If you’re a college student in D.C., chances are you’ve been to brunch more times in one semester than you’ve studied. Whether you’re just grabbing breakfast potatoes at TDR or you’re heading out into the city for the perfect omlette, getting brunch is considered a sacred outing among only the best of friends. If you think you’ve been to every brunch spot the district has to offer–think again! We’ve complied a list of the good, the best, and the most delicious spots to grab brunch in D.C. Now go out and try them all!
Brunch: Everyday, All Day
Price Range: $3-13
Where: 505 8th St SE
Metro: Eastern Market
Ted’s Bulletin is a classic American spot that takes you to the 1950’s with its newspaper menus and Art Deco décor. Ted’s breakfast, which is served all day, features savory favorites such as The Walk of Shame Breakfast Burrito (sirloin steak, scrambled eggs, hash browns, cheddar, green chile sauce) and Chicken and Biscuits (3 honey biscuits topped with fried chicken breasts), as well as breakfast time staples like omelets, pancakes and thick cut French toast. But what Ted’s is really known for is their ever-growing assortment of pastries. Ted’s boasts a variety of donuts, milkshakes, pies and Twinkies – all made in-house. Most notably, however, are their homemade Poptarts that put Kellogg’s to shame. Including flavors like Blueberry Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Bacon, Toasted Coconut and Chocolate Nutella – Ted’s Bulletin is definitely worth the trip.
Brunch: Sundays 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Price Range: $6-12
Where: 705 6th St NW
Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown
Daikaya Izakaya puts a Japanese twist on traditional American brunch. “Chicken and Waffles” are reimagined as chicken kara-age with red bean taiyaki, wasabi butter and maple syrup. Hash gets a Japanese flare as Sisig with Filipono braised pork hash, onsen egg, liver mayo and kalamansi lime. Daikaya Izakaya’s exotic cuisine can be paired with creative cocktails, like the Daiyaka Bloody Mary with nori-infused vodka or (for the minors) Rhubarb soda or Yuzu lemonade.
Brunch: Sundays 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Price Range: $35
Where: 620 T St NW
Metro: Shaw
$35 in advance (or $45 the day of) grants you access to a home-style, all-you-can-eat soul food buffet at the Howard Theatre. Accompanied by the sounds of the Harlem Gospel Choir, guests can enjoy an authentic Southern meal including Chicken Fried Chicken with Gravy, Collard Greens, Mac and Cheese and Bourbon Brown Sugar French Toast that tastes just like deep-fried funnel cake. This dining experience offers food and music that are good for the soul.
Brunch: All Day
Price Range: $3-12
Where: 2331 Calvert St NW
Metro: Woodley Park – Zoo
For a more traditional Sunday brunch, Open City offers favorites such as Eggs Benedict, omelets, hash brown bowls and breakfast burritos and sandwiches. Their delicious OC Burrito comes with scrambled eggs with chorizo, hash browns, scallions and cheddar cheese all wrapped up in a flour tortilla. Or, you can try the Salmon and Bagel Plate that comes with your choice of bagel with smoked salmon, lettuce, tomato, capers and cream cheese. Open City is also an awesome spot for vegetarians, featuring hearty tofu and veggie scrambles for only $9-10. Those who live the gluten-free lifestyle can also find yummy options (which are noted on the menu with the letters “GF”) like Arepas Benedictos–two poached eggs served pork carnitas and avocado salsa on corn arepas. Open City’s homey and comfortable atmosphere offers something for everyone.
Brunch: Weekends 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Price Range: $3-22
Where: 2201 14 St NW
Metro: U Street
Skip the frat parties and go Greek at Kapnos, the love child of Greek cuisine and brunch food. Kapnos offers inventive dishes like Scrambled Eggs with zucchini, tomato, yogurt and whole grain croutons, and Stone Oven Baked Eggs with crispy lamb, potatoes and feta cheese. The Baklava French toast, topped with walnuts and fruit, and their Greek Coffee Waffles with chocolate espresso beans, cinnamon butter and crema present an exciting Greek flair to Sunday brunch.