A common question I receive from readers and followers is about where to eat brunch in Washington, DC. Short answer: there are soooo many places! Long answer: this post. The brunch scene in Washington, DC has evolved throughout the years. You can still have your eggs and pancakes, but there is so much more on the menus now. I’ve developed this list to cover several scenarios.
When You Want to Impress
Alhambra at St. Regis Washington, DC. Let’s begin with the décor… Alhambra is one of the most beautiful dining rooms in Washington, DC with its deep red plush chairs, shimmering chandeliers, and a gorgeous dessert display. The luxurious menu pairs perfectly with the décor. Indulge in the lobster eggs benedict or the juicy cut of filet mignon topped with foie gras. The service matches the high price tag with attentive waitstaff who know their menu and wines. This is the perfect place to have brunch in Washington, DC if you want to celebrate a special occasion or impress a client.
Alhambra at St. Regis, 923 16th and, K St NW, Washington, DC, Website
Where to Go to Keep Everyone Happy
Update (07/06/2020): High Street Café is closed.
High Street Café. This new brasserie in Georgetown offers a little bit of everything on their brunch menu. Owner Manuel Iguina draws from the diversity of his staff, family, and the city to create his menu. There’s a wood stone oven that makes handmade breakfast pizzas with chorizo and egg to the simple yet delicious Margherita. High Street Cafe also offers Mexican inspired dishes such as huevos divorciados. Manuel is originally from Puerto Rico, adding a little “sazon” to the menu with roasted pork sandwiches and the very popular seafood asopao, a savory, hearty stew.
High Street Café, 1303 Wisconsin Ave, Washington, DC, Website
Where to Have Pasta For brunch
Napoli Pasta Bar. Disclaimer: This is one of my favorite restaurants in DC, full stop. This cozy restaurant near Columbia Heights transports me back to Italy. The owner and chef, Antonio Cano makes all of his pasta in-house. When you take a bite of the al-dente rigatoni with ragu is amore! The dining room is small but big on details. Dishes are served in colorful hand-painted plates from Italy. If you have a large group ask to be seated at the very instagrammable Vespa table. This picturesque class table uses a Vespa as a base.
Napoli Pasta Bar, 2737 Sherman Ave, Washington, DC, Website
Where to Have a Girl’s Brunch
The Alex Speakeasy at The Graham Hotel Are you looking to gather all your girls and have a fun brunch in Washington, DC? Let’s start with the mimosas. Like my friend Carlis from Spicy Candy DC says, “brunch without mimosas is just breakfast.” Your first mimosa is $9, and each extra one is $1. Pair these mimosas with their yummy short rib hash. The restaurant is small, so it gives an intimate feel which is perfect for catching up with friends.
The Alex Speakeasy at The Graham Hotel, 1075 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC, Website
Where to Go for a Michelin Starred Brunch
Blue Duck Tavern. This Michelin-starred restaurant at the Park Hyatt DC is one of my favorite places for brunch in Washington, DC. The quality of the food, the impeccable service, and the inventive cocktails are flawless. A must-order is their decadently sweet sticky buns for the table. Also, talk to someone at your table (maybe yourself) into ordering the pancakes. They are one of my favorite dishes in DC, I literally craved them when I was pregnant! Blue Duck Tavern changes their pancake offerings seasonally. Whether it is lemon blueberry pancakes or sweet potato, the flavors are always on point.
Blue Duck Tavern, 1201 24th St NW, Washington, DC, Website
Where to Go for an Indian Brunch
Pappe. Disclaimer: I love Indian food, and Pappe does it oh-so-well. When I heard they were doing a brunch menu, I was intrigued. Their brunch thali (a sampler of Indian dishes) is not only delicious but also a great introduction to anyone that is new to Indian food. Pappe is also an excellent pick for those who are looking for vegetarian options as their menu has a wide variety of veggie choices.
Pappe, 1317 14th St NW, Washington, DC, Website
Where to Go for a Neighborhood Feel
Brookland’s Finest. This restaurant is a favorite in Brookland, a mostly-residential neighborhood located in Northeast Washington, DC. A neighborhood restaurant, you’ll see the diversity of the neighborhood: lots of babies, students, multi-generational families who have lived in the area for decades, and maybe a member of the clergy. What makes this restaurant so special is their inclusive vibe. A must order (especially if you’re nursing a hangover) the burger. This juicy burger with gigantic onion rings has been a favorite in our family for years.
Brookland’s Finest, 3126 12th St NE, Washington, DC, Website
Where to Host a Casual Brunch for a Large Party
City Tap House, Penn Quarter. Here are some things I take into consideration when I am looking for brunch in Washington, DC for a big group: diverse menu, easy access, and an option for a private dining room. City Tap House at Penn Quarter checks all of the boxes. Start your brunch with their zesty nachos and more to more decadent choices such as the biscuit gravy chicken sandwich. If you’re feeling more sensible, the brunch menu also offers several salads and roasted veggies. Check out their extensive selection of beers on tap or if you’re feeling adventurous, a beer mimosa! You only need one of those to loosen up.
City Tap House-Penn Quarter, 901 9th St NW, Washington, DC, Website
Where to Have a Family Friendly Brunch
Hen Quarter. I know that the blog title is “Brunch in Washington, DC” but sometimes you just have to cross the Potomac for a change of scene. Hen Quarter is located in charming Old Town Alexandria. As the name implies, the specialty is chicken, but there is so much more. Guests indulge in a buffet ($30.50 per adult) and there are extra a la carte options to choose from. I am wary of buffets but the brunch buffet at Hen Quarter proved me wrong: crispy fried chicken, omelets cooked to order, great selection of fruit, old bay steamed shrimp, and much more. Make sure to save room for their beautifully delicious Bloody Marys. With its food variety, friendly staff, and ample seating, it’s a great brunch pick for families.
Hen Quarter, 801 King St, Alexandria, VA, Website
Where to Have a Fun Brunch
Punch Bowl Social. Ok… one more Virginia spot! Boozy shakes and mini-bowling? Sign us up! Punch Bowl social is a three-story maze of fun. I have to admit that I had always found these food and games places quite cheesy so when I visited Punch Bowl Social in Arlington, I was pleasantly surprised. The games have a sleek design, space is creatively decorated throughout, and the food is excellent. From charcuterie and cheese boards to a loaded bowl of poutine, there are plenty of options. Perfect for a big group. Speaking of big groups, don’t forget to order their famous “punch bowls.”
Punch Bowl Social, 4238 Wilson Blvd Ste. 1180, Arlington, VA, Website
Where to Have Dim Sum for Brunch
Q by Peter Chang. When thinking of Asian food for brunch, dim sum is the number one way to go! The perfect meal for sharing mini steamed baskets and small plates is taken to the next level at Q by Peter Chang. Start your brunch off strong with their signature “The – Q” cocktail, which blends patrón, Cointreau, and some Szechuan peppercorn spice. Follow with steaming baskets of shrimp dumplings, pork shumai, and don’t forget a platter of Peking duck! For me, what sets Q apart from many other dim sum places in the area is the fresh quality of their food. All of their dishes successfully avoid being greasy without sacrificing any of the flavors!
Q by Peter Chang. 4500 East-West Hwy Ste 100, Bethesda, MD, Website
