Dining Options
Fresh flavors, local ingredients, healthy options.

Dining Options

Learn why we're changing from plastic beverage bottles to glass and cans

Making the Switch!

Here at the Zoo we’re committed to doing our part and helping our visitors be stewards for the environment. Beverage items in vending machines throughout the Zoo are available in recyclable glass bottles and aluminum cans, reducing single-use plastic. It’s just a start, but soon we hope to move completely away from providing beverages in plastic bottles. Soda fountain drinks are available at our food locations.

Did you know?

Aluminum is a highly durable material that is infinitely recyclable! In fact, nearly 75 percent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today! Help keep the cycle going — look for recycling bins throughout the Zoo.

Pavilion Café

Open during the warmer months, experience the unique cuisine at the Zoo’s Pavilion Café located at the Bicentennial Pavilion. The new menu items will offer you many choices like a brisket sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, smoke stack tacos, food truck fries, fried pickles and much more. Local craft beer, domestic beer and wine are also available. The Pavilion Café is closed for the season.

Café on the Commons

Located at the heart of the Zoo, Café on the Commons is the Zoo’s primary food service location. This restaurant is open year round and serves fresh, healthy options such as fruit, salads with a variety of toppings, wraps, and healthier snacks and drinks. The Café has indoor and outdoor seating and is open during regular Zoo hours.

Crossing Café

Located next to Kangaroo Crossing, the Crossing Café features a selection of hot dogs, gourmet burgers, gourmet treats, healthy meal options and more. Open for walk-up service during the warmer months of the year, you’ll find everything you need for a quick lunchtime meal.

Westside Café

Located near the entrance/exit to Plains, the Westside Café presented by Red Gold is the perfect place to pick up a cool beverage or favorites like pizza, breadsticks and other treats.

Encounters Snacks

Need a refreshing frozen beverage to cool off on a hot day? Then make your way over to this seasonal location in Encounters where you’ll find multiple fruity flavors of ICEEs plus other drinks and snacks.

Dining Carts

During the summer, guests can pick up a quick treat at one of the many food carts located throughout Zoo grounds. These convenient food stops offer drinks, frozen treats, pretzels and other snacks. Featured carts offer favorites like Dippin’ Dots, Blue Bunny Ice Cream and other temptations.

Thanks to our Partners
Ready to Visit the Zoo?

Don't miss out on your next adventure. View our ticket pricing and buy your tickets online!

Buy Tickets