The Best Brunch Spots in Washington, D.C.
By Lola Mendez
Brunch is a modern American pastime, and the capital city has unlimited options of spots for all sorts of brunch-goers, from those looking to cure a hangover, get the party started, serious foodies, and even plant-based eaters who want to indulge on drool-worthy baked goods. After going for a morning bicycle tour of Washington D.C., head out to any of these brunch spots to refuel. Be sure to make a reservation in advance—people take brunch very seriously in the District.
Union Street Public House
đź“ŤLocation: 121 S. Union Street
If you like to have a side of history with your brunch, make a reservation at Union Street Public House. Originally built in the 1780s, Union Street Public House is among the oldest restaurants in the D.C. area and was frequented by George Washington. The historic eatery has an extensive brunch menu which features a variety of regional foods prepared with locally sourced ingredients by Chef Jeremy Waybright. You’ll have a choice of classic farm-to-table American dishes such as fried green tomatoes, crab benedict, shrimp and grits, and more. There’s also an assortment of typical breakfast dishes such as the pecan buttermilk pancakes, steak and eggs, and a Belgian waffle with fresh strawberries. Wash down your brunch item of choice with the taproom trio: a bottle of champagne served with carafes of orange, peach, and pomegranate juices. After brunch, explore the beautiful Old Town Alexandria and take a stroll on the Potomac River waterfront.
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Calabash Tea & Tonic
đź“ŤLocation: 2701 12th St NE
If you’re after healing foods created with loving energy and medicinal plants, make your way towards Calabash Tea & Tonic. The newest location of the Award-winning plant-based tea shop and café opened this summer in Brookland. It’s a perfect brunch spot as it’s spacious and features beautiful decor from the very places that grow the spices used in the food and drink. The light fixtures, cushions, and furnishings from Morocco to India are sure to transport you to a faraway place. Calabash is owned and operated by Dr. Sunyatta Amen, a 5th generation herbalist, who incorporates her Syrian-Jamaican and Cuban heritage into vegan vittles, including Jamaican patties and soups. The savory breads and pies are a must-do for brunch along with a bespoke elixir. When you enter Calabash, the skilled brujas/brujos ask, “How can we help heal you today?” and craft a concoction based on the guest’s needs or desires.
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Dirty Habit
đź“ŤLocation: 555 8th St NW
For an upscale brunch in a swanky setting, visit Dirty Habit. The best part about their brunch is it’s served seven days a week until 2:30 P.M., so you don’t even have to wait until the weekend. Their brunch menu is curated by Executive Chef Kyoo Eom and includes a must-try everlasting brunch punch. With everything from frittatas, huevos rancheros, and beignets, everyone is sure to find something they’ll love at Dirty Habit. The best way to enjoy brunch is to order a bunch of plates to share, but no matter what you order, don’t forget to order the truffle fries!
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Urbana
đź“ŤLocation: 2121 P St NW
At Urbana, it’s never too early for a handmade pasta that will transport your taste buds to Italy. If pizza is more of your morning fancy, you’ll be thrilled to learn they offer an unlimited pizza option, which is an excellent choice for large groups. But don’t fret, if you have more of a sweet tooth in the morning, Urbana’s got you covered with a decadent Nutella French toast. All of the brunch items, including breakfast calzones and a taleggio-prosciutto burger, go down well with the bottomless drink package that goes on until 2:45 P.M. and includes bellinis, Bloody Marys, screwdrivers, tequila sunrises, and select beers.
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The Caged Bird
đź“ŤLocation: 1723 Connecticut Ave NW
The Caged Bird is a Black-owned business that pays tribute to legendary wordsmith Maya Angelou. Pay homage to the late poet by ordering the April 4th cocktail, which commemorates her birthday. The hand-crafted concoction of gin, berry syrup, lemon juice, and club soda is the perfect brunch drink and sure to get the party started! There’s a bottomless brunch package with all you can drink mimosas. Better yet, they only use paper straws. The stellar brunch menu offers the comfort of home-style cooked meals inspired by Southern and Creole cuisine. You can never go wrong when ordering chicken and waffles!
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Bastille
đź“ŤLocation: 606 N. Fayette Street
If champagne is what you’re after with your brunch, then look no further than the French brasserie, Bastille. The chef-owned eatery offers some of the freshest pastries in the D.C. area and one of the best oyster specials. The Mimosa Brunch is every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30-2:30 P.M. Be sure to arrive early to take advantage of the sunny outdoor patio seating. Brunch can be ordered a la carte, but the best deal is to choose from the three-course $29 prix fixe menu with everything from rillettes to charcuterie. They also offer a make your own mimosa option at your table for $22 with a carafe of orange juice and a bottle of champagne.
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Fruitive
đź“ŤLocation: 1330 Connecticut Ave NW
If you and your brunch pals are on a health kick, you’ll drool over all of the 100% plant-based options at Fruitive. Everything on the menu is certified USDA organic and made from scratch, so if you have any food allergies the dishes can be customized for you with wholesome quality ingredients that will nourish you. The bright environment is very welcoming and just as energizing as the health-focused dishes. Eat clean for brunch with vegan waffles covered in almond butter or berries, savory sandwiches, hearty wraps, and vibrant smoothie bowls.
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Related links:
- Fat Tire’s Best of Washington, D.C.
- 5 Hidden D.C. Gems Tourists Never Know About
- 10 Best Sweet Treats in Washington, D.C.
- Money-Saving Tips and Tricks for Visiting Washington, D.C.
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