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The Must Try Restaurants in D.C. for Breakfast

Breakfast is an absolute favorite meal of many, especially for Washington, D.C. residents. Nothing compares to a good cup of coffee with scrambled eggs while gathering with friends before work, or alone while working from home.

bacon and eggs at washington dc breakfast spots

Thankfully, D.C. offers a plethora of restaurants that not only offer breakfast on the weekends, but during the weekdays as well.

Some of these gems even offer breakfast all day! Check out my list below, highlighting the very best options the District has to offer.


Open City

2331 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202-332-2331
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Open City is a spacious and airy restaurant nestled in the Woodley Park neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

Offering specialty coffee and all day breakfast items, Open City is the perfect place to gather with loved ones any time of the day.

Offering traditional breakfast items including pastries and croissant sandwiches, Open City also offers all day brunch items including Huevos Rancheros.

Customers are seated on a first come, first serve basis. This coffeehouse is a popular breakfast spot in Washington, D.C., so make sure to arrive early.


Busboys & Poets

2021 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-387-7638
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There are several locations of Busboys & Poets, including on 14th Street in Washington, D.C., a restaurant in Anacostia, as well as in Arlington, Virginia.

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.

This casual restaurant will have you feeling comfortable dining alone with a book, or with friends. If you do not bring one, you are in luck!

Wondering what to order for brunch? Try one of their unique Vegan or Vegetarian options such as the Vegan Egg Scramble.


Founding Farmers

1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-822-8783
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Founding Farmers is the restaurant where you take all out-of-town guests for brunch for their first time in Washington D.C.

Located in both D.C. and Northern Virginia, the location in downtown D.C. is the most popular. Relying on family farmers and delineating food waste, you can trust your breakfast at Founding Farmers will be fresh and in support of sustainability.

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.

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Located close to the White House, you can get a head start on your day of sightseeing with a breakfast here first!


Ruthie’s All Day

3411 5th St S, Arlington, VA 22204
Phone: 703-888-2841
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Ruthie’s All Day is located in the Arlington, Virginia area of Washington, D.C. Ruthie’s All Day is a family owned and operated restaurant.

The interior of the restaurant is light filled from their open floor plan and large windows. Offering breakfast daily, they also serve innovative menu items for lunch, brunch, and dinner.

Their Hushpuppies and Veggie Bennie are two items not to miss! Ruthie’s All Day is a restaurant recommended to all, each and every time!


The Lafayette

800 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-638-2570
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The famed restaurant, The Lafayette, is located within the infamous Hay Adams hotel, directly adjacent to the White House.

The Lafayette is a stunning and upscale restaurant offering daily breakfast and spectacular service. Described by Washingtonians as a “power dining” restaurant.

The Lafayette serves breakfast items that have options for everyone from the health conscious to lovers of decadent cuisine. Their oatmeal souffle and mascarpone pancakes are our picks.


Kafe Leopold

3315 Cady’s Alley, NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
Phone: 202-965-6005
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You can find Kafe Leopold, a delicious Austrian restaurant, tucked within Cady’s Alley in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C.

This upscale casual restaurant is well known for its charming courtyard, including a trickling water fountain.

Breakfast is served daily, and diners are treated to traditional Austrian cuisine including dishes like Leopold’s Frühstückskorb, assorted pastries with fruit jam.

Kafe Leopold is our pick to dine at with friends, as you will probably want to order a number of dishes to share and try.

Save room for dessert, even over breakfast! Kafe Leopold is known for their extensive dessert menu, and it never disappoints!


Ted’s Bulletin

1818 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-265-8337
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Ted’s Bulletin, one of the most well known breakfast spots in the Washington, D.C., area has locations on 14th Street, in Capitol Hill, in Arlington, Virginia, as well as several other Northern Virginia locations.

Ted’s Bulletin is such a beloved breakfast spot by Washingtonians, most of their locations are full of diners, any day of the week.

One might wonder if anyone in Washington, D.C., actually works if judging by how busy Ted’s Bulletin is on any given weekday.

