Kennedy Center’s roof-level cafeteria, offering sandwiches, a salad bar, hot entrees, coffee & wine.
Constance Lewis
I was shocked at the poor reviews for this place. We are not local enough to eat at home before a performance so we had to eat here New Year’s Day. We had a very positive experience. We arrived early before a Matinee and it was quiet and calm. They person serving at the counter even made a fresh batch of fries for us because the ones that were ready to go had been sitting according to him. No one has ever done that to me when I have gone to these cafeteria style places.
It is over priced, like all eateries at venues are, but we only do this kind of thing a few times a year so it doesn’t break the bank. I would eat here again.
… moreTimothy Francis
I thought they were going to have a variety of food. I checked the menu on Google to my surprise when I got there the food selection changed. Hot food selection was very limited. Who wants to pick up cold sandwiches at the kennedy center. Someone fix this. Frozen fries, tender made to order…20 minutes gone..this is the kennedy center.. also, got a coke and a plastic cup..8 dollars..$5 for 12 Oz can and $3+ for souvenir cup. I heard a customer say last time he had to throw the smash burger away..it was not fully cook
… moreDavid Godfrey
The prices are typical for DC ($12 for a cheeseburger, $5 fries), about what you would pay at a food truck. The drinks ($12 for a can of beer or wine, or $18 for the premium drink wall) are more than you would pay at the store, but aren’t bad for a restaurant. And most importantly, the view cannot be beat.
… moreTony W
The KC cafe is on the second floor of the kennedy center. It provides variety of food to visitors. The space is big, clean and have a great view of the potomac river from the large side window. The pre made sandwiches, salads and wraps are fresh. The fresh cooked meals taste okay but a little pricy. The staffs are very friendly.
… moreRay Lawrence
Yes, it IS a bit pricey – but considering it is at Kennedy Center, with GREAT views, the prices are OK. Much less expensive than the fancy restaurant next door.
The best deal is the (large) salad!
Generally closed if it is a day with no performances –
Actually, From May to October, the best place for light eats at Kennedy Center is the outdoor cafe at the Reach.
… moreMarco Facchini
Salad is a zero. A cafeteria serving a horrible salad is unheard of. It is dressing with a little green/red under. … and the green/red had no flavor at all (which makes sense given the amount of dressing they put).
Also, that was my fallback option, because brunch was supposedly until 3.30 as announced due to the show specials. Yet they closed the brunch station at 2.00. Unbelievable. Left my toddler sad.
I threw the whole thing and left.
… moreJames N
The smashburgers are tasty and excellent value for D.C. The drinks are overpriced but it’s all for a good cause. They could improve the decor which very much feels like a cafeteria.
… moreFraser Street
OK. Very convenient for Kennedy Center. Good for kids. Expensive but not insane. Cafeteria style serve yourself. Lots of options. Easy seating.
… moreLilly de Falco
I have been to the KC Cafe over a dozen times in the last year for events at different times of the day. They NEVER have anything more than wrapped cold sandwiches.
Make sure you eat beforehand, as this place is only good for an overpriced water or juice.
… moreKathryn
Disappointed that I couldn’t find something that was reasonably priced for dinner. They offer lots of snacks
Thought I’d get a sandwich, but they really looked plain and not good, especially for the price. All the good looking food was crazy expensive – $27 for cafeteria food? (Did look good, though! )
That being said, the staff offered me a sample of the soup, tomato cream maybe. Very yummy. I’d order that again!
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