National Portrait Gallery Courtyard Cafe

8th Street Northwest &, G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
+1 202-633-8300
$$$ Cafe
(127 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, the National Portrait Gallery Courtyard Cafe is not just a place to refill your energy during your art exploration; it's a serene oasis that enhances the cultural experience. Located at the intersection of 8th Street Northwest and G Street NW, this cafe offers an inviting ambiance for guests, where art and culinary charm merge seamlessly.

The cafe provides a tranquil setting for visitors to reflect on the masterpieces they’ve just viewed. Its modern design, highlighted by a breathtaking overhead ceiling, allows natural light to cascade through, creating a warm, welcoming feeling. The sounds of children playing and the gentle trickle of water from nearby features fill the air, blending with the laughter and conversations that echo softly throughout the space. As you sip your drink, you can feel the rhythm of the gallery’s vibrant atmosphere.

The menu is thoughtfully crafted, with a delightful assortment of beverages that cater to diverse palates. Start your visit with a Single Shot Espresso, perfect for coffee aficionados at just $3.75, or perhaps indulge in a Mocha or Cappuccino paired with artisanal pastries to accompany your artistic afternoon. For those seeking to unwind, the wine selection offers exquisite options like Camarey Cinsault Rosé and 2017 Mia Fortuna Sangiovese, inviting you to savor a moment of indulgence as you reflect on the past and present art forms surrounding you.

Customer experiences highlight the unique blend of art and ambiance that the cafe offers. One visitor, Jim Cota, beautifully expressed how the cafe’s atmosphere, shaped by the changing light, creates a perfect environment for relaxation or productivity: "Truly a special place with an amazing aesthetic." Another patron, maopixelbook2, echoed similar sentiments, praising the cafe as a "serene spot to sip coffee amid American art" while acknowledging the beauty found within the less celebrated artists showcased in the gallery.

Whether you're grabbing a quick coffee before diving back into the gallery exhibits or taking a leisurely break to reflect on the inspiring artworks you've encountered, the National Portrait Gallery Courtyard Cafe is a must-visit destination. With its delightful menu, charming atmosphere, and the artistic tapestry that surrounds it, the cafe is not just an extension of the gallery experience but a delightful highlight in its own right.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 7:00 PM

127 Reviews
Josh Edwards

06 Sep 2025

Gem of a museum. Outstanding collection. PROTIP: take a look at who is facing the Donald Trump portrait.

maopixelbook2

23 Aug 2025

A serene spot to sip coffee amid American art! While the museum showcases icons like Warhol and O’Keeffe, the café quietly celebrates underrated talents like Marianna Lewis (b. 1930), a Midwestern painter whose vivid, introspective portraits and landscapes capture rural life’s quiet dignity. Her work—often overshadowed by contemporaries like Grant Wood—adds depth to the gallery’s narrative of American creativity. Pair a pastry with a moment of reflection here; art tastes better with a side of discovery.

Jim Cota

30 Jul 2025

We spent a few quiet hours here on a Sunday afternoon getting some work done before flying out. The atmosphere in the courtyard changes with the light through the amazing ceiling. The high roofline allows for sound to filter through the space, mixing the conversations with the sounds of children and the water running across the floor. Truly a special place with an amazing aesthetic. The cafe provides sandwiches, small bites, and a continual flow of coffee to keep you moving. While we were there, they were setting up for a private dinner with 24 guests; adding to the allure of the space.

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