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Where to Get Brunch in Washington, DC

Washington, DC, may be best known for its history, monuments, and cherry blossoms in the Spring. Did you know that DC is also acknowledged among locals for the plethora of restaurants that offer the mid-day meal? 

One reason Washington DC is unique for brunch? Restaurants are able to offer bottomless drink options while diners enjoy their meal. While you are in DC, 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 brunch review of Washington DC and the surrounding area. Get ready to grab some friends and chow down on avocado toast, eggs benedict, and other classics! 


Ala

1320 19th St NW Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-717-1166
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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 midday meal 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 items including eggs benedict, you can find many dips and other foods traditional to the Levantine region.


Palette 22

4053 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: 703-746-9007
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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 and outdoor dining. Offering globally-inspired street food in small plates form, this restaurant is perfect for sharing dishes with friends and a delicious mimosa. The food is a wonderful mix of flavors and textures that represent the creativity of the chefs. This casual dining restaurant also has outdoor dining and a bottomless brunch option for food.


Blue Duck Tavern

1201 24th St NW Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 202-419-6755
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Are you looking for a restaurant in the West End of Washington DC? Blue Duck Tavern serves up delicious brunch food that you should check out. The vibe at Blue Duck Tavern is upscale, and is perfect for a date or for when your best gal pal comes into town. The bone marrow is a delicacy, and served up exquisitely by this local favorite restaurant.

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Ottoman Taverna 

 425 I St NW Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-847-0389
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Located between Mount Vernon Square and Gallery Place, Ottoman Taverna is one of the best brunch spots in Washington DC. With a large, sleek, and modern interior, Ottoman Taverna offers both bottomless mimosa and a la carte brunch options. While they have an outdoor patio for outdoor dining, the inside of the restaurant is perfect for a special occasion. The Sigara Boregi is the perfect menu item to get you started at Ottoman, the hot mezze cheese and vegetable mezze wrapped in a flaky phyllo roll. 


Founding Farmers

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


Uptown Market

 4465 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202-363-2200
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Are you looking for brunch options this weekend in the heart of Van Ness? Uptown Market not only offers a full brunch menu, they also have a coffee bar experience for an on-the-go option. With a large patio that offers full-service outdoor 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 brunch dish for seafood lovers! 


Sababa

3311 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202-244-6750
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Located in Cleveland Park, Sababa is a top brunch and mimosa spot in Washington DC. With a Bib Gourmand nod, they feature Israeli dishes that will keep you coming back for more. This restaurant 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 is a must! Sababa offers bottomless mimosas, and the two-hour time limit is enforced due to its popularity. Reservations are recommended. 

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Lyon Hall

3100 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 703-741-7636
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Lyon Hall is a French brasserie in Arlington, Virginia, located in the Clarendon neighborhood that is a popular choice with an outdoor dining area. With their laid back atmosphere and large patio for outdoor dining, it is ideal for a brunch with friends and family. Starting with their mussels and house-smoked salmon is a great choice. A fan favorite menu item is the Maine Lobster. End your shared brunch with the beignets! 


Virtue Feed and Grain

106 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 571-970-3669
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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 breakfast 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 Blanton’s Bourbon. You should take advantage of this and enjoy this Single Barrel Bourbon neat or in a cocktail. 


Iron Gate

1734 N St NW Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-524-5202
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Voted as one of the most romantic restaurants several years in a row, Iron Gate is nestled in the Dupont Circle area of Washington DC. Their beautiful patio is covered with Wisteria, and some tables have small fire pits for outdoor dining. If the fire does not warm you up on a chilly day, the blankets that the restaurants have most certainly will.


Unconventional Diner

1207 9th St NW Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-847-0122
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One of the favorite brunches in Washington DC, 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 brunch item. Unconventional Diner will also show you that lavender is indeed irresistible. 


Gypsy Kitchen 

1825 14th St NW Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-765-0500
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Are you looking for a new and delicious brunch spot in Washington DC? 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. At Gypsy Kitchen, the food is meant to be shared, and the small plates are delicious and diverse. The Hummus and Flatbread is a necessity to start your brunch off right. 

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Primrose

3000 12th St NE Washington, DC 20017
Phone: 202-248-4558
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If you are looking for a favorite Parisian style bistro for brunch in DC, Primrose is a must-try in the Brookland area of D.C. Known for their beautiful interior, Primrose is an ideal place to eat and drink 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!  


Busboys and Poets

2021 14th St NW Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-387-7638
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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. 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! Wondering what to order for brunch? Try one of their unique Vegan or Vegetarian options such as the Vegan Egg Scramble. 


Lupo Verde 

1401 T St NW Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-827-4752
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Lupo Verde promises to be an authentic Italian restaurant for all meals, including brunch. They deliver on that promise! Located on 14th Street in Washington DC.  Unique to the brunch menu at Lupo Verde is the Toast Al Tiramisu. It is the breakfast dish of your dreams, and is exactly what it sounds like. Who wouldn’t love coffee-soaked brioche bread with tiramisu cream and sweet toppings?

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  1. Yes! D.C. is such a great brunch town. Palette 22 and Virtue are two of my favorite spots. I can’t wait to try some of the other suggestions.

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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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