Not many option here at Bronx Zoo when it comes to food. It seemed like each eatery offered the same menu. Mainly, burgers and chicken tenders with fries. Here at Dancing Crane Cafe, as soon as you walk inside, there was a long counters where you order and pick up your food. It seemed like the staff working at the counters were local kids, young, but they were doing pretty good job, trying there best to be efficient. The area behind the counter was kept pretty clean, and everyone was wearing hair nets and gloves, which was good to see. The whole ordering and picking up the food took a while. After you get your food, you go to the cash register behind you, and you pay there. You could also pick up some juice and what not from the refrigerator by the cashiers. The indoor eating area was filled with family and kids, and even more so, filled with food and trash on the floor, chairs, and tables... Not very well kept, the outside seemed much cleaner. If you were not in a mood to get chicken tenders, burger, pizza, or hot dog, and the only healthy option they had here was veggie panini, then you are in for a huge disappointments. And even if you are ok with these selections, do not get your hopes up, it is not that great, not worth the price. Read my full review on this Cafe and food on my food blog at foodlovergirl.

Weekends are touch and go here. If it's packed, it can get a little chaotic. But when it's not packed, this place is great. The food is always fresh and they have so many delicious things to choose from. Pizza, chicken tenders, French fries, some vegan options, and my favorite: a Chipotle style area where you can make your own bowl. They renovated this place within the last 2 yrs and it's the best spot to eat good food. The portions are big too. I always share food with my kid and we leave full.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Cheese Pizza, Loaded Fries, Pizza, Fries, Vegetable Panini with Mozzarella and Pesto, Chicken Sandwich
Vegetarian options
I saw some dishes that could be vegan but always ask first.
Kid-friendliness
French fries, tenders, pizza, and even pouches for babies are available for purchase.

I wouldn’t even consider the meals served here to be food. I don’t understand why this place is still running. I got a small pepperoni pizza because it looked promising, along with some fries. The fries were OK, they were a bit bland and soggy, but I didn’t expect much anyway. The pizza was even worse. It was absolutely revolting. The sauce tasted like it sat open in a container for weeks and the “cheese” had a very striking resemblance to play-dough. Speaking of, the quality of the dough brought back many memories of when I used to eat paper in primary school. It tasted like it came from the residue left on the pans of a bread factory, thrown into a pot with water and flour to form this dubious concoction. I will NEVER be eating here again, and I highly advise you do the same.

Stopped in for lunch on a not so crowded weekday at the zoo and was pleasantly surprised to have really enjoyed my vegetable panini (pictured). It seems to me that the food quality and variety has really increased at the Bronx Zoo in recent years as more vegan, vegetarian, and other health conscious options have expanded to include sandwiches, salads, black bean burgers, and warm bowls. The food is a bit pricy but I’m omitting that factor from my review as it’s to be expected in places like this. The staff was welcoming and the indoor and outdoor facilities looked clean and well kept. I’d certainly eat the veggie panini again.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

It is a comfortable place to get out of the heat and grab some refreshments, unfortunately, even though the zoo opens at 10a.m., the staff was not ready to serve us or take our orders at 11a.m. The food was fresh and tasted good, we ordered the chicken tenders and french fries, and it was affordable, I believe that we paid $3.99 each. There was some miscommunication with the promotional cups which you pay for and get free refills throughout the park, the staff never gave us wristbands to identify us as having bought the cups (I can't imagine how else we would have gotten them) and had to "debate" this when we asked for a refill. All in all, it was a decent experience.

