Tucked away inside the bustling Ice House, Cafeteria 111 brings a fresh twist to traditional rink-side dining. Look, I've been to my fair share of ice rink cafeterias, and most of them are, well, pretty basic. But this place? It's different. The moment you step in, you'll notice it's not your typical snack bar setup. The space manages to be both cozy and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let you watch skaters glide by while you warm up with a hot drink.
Key Features
• Spacious seating area with panoramic views of the ice rink
• Fully accessible facilities with modern amenities
• Diverse menu featuring both healthy options and comfort food
• Quick-service counter for grab-and-go items
• Dedicated family seating section with kid-friendly tables
• Temperature-controlled environment (trust me, you'll appreciate this after skating!)
• Clean, well-maintained dining space
• Seasonal menu rotations that keep things interesting
Best Time to Visit
From my experience hanging around here quite a bit, weekday mornings are your best bet if you're looking to avoid crowds. The sweet spot is between 10 AM and noon - that's when you'll find the perfect balance of atmosphere and availability. Weekends can get pretty packed, especially during public skating sessions. If you do end up coming on a weekend, try aiming for early morning or later in the evening, around 7 PM, when most families have headed home.
How to Get There
The cafeteria is located on the upper level of the Ice House complex. Once you enter the main building, just follow the signs - you really can't miss it. Y'know what's funny? I actually walked right past it my first time here because I was looking for something more... cafeteria-like. But just head up the stairs or take the elevator (yep, they've got both), and you'll find yourself right at the entrance. The whole place is super accessible, which is awesome.
Tips for Visiting
Okay, here's the inside scoop from someone who's probably spent way too much time here. First off, bring a light jacket even in summer - the AC from the rink below can make things a bit chilly. I learned that one the hard way! If you're planning to eat during peak times, try to snag a table by the windows - the views of the rink are fantastic and make for great people-watching.
The portions here are pretty generous, so you might wanna consider sharing if you're not super hungry. Oh, and don't forget to try their signature hot chocolate - it's become my go-to after a skating session. They've got these punch cards for frequent visitors, which can save you some cash if you're planning to become a regular.
If you're coming with kids, there's a special menu for the little ones, and they've got these cool booster seats that actually work (unlike some places where they're falling apart). During busy times, you can actually call ahead to reserve a table, which not many people know about.
Last tip - if you're here for a skating session, consider eating after rather than before. I made the mistake of having a full meal before skating once, and let's just say it wasn't the most comfortable experience on the ice! The cafeteria usually stays open about an hour after the last skating session, giving you plenty of time to wind down and refuel.
Oh, and one more thing - they're really good about dietary restrictions here. Just let the staff know if you've got any special requirements, and they'll help you figure out what works for you. And pro tip: they sometimes do theme days where they offer special menu items, so keep an eye out for those!
