Cat House Café

2000 Prentiss Pl, Memphis, TN 38112, United States
+1 901-333-6500
$$$ Cafe , Grill , Restaurant
(54 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to the Cat House Café, a delightful eatery nestled within the Memphis Zoo at 2000 Prentiss Place, where culinary enjoyment meets a captivating animal backdrop. If you're seeking a unique dining experience that combines a love for creatures and cuisine, this café is a must-visit.

From the moment you step inside Cat House Café, you’re greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for a casual meal or a quick snack between zoo exploration. The vibrant decor reflects a charming blend of animal themes and cozy seating areas, making it an ideal spot for families, couples, and animal lovers alike. Enjoy watching playful monkeys frolicking as you dine—there's something truly special about enjoying a meal while being entertained by the zoo’s residents.

The menu at the Cat House Café features familiar favorites that are perfect for a zoo outing. Though the cuisine could be classified as classic café fare, it is carefully prepared to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Customers rave about the burgers and fries, which, while they have some mixed reviews, often receive praise for being cooked to order and delicious. One satisfied patron, Royce Smith, enthused, “Food was good, place is clean, food cooked to order,” echoing the sentiment of freshly made dishes that appeal to visitors seeking a satisfying meal.

Despite a few critiques—like the occasional burger that doesn't hit the mark—many diners appreciate the quick ordering process via multiple kiosks. This efficiency allows for more time spent enjoying the zoo's outdoor wonders. Emily Persell noted the friendly staff and the fun of dining next to large windows facing the gibbons, who undoubtedly add a touch of humor and interaction to the meal, making it a delightful experience. The café keeps its prices reasonable, allowing families to enjoy a treat without breaking the bank, a point noted by Bethanyk when she said, “Overall a pretty reasonable priced good place to grab a bite to eat while visiting the zoo.”

The café does have its areas for improvement, such as the need for more frequent cleaning of tables—feedback that the café management seems poised to address. However, the overall atmosphere and the delightful experience of dining amidst the animals remain the café’s strong points. Whether you're hungry for a simple snack or a full meal, Cat House Café promises a memorable dining experience in an environment unlike any other.

In summary, the Cat House Café offers a unique culinary experience within the Memphis Zoo, making it a charming spot to relax and enjoy good food while watching the wonders of wildlife. So the next time you find yourself wandering through the zoo, be sure to stop by and fuel up for your adventure!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Openings Hours

Monday

09:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Tuesday

09:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Wednesday

09:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Thursday

09:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Friday

09:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Saturday

09:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Sunday

09:30 AM - 05:30 PM

54 Reviews
Royce Smith

08 Sep 2025

Food was good, place is clean, food cooked to order.

Harley Mom

24 Aug 2025

Compared to the rest of the zoo, the cafeteria has a little that could be improved on. Mainly, ok solely, the food. It’s quick to order because there are several kiosks to order from. Food is expensive as it usually is at a zoo. Burger was bleh. I didn’t eat it all. It was gross actually lol! I enjoyed the free refill zoo cup though!

Emily Persell

16 Aug 2025

Friendly staff! Food is similar quality of typical ballpark food. Tasty! The tables aren’t cleaned as frequently as the probably need to be. But it was a good experince and relatively clean. Be sure and sit next to the windows facing the gibbons. They are hilarious and interact with you. We came in March and the restaurant wasn’t packed. Plenty of places to sit. Will come back!

Bethanyk

08 Jul 2025

The line went fairly quick and the food was actually pretty good! We got burgers and fries. You can sit and watch the monkeys while you eat altho not sure that's a good idea . Overall a pretty reasonable priced good place to grab a bite to eat while visiting the zoo.

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