Whoops! I've been checking in to the museum all this time, not knowing that the cafe had its own entry, oh well... I may not have had the biggest variety of food here, but I have been enough to give a fair opinion. When you go inside the main entrance of the Nat Geo museum, continue straight past the elevators and through the courtyard, you'll arrive at the cafeteria on the other side to the left! They offer a variety of tacos, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and other items! My personal favorite is the falafel burger with sweet potato fries, if they haven't run out. This burger is a thick chickpea patty that is topped with pickled red onions, tzatziki and freshly sliced avocado (not just one slice, there's usually three or four). Places are usually stingy when it comes to avocados, so this makes me so happy! The availability of the fries is hit or miss, since the place closes at 2:00 and I usually don't get there until 1:30. They also have some snacks, drinks, plenty of condiments, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The cooks and cashiers are all friendly, and the discount that comes with working nearby really comes in handy! I am looking forward to coming back many times and trying some more food out. read more

I came to NG's cafe for lunch with a friend since we work nearby. I wasn't expecting much and I'm glad I didn't because it was literally like a college cafeteria meal. Their food is okay and freshness is somewhat questionable. However, the food is relatively cheap. You can either get food by the pound or order from the sandwich line. They also have daily specials, which you can look up online. Does the cheap price compensate for the food? Maybe. However, I am not planning on returning for lunch anytime soon. I would only recommend this cafe to people who work super close by and looking for a place to eat solely based on convenience. read more

National Geographic Cafeteria - $7.75 - Cafeteria Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have been here numerous times and never been disappointed. Their salad bar is super wonderful and super cheap. The World cuisine or Global something is always tasty. My Tagine Chicken today was SO tasty. This place always makes me happy with the quality food at low price. read more

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While visiting my friend who works at Nat geo we stopped by the cafeteria for lunch. It has a really nice open dining room with plenty of space and comfortable chairs. The food options were extensive. From sushi, to freshly prepared ethnic cuisines, to a make as you order burger, fries, or chicken. It was really easy to navigate gluten free options as everything was pretty much labeled. My friend eats here regularly and said he's always been pleased with the quality of the food. He had the salad bar and I just enjoyed some premade fruit and Greek yogurt which was great. Price is also pretty affordable. If your in this area of DC and looking for something quick this is a great option. read more

Okay, Okay. I admit, this cafeteria is one that I have not reviewed out of pure selfishness- I want it all to myself! Cost- Each time I go I am amazed with how reasonable the prices are. You can even get an extra discount if you work in the golden triangle. I love that they publish their menu ahead of time on their website. So no second guessing what the main entrees of the day will be. They have sushi daily and it is fresh. I have a sensitive stomach and have been eating sushi from here at least once a week for months now, and have never gotten sick. Their food is always well seasoned (even their soups and vegetables!), which I appreciate, and quite frankly am surprised about every time I take a bite (it's just something I'm not use to experiencing from a lunch cafeteria). You can tell the chefs are really into their craft, and they've developed some really close relationships with their frequent customers. From my observations the fan favorites here are the vegan pot-stickers, crazy long line every time they have them. People seem to also enjoy their grilled chicken (they have different renditions of it on certain days : Memphis BBQ, Cajun, Peruvian). But really those vegan pot stickers with the dipping sauce! I'm not remotely vegan but every time I bite into those things I secretly I feel like I could be. read more

We came during lunch hour to try the cafeteria for lunch and were not disappointed. While the food has a nice variety and seemingly fresh ingredients, what really put it over-the-top for us was the large wooden tables and natural sunlight coming in from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Really enjoyable space to have lunch, including the outdoor garden in the summertime. Definitely worth a try at lunchtime. read more

Tried the Pho last week and it was very good; friends had been raving about it, mostly that it was decent quality for a great price. Returned today and was VERY disappointed. Everyone if the group commented that the broth was BLAND, whether vegetarian or beef. And instead of rice noodles it contained flat noodles, like fettuccini. And it wasn't very hot as it should be! Employees at our table said the flavor has become hit or miss and therefore they no longer order it. read more

I'm surprised to see Nat Geo's ratings so low! This is a gem of a place, really. I often go there when I see something on the menu that catches my eye. They have a weekly rotating menu that you can find online. They do ala carte items (by the weight), salad bar, sandwich bar, soups, action stations, freshly baked desserts. You can literally find anything you are craving here. I really liked their flavored waters as well (yes, it's a thing!). Usually when the action station is making asian food it's particularly good. Also, they occasionally have "guest" chefs that come from all around the world! They will usually cook a speciality from their home country. The food locally sourced, and sometimes organic. They really do care about food quality and cleanliness. Best of all the prices are reasonable, and if you mention that you work in the Golden Triangle, you get an extra 10% off. We repeatedly come here for work lunches. It's a great place to take a group. The only negative is that it's a bit difficult to find. read more

Like Norry said, this cafeteria is a hidden gem in downtown DC!! Plenty of sittings, spacious cafeteria with outdoor sittings as well!! There are salad bar, hamburger station (e.g. chicken sandwich or in-house made bean/vegan burger $3.75), sandwich station, daily special ($7.95), pizza (e.g. huge slice was $1.75) and wok station and also sushi and desserts. I think the maximum you pay will be $10 no matter what you get here. I really liked the variety and freshness of the food at this cafeteria. PS: Anyone can come and have lunch. read more

