretzel from one of the street stands. The National Museum of the American Indian has a great cafeteria too, in that they have a lot of options, but it's pushing for the term "kid friendly."

The cascade cafe cafeteria in the bottom of the national gallery of art. Check to make sure it’s open when you’re going. Pick up a gelato afterward in the gelato/espresso bar

https://www.nga.gov/visit/food-drink.html

So many food trucks. If the weather is nice, food truck and picnic on the mall.

There's also Hill Country BBQ by Gallery Place which was exciting for my northern relatives to feel like they're in the south.

Thanks all!

Elephant and Castle on PA Ave.

We went with our kids to Elephant and Castle a few weeks ago during peak Cherry Blossom and it worked out well. Right off the mall.

Shake shack. 9th and F

It depends what you mean by "close" and what your cross streets are for the museum you're visiting . There is not much right ON the mall that's not part of a museum cafe.

We normally grab hot dogs and pretzels from a cart, unless I've planned well and we can hike to Gallery Place of the McDonalds by L'enfant.

Old Ebbitt duh

Out of towner visiting DC with our two young kids this weekend. Any suggestions for where to grab lunch with the kids near the Smithsonian museums?