From a chic, French petit déjeuner with croque madame to a mimosa-packed Sunday morning brekkie, D.C.’s brunch scene is a diverse and delightful treat.
Cafe Riggs
Offering a modern twist on traditional European brasseries, Cafe Riggs is a must-try weekend spot for classic yet innovative brunch dishes. Enjoy freshly-baked pastries, eggs royale and french toast on the Riggs hotel’s ground floor while sipping coffee and elixirs. The menu boasts tastings of local producers like Small Planes Roastery, Chesapeake Smokehouse and Vaughan Cheese to bring the freshest ingredients of D.C. right to your plate. 900 F. ST. NW, 202.638.1800, riggsdc.com.
Commissary
At Logan Circle’s Commissary, the casual atmosphere welcomes guests to relax and enjoy locally sourced and sustainable plates. The bloody mary bar serves four different twists on the classic cocktail, like the Extra Spicy with jalapeño infused vodka and the Smokin’ Maria with bacon and mezcal. For a weekend indulgence, the southern fried chicken sandwich, apple french toast with wildflower honey or the huevos rancheros are all heavenly choices. 1143 P. St. NW, 202.299.0018, commissarydc.com
Del Mar
Overlooking the Potomac River, Del Mar pairs waterfront views with savory Spanish-inspired Tapas, wines and Paella for the perfect brunch scene. The two-story restaurant, designed by famed interior designer Lazaro Rosa Violan of Barcelona, celebrates the Spanish lifestyle and craftsmanship in a villa-like setting. Pair a glass of white, red or rose Sangria with a Tortilla Española, and explore the sights of The District Wharf on the second floor Terraza. 791 Wharf St. SW, 202.588.7272, delmardc.com
Duke's Grocery
Inspired by East London corner cafes, bodegas and curry joints, Duke’s Grocery focuses on using sustainable ingredients to create high-quality, scrumptious food. At any of their three D.C. locations, the bottomless drinks—mimosas and house-spiced bloody marys—are a must for boozy brunch fans, while the food includes American and European favorites. Try the Angus beef burger with garlic aioli, truffle mac and cheese, shakshuka, or the proper English brekkie with all the fixings, such as banger sausage, black and white pudding and roasted tomatoes. Multiple locations, dukesgrocery.com
Edgar Bar & Kitchen
Dupont Circle’s lively dining atmosphere is home to Edgar Bar & Kitchen, an upscale modern American eatery featuring bold brunch flavors in an intimate space. The establishment commends the story of John Edgar Hoover, who is said to have dined there daily for 20 years, thus deserving of his named menu item: the McEdgar Bacon & Cheese. For a perfect power meal, try The Mayflower Banana Bread—a signature menu item since 1925. 1125 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202.347.2233, edgarbarandkitchen.com
Fiola Mare
Fiola Mare brings the wonders of Italy to D.C. Its coastline-inspired menu features handmade pasta, Amalfi Coast-inspired seafood crudos and their signature “Carrello del Pesce”—a seafood cart showcasing Italy’s finest catch. Splurge on the bottomless prosecco and brunch cocktails and prepare for those Insta-worthy photos in front of the Georgetown Waterfront. 3050 K. St. NW, Suite 101, 202.350.4982 fiolamaredc.com
Le Diplomate
The European decor and classic Gallic dishes are why Le Diplomate is a Logan Circle mainstay. Their new COVID-friendly al fresco dining makes customers feel as if they are inside a restaurant, thanks to cozy, covered and separated spaces with blue and white detailed interior. Order the selection of cheeses and Belon oysters to share before trying les oeufs, such as the gruyere omelet and poached eggs basquaise, or entrees like the quiche florentine and croque madame. 1601 14th Street. NW, 202.332.3333, lediplomatedc.com
Lyle’s
Serving up classic brunch bites in a cozy, casual atmosphere, Lyle’s Restaurant and Bar is a must-visit in Dupont Circle. Weekend brunch features classic buttermilk waffles, omelets and soft scrambled eggs alongside everyone’s favorite morning cocktails like Bloody Mary’s and mimosas. 1731 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 202.964.6750, lyledc.com/lyle-s
Primrose
Under ostrich-feathered chandeliers, weathered teal walls and a patterned ceiling at this Parisian-inspired spot, customers can spend the day brunching with friends and savoring delectable dishes. Start the meal with a French 75, or order a carafe of mimosas for the table. The go-tos, including shrimp & grits and brioche French toast, are sure to excite the taste buds, or request the Primrose SMASH! Burger with gruyere, bacon onion jam, mayo and potato hash. 3000 12th St. NE, 202.248.4558, primrosedc.com
The Smith
With locations in Manhattan and Chicago, as well as D.C.’s Penn Quarter and on U Street, The Smith continues to be a popular East Coast brunch spot. The restaurant works with local farmers and purveyors to serve fresh, tasty food and bubbly libations like sparkling sangria. For bites, the skillet mac and cheese is a popular favorite, but they also serve steak and eggs, vanilla bean French toast and a Mexican ranchero scramble. Multiple locations, thesmithrestaurant.com
Photography by: Courtesy of IStock
