Restaurants Inside the Houston Zoo 

The Houston Zoo allows you to bring in your own food, but it also has three restaurants and quite a few snack stands, while Hermann Park has two cafes. These are your best bets if your zoo trip takes all day or falls over a meal time.

Jack's Cafe has a sit down area if you're looking for more than just a snack.

Jack's Cafe - Zoo main entrance

The zoo's newest restaurant is Jack's Cafe, located near the front entrance of the zoo near the Galapagos exhibit. They have a Southern/Cajun-inspired menu of sandwiches and snacks, including chicken and waffles. They also have a grab-and-go window for ice cream, coffee, and adult beverages. We have not tried it ourselves yet, but I have high hopes for the soft pretzel and dips. 

Cypress Circle is a great spot for food, restrooms, or if you just need a break.

Cypress Circle Cafe - Middle of the zoo, near the monkeys and big cats

Cypress Circle Cafe is in the heart of the zoo, and not only has food, but has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, nice restrooms, and a nursing room. They also have surprisingly good pizza, which is what we always get there now after a lackluster experience with a sandwich and salad combo.

Hang with the giraffes and grab a bite at Twiga Cafe and Terrace.

Twiga Cafe - Near the giraffes

The best part of Twiga Cafe is that you can watch the giraffes and rhino habitats while you eat. I recommend that you don't eat there, however, unless you just want fries and a drink refill. 

Restaurants in Hermann Park (But Outside the Zoo)

Koko Cafe - Hermann Park near The Commons

Unless you pack a picnic, this cafe near the awesome playground at The Commons is your best bet for quick eats. The menu has a host of snacks, Korean fusion items, and many kid-friendly foods like chicken tenders, quesadillas, hot dogs, and burgers. Pro tip: Order online while your kids play on the playground, then pick up at the window. 

Sunday Press - Near the Hermann Park Mini Train

I'll be honest, I didn't like Sunday Press for a meal. It's better suited for coffee and a pastry snack, although its convenient location right by the mini train station may tempt you to eat there in a pinch. 

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near Hermann Park and the Zoo

Cosmo Eatery - Almeda

Located just across the street from the golf course, Cosmo Eatery is probably the tastiest kid-friendly restaurant within direct proximity to Hermann Park. It has a casual atmosphere and family-pleasing meals ranging from breakfast foods to pizza to sandwiches and more. 

Barnaby's Cafe - Binz

Located on Binz and Chenevert, Bodegas has the prime location of being near both Hermann Park and the Children's Museum. It has delicious big salads for the grownups and an extensive kids menu. It also opens early and serves breakfast on the weekends, but its brunchtime popularity sometimes slows service. 

Fadi's Mediterranean Eatery - Binz

Fadi's is right by Barnaby's, and a great option if the wait at Barnaby's is too long. It has Lebanese and Mediterranean options like wraps, kebabs, and sides, and family combos that are a great deal if your kids eat that type of food. If not, they also have a kids meal with the usual pizza and chicken tenders. 

All photos courtesy of the Houston Zoo