Washington DC is a popular destination for tourists, and with so many amazing attractions, it's no wonder why! If you're in charge of organizing group meals while in Washington DC, don't worry - we've got you covered. At Ben Yehuda, we deliver food all over the greater DC area for tour groups all year long, so we’ve seen the ones that groups love, and the ones that don’t work out so well. In this blog post, we'll discuss a few of the our favorite spots for groups to eat around the popular monuments and museums. Whether you're having everyone pack their own food, or ordering group catering for delivery, here are some tips on the places that are sure to please everyone in your group!

The Botanical Gardens: Conveniently located near the US Capitol building on the National Mall side, the Botanical Gardens offer a variety of dining options for groups. If you have a local restaurant or catering company deliver food for your group to the gardens, there are several picnic areas with outdoor tables and chairs. If you're checking out the Garfield Monument this is a great spot to eat before or afterwards.

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden: Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is a serene spot for group dining. The on-site cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating, and offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and snacks. You can also order box lunches for delivery, or have food delivered from a local restaurant or catering company for your group to enjoy while dining al fresco by the beautiful fountain. The garden is adjacent to the Museum of Natural History which happens to be the second most visited museum in the world, so there's plenty to do before or after your meal!

Hains Point Picnic Area: This little known spot site at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia River. Though its a little off the beaten path, it's a great spot for larger groups who need room to spread out! There are several picnic tables, a playground, and plenty of open green space for your group to enjoy. You can pack your own food or order from a local restaurant or catering company in advance. Just be sure to leave time for exploring the nearby trails and river views! Although its not required for using it, you can reserve the picnic area in advance if you prefer.

Lincoln Retail Refreshment & Gift Shop: Just south of the Lincoln Memorial, this is a grassy area with plenty of room for your group, some tables, and a refreshment stand. This is a great spot if you need something quick and easy for your group, or if you're looking for a place to relax after exploring the monuments on the National Mall.

In general, most museums and tourist spots have grassy areas that can be used picnic style. The ones discussed above in this blog post tend to have limited table and seating options so they are perfect if you're ordering something like pizza which needs little space for serving. They are also more off the beaten path so your group can enjoy some space and relax between your visits to the monuments and museums.

As you can see, there are plenty of great spots for group meals in Washington DC - you just have to know where to look! We hope this blog post has been helpful, and that you enjoy your time in our nation's capital.

Ben Yehuda Pizza has been a caterer in Washington DC for over 20 years. From pizzas, to pasta, to salads and more, their hot catering trucks can get to all these places listed and many more. View their catering packages online and schedule a meal for your group that they’ll be sure to love!

Happy planning, and Bon Appetit!

4 great places to picnic or eat with a tour group in Washington DC