Must-Try Brunches in Washington, DC

Must-Try Brunches in Washington, DC

Washington, D.C., may be best known for its history, monuments, and cherry blossoms in the Spring. Did you know that Washington, D.C. is also acknowledged among locals for the plethora of restaurants that offer brunch? 

Weekends are for brunch in the D.C. area. In fact, Washingtonians have even turned brunch into a verb; Brunching is a time when friends gather for this beloved meal, which will often carry over into the rest of the day. One reason Washington, D.C. is unique for brunch? Restaurants are able to offer bottomless drink options while diners enjoy their meal. 

Whether or not you are looking for bottomless mimosas or food, there is a brunch in D.C. for everyone. While you are in D.C., it is also worth it to venture outside of the District into the Northern Virginia area. You will be rewarded for your quick ride with some delicious eats! 

Check out my list of must try brunches in the Washington, D.C. area. Get ready to grab some friends and make some plans! 

Best Brunch Restaurants in DC

  1. Ala 
  2. Palette 22 
  3. Blue Duck Tavern
  4. Ottoman Taverna 
  5. Founding Farmers
  6. Uptown Market 
  7. Sababa
  8. Lyon Hall 
  9. Virtue Feed and Grain 
  10. Iron Gate
  11. Unconventional Diner
  12. Gypsy Kitchen
  13. Primrose 
  14. Busboys and Poets
  15. Lupo Verde 

Ala

1320 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-717-1166
Visit Website

Looking to brunch this weekend right in the heart of Dupont Circle? You have to check out Ala. Ala offers Levantine cuisine and is steps away from the metro. you will be struck by their exceptional customer service as well as their delicious weekend brunch offerings.

Ala has crafted brunch cocktails and food that speaks to what they hope to encourage; beautiful colors and community. Sharing plates is recommended here, and with their menu, you will want to try a little bit of everything. While they have standard brunch items including benedict, you can find many dips and other foods traditional to the Levantine region. The Halloumi is a dish not to be missed. 

This casual restaurant is a standout in Washington, D.C., and has a large outdoor patio. With colder weather, you can request an enclosed tent outside to enjoy your brunch in. Ala requires reservations, and they usually fill up mid week. 


Palette 22

4053 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: 703-746-9007
Visit Website

With a tagline of “Food, Art, Fun”, Palette 22 is an easy addition to this list. This vibrant restaurant is located in Arlington, Virginia in the Shirlington Village, with plenty of parking. Offering globally inspired street food in small plates form, this restaurant is perfect for sharing dishes with friends.

The food is a wonderful mix of flavors and textures that represent the creativity of the chefs. This casual dining restaurant also has outdoor seating and a bottomless brunch option for food. Their brunch menu is a representative of the willingness to incorporate new menu items often, though current favorites are the grilled octopus and avocado hummus. 

The vibrancy of Palette 22 is evident when you walk into their light filled restaurant. With floor to ceiling windows, it is the perfect environment for the local artists who take up residency in the bustling restaurant. While you brunch, you can watch these artists at work, and purchase completed items. A popular brunch spot for locals, a reservation is needed most weekends. 


Blue Duck Tavern

1201 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 202-419-6755
Visit Website

Are you looking for a brunch this weekend in the West End of D.C.? Blue Duck Tavern serves up delicious brunch offerings that you should check out. 

The vibe at Blue Duck Tavern is upscale, and is perfect for a brunch date or for when your best gal pal comes into town. The bone marrow is a delicacy, and served up exquisitely by Blue Duck Tavern during brunch. If you are looking for another option, try the coffee cakes or the grits. You won’t regret it. 

Blue Duck Tavern has received a Michelin Star for their elegant dining experience, and their brunch offerings are not exempt. Reservations are encouraged. 


Ottoman Taverna 

 425 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-847-0389
Visit Website

Located between Mount Vernon Square and Gallery Place, Ottoman Taverna is one of the best Turkish brunch spots in Washington, D.C. 