Second time I've been here. I bought a premade sandwich last time. This time I had a grilled vegetable panini. It tasted good. I was given a discount because I had to wait for my panini. I felt the wait was reasonable because the place was busy! Indoor seating closed. A family let me sit at their table outside. Very pricey. An ice-cream bar was close to $5. Place servers pizza, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, nachos with cheese and fries. Facemasks required to enter. Contactless payment option available. Other than price, I recommend a visit.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

I work there only in the Pecking Restaurant for two years.
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Cheese Pizza, Cream of Broccoli Soup, Vegetable Panini with Mozzarella and Pesto
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Menu is all vegetarian, Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes
Vegetarian options
Vegetable panini with mozzarella squash and onion.
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Quick line, fast service, food only moderately over priced. Why did I hate it? There are peacocks everywhere. Beautiful free roaming peacocks. It's great, but children chase them, throw things at them, yell at them, and there isn't a single staff member to step in to protect the birds. Feeding peacocks french fries all day long has to be an animal rights violation of some kind. Like feeding a baby cake frosting. They don't know any better and need help & guidance. I hated this, I hated those kids, and there absent minded parents.

Their food is really good, I got a rice bowl and because I was there for the holiday lights I got their travel mug that lights up maybe $13, you get free refills around the park -- totally worth it for the price if you get just one refill. It was so cold the constant hot chocolate was needed! Great place to stop by in the center of the park, super convenient and plenty of seating.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I must say the food got much better at this place. I used to worry and carry food for my child every time we go to the zoo. We got green salad with Italian dressing, French fries, chicken nuggets, and pepperoni personal pizza. I know it sounds like usual foo that is sold every where, but this time the food in dancing crave cage was actually fresh. The chicken crispy, the salad was fresh, and the fries were not fried in over-burn oil! Good job!

The Dancing Crane Cafe is the Bronx Zoos main cafeteria. At $4 for a bottle of water, $6 for snacks and an average cost of $12 fast casual entrees the prices are high. The problem is that those prices buy you average popcorn and fair sandwiches in the Zoo. It's crowded at most times but seating is ample indoors and out. In a pinch it will do but I would recommend skipping it for a picnic or a trip to little Italy a few blocks away.

Very nice, you can't eat inside only outside. The food is super expensive though. 12.99 for 6 chicken fingers and fries.i guess that's too be expected at the zoo. Sometimes the fries are cold but the staff doesn't mind you asking if they can make it fresh. The good part is that they offer coffee. Only at this Cafe not at the others in the park.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

Food at the Zoo. Overpriced but tasty. Staff is usually friendly. On a hot summer day seating and air conditioning help.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Cheese Pizza, Popcorn, Loaded Fries, Pizza, Fries, Nachos, Sandwich Sandwich, Vegetable Panini with Mozzarella and Pesto, Chicken Sandwich

Food was good. It is pricey.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100
Recommended dishes
Cheese Pizza, Fries
Vegetarian options
There are latin beans or /and rice bowls.
Dietary restrictions
You can find something.
Kid-friendliness
Kids can sit at the tables.
Wheelchair accessibility
Yes.

Cafe with typical burgers and chicken tenders along with some great healthy options. They have really updated their options ! Has a salad bar and burrito bowl station with rice or quinoa. Every menu item has its carbon footprint next to it ! Love the no lids for fountain drinks and paper straws.
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

Prices are a bit high but normal for a Zoo, park etc. Hot dogs were great, kids liked the pizza and fries, pretzel too. Eating inside or outside available. Good amount of space and seating. Decent variety of foods available.boh cheeseburger was really good too.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

Very expensive and kids crying, screaming, running around our table. Food was good though, except for the burger meat.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Pizza, Fries, Vegetable Panini with Mozzarella and Pesto

I did not have a bad experience here. The fries were a decent portion, and tasted really good. Pizza is good. I know it is a little on the pricey side, but that is part for the course at a place like this. Friendly employees. You can bring your own packed lunch if not interested in paying the prices

Clean and well kept for snacks and a quick bite. Sometimes very crowded so maybe long waits to get your food. Prices are a little high even with discounts from your annual membership. The food is okay but they no longer give straws. It is air conditioned so you don't have to sweat or freeze.

Big dining area multiple locations for eating and the food is great. No plastic lid nor straws but it doesnt bother as much. Would say if you're new the menu that they have showcasing doesnt really show you everything they got so i would recommend asking if the line isnt too long.

