Welcome to Cascade Café
Cascade Café is a delightful and budget-friendly dining spot located within the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Known for its diverse selection of freshly prepared meals—including pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and grilled items—it caters to various tastes and preferences. Guests are welcomed by friendly staff in a clean, inviting environment, enhanced by beautiful views of a serene waterfall. The café also offers generous portions of delicious gelato, making it a perfect spot to unwind after exploring the gallery. Whether you're visiting the art exhibits or just passing by, Cascade Café guarantees a satisfying lunch experience.
Cascade Café: Reviews & Ratings
This yummy and inexpensive canteen in the bowels of the National Gallery of Art is a great place for lunch. It has counters for pizza, sandwiches, salads, world food and a grill, as well of beverage stands. It’s easy to navigate your way around, and the friendly staff help you if you need it. We went there as part of a visit to the gallery, but since the gallery is (miraculously) free of charge to enter, you could easily just pop in for lunch if you are in the area.
A really nice variety of freshly prepared food, served in immaculate surroundings, with the benefit of the view of the cascade. Food was well priced too. Wish I'd found this place sooner!
The gelatos are yummy with very generous portions for the price. Quite frankly massive! The staff was nice to me both times I visited. So I guess your mileage may vary? I got the blood orange and vanilla bean, and the banana dolce de leche was really good as well. Nice to chill out with a cool waterfall fountain next to you.
The lady at the pizza is outstanding. Thanks to her for a great meal.
The guy at the grill is a mind reader, he handed us a hot plate of delicious French fries without us actually ordering and then we also got a Coke. That gave us enough energy to finish our four mile art walk. French Fries 6.85 Can Soda 4.20 Tax 1.11 Order#154886 - thanks
It is the best cafeteria in the National Mall area, but it closes by 3 pm. Their pizza is cooked there in a pizza oven, not frozen like everywhere else, the burgers are grilled, they have sandwiches, salads and soups as well. Not as many choices as there were before COVID but it is still a good place to eat. They also have a great gelato bar with lots of flavors. You have to eat and drink everything there, no food or drink is allowed outside the cafeteria.
Cafeteria fare with a flair. The moving sculpture (Cascade) makes it remarkable! Stop here every chance I get!
When I have visitors from out of town, this is an easy option for lunch near the Capitol building with nice atmosphere and something for everyone. I have been here a few times, and it was never crowded. It's fun to enter from the East Building by taking the moving walkway through the "Multiverse" light tunnel.
Location
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599 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, United States Hotline: +1 202-842-6679
Welcome to Cascade Café, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Located at 599 Constitution Ave. NW, this café offers a delightful escape with an array of culinary offerings that cater to both the speedy lunch-goer and the leisurely diner. With a unique blend of convenience and quality, it’s not just a stop for art lovers, but a worthy destination for any food enthusiast.
As you step into Cascade Café, you’re immediately greeted by friendly staff and an inviting atmosphere. The layout is intuitive, featuring designated counters for pizza, sandwiches, salads, world cuisine, and a grill. This organization makes it easy to navigate your meal choices—each option promising freshly prepared delights at wallet-friendly prices. A customer remarked, "It has counters for everything"—a testament to the variety on offer and the ease of dining here.
The café stands out not only for its culinary diversity but also for the stunning views of a cascading waterfall fountain that adds a serene backdrop to your dining experience. Imagine enjoying a flavorful meal while being serenaded by the gentle splashes of water—truly a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
One cannot visit Cascade Café without indulging in their delightful gelato. A happy customer raved about "generous portions" that are simply too good to pass up, especially flavors like blood orange, vanilla bean, and banana dulce de leche. The gelato is not just a treat but a perfect companion after exploring the gallery, providing a cool and refreshing respite from a day of art appreciation.
What truly enhances the dining experience at Cascade Café is its stellar staff. Whether it's the remarkable lady at the pizza counter ensuring your meal is just what you wanted or the grill chef who seemingly anticipates your cravings, the service here leaves a lasting impression. A satisfied patron shared how he was unexpectedly gifted a hot plate of delicious French fries, powering him through an exciting art walk.
Cascade Café is more than just a place to grab a bite; it is a vibrant culinary hub that intersects art and flavor seamlessly. It invites you to enjoy fantastic food while soaking in the artistic ambiance of its surroundings. So whether you’re visiting the gallery or wandering through the National Mall, make Cascade Café your lunch destination. You’ll find delicious dishes, friendly service, and a uniquely pleasant atmosphere that makes every visit special.