My Go-To DC Brunch Spots
Brunch culture is huge in Washington, DC, especially the all-you-can-drink options. While I don’t often “brunch” as I would much prefer to go out for dinner, here are my favorite spots when I do. There are so many other great places in DC I still need to try for brunch, so this list is not exclusive.
Commissary: Go to Commissary for your typical brunch options and great coffee and drinks. I like that Commissary opens up early (8 AM) so for you early birds, you don’t have to wait until 11 AM to get brunching! I love the classic breakfast here and their pancakes are to die for! They have really great options on the menu and choices for everyone. I always pick this spot for a large group brunch or if I am up early!
Slipstream: Slipstream is your trendy/hipster neighborhood coffee bar that also serves awesome bites. They have delicious coffee and very talented baristas working there. I would go to this place if you are in the mood for a lighter breakfast (or pastry) an some awesome coffee and if you were flying solo or with one other person.
Da Hong Pao: When I brunch, it is usually for Dim Sum, let’s be real. Da Hong Pao is DC’s premier push-cart Dim Sum establishment and when it opened, I quickly became a regular. I love everything about this place. I love the food, the carts trying to maneuver through the tables and I love how the staff remembers me (and that I always order chopped jalepenos). If you have a hankering for Dim Sum, DHP is your place.
Lapis: Lapis is something very special, serving up modern Afghani cuisine. I love Lapis for brunch and dinner, but I do think their brunch is very delicious. They have great cocktails, teas and dishes. I think that their mantoo shrimp dumplings are one of the best bite in all of DC.
Emissary: Emissary, similar to Slipstream, another coffee shop that serves some great food and drinks in the evening. I love Emissary for some great coffee and a lighter breakfast, like avocado toast, a mushroom scramble, or, you know, chilequiles. Everything about this place is cute and cozy.
Le Diplomate: Le Dip is the place you go if you want a bougie brunch. I am talking, eggs Benedict, eggs in a fluffy pastry, steak frite, shrimp salad, etc. Brunch at Le Dip (well, any meal, at Le Dip) is such a treat and I would highly recommend it if you want a delicious brunch, perhaps some champagne, and a cute French bistro environment.
Duke’s Grocery: Let’s be real, what don’t I like about Duke’s? Not much, actually. I LOVE Duke’s brunch, it is so delicious and there is a truly something for everyone. They have soft scrambled eggs with lox, avocado toast, a full English brekkie, a veggie brekkie, and even a brunch burger. This is a great place to go with a group of friends or when the weather is nice and you can be outside.
