Home » Special Features » The World’s Best » Best Brunches D.C.
At the end of a weekend of frivolity, urbanistas need to unwind over brunch—to fortify themselves for the shopping or museum-hopping ahead. Whether your version is caffeine-fueled or “hair of the dog,” these top brunch spots will fill you up, allow you to de-brief with friends, and help you gently transition back to your Monday world.
Best Brunches in....
Best Brunches
D.C.
Blue Duck Tavern 1201 24th St. NW, West End, 202-419-6755 blueducktavern.com
The Draw: Presumably, the Obamas were drawn here to celebrate their 17th wedding anniversary in October 2009 for the same reasons that appeal to brunchers: modern American fare incorporating farm-to-table seasonal and regional ingredients, and the cheerily sophisticated dining room. The Scene: Political and diplomatic bigwigs are often in the house (can you spot the hovering Secret Service types?), as well as Hollywood stars visiting D.C. to press their particular causes on Congress. As lovely as the light-filled dining room is, with its open kitchen and Shaker furniture, the terrace is where you want to be if the day is pleasant. Top choices at brunch include the cinnamon-bun French toast and the short-rib hash with poached eggs and horseradish sauce. Daily 6:30–10:30am, 11:30am–2:30pm, and 5:30–10:30pm. $$$ Hot Tip: Bloody Mary fans, check this out: Five versions are available, from the Inside-Out (a spicy martini poured over Bloody Mary ice cubes) to the Chesapeake Caesar (a traditional concoction served in a glass rimmed with Old Bay seasoning).
Matchbox 713 H St. NW, Penn Quarter, 202-289-4441 matchboxdc.com
The Draw: One of the best pizza places in town also serves a stellar brunch. Most on a weekend morning are here for the egg dishes individually served in a cast-iron skillet, the cinnamon-dusted doughnuts, and, last but not least, the extra-strength Bloody Marys. Vegetarians take note: The veggie frittata is to die for. The Scene: Matchbox is a crowded hot spot most of the time, so expect a wait (no reservations). On weekends, couples, families, and party-hearty types in search of hangover helpers fill the booths and tables, merrily and noisily making themselves at home. Mon–Fri 11am–11pm,
Sat–Sun 10am–10:30pm. $ Hot Tip: Matchbox has a second location in Capitol Hill’s Barracks Row neighborhood (Eighth St. SE, 202-548-0369), with the same menu and same vibe, but with live jazz playing at Sunday brunch. It’s especially nice in warm weather, when the restaurant’s glass front opens to the sidewalk tables.
Tabard Inn 1739 N St. NW, Dupont Circle, 202-331-8528 tabardinn.com
The Draw: The Tabard has been serving brunch for more than 25 years, and for many locals it’s the only one in town, making reservations recommended a week in advance. The homey atmosphere and comfort food cooking make everyone feel welcome. Everything is done in-house, including the pastries and breads, the smoked salmon, and the cured prosciutto and sausage. The Scene: More locals than hotel guests crowd the sun-dappled dining room, brick-walled garden, and overflow alcoves every weekend. This is a classic Washington scene in its best sense: Food is the great equalizer in a room where VIPs fly under the radar, gay couples trade sections of the Washington Post over plates of banana pancakes and poached eggs, and college kids make conversation with the ‘rents. Mon–Thu 7–10am, 11:30am–2:30pm, and 6–9:30pm; Fri 7–10am, 11:30am–2:30pm, and 6–10pm; Sat 8–9:45am, 11am–2:30pm, and 6–10pm; Sun 8–9:15am, 10:30am–2:30pm, and 6–9:30pm. $$ Hot Tip: There’s no such thing as a bad choice on the menu, but the two items that diners endlessly rave about are the freshly fried doughnuts served with vanilla whipped cream, and the eggs Benedict, both made from long-held secret recipes.
