Washington D.C. (including Baltimore) - Is it possible to make dining reservations at one of the Smithsonians?

A large group (25+) visiting DC early next year.

Trying to think of something different to do for a group lunch. Is it possible to make a reservation at the National Museum of the American Indian (or any of the other museums if they have a "real" cafeteria/restaurant)?

Thanks.

Check out http://www.si.edu/GroupSales
Note the toll-free phone number to call for details.

only cafeteria style?

To my knowledge there is currently only cafeteria-style dining in all of the Smithsonian museums in DC.

But the Garden Cafe in the National Gallery of Art's West Building does have an a la carte menu and can arrange for groups. Check out: http://www.nga.gov/ginfo/cafes.shtm

Hope this helps.

Smtihsonian singular, since it's the institution. The eateries are designed for quick dining by museum-goers. This site, http://www.si.edu/groupsales, has info on special arrangements. I noticed tht the Air & Space museum food court encourages groups to have a picnic on the Mall. There are some restaurants within a short walking distance of some museums, including the Holiday Inn on Capitol Hill. Cafeteria-style isn't bad for grops if everyone is responsiblefor their own payment, since you don't have to go through the hassle of dividing a large bill. The museums of the Smithsonian Institution cover a wide area, so plan ahead where you want to be.

Other museums neaby, such as the Newseum and Corcoran Gallery, may have "nicer" eating facilities. Contacted your Congressional representative to see if you can eat in the House or Senate cafeteria?

a while back, my wife and i were "high level" smithsonian members. there was a private dining room in the castle building, and another in the "new" east building. these were for high level employees and smithson members only, and for us by reservation only. the food was nice, but not extremely special. if such facilities still exist, i presume you would have to be a high level(read $10-20K) member.
http://www.smithsonsociety.org/jss_jqa_circle.html
back when we were members, s. dillion ripley had monthy lectures with a group of about 20 or so.
to find out, call smithsonian, and ask what if i'm an adams member.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Not sure about the Senate and House cafeterias as we'll be there on a weekend...but it does sound pretty neat.

National Museum of Women in the Arts may be a possibility. They have a cafe for lunch + Sunday brunch. Website says they do "private lunches." Very cool building. Near Metro Center.

To be honest, pretty much all the food I've had in the Smithsonian or in House/Senate office buildings has been unremarkable...

The Newseum has a high-end restaurant The Source, which is quite good, though pricey. But it isn't anything symbolic--just a restaurant.

There is the indoor courtyard in the National Museum of American Art/National Portrait Gallery -- the food is overpriced museum fare -- sandwiches, etc. cafeteria style.

my guess is the corcoran would do a 25. they also probably have the best food. i would call, and offer to prepay.

http://www.toddgraysmuse.com/contact.html

Private Events

Katie Musser
Phone: 703-408-2120
katie@equinoxrestaurant.com

they have rooms all over the place, so they should be able to serve agroup of 25. i have been to a number of corcoran events that use the cafe for food service.

You can rent out the Air & Space museum for group functions. It makes for a very interesting evening with a private view of the airplanes and satellites. Not sure on the cost though - it might not be feasible for a group of only 25

I don't know if the Museum of the American Indian does group reservations, but it is one of my favorite places for lunch. It is pricey for cafeteria food- but very good and unique.

Still trying to convince some folks that the National Museum of the American Indian would be a good place to go.

But another question...what neighborhood is the area south of Independence considered (in the L'Enfant Plaza area)? I'm checking urbanspoon and yelp but can't figure this out.

thanks.

Still trying to convince some folks that the National Museum of the American Indian would be a good place to go.

But another question...what neighborhood is the area south of Independence considered (in the L'Enfant Plaza area)? I'm checking urbanspoon and yelp but can't figure this out.

thanks.

Southwest? Waterfront? Land of lousy restaurants? There really isn't much down there worth looking at.

If you want food close to the Mall, I'd suggest looking north in Penn Quarter or (longer walk) southeast along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Land of lousy restaurants? There really isn't much down there worth looking at.You got that right.

If you want food close to the Mall, I'd suggest looking north in Penn Quarter or (longer walk) southeast along Pennsylvania Avenue.That seems to be the case. Thanks.