Absolutely the place to relax and eat, after a long day of exploration of the zoo. Many picnic tables on the front-end of the cafe. Also go to the back by the pond, to check out the ducks and majestic flamingos in fiery red/pink plummages.❤Do Like Do Love

The food was good and totally a good spot to rest your feet from walking around the zoo.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Cheese Pizza, Fries

I got lunch here in the middle of my zoo visit. I grabbed one of their to-go pizzas and a soda. Along the walls of the seating area are outlets with phone chargers. The pizza wasn't great.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Artisan sandwiches, freshly made salads (packaged to-go), vast array of non-soda beverages, breakfast items all day - THIS is the place to eat at the Zoo. Plenty of outdoor seating and a private space for events on site with views of the Riverwalk (and flamingoes!)

No frills eatery. OK to stave off hunger. French fries are excellent. Grain bowl is healthy and had one's choice of carbs, protein, and toppings. Wished they had a good restaurant like the Botanical Garden.
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

The food was really good and the portions were very generous. Everything tasted delicious and fresh. I reccomend here to everyone visiting the Bronx Zoo since it's in the zoo.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100

Very nice love the service
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Cheese Pizza, Pizza, Fries, Vegetable Panini with Mozzarella and Pesto

Surprisingly decent zoo food. Was expecting very bad cafeteria level food. Actually nice and flavored, and above average for the chicken tenders and fries. The zeppelos are really good here! Pleasantly surprised.
Service
Dine in

We had breakfast. Very limited but coffee and muffins along with a yogurt parfait with fruit - hit the spot on a warm morning! Covid seems to limit menus all over the city right now. Staff was nice and helpful.
Service
Dine in

The selection of food at the cafe is small. Expect premade salads and sandwiches. Hot food items include uninspired pizza, hot dogs, burgers, and chicken fingers. Sorry, no vegan items. And try not to gasp when you see the prices.

Completely understaffed, lack of supplies and burnt food. Will take you 20 minutes to get food and it will be cold when you get through checkout.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Great salad, everything else was, ehh
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fries
Vegetarian options
Salad bowl

Considering that this is a zoo cafe, the food here is surprisingly good. Don't expect anything gourmet - it's still a zoo, after all - but you really could do worse. They've also recently taken to selling beer.

Super friendly and helpful staff. Several people were very knowledgeable about what was and was not gluten free. They also went out of their way to make sure that the food was safe for me to eat.

Half way be decent food but the prices are high. A nice thing is it you sit outside there's peacocks that'll come up and let you feed them my kid and I used most of it french fries to feed them.

The cafe food is amazing and has a variety or food choices. Some of them are pizza, chicken tenders, fries, hotdogs, and ice cream. Also, it is inside the Bronx zoo which is even more amazing.

Typical zoo cafe food but prices were way tooooo high, even for a captive audience. Hamburger and pizza were very dry. Had been sitting a long time. Should be fresh for the $$$$$ they charge.

This restaurant is at the zoo I ate dip n dot cause it was a hot day great experience as I grew up here and things have changed for better they added tree trek zip line
Service
Dine in

Great food, and good options for all. Chef salad for health conscious, pizza and chicken strips for kids + more!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

This place has many different things to eat. Salads, sandwiches, soda, hot dogs, ice cream, coffee, water etc. There prices are high. I suggest coming with food, snacks and water, soda.

Lines moved fast when we visited but indoor dining is closed. We had to search outside for a table. The food is good and I enjoyed the salad. We saved money by being members of WCS.

Loved the food options. Very large portions!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

They have everything in here. Even though things are over priced there are Family meals and drinks. Worth it all. Love stopping to eat here after walking all day at the zoo

Love this place. Is great and relax. I we t with the family in a super busy Saturday and we went in found some seats and it was very calm to be there and less noisy.

It's zoo food. Also prices are steep. Indoor dining closed during covid-19. There's outdoors seating, but it can be bitterly cold even if you secured a heated spot.

