Dining Options at the Zoo

When your herd is hungry for a bite, the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens feature a variety of dining options, managed by the Zoo’s exclusive caterer, Centerplate. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted at all food locations, with the exception of some food carts.

Café on the Commons

Located at the heart of the Zoo, Café on the Commons is the Zoo's primary food service location. This restaurant is open year round and serves traditional fare, like, burgers, hot dogs, barbecue, chicken, snacks, drinks and more. The Café has indoor and outdoor seating and is open 10am to closing.

The Outpost

Located next to the Kroger Splash Park near the center of the Zoo, the Outpost offers salads, sandwiches, pizzas, snacks and drinks. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you'll find everything you need for a quick lunchtime meal. 

Westside Café

Located near the entrance/exit to Plains, the Westside Café is the perfect place to pick up a cool beverage or favorites like Donatos pizza, breadsticks and other treats.

Encounters Snacks

Need a refreshing frozen beverage to cool off on a hot day? Then make your way over to this seasonal good location in Encounters where you'll find multiple fruity flavors of ICEEs plus other drinks and snacks.

The Snack Shack

Open during the summer season, this dining spot near the White River Junction Train station and rides ticket booth offers delicious quick treats to help you stay cool at the Zoo!

Flora Cafe at the Gardens

When you visit White River Gardens, come to the Flora Cafe for a lunch sandwich or salad, along with some delicious sides and desserts. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Flora Cafe is open 11am to 3pm. Dining is available on the terrace outside and in the Grand Hallway. Seasonal offerings are also available with special late hours during Christmas at the Zoo.

Dining Carts

During the summer, guests can pick up a quick treat at one of the many food carts located throughout Zoo grounds. These convenient food stops offer bottled drinks, frozen treats, pretzels and other snacks. Featured carts offer favorites like frozen lemonade, Dippin' Dots and other temptations.

Click here for a list of food ingredients and allergy information.

Although visitors are not permitted to bring food into the Zoo, they may enjoy a picnic at one of the tables located just outside the Zoo entrance. Just present your receipt or get your hand stamped on the way out so that you can come back and enjoy the rest of your day at the Zoo. For the safety of the animals, the Zoo does not provide straws or soft drink lids. 

Catered Events
Centerplate provides food from picnic fare to gourmet cuisine for company picnics, weddings, corporate functions and other special events. Click here for more information on catered meals and facility rentals.