The Original Jungle-Themed Family Restaurant
Rainforest Cafe is a jungle-themed family restaurant where every meal is an adventure. Since opening at Mall of America in 1994, we’ve welcomed families to dine among animatronic animals, cascading waterfalls and tropical thunderstorms while enjoying American favorites with island flavors. Today you’ll find 16 Rainforest Cafe restaurants in 11 U.S. states, plus locations in Canada, France, Japan and Malta.
- 1994First opened at Mall of America
- 16U.S. restaurants
- 11States
What Makes Rainforest Cafe a Themed Restaurant?
Most restaurants have a theme. At Rainforest Cafe, the theme is the experience. Here’s what you’ll find inside:
-
Animatronic animals
Trumpeting elephants, chest-pounding gorillas, crocodiles and tropical birds that come to life throughout your meal.
-
Tropical storms
Every 30 minutes, thunder rumbles, lightning flashes and rain falls in the jungle.
-
Waterfalls, a starry sky and aquariums
Lush vegetation, rain curtains, a twinkling ceiling and aquariums of colorful fish at select locations.
-
A cast of explorers
Our Safari Guides (servers), Tour Guides (hosts) and Navigators (bartenders) are part of the adventure.
-
The Retail Village
Plush animals, toys and souvenirs to take a piece of the jungle home.
A Kid-Friendly Restaurant Parents Love Too
For kids
Kids get their own menu (for ages 9 and under) full of favorites like Jurassic Chicken Tidbits™, Rainforest Rascals™ mini burgers, Castaway Kid’s Pizza and Python Pasta, with sides such as fresh fruit and steamed veggies.
Selected kids items are part of the Kids LiveWell program, verified to meet nutrition criteria from the National Restaurant Association and Healthy Dining.
For grown-ups
Explore a full menu of pastas, seafood, ribs, steaks, burgers and salads, plus tropical cocktails and mocktails served in souvenir glasses.
Every location offers a Gluten Sensitive menu, and our team will help with any food allergy. Just let your server know before ordering.
Meet the Wild Bunch
Our Wild Bunch Club characters make every visit more fun for kids.
Color along with Cha! Cha! Download the first page of his coloring book free, then join our email list to get the whole story.
- Cha! Cha!the brave red-eyed tree frog
- Ozziethe big-hearted orangutan
- Riothe adventurous macaw
- Nilethe fun-loving crocodile
- Tukithe curious baby elephant
- Bambathe kind gorilla
- Iggythe wise iguana
- Mayathe fearless jaguar
Made for Celebrations
Birthdays are wild at Rainforest Cafe. Tell your Safari Guide you’re celebrating and we’ll make it memorable. Groups of 10 or more can book birthday packages with reserved seating, party favors and a visit from Cha! Cha! at select locations. Landry’s Select Club members also receive a $25 birthday reward.
Plan a party or group event
Good to Know Before You Go
- Sensory note
- Our storms include flashing lights and loud thunder sounds, which may cause discomfort for guests with photosensitive epilepsy or sensory sensitivities.
- Reservations
- Recommended at busy locations and on weekends. Walk-ins are always welcome when tables are available.
- Rewards
- Earn and redeem Landry’s Select Club rewards at more than 600 Landry’s locations.
Find a Rainforest Cafe Near You
| State | Locations |
|---|---|
| Arizona | Arizona Mills (Tempe) |
| California | Ontario Mills (Ontario) |
| Florida | Disney Springs Disney’s Animal Kingdom Sawgrass Mills (Sunrise) |
| Illinois | Gurnee Mills (Gurnee) |
| Michigan | Great Lakes Crossing (Auburn Hills) |
| Minnesota | Mall of America (Bloomington) The original, opened 1994 |
| Nevada | Las Vegas Strip |
| New Jersey | Atlantic City Boardwalk |
| New York | Niagara Falls |
| Tennessee | Opry Mills (Nashville) |
| Texas | Galveston Grapevine Mills (Grapevine) Katy Mills (Katy) San Antonio |
Sister restaurants
Rainforest Cafe is part of the Landry’s family, which also includes T-REX at Disney Springs and Yak & Yeti™ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Themed Restaurant FAQ
What is Rainforest Cafe?
Rainforest Cafe is a jungle-themed family restaurant chain featuring animatronic animals, indoor thunderstorms, waterfalls and a menu of American and tropical-inspired food. It was founded in 1994 at Mall of America and is owned by Landry’s, Inc.
How many Rainforest Cafe locations are there?
There are 16 Rainforest Cafe locations in the United States across 11 states, plus international locations in Canada, France, Japan and Malta.
Is Rainforest Cafe still open?
Yes. Rainforest Cafe is open at 16 locations across the U.S., including Disney Springs, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Las Vegas, Galveston and Mall of America.
Is Rainforest Cafe a good restaurant for kids?
Yes. Rainforest Cafe is designed for families, with a kids menu for ages 9 and under, animatronic animals, the Wild Bunch characters, a Retail Village and birthday celebrations.
How often do the storms happen at Rainforest Cafe?
A tropical thunderstorm rolls through the dining room about every 30 minutes, with lightning, thunder and rain effects.
What is the Volcano at Rainforest Cafe?
The Sparkling Volcano is our signature dessert: warm chocolate brownie and chocolate cake stacked high with vanilla ice cream, chocolate and caramel sauces and toppings, served with a sparkler. It’s meant for sharing.