Best Brunch Spots in D.C.

If you know anything about Washington, D.C., you know that brunch is very much a part of the city’s scene. And when I say brunch I mean bottomless brunch a.k.a. bottomless mimosas or any other type of alcohol.

Mission – DuPont Circle

I’d say this place is delightful but can also be deadly. You have to love but also hate the bottomless mimosas/bloody marys/margaritas and guacamole. Also, don’t forget the tequila shot that comes with it. You get all this and your choice of entrée for $35.99. My advice: take it slow and be careful while enjoying brunch at Mission.

District Commons – Foggy Bottom

District Commons has one of the best brunch deals, and all the GW kids know it. Pay $16 for bottomless bloody marys or mimosas with the purchase of any entrée you want.

Cava Mezze – Capitol Hill, Clarendon and other locations

All summer while I worked in D.C., I heard all my coworkers talk about how much they loved brunch at Cava Mezze. For $35, you get all you can eat brunch. Mimosas must be bought separately, but at 25 cents a pop.

Boqueria – DuPont Circle

Boqueria has one of the best brunches in D.C. (one of my favorite happy hours too). For $39, you can enjoy unlimited brunch tapas, drinks and sweets. As someone who studied abroad in Spain, I very much appreciate having bottomless access to all of my favorite Spanish foods – manchego cheese, tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelet), olives, pan con tomate, patatas bravas and churros con chocolate.

1905 – Shaw

Similar to District Commons, 1905 allows the purchase of bottomless mimosas or bloody marys separately at $15. You can also get a bottomless specialty cocktail at the same price. You can also really enjoy the outdoors at this restaurant’s roof deck.

Farmers Fishers Bakers – Georgetown

Everyone says that this is one of the best brunches in D.C. While I never made it, particularly since the cocktails must be purchased in addition to the brunch that already runs at $29.99/person, it’s still on my list because everyone tells me to go. It’s also located beautifully along the Georgetown waterfront, making it a nice place to relax when the weather’s nice.

Founding Farmers – Foggy Bottom and other locations

While brunch at Founding Farmers isn’t of the bottomless variety, this restaurant is definitely one of the best in all of D.C., and it serves up a mean brunch. One of the coolest things about this restaurant is that it doesn’t have refrigerators because all of the ingredients are bought fresh daily. This place is so popular that you’ll definitely want to make a reservation before going.

The Market Lunch at Eastern Market – Capitol Hill

This breakfast spot is one that all Washingtonians and tourists seem to agree as one of the must visit places in town. Every time I’ve ever been to Eastern Market, there have always been long lines of people waiting to enjoy the food at this place – probably the crab cakes or blueberry buckwheat pancakes (I can attest that those pancakes are amazing). Keep in mind that you might wait a while, but it’s completely worth it. Also, bring cash, as the food stand does not take cards. Afterwards, you can stroll around and enjoy the market full of crafts, art, food and more. 

Farmers Market Pancakes Tent – DuPont Circle

Similarly, for a more low-key vibe, the pancakes tent at the DuPont Circle Farmers Market is a great option. The farmers market is definitely a lively place to enjoy a nice weekend with some friends.

Leopold’s Kafe – Georgetown

This lovely brunch spot is tucked away near the Georgetown waterfront. It’s an Austrian café that has delicious breakfast food and drinks (sadly not of the bottomless variety). I would recommend the lemon soufflé pancakes or the “Emperor’s pancake” with currants and plum compote.

Where do you like to brunch in D.C.? Please share in the comments below!