Was always a great place to eat & rest after a long hike in the zoo. Relaxing while watching the flamingos. BUT beware of the lions and tigers and bears, Oh my!!!

They have good chicken bites with French fries and burgers and Frank's are good also
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Good food. Higher priced for an individual but combo deals help. Kids enjoyed it.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Too expensive bit looking past that, I order two nacho chips and fries with cheese and the wait was about 22 mins while I stood at the register.. Terrible

Workers are busy talking each other. Never gave me member discount for years. I guess they were trained not to give discount. Double check you receipt

The chicken fingers here are really good. Love the fruit parfait.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Good food
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Food is pretty good and prices are fare. And since it's winter and sitting is outdoors, they placed overhead heat lamps. I loved it. …

Decent. And the only big food establishment in the Zoo! Unfortunately they don't sell alcohol. You have to go to Zoo brews for that.

Food was pretty pricey for non tasty pizza and chicken fingers were hard af.
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Pizza, fried chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers that are mediocre. They also have sweets. Clean and plenty of indoor & outdoor seating.

Great food but the only thing that was wrong all the tables where really dirty they should have someone wiping down the tables

Best cafeteria in the Bronx Zoo. Like everything else there, it's expensive. Decent cheeseburger with fresh lettuce & tomato.

The food is "ok" and the ambiance simple and dated but workers were cleaning sweeping and washing tables after ppl. Was clean

Limited food options here but burger was okay.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Get the chicken, not the pizza. The loaded fries were pretty good. And for eating in site the prices weren't all that bad.

So overpriced. Water more expensive than French fries. It's there at least if you are starving. Be prepared to get robbed.

Very nice fare. It was comfortable especially since it was pouring out.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other

It’s ok. Not many tasty options but it’ll do for a zoo visit.
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Don't go there during winter. One, count her, one employee serving the food, operating cash register, etc. Horrible

It was good to get out of cold and have something to eat.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Food is good. Always crowded. Staff doing their jobs.
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

$17 for a small bowl of not-so-fresh salad. Ripoff.
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

Good food, but outside dining area needed to have peacocks removed and animal excrement from the cement.

Definitely nice indoor especially for the kids
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

good food but extremely over priced. bring your own food. save your money for ice cream in the zoo

The food is pretty good a bit over priced but good overall. There's space inside and out to sit.

Great food.
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Food is okay but a staff member kept coming around our table hovering over and over again

Large with reasonable good selections and quick lines. Plenty of place to seat indoors.

Lovely outside eating area. Building itself has many windows and a lovely eating area.

Food was good not expensive, got a cup that i can refill for a $1 everytime i visits.

Had the veggie panini, it was acceptable. Beer was not very cold. Zoo was great.

Really nice place to sit down after walking for miles. The food is basic but ok.

Food is pricey but if you are member of the WCS you get a nice quiet are to eat

Very nice and clean. Prices are a bit high but your supporting the animals.

Took my grands there after viewing the lights. They loved it & I did too

Yummy chicken and burgers clean and a great cooling center …

Comfy with good eats. Eat outside for some wildlife lunch companions.

Not impressed with the food, but is is clean and the staff is nice.

The food they serve is extremely overvalued (so so so expensive) .

You can eat outside and the peacocks are walking around you. Cool!

Love the Bronx Zoo. Good variety. Lots of seating. Food is fair.

Very Good
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

A standard Theme Park experience for food, yet very nice staff.

Expensive and to be honest the worst coffee I have ever had. :(

The Bronx Zoo food is always good. I've had no complaints yet.

Chicken tenders and fries? Yes please- they were delicious!

Loved the food and atmosphere. Peacocks were the stars !!

Good options, tasty food, but rude maintenance staff.

Pizza had no flavor. No juice. Food was overpriced.

They are doing a good job of offering food safely.

Food was good, fast service and air conditioned!!!

Fries were very good and so we're chicken tenders

Usual poor food and absolutely ludicrous pricing