Washington DC: Brunch Capital
If you’ve been in DC for just the weekend or all your life, you may notice that nearly every restaurant has something in common: A Brunch Menu. Washington, DC is crazy about its brunches and many places in the Nation’s Capital raise this hybrid meal to an art form. From bottomless mimosas to all you can eat buffets, to classic comfort food with a modern flair, its hard to go wrong with brunch in DC. So, this weekend, we wanted to let you know about some of our favorite brunch spots in the city. If you’re visiting, these places are great for that boost of energy before you tackle the museums. If you’re local, we know brunch is a hotly contested topic here… so if we missed your favorite spot, tweet at us @CitySegwayDC.
Birch & Barley
Birch and Barley only opened 5 years ago, but when it did, it sent the Logan Circle neighborhood aflame and ignited a restaurant boom felt all along 14th Street. It’s really no surprise consider their incredible food, beer tasting menu, and legendary brunch. Their chicken and waffles leads the charge for us, but they have amazing modern takes on classics like french toast, quiche, omelet’s and burgers (a Brat Burger!). Enjoy a side of their Brioche Sticky Bun and wash it all down with a Cava Mimosa or their signature Brunch Punch. This is a brunch meant to be savored.
Birch and Barley is located at 1337 14th St NW
Ted’s Bulletin
Did you sleep through Brunch again? We hate when that happens. Luckily Ted’s Bulletin does to and they have breakfast options available all day! With two locations (Capitol Hill and Logan Circle), Ted’s is a throwback to the days of black and white movies, newsies, your local soda fountain and the time when dinner was called supper. Their menu features delicious homemade pop tarts, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, and other american breakfast classics. Its simple, but done really well. If breakfast food isn’t in the mix for you, they have massive sandwiches (we recommend the Reuben or the Cali Club) and dinner/supper options that bring the comfort food theme home (Country Fried Steak, anyone?). Polish it off with one of their legendary shakes like a Root Beer Float, S’Mores, or PBJ shake. Or, if you need a little extra kick, try an adult shake like their White Russian or Tequila Sunrise Shake.
Ted’s Bulletin is located at 505 8th St SE and 1818 14th St NW
Liberty Tavern
Maybe the never ending buffet is more your style? But, perhaps you don’t want to sacrifice quality for quantity. Neither does Liberty Tavern. An expansive all you can eat buffet dominates the brunch hours at this Clarendon tavern. Don’t worry that its technically in another state (its only steps away from the Clarendon Metro Station). Options will from brunch to brunch, but suffice to say they have you covered in the chicken and waffles department. Add on some french toast, bacon and breakfast sausage. Hungry for plate two? Grab a slice of succulent spiral ham, some mussels in white wine sauce (yes, Mussels for brunch) and maybe some crab legs. Then, finish it off with some pastries or chocolate mousse from their desert table. Mind you, this isn’t the cheap, ‘all you can eat’ buffet version of these amazing foods, its good. Like really good. Just make sure you come with an empty stomach and no plans to eat for the rest of the day.
Liberty Tavern is located at 3195 Wilson Blvd in Arlington
The Argonaut
Brunch in their garden! No really! There are tables between the trees you see below. Located in the burgeoning Atlas District (aka H Street NE), the Argonaut has been turning heads for their incredible atmosphere with help from their Science Night, Family Night, Trivia Night, Doggy Happy Hour, Bluegrass night and, of course, Brunch. It’s a simple brunch food menu, but done really well. From their H Street Sampler (a classic American Breakfast) to their Fried Green Tomato BLT, to their Eggs Benedict, you’re sure to find something to satiate your late morning hunger. They also feature one of the best Bloody Mary’s in DC. Why the best? Because you can make it! For $5, the bartender will give you a glass of spirit and point you in the direction of all the spices, mixes, celery stalks, olives and OId Bay that you could need (it is DC after all).
The Argonaut is located at 1433 H Street NE
Local 16
Maybe a little hair of the dog is order this morning? Say no more. Local 16 has you covered. And coincidentally, its one of the best brunch deals in DC. For just $20 you can get your choice of entree (grab a burger, Eggs Benedict, French Toast, Eggs and Chorizo or one of their personal pizzas) plus bottomless drinks. You heard right. That’s bottomless Mimosa’s, Bellinis, PBR’s (yikes), Miller High Life’s, and coffee. The staff is always incredibly friendly and the atmosphere is fun. Just don’t drive, bike or Segway here. If you’re lucky, you may be able to brunch on their rooftop which overlooks historic U Street (don’t worry, its heated in the winter and cooled during the summer).
Local 16 is located at 1602 U Street NW
Hungry for More?
Of course you are! These are just a few of our favorites, but there are hundreds others. Brunch in DC is a weekend tradition that nearly everyone enjoys. Tweet us @CitySegwayDC to tell us your favorite brunch places or check out some of the other best places as featured by our favorite blogs, the DCist and DC Eater and the Washington Post Going out Guide.