With a large, sleek, and modern interior, Ottoman Taverna offers both bottomless and a la carte brunch. While they have an outdoor patio for outdoor brunch, the inside of the restaurant is perfect for a special occasion brunch. The Sigara Boregi is the perfect brunch item to get you started at Ottoman, the hot mezze cheese and vegetable mezze wrapped in a flaky phyllo roll. 

The customer service at Ottoman Taverna is second to none, and when you order the bottomless brunch option, your server will ensure your brunch cocktail is always topped off and your bellies full when you leave. 


Founding Farmers

1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-822-8783
Visit Website

Founding Farmers is the restaurant you take all out of town guests for brunch for their first time in D.C. Located in both D.C. and Northern Virginia, the location downtown D.C. is the most popular. Relying on family farmers and delineating food waste, you can trust your meal at Founding Farmers will be fresh and in support of sustainability. 

While you enjoy brunch on the weekend at Founding Farmers, be sure to take in the details in the shabby chic decor that gives a nod to agricultural roots. While all of the food is delicious, their beignets are amazing and a must have! Everything is made from scratch, including the beignets, so make sure you give them at least 20 minutes to be prepared for your table. 

Located a few blocks away from the White House, brunching here will allow you to take in a scenic walk to the monuments. Consider making reservations to Founding Farmers well in advance. 


Uptown Market

 4465 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202-363-2200
Visit Website

Are you looking to brunch this weekend in the heart of Van Ness? Uptown Market not only offers a full brunch men, they also have a coffee bar experience for an on the go brunch. 

With a large patio that offers full service dining, Uptown Market is a casual atmosphere to meet with friends. Their patio is also dog friendly. The sweet belgian waffles are out of this world, and the crab omelette is the perfect dish for seafood lovers! 

Before leaving brunch, check out the market attached to the restaurant. Offering a full selection of fresh breads and cheeses as well as household goods, you can also find items from local shops, including Jeni’s Ice Cream!


Sababa

3311 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202-244-6750
Visit Website

Located in Cleveland Park, Sababa is a top brunch spot. With a Bib Gourmand nod, they feature Israeli dishes that will keep you coming back for more. 

Sababa serves up delicious brunch dishes in a casual environment. This brunch is perfect for friends to share and create an amazing meal from small plates offered. The halloumi and fried cauliflower are perfect starters. For a filling brunch experience, ordering the kebabs are a must! 

Sababa offers bottomless mimosas for brunch, and the two hour time limit is enforced due to its popularity. Reservations are recommended. 


Lyon Hall

3100 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 703-741-7636
Visit Website

Lyon Hall is a French brasserie in Arlington, Virginia, located in the Clarendon neighborhood that is a popular choice for brunch.

With their laid back atmosphere and large patio, it is ideal for a brunch with friends and family. Getting multiple dishes is always a smart move at Lyon Hall when out for brunch. Starting with their mussels and house smoked salmon is a great brunch choice. A fan favorite brunch item is the Maine Lobster. End your shared brunch with the beignets! 

In addition to extensive brunch cocktails and a wine list that is quite impressive, Lyon Hall offers notable beers on draft. Kick back, relax, and enjoy your brunch! 


Virtue Feed and Grain

106 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 571-970-3669
Visit Website

Nestled in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria, Virtue Feed and Grain is located directly next to the waterfront. If you are looking for brunch with a view, this is it!

The interior of Virtue Feed and Grain is rustic and comfortable. Serving classic brunch dishes, a favorite here is the oh so comforting chicken and waffles. Virtue is also a hit in town for brunch, as they own a private Barrel of Barton’s Bourbon. You should take advantage of this and enjoy this Single Barrel Bourbon neat or in a cocktail at brunch. 

After brunch, be sure to take advantage of the location of the restaurant. Walk down the boardwalk, grab an ice cream, and stop in the Torpedo Center where you can browse pieces of art by local artists. 


Iron Gate

1734 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-524-5202
Visit Website

Voted as one of the most romantic restaurants several years in a row, Iron Gate is nestled in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. Their beautiful patio is covered with Wisteria, and some tables have small fire pits for diners. If the fire does not warm you up on a chilly day, the blankets that the restaurants have most certainly will.