I've been coming to National Geographic's cafeteria on a weekly basis now and it's still my go-to spots for good food. Here's why: 1. Lots of variety In the mood for Asian? Got it. American burger? Check. Salads? You name it. Mediterranean? Often? They always stock up on a good variety of lunch options, so you'll always find something no matter what you're in the mood for. 2. Quality ingredients This cafeteria is known to highlight their local ingredients. Note that National Geographic also hosts a farm stand every Tuesday throughout the summer months. So you can be assured that the ingredients are fresh and delicious. 3. Quality food I don't usually by packaged sushi, but I would from here. That says a lot in its own already. The fish is fresh and the rice is delicious. They also a steam bar, a great healthy option that's also delicious! There needs to be more steamed food options in lunch places. The place do get pretty busy during lunch, but that is expected with all restaurants around downtown. I love that the cafeteria also takes recycling and composting seriously. In the summer months, you can sit outside! Note, however, that if you don't have a National Geographic ID badge, you will not be able to re-enter the cafeteria unless you go all the way around through the entrance. Also, sometimes the cafeteria is closed for special events. So keep that in mind! Don't be surprised when the doors are closed and you're missing out on your steam bowl. read more

Nat Geo Cafeteria is great! The food is hot, fresh and flavorful. I've only had breakfast but will try lunch soon. They have delicious breakfast food and their waffles are probably the best I've ever tasted. The menu includes a variety of hot dishes and deli services, too. A co-worker just told me about them and I'm so glad she did. They're also very eco friendly too. It's great to have a sit down meal at very reasonable prices. read more

I love the cafeteria because it's ala carte and plentiful of choices especially the salad bar! BUT----I mean I like all the recyclable utensils, dishes and all but I wish they would use a non compost container for the salad---it makes it unappetizing if you ask me. Spolied, maybe but I want a clear container for my greens!!! read more

I don't know what's true. Was the burger I had a couple of months ago the norm and the one I had today an inferior version? Or was the one I had today the norm and the one I had a couple of months ago an exceptional version? During the summer, I had the burger with an egg and it was a huge sandwich and restaurant quality. I only ate half of it. It was cooked medium rare. The one I had today reminded me of the cafeteria food from elementary school. The burger was thin and tasteless. I'm new to working in the Golden Triangle, so I don't know which is what I should expect. I was very disappointed with my lunch from there today. read more

Great options, very affordable for DC area...salad bar has endless options, and they even have Pho in addition to classic American lunch items. read more

National Geographic Cafeteria - Angus cheeseburger w Onion rings! - Cafeteria Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I'm very conflicted over the score to give this place. The vegan pho was to die for, and as I was back in the area yesterday, I decided to go back there for lunch. No more pho, but there was a big sign pushing the Impossible Burger. That sign mentioned vegan cheese. I ordered one with vegan cheese only to be told that they didn't have any vegan cheese. I said I'd take it without any cheese. Then the cook threw it on a grill next to a pile of dead animal parts. Simply disgusting. Why would anybody think that cooking a vegan patty next to dead animals is acceptable? read more

A great dining option in the NW quadrant of downtown. It offers both standard cafeteria fare, along with more exotic choices. Prices are more than reasonable for the area. read more

Went in for St. Patrick's day. Probably the worst lunch I've ever had. Got the corn beef and wings. Both sucked and were way too salty.

I'm a fan of the steamed salad section. A true deal for healthy, substantial meal. I'm a big guy and it lasts me for the rest of the afternoon. But not only that, the guy that manages that station - last name Austin - keeps it tidy and with a variety of veggies and sauces/dressings every day. So, if you're not a fan of salads, this is a great alternative: fair price, substantial, different every day, tasty and well done. I highly recommend it. It's basically my daily lunch. read more

Pretty decent selection for a workplace cafeteria. I had the sake bar and hot soup. Convenient location.

Was not a good lunch for me, no system i.n place, u think its a cafeteria slide down place your order, not here! Lines form all around. As im standing there waiting to placed order,you would think the steamer would tell you where to go to order grill. Finally Placed my order, cook gave it away thanks tony for that and especially for not being able to cook more than 2 hamburgers at one time! I will not be back read more

I love the variety throughout the cafeteria - there are always great international options and hearty soups. The steamer station is my go-to spot with Hamilton Austin whipping up a delicious lunch every time. I feel lucky to have this level of food in the building. read more

Eating lite and healthy is no longer a choice for me. I have to do so. The place was great. Many many fresh and clean items to select. The veg soup wad wonderful with a touch of cumin. We were ultimately headed for an exhibit but didn't have to buy tickets to get to the cafeteria. read more

The Steam Table at the NG Cafeteria is great! Fresh seasonal veggies, lean proteins such as chicken and salmon, and vegetarian choices. Plus a variety of finishers! Loved it! Hamilton who works at this station was very helpful, friendly and kept the station very tidy. read more