Dining, Shopping and More
From iconic Detroit-style pizza to sweet, Zoo-inspired treats, our diverse culinary offerings cater to every palate. When you break for a bite to eat at the Detroit Zoo, your taste buds will take a wild journey you won’t soon forget.
Food location openings are subject to weather conditions.*
Dine-in
Dietary Options Available
Table 28
Open Daily from 11 a.m. to close
Step back in time to Aug. 1, 1928 — the day the Detroit Zoo first opened its gates to the public. At Table 28, named in honor of that special day, embark on a culinary journey steeped in tradition. Indulge in a menu filled with fresh salads, mouthwatering sandwiches, tantalizing pasta and crispy chicken tenders. You can also enjoy soft drinks or draft beer as well as Dippin Dots. Let your taste buds travel through time while you savor each delicious bite.
Coney Corner
Open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm *Weather Dependent*
Coney Corner pays homage to Detroit’s legendary chili dogs. Sink your teeth into a Coney Corner chili dog or savor the cheesy goodness of chili-cheese fries. Wash it all down with a Griffinclaw Craft Beer beer as you bask in the shade of the new DTE Solar Pavilion, situated just behind Coney Corner Dogs.
Graze Grill
Weekends only *Weather Dependent*
Buddy’s Pizza
Open Weekends 11am-5pm
Will be closed during April 21-May 19
When it comes to Detroit-style pizza, there’s only one place to go — the birthplace itself! Buddy’s Pizza invites you to experience the true taste of this beloved local specialty. Bite into a slice of culinary history or dive into an eight-square pizza, perfectly crispy and loaded with flavor. Pair your slice with delectable breadsticks, refreshing salads and desserts that will leave you craving more. Raise a glass of craft beer or sip on other chilled beverages as you relish the original Detroit pizza experience.
Grab and Go
Dietary Options Available
Dippin’ Dots
Open Weekends 10am-5pm *Weather Dependent*
Cool off with a dose of nostalgia at Dippin’ Dots, the mesmerizing flash-frozen ice cream sensation. Convenient locations await — near the Rackham Fountain, beside the Japanese macaque habitat and next to WIG. Treat yourself to a unique and delightful frozen treat that will leave you craving more.
Boardwalk Station
Open daily 9am-5pm *Weather Dependent*
Boardwalk Station beckons with an array of delightful treats. Relish soft pretzels, satisfy your bacon-and-cheese fry cravings and cool off with refreshing ICEEs. Recharge and keep the adventure going with a quick visit to this convenient oasis of flavors.
Mitten Market Snack Shop
Open Weekends 10am-5pm *Weather Dependent*
Find respite at the Mitten Market Snack Shop. Quench your thirst with ICEEs or soft drinks, and indulge in soft pretzels. Take a moment to refresh and recharge as you soak in the ambiance of this cool, inviting spot.
Gather
Weekends only *Weather Dependent*
While we’re not serving Griffinclaw beer or alcohol at the moment, our lively atmosphere and delicious offerings are sure to satisfy every craving
Old World Snacks
Closed for the season
Since 1984, Old World Snacks has been a Detroit favorite, offering a unique selection of Bavarian-style roasted nuts. Whether you crave the sweetness of candied almonds, the savory satisfaction of salted cashews or the classic flavor of roasted peanuts, Old World Snacks brings you a taste of tradition that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Drink & Refresh
Dietary Options Available
28 Below
Open daily 11am-5pm
In partnership with Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company, 28 Below delivers a heavenly union of espresso, hot coffee, and draft cold & nitro brew coffee. Take a moment to appreciate the art of coffee-making while sipping on your favorite brew. For those seeking something stronger, 28 Below offers a selection of local draft beers to quench your thirst.
Coffee Corner
May 23rd open daily
Start your Zoo adventure with a delicious boost! Swing by Coffee Corner, located inside the Detroit Zoo Shop, and grab your favorite Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company drink. Whether you’re craving a cold brew, hot coffee or latte, we’ve got just the thing to kick-start your wild day.
Nectar
Open
Prepare to satisfy your sweet tooth. Indulge in ICEE that will transport you to dessert heaven. This is the perfect spot to treat yourself to a sweet and memorable moment.
Lofty Pops
Weekends only through Memorial Day
These are not your ordinary frozen pops. Lofty Pops offers small-batch pops using only fresh fruit and organic ingredients in a variety of unique and well-loved flavors. They’re a dairy-free, guilt-free treat filled with major deliciousness. While you’re there, grab a frozen slushy or fresh lemonade to enjoy while visiting your favorite animals.
Marilyn’s
Weekends only through Memorial Day
Detroit-based Marilyn’s serves fresh, organic smoothies, superfruit bowls and lemonade. Marilyn’s uses only organic, whole fruit with no added refined sugars blended with unsweetened nut milks.
Shops and Photos
Don’t leave the Detroit Zoo without something to remember us by! From photos and caricature drawings to gift shops filled with fun mementos and animal plushes, you are sure to find the souvenir that will make your Zoo visit even more memorable.
Detroit Zoo Shop
Open Daily
Take your Zoo adventure home with you or grab something on the go from the Detroit Zoo Shop! Featuring a refreshed look, brand-new coffee corner with delicious drinks, memorable merchandise and special souvenirs, this one-stop shop has everything you need to make your trip to the Detroit Zoo a great one.
Penny Press Machines
Open daily 9 AM to close
Press a penny, take home a memory. Our new penny press machines let you create a one-of-a-kind keepsake featuring the animals and icons of the Detroit Zoo — all for just $1.01. With multiple designs and easy-to-use, accessible machines across Zoo grounds, it’s a fun and affordable way to make your visit even more memorable.
Drake Passage Gifts
Open Daily
Dive into Drake Passage Gifts, right by the exit of the Polk Penguin Conservation Center. We’ve got everything penguin-themed – plushies, souvenirs, T-shirts, books, mugs and more. It’s the perfect way to remember your Antarctic expedition at the Detroit Zoo!
Arctic Outpost
Weekends only
Chill out with our coolest store! Discover Arctic-inspired treasures you won’t find anywhere else in the Zoo. Souvenirs, toys and cuddly plushies galore await you at the exit of the Arctic Ring of Life.
Kaman’s Art Shoppes
Closed for the season
Step up the fun factor with Kaman’s specialty carts! Get your face painted, snag a quirky caricature or snap some awesome pics. Find them at the front gate, Rackham Fountain and outside the Polk Penguin Conservation Center.