The ambiance is a bit more upscale, hence the accolades they have received as top romantic restaurant in the District. While Iron Gate offers brunch cocktails, know that your server will be able to share knowledge about their extensive wine offerings. The ricotta pancakes are always a hit.

Iron Gate has also created an initiative called Neighborhood Provisions, which focuses on providing culinary employment throughout the Covid pandemic. A reservation is usually needed at Iron Gate. 


Unconventional Diner

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-847-0122
Visit Website

One of the favorite brunches in D.C., Unconventional Diner serves modern comfort food located near the Mount Vernon Square Metro. 

A relaxed restaurant, Unconventional Diner reminds guests of a diner that has been leveled up to D.C. brunch standards. This is evidenced by the retro decor and fun loving servers. Do not visit Unconventional Diner without getting the Blueberry Pancakes. With Vanilla Mascarpone, Lavender Syrup, and Candied Ginger, this dish is going to be your go to brunch item. Unconventional Diner will also show you that lavender is indeed irresistible. 

Brunch is served daily at Unconventional Diner! A large percentage of Washington, D.C. employees are teleworking, and there is no better way to start a Monday morning than at brunch! 


Gypsy Kitchen 

1825 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-765-0500
Visit Website

Are you looking for a new and delicious brunch spot in D.C.? Gypsy Kitchen is a globally inspired restaurant located in the 14th Street area, close to U Street, and is one to put on your list! 

The ambiance at Gypsy Kitchen is bohemian chic, relaxed, and fun. While you are at brunch, make sure you request a rooftop garden patio table on a beautiful day. Brunch is meant to be shared, and the small plates at Gypsy Kitchen are delicious and diverse. The Hummus and Flatbread is a necessity to start your brunch off right. 

Having opened recently, this eclectic restaurant is already causing waves in the D.C. restaurant scene, so reservations are encouraged for brunch. 


Primrose

3000 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017
Phone: 202-248-4558
Visit Website

If you are looking for a favorite Parisian style bistro for brunch in D.C., Primrose is a must try in the Brookland area of D.C.

Known for their beautiful interior, Primrose is an ideal place to grab brunch with friends and take photos for Instagram while you are there. Their beautiful ostrich feathers adorn overhead lights and were created by one of the owners. Among their delicious brunch offerings are the shrimp and grits – it is a must try!  

Primrose is a wine bar and also has a wine club that you can join while you are at brunch, or sign up for online. 


Busboys and Poets

2021 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-387-7638
Visit Website

Busboys and Poets is a nod to famous poet, Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy in the 1920’s. With several locations around DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland, Busboys and Poets is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. 

The vibe is laid back and inclusive. When brunching at Busboys, you will feel comfortable in whatever attire you decide to wear. You will also feel comfortable dining alone with a book. If you do not bring one, you are in luck! They have many for you to choose from at the restaurant. Wondering what to order for brunch? Try one of their unique Vegan or Vegetarian options such as the Vegan Egg Scramble. 

Busboys and Poets not only has a delicious brunch menu, but is a community gathering place. Hosting events such as poetry and spoken word nights, they have shifted to hosting online conversations and karaoke events during the pandemic. 


Lupo Verde 

1401 T St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-827-4752
Visit Website

Lupo Verde promises to be an authentic Italian restaurant for all meals, including brunch. They deliver on that promise! Located on 14th Street in D.C., 

Unique to the brunch menu at Lupo Verde is the Toast Al Tiramisu. It is the brunch dish of your dreams, and is exactly what it sounds like. Who doesn’t love coffee soaked brioche bread for brunch with tiramisu cream and sweet toppings?

Lupo Verde offers a social brunch option for a minimum of 2 people. With their social brunch, each member of the party can choose  between four items for one cost. Included in their social brunch option? A choice of a bottle of prosecco, or a carafe of bloody mary or mimosa. 


Final Thoughts

Make sure to include brunch on your next visit to Washington, D.C. You will soon find out why locals schedule all obligations around this favorite meal. 

Did we leave a restaurant out of this brunch list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!

The post Must-Try Brunches in Washington, DC appeared first on Restaurant Clicks.

https://restaurantclicks.com/best-brunch-washington-dc/

Comments

Popular Posts