Chic cafe conversation bursting with Asian fusion flavors slips into a zoo adventure on this unforgettable combo date. Don’t dare to miss it.
The Background
Start the date at Rose Ave, an Asian-American bakery that invites you to open your mind to yet undiscovered tastes and textures. From there, head to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Almost two million people a year visit the Zoo’s 163-acres, home to over 2,100 animals from nearly 400 unique species.
The Standout Features
Here’s why this date is ama-zoo-ing:
- Discover Their Adventurous Side – The bakery’s exotic menu lets you see how your plus one reacts to new experiences. Let their curiosity shine through.
- Nearly Free: Besides your cafe order, the bill is $0. Hurray!
- Dynamic Setting: This action-packed pursuit is tasty, educational, active, and lets you enjoy the outdoors. These diverse environments bring out more of your partner’s personality than a traditional date. The result? You learn more about them.
- Easy Conversation: Not sure what to say? Debate the merits of each confection or comment on the fun animal facts displayed at each exhibit. There’s endless material to keep you talking.
The Experience
Date Lead Up - Desserts to Die For
As I enter the bright cafe, it’s buzzing with people. The warmth of the place washes over me, and I smile. While I wait for my date, I peek at the splendidly colored desserts in the display window. From mango basil donuts and matcha cookies to ube coconut cake, the urge to explore all the new flavors is irresistible. When I turn to the drinks, it’s just as hard to choose. I debate between the Saigon banana latte and the ube iced coffee. Ube wins out.
When my coffee companion arrives, he delights in the many delicious options. Eventually, we settle on an assortment of treats. After all, why choose? We grab two seats at a high-top table, cut our loot into pieces, and start the taste test. Each sweet is more delectable than the last. In the end, I claim the strawberry lychee rose donut as my favorite, while he declares his devotion to the Saigon banana cinnamon swirl cookie. Combined with my ube beverage, this stop is a home run.
Date Main Event - Explore the Animal Kingdom
With filled stomachs and drinks in hand, we wander to the zoo. After a brief 9 minute stroll, we arrive at the entrance. Soon, the staff member scans our free timed tickets and ushers us in. We move through the park, weaving in and out of exhibits, spotting lions, monkeys, and reptiles along the way.
On this toasty summer day, we pop inside indoor habitats or walk beneath misters for reprieve. We even splurge on hibiscus cocktails at a surprisingly good price. Then, I spot my date’s last name on a zebra info sign and laugh. “Hey, maybe two are family,” I tease. When we come across the cows, my dates’ eyes widen. “It’s my favorite animal!” he exclaims with joy. I’m surprised by this and giggle at his enthusiasm. After giving him and the animals time to bond, we head towards the exit.
Date Wrap Up - The Cool Down
We spot a Froyo place across the street. When the air conditioning hits us, we breathe a slight sigh of relief. Then, I order a drink and he gets a vanilla cone with Oreos. It’s been a delightful date. I’m looking forward to the next one. Maybe then I’ll finally try that banana latte.
The Planning
No need to do all the planning yourself. Here are the highlights, though always double check!
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for... | ✔ First date ✔ A few dates in ✔ Steady couple |
| Seasons | Runs year-round |
| Typical Hours | Cafe: Closed Mondays, Open Tues-Fri: 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun: 9am - 1pm Zoo: Open every day except Christmas, 8am - 6pm |
| Duration | ~3-4 hours (1 hour for the cafe, 2-3 hours for the zoo) |
| Cost | Free, besides your cafe order |
| Booking | Reserve your free zoo ticket at least a day in advance here. Bring the ticket on your phone to the zoo entrance. |
| Websites | Rose Ave Bakery & National Zoo |
| Address | Cafe: 2633 Connecticut Ave Washington, DC 2008 Zoo: Two entrances - 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 (for vehicles & pedestrians), via Harvard Street Bridge (for pedestrians only, search for directions to the bridge online) |
| Transportation | Street parking available but may be sparse. Consider parking on Harvard St or reserving limited zoo parking for a flat rate of $30 (non-member price) when getting your free entrance ticket online. All cars with a zoo parking pass must enter through the main vehicle entrance on Connecticut Ave. Recommend Rideshare or metro. Nearest metro for cafe and zoo are both Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan. |
| To Bring | Water bottle for the zoo during the hot summers |
The Pre- and Post-Date Options
If you want to keep the date going, we have a cheat sheet to guide you to your next destination. You can visit these places before your date, too. Make this list your own. The map shows the cafe and zoo (purple), as well as post-date options (green) in one place. Before you go, though, always check opening times in case something’s changed.
- Duke’s Counter (1 min walk): Regularly voted the best burger in DC, this local gastropub is conveniently across the street from the Connecticut zoo entrance. Open Mon-Thurs: 11:30am – 9pm, Fri: 11am – 10pm, Sat: 10am – 10pm, Sun: 10am – 9pm.
- FroZenYo (1 min walk): Next to Duke’s Counter is the perfect post-zoo treat. Pick from farm fresh ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt customized to your taste. Open daily from 11am – 9pm.
- Purple Patch (17 min walk): From Ube ice cream and waffles to traditional teas, you’ll love every bite of their Filipino-American fusion menu. Open daily from 10am – 9pm.
- Mount Desert Island Ice Cream (17 min walk): Homemade with love and natural ingredients, this quaint artisanal ice cream shop earns its 4.7 stars. You’ll taste the delicious difference. Open daily from 2 – 10pm.
- Federalist Pig (15 min walk): This American BBQ is dripping with flavor. All made in-house, with creative spins on tradition, just for you. Open daily from 11:30am – 9pm.
- La Tejana (18 min walk): From morning breakfast taco shop to local evening cocktail bar, this award-winning Southwestern joint is good any time of day. Open for breakfast Wed-Sun: 7:30am – 1pm. Open for cocktails Wed-Sat: 4pm – 10pm.