Food & Drink

6 Places to Eat Near the Kennedy Center

If you’re taking the family to see a show at the Kennedy Center, here are some eating options nearby.

By Kate Oczypok December 28, 2023 at 8:21 am

With Frozen now at the Kennedy Center, and other great shows, like Shen Yun’s classical Chinese dance performance, coming soon, you may want to grab a meal in DC. Here are kid-friendly restaurants that aren’t too far from the Kennedy Center.

Roof Terrace Restaurant at the Kennedy Center

You can’t get any closer than the roof terrace of the Kennedy Center. For those with a large group attending a performance, this is a great option. Everything is served family style. While dinner is for more mature palates, the Sunday brunch offerings are great for kids. Mascarpone pancakes topped with Chantilly cream, blueberries, and warm maple syrup and rigatoni pasta with peas, pesto, and pecorino feel like true treats for the little ones in your life. 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC

Founding Farmers

0.9 of a mile from the Kennedy Center

Founding Farmers serves classic American food with big portions. Kids will love the pasta options, like seven cheese macaroni and cheese, while adults can indulge in dishes like herb-crusted prime rib or lighter fare BLTs with roasted turkey and avocado. Founding Farmers’ weekend brunch is full of favorites, including classic brioche French toast, pancakes, and waffles. 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC

Firefly

1 mile from the Kennedy Center

Serving New American cuisine, Firefly is in the heart of Dupont Circle. The cozy space is perfect for families, and even has a kids’ menu. Options include mac and cheese, crispy chicken tenders, a cheeseburger, and chicken and waffles. Adults may opt for Pacific grilled salmon, filet mignon, or a veggie burger. 1310 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC

Chef Geoff’s West End

0.8 of a mile from the Kennedy Center

Longtime staple Chef Geoff’s West End location has an extensive kids’ men. Young ones can choose from spaghetti and meatballs, chicken tenders, two types of pizzas, a cheeseburger, pasta, or a small steak. There’s even a separate kids’ brunch menu with French toast, scrambled eggs, and pancakes. Parents will love the beef short ribs, shrimp and grits, or a lighter tuna poke bowl. 2201 M St. NW, Washington, DC

Old Ebbitt Grill

1.9 miles from the Kennedy Center

Old Ebbitt Grill is America’s oldest saloon, established in 1856. Its entrées are filling and extensive. The jumbo lump crab cakes are a must try, served with fries, coleslaw, tartar sauce, and lemon. The kids’ menu has all the usual staples like pasta, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese. 675 15^th St. NW, Washington, DC

Matera Italian Restaurant & Bar

0.6 of a mile from the Kennedy Center

This casual yet stylish Italian restaurant at the River Inn is a great option to stop for a meal before a Kennedy Center performance. The menu is substantial, with salads, burgers, and kid-friendly pizza and pasta. 924 25^th St. NW, Washington, DC

Feature image, stock.adobe.com

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Kate Oczypok

Contributing Writer

Kate Oczypok has been a freelance writer since 2011, and is proud to be a regular contributor to Northern Virginia Magazine in digital and print since 2020. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, People.com, Better Homes and Gardens, and locally The Georgetowner and Washingtonian Magazine, among others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism from American University and a M.Ed. in Education from Penn State. She also teaches virtual piano lessons in the after school hours and does portrait photography on weekends.