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Many diners love the unique food items Ted’s has to offer, including their homemade Ted’s Tarts, a treat similar to poptarts.


Tabard Inn

1739 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-785-1277
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Nestled in Dupont Circle, the Tabard Inn offers a wonderful dining experience attached to their Inn, which offers boutique rooms to guests.

The Tabard Inn is the oldest continuously running hotel in the District and is a great option for a staycation, out of towners in addition to a daily breakfast experience for Washingtonians.

They have a beautifully decorated interior, including rustic features such as a wood burning fireplace. Their covered patio dining area provides diners with a sunlight, greenhouse meets museum type feel that can be enjoyed even on rainy days.


The Royal

501 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-332-7777
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The Royal is a hip eatery that is located in the historic Ledroit Park area of Washington, D.C., close to Howard University.

This fun restaurant offers Latin American cuisine. A coffee shop and breakfast spot by day, The Royal transforms into a cocktail bar and restaurant perfectly suited for dinner at night.

In alignment with the other all day Latin inspired plates, The Royal offers breakfast dishes such as Guava pastries and Egg Arepas. The Royal accepts reservations and walk in customers.


Unconventional Diner

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-847-0122
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One of the favorite breakfast spots by Washingtonians, the Unconventional Diner serves modern comfort food located near the Mount Vernon Square Metro.

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 breakfast item. Unconventional Diner will also show you that lavender is indeed irresistible.


All Day by Kramer’s

1530 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-387-3825
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All Day by Kramer’s is located inside Kramers, an Institution within the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C.

Kramer’s, a well known bookstore, features dining all day in their cozy space. Diners can dine in the glass enclosed restaurant, perfect for a solo breakfast with a book and coffee.

Their breakfast menu is enough to make anyone drool and includes options such as smoked pork hash and buttermilk waffles.

Diners always ensure they have enough time to browse in the bookstore before or after. Kramer’s offers unique touches to their customers, including a book and wine club that is worth checking out.


Bluestone Lane

1100 23rd St NW, Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 718-374-6858
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Bluestone Lane has several locations in the Washington, D.C. area including Dupont Circle, Metro Center, and the West End.

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Bluestone Lane is a beautifully decorated and airy restaurant that serves health focused breakfast items including unique oatmeal based dishes and avocado toast.

This sit down cafe offers reservations, easing the minds of Washingtonians when searching for that perfect breakfast meeting location.

Their space is so beautiful, it should come as no surprise that in addition to offering daily breakfast, they also offer private event options.


Northside Social

3211 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 703-465-0145
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A small eatery with a large patio, Northside Social is the perfect place for breakfast in the Arlington, Virginia area of Washington, D.C.

Northside Social is a great place to grab coffee and breakfast. Their counter service and contactless pickup options make it a no fuss, casual dining experience.

They also offer a free refill on their dine in coffee. In addition, Northside social hosts events including art shows featuring local artists, as well as seasonal events such as pumpkin carving contests.


Ala

1320 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-717-1166
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Looking to enjoy delicious breakfast items in the heart of Dupont Circle? You have to check out Ala. Ala offers Levantine cuisine and is steps away from the metro.

Their attached coffee shop offers unique items for daily breakfast. Dubbed Ala Coffee and More, their exceptional customer service is an extension of what you will receive during meal service as well.

Sharing plates is recommended here, and with their menu, you will want to try a little bit of everything. On the weekends, their breakfast is switched to brunch where you can find traditional items including eggs benedict, as well as other foods traditional to the Levantine region.


Florida Ave Grill

1100 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-265-1586
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As the self-proclaimed oldest soul food restaurant in the world, Florida Ave Grill is located in the Shaw / Howard University neighborhood in Washington, D.C.

Having opened in 1944, the Florida Ave Grill has faced adversity and challenges. During the riots in Washington, D.C. after the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “The Grill”, as it is affectionately known, was firebombed.

The original owner was able to put out the fire. The Grill has continued to serve some of the best soul food, including breakfast, in Washington, D.C. Breakfast is served all day, Tuesday through Saturday. Their Fish & Grits breakfast is worth the visit alone!


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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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