Summary: If you’re planning a visit to the Minnesota Zoo, then you’ll need to fuel up at some point during your day. Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants and food options nearby that offer a range of cuisines to suit anyone’s taste buds. Whether you’re looking for sit-down dining or just a quick snack, here are some top options to consider.
1. Apple Valley Restaurants
Apple Valley is the closest city to the Minnesota Zoo, and as such, it has plenty of restaurants both on Cedar Avenue and further into town. If you’re looking for something with an international flavor, then there are plenty of options to choose from, including Indian, Mediterranean, and Chinese cuisine. If you’re after more traditional American fare, then there are plenty of diners and fast-food chains in the area as well.
One popular choice is the Valley Diner, which is a classic-style American diner that serves everything from burgers and fries to pancakes and waffles. Another favorite among locals is Old Chicago, which is a pizza restaurant and bar that offers an extensive menu of craft beers. Meanwhile, fast-food lovers will appreciate the presence of chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Dairy Queen in the area.
If you’re heading west on Cedar Avenue, then you’ll encounter the small strip mall next to the Staybridge Suites hotel. Here you’ll find a Corner Coffee and the Mediterranean Cruise Café, which offers fresh-made gyros, hummus, baklava and delicious Greek food.
2. Eagan Restaurants
Eagan is another city that’s located close to the Minnesota Zoo, and it offers plenty of dining options for visitors. If you’re looking for casual dining in the area, then you might want to try one of the chain restaurants that are located here. Applebee’s and Famous Dave’s are two of the most popular options in this category.
For something a little more upscale, there are also plenty of sit-down restaurants in the city. One restaurant that consistently receives rave reviews from diners is the Ansari’s Mediterranean Grill & Lounge. Here, you’ll find an extensive menu of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, including kebabs, chicken shawarma, and tabbouleh. Another popular option is the Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill, which serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas, steaks, and burgers.
If you’re in a hurry and need something quick, then you can always stop by one of the fast-food chains in the area. Subway, Chipotle, and Jimmy John’s are all located near Eagan’s many strip malls.
3. Burnsville Restaurants
Burnsville is a city that’s located about 10 minutes’ drive from the Minnesota Zoo, but it still offers plenty of dining options for visitors. Whether you’re looking for a light bite or a sit-down meal, there are plenty of options to choose from.
One popular restaurant in the area is the Porter Creek Hardwood Grill, which serves up American-style cuisine with a focus on grilled meats and seafood. Another local favorite is the Green Mill Restaurant & Bar, which offers classic American fare like pizzas and sandwiches alongside a range of salads and appetizers.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, then you might want to try Cinnabon, Cold Stone Creamery, or one of the other dessert shops in Burnsville’s many strip malls.
4. Bloomington Restaurants
Bloomington is a larger city that’s located about 15 minutes’ drive north of the Minnesota Zoo, but it still offers plenty of dining options for visitors. Whether you’re looking for fast food or fine dining, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste buds here.
If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, then you might want to try one of the city’s many chain restaurants. Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and Outback Steakhouse are just a few of the options available here. For those who prefer more upscale dining, there are also several high-end restaurants in the area, including Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steak House and Kona Grill.
If you’re in a hurry, then you can always stop by one of the fast-food chains located throughout Bloomington. Wendy’s, Burger King, and Taco Bell are just a few of the options in this category.
5. Dakota Mall
One other option for food near the Minnesota Zoo is the nearby Dakota Mall. This shopping center is located on Cedar Avenue in Eagan, just a short drive from the zoo. Here, you’ll find a range of fast-food chains and casual dining options, including Five Guys, Noodles & Company, and Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, then don’t miss the Ben & Jerry’s location at the Dakota Mall. Here, you’ll find all sorts of fun and unique ice cream flavors alongside classic favorites like Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Cherry Garcia.
No matter what you’re craving, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds at one of the many restaurants near the Minnesota Zoo. So why not explore the area during your next visit and discover some new food favorites?
Conclusion:
Whether you’re in the mood for international cuisine, classic American dishes, or something sweet, there are plenty of options for dining near the Minnesota Zoo. From the chain restaurants in Eagan to the high-end dining options in Bloomington, visitors are sure to find something to suit their needs. So don’t hesitate to explore the area during your next visit to the zoo!
