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July 2023 by Matt M.
I've always wanted to visit Janelia and was super excited when I got a chance to during a recent conference. It's an entire nonprofit campus dedicated to cutting-edge research and is its own little town. There are residential buildings for the researchers and their families, plenty of research space, and lots of outdoor space. They also have a fitness center and childcare facilities and programs. Plenty of shuttle services as well. It's no wonder that about a third of the researchers live on campus!The conference area is really nice. Lot of smaller rooms that are well-equipped with technology, comfortable chairs, and different table configurations. Lots of clear walls, so the rooms don't feel closed off at all. There is also an auditorium for larger presentations - the chairs and desks swivel, and there are seating benches as well. The food here is excellent. The campus manager was right when we were told that we wouldn't go hungry. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner always had such a nice array of choices ranging from continental-style breakfast to braised swordfish, carrot cake, and other desserts. There was always food. Even when it wasn't meal time, there were always snacks and drinks in the lobby. Plenty of helpful staff around as well - the whole experience here has been great! I love walking around the big pond, and the Potomac River is a short 15-20min walk away.
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April 2019 by John F.
4/17/19 The landscaping here is beautiful. The pond I saw gives off a claiming effect. Guests and works all get a chance to enjoy the cool spring air. More people are inclined to wanna eat outside, because of this fantastic weather. The man made pond gives the landscape more relaxing feel. I was thinking the pond needs a waterfall, but at a closer inspection, I saw there already is one. The Canadian geese, foxes, deer hawks, eagles and bear have a wonderful area here. I was even informed of the Pileated Woodpecker have a few nests here. The hotel that is here looks like its underground from where I am. Scientists/Guests from all over the world come to share their knowledge and ideas. The food must be outstanding, but I yet to try it. This place even has it's own merchandise. How cool is that. Working here must be quite an experience. Some scientists even live on campus. There is a new shopping center being built here and I know this will work wonders with the workers and residents here. The is a very cool place.
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January 2017 by Tansy Y.
I just started working at Janelia last week and I can already tell you that this is The Place you want to work at--especially if you love food, free Yoga classes, intelligent yet easy-going colleagues, approachable bosses, and a beautifully and naturally landscaped environment. The food is subsidized and the most expensive lunch entree at the Servery is only $6.50 (seafood). However, the cashier does not accept cash or credit card so you would have to load money onto your J-card (ID) from a kiosk and have them swipe it. Visitors can purchase a temp J-card to use at the cafe and Bob's. Bob's Pub serves $4 personal sized artisan pizzas for lunch and offers extensive yet affordable dining options. You will have a server who will bring you your order yet there's no tipping because they are paid by salary. I have often seen people bringing their family and friends to Bob's for dinner. It's that good!
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June 2014 by Amanda G.
WILL SOMEONE THAT WORKS HERE PLEASE HIRE ME?! :) I'm obsessed with this place! My fiance's mother works here and we go visit her for lunch all the time. I brag to all my friends about how cool this building is!
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February 2014 by Angela L.
One day I was staying extra late at work, and my coworker, whose husband works at Janelia Farms said those magical words... "Do you want to get dinner with me at Janelia...?" Without hesitation, we climbed into my chariot (aka car) and traveled over to the research facility. I had heard..."things" about how the food was. But nothing could have prepared me for the glorious reality. We split bruschetta, pea soup, crab cake, a charcuterie plate, and pork loin. I also opted for an irish coffee, and it was pretty heavy-handed on the bailey's. In addition, they had a GOAT CHEESE CHEESECAKE. And the crust had pistachios! And it had salted caramel! Basically all of my favorite things. I will be dreaming about that cheesecake for years to come. It was basically a religious experience. I am questioning my decision as a young adult to pursue design instead of neuroscience.
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February 2013 by Lynn S.
It didn't surprise me that life changing biological research is a daily activity in this spectacular building. Everything functions flawlessly here and no expense has been spared to convey that impression. The structure takes advantage of natural light by incorporating steel and glass. Natural wood beams function as a drop ceiling on the first floor. Built to house sophisticated research laboratories, everything sparkles. Floors are polished, glass gleams, while a dramatic lighted staircase from the third floor drops through space as a focal point--even garage floors are painted glossy gray. Transparent walls enclose the conference room and library while polite staff tend to travel arrangements, event planning and food service. This is a dream research environment meant to attract world famous scientists who are trying to unravel the mechanisms of complicated diseases like brain cancer. Clearly such a facility could only be funded through private wealth, the estate of a reclusive billionaire, Howard Hughes. TIP: This is a secure facility. To visit you must be invited or secure tickets to a public lecture on campus.
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October 2011 by Reba A.
Came here to work the Siebel Scholars Event, thinking about moving in. Everyone was amazing. Nice, accommodating and seriously delicious food.. For breakfast it was make your own omlette, fresh salad bar with heirloom tomatoes..ok with the food .the facility is beautiful. the grounds are lush, they have everything. i am a bit intrigued by all the strange things going on behind the glass doors..would come here anytime..oh..ps.. make sure you have your id and an invitation..otherwise you'll have to stay at the Aloft.. ugghhh lets not start..
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June 2009 by Tasha D.
I'm pretty sure the only reason they charge any money for food here is so that people don't order one of everything off the menu just for fun. Went on campus -- which, yes, is a closed, private campus you have to be invited to -- to visit a friend who'd recently moved out from California. Got the grand tour, and then settled down to play pool and get food and beverages. All the food was solid, although the calories listed to every entree was a little mind blowing -- 927 calories for a lamb entree? ack! -- but certainly illuminating. If you get to go to Janelia, you'll enjoy the food. :) And if you live there, I don't know why you would ever cook, with the menu changing weekly and the food ridiculously inexpensive.
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November 2008 by Ashley A.
um.. someone should really mention this place is for Janelia Farm employees ONLY. I totally called there a couple months ago and made an a** of myself asking the hours of the bar. The lady was like "Uh, you need to be an employee of Janelia Farms Research campus to come here". FAIL!
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September 2008 by Bryan K.
Howard Hughes Institute is a non-profit research center. Non-profit means dining at Bob's Cafe, the onsite bar/cafe, is at cost or pretty darn near cost. I bet this is their way to keep everyone on campus and not wandering off to long lunches offsite. The beers were good, the buffalo wings tasty, the Kobe burger looked good. Open karaoke the last Friday of every month. But the best thing? Macallums 18year single malt scotch for FIVE BUCKS! Forget the beer, just keep the scotch coming... nice and neat.
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January 2008 by Pete L.
Bob's Cafe, the on-site Cafe at Janelia Farm Research Campus, is name after an architect from Rafael Violy Architects PC ( Open from 7 am ~ 11 pm every day, breakfast are served on M~F 7:30~9:30 am, dinner and full bar open 5:30~11:00 pm; on Sat and Sunday brunch are served 9 am ~ 2 pm, dinner on from 4 ~ 10 pm. Employees have the luxury to enjoy illy coffee and Tazo tea (for me a Lipton tea will do) all day for free. food ranges from simple wings, burgers to Kobe Sliders, Maryland crab cake, stake, and weekly taste the world specials. Four beers on tap with weekly wine list and full bar. Bob's serves the best breakfast and brunch in town...
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January 2007 by Allison K.
Beautiful facility with cutting edge neuroscience going on. However, one can't help but think, what a strange place to have a research institute? Wouldn't it have been better in the Bay Area? Make sure to check out the granite steps that are worth more than my net worth and Bob's, the on-site bar. This place also employs the love of my life so I'll be frequenting JFRC for the next couple of years.
