The L’Enfant Plaza Food Court is the most convenient, and one of the broadest available food courts close to the National Mall.

Hours: Fully open Monday through Friday starting at 11 AM (though many establishments open earlier). Saturday limited openings. Sunday closed.

A wide variety of DC regional and national chain restaurants providing one of the best lunch options on the south side of the National Mall (not that there is a lot of competition). There are over 20 restaurants, fast casual establishments, and fast food options inside including DC originals Five Guys, Amsterdam Falafelshop, and Roti Mediterranean Grill as well as Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Potbelly, Panda Express, Subway. If you are trying to avoid crowds, you should arrive before noon or after 1:30 PM as the food court can get crowded with office workers, and in the Spring and Summer, the school trips that fill Washington DC.