Atrium Café

Terrible customer service for ridiculously expensive food. Don’t come.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

After a long day exploring the area, we were looking for good food options near the museum so we were eager to see what the fuss was about. Walking in. I was thinking I was about to fuel my brain with some culture while enjoying the museum. Boy was I wrong. Buckle your seatbelt folks. First, the prices. $4 for a can of water? I expected a gold tooth from T-Rex to be included in the can. We paid $8 for two cans of water. Must be those “minerals added” that spikes up the price. Oh, they also weight the plates and charge per pound so be cautious. Throw in a few pieces of pineapple and call your bank to transfer from your emergency savings. The line was long and confusing. Multiple arrows in multiple directions, no guidance, etc. It felt like my first day of high school all over again. Condiments, however, were a shining beacon in the darkness. The ketchup packets were like tiny sachets of joy in a desert of disappointment. I slathered them on like they were gold dust, because honestly, without them, the food would have probably tried to eat me first. Regardless of that, I am sure my bathroom will be very unhappy after this meal. Just bring a sandwich and water from home and save yourself the existential trauma. A diaper just in case would probably also be beneficial. Actually, just bring a full “museum cafe rescue kit with you to be safe”. But actually that probably won’t be too helpful so just accept your fate and get through it lime a warrior. 😍

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Every year, at the end of the year, I reflect back on the worst meal, and the best meal of the year. It’s August and this place is pretty much at the top of the worst meal contender list. This place is just as horrible as it was 6 years ago back in 2019. People of DC love protesting just about anything and everything. Wondering when they would be protesting in front of the Smithsonian to shut down the Atrium cafe. I was about to make a donation of 5 or 10 dollars on my way out to the Smithsonian, but after having food here at the cafe, please consider my spend of $47 worth on the throwaway food as a donation to science.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 2

We only ordered a bowl of mac and cheese for our 9 year old as she got hungry and wanted something. We had our drinks and snacks from home, as we try to save money. Everything was very expensive, but it didn't surprise me because it is very convenient and it is DC. Mac and Cheese was pretty good. Place was packed with people. If you a family of 3 or 4, it's gonna be very expensive to just order anything.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Expensive. Got a veggie burger that I watched a guy put on a grill, but it was still cold. I brought it back and made them re-cook it.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Good food, terrible staff

Not worth it. At best the food is OK, chicken tenders are dry and the fries are the same that you would get in a school lunch. It is far too expensive though, it might’ve been at least 3 stars if the price wasn’t bad. Staff was nice though.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 4

Atrociously expensive, subpar menu, rude staff, mediocre atmosphere

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

It’s loud, expensive and bad… the food is barely warm and it ridiculously expensive… get food elsewhere!!!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

this place is the worst meal i have ever laid my beautiful mouth upon and i think im gonna be traumatized for the rest of my life. IT IS 12 FOR THE MOST MEDIOCRE DRY CHICKEN TENDERS????? and the fries r like microwaveable????? bru pls dont buy im gonna throw up on my life

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 2

Nice for servicing big crowds. Turkey sando was fresh. West coast -style ipa from Aslin Beer Co was tasty!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Sandwiches

Food is abysmal. Eat here as a last resort. Burgers have cheese and nothing else but you can acquire ketchup and mustard.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 2

Bring your lunch and skip the cafe. No forks, dirty tables, coagulated cheese on the pasta dishes. Worst meal we've ever eaten. And it cost $53.35 for 2 pasta dishes, 1 pizza and 1 soft drink.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Just disgusting food. And for no reason. It's really expensive and there is lots of turnover, so why was every item cold and stale?
$65 for some pizza, a burger, small pasta and some pop.
Eat before you come to the museum!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Atrium Café Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The $7 cappuccino was well worth it—much better than Starbucks! Smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. The chocolate croissant was fresh and delicious. A great spot for a quality coffee break!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4