Advance registration is no longer required for general admission. Given the continued threat of COVID-19 and variants of the virus, face masks are required for indoor areas of the North Carolina Zoo. Face coverings are also required at the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck.
The Zoo serves up a variety of dining options. If you want a fresh garden salad, locally-sourced chicken, or yummy soft-serve ice cream, the Zoo will satisfy your appetite! See below for current operations and mobile ordering.
All restaurants accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Zoo gift cards. See below for current operations.
Location: North America Plaza
Open Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Menu: burgers, bbq sandwiches, salads, specialty coffee drinks and soft serve ice cream.
Location: Junction Plaza
Open Daily
Menu: Fresh Angus beef burgers, hand-dipped chicken tenders, hot dogs, salad, soup, snacks, Pepsi products, hot chocolate and coffee.
Online ordering available.
Browse menu options, place your order and pay online at https://junctioncafe.myncrsilver.com/. A QR code for contactless ordering is also available at the Junction Springs Cafe.
Guests orders are to be picked up in the breezeway of Junction Springs Cafe at the prompted pickup time.
Location: Junction Plaza
Open Daily
Menu: Whole & sliced pizza, salads, bread sticks, Pepsi products and bottled beverages
Location: Africa's Akiba Market
Hours Vary
Menu: Hot 'n' crispy fried chicken, slaw, fries, mac & cheese, smoked collard greens, watermelon salad, banana pudding, soft serve ice cream, Pepsi products, bottled beverages and coffee
Online ordering available.
Browse menu options, place your order and pay online at https://billyds.myncrsilver.com/. A QR code for contactless ordering is also available at near Billy D's.
Guests orders are to be picked up inside Billy D's on the front counter at the prompted pickup time.
The Zoo's seasonal snack bars are typically open April - October, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Zoo gift cards. See below for most current operations.
Open Daily
Location: North America Plaza
Menu: Drinks, soft serve ice cream, ICEEs and snacks
Open Daily
Location: North America near Garden Friends Playground
Menu: Fresh Angus beef burgers, hot dogs and fries
Temporarily Closed
Location: North America near Garden Friends Playground
Menu: Drinks, soft serve ice cream, ICEEs and snacks
Open Daily
Location: North America near the Grizzly Bear and Prairie Habitats
Menu: Drinks, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, ICEEs and snacks
Open Daily
Location: Junction Plaza
Menu: Soft serve ice cream, drinks and snacks
Open Daily
Location: Junction Plaza
Menu: Hand dipped chicken tenders, fried chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fries and beverages.
Hours Vary
Location: Africa's Akiba Market
Menu: Customizable ICEEs and snacks
The Zoo also has various food and beverage carts featuring items such as drinks, Dippin' Dots ice cream and Minute Maid frozen lemonade. There are also beverage vending machines located near select restrooms. Carts and vending machines accept cash and credit/debit. Operations and locations vary.
