 |
| Credits: Washington.org |
Presidents' Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious brunch in the nation's capital? Whether you're craving classic comfort food, international flavors, or bottomless mimosas, Washington DC's vibrant culinary scene has something to offer everyone. This year, ditch the presidential portraits and indulge in a feast fit for, well, anyone who enjoys a good meal. From dim sum delights to Mediterranean marvels, we've compiled a list of the best spots to enjoy Presidents' Day brunch around DC.
A World of Flavors: Exploring DC's Diverse Brunch Scene
DC is a melting pot of cultures, and its brunch scene reflects that beautifully. If you're looking for an international experience, consider these options:
-
A&J Restaurant (Rockville & Annandale): Start your Monday with a taste of the East at A&J Restaurant. This established spot offers a wide array of dim sum classics, from delicate xiao long bao (soup dumplings) to savory scallion pancakes and perfectly steamed spare ribs. It's a fantastic way to share a meal and sample a variety of flavors.
-
Alara (Georgetown): Transport yourself to the Mediterranean at Alara, a Georgetown newcomer. Their modern brunch menu features dishes like avocado toast with grilled halloumi and a flavorful soujouk omelet with kashkaval cheese. Enhance your experience with a mimosa kit featuring seasonal fruit juices for the table.
-
Ambar (Capitol Hill, Shaw & Clarendon): For a truly immersive experience, head to Ambar for their all-you-can-eat Balkan brunch. Indulge in a variety of mezze, sweet and savory pastries, and flavorful kebabs. Don't forget to take advantage of their discounted cocktail specials.
-
Han Palace (Georgetown, Woodley Park & Barracks Row): Dim sum lovers rejoice! Han Palace offers a dumpling-heavy brunch experience. Their soup dumplings are a must-try, along with the shrimp-and-chive dumplings, roast pork buns, and, of course, Peking duck.
-
Hiraya (H Street NE): Experience a Filipino-accented brunch at Hiraya. Their special $25 brunch deal includes a non-alcoholic beverage, your choice of a main dish (like calamansi-ricotta toast or an ube-chorizo burger), and a pastry. A la carte options are also available.
-
Mecha Noodle Bar (Union Market District): Spice up your brunch with a trip to Mecha Noodle Bar. This pan-Asian spot offers unique brunch items like miso-mushroom dumplings, bacon-and-egg kimchi fried rice, and refreshing mango lassi bubble tea.
-
Tamashaa (Columbia Heights): Embark on a culinary journey to India at Tamashaa. Their three-course brunch menu offers a delightful selection of dishes. Start with appetizers like pani puri shots or moong lentil-chili pancakes, then move on to flavorful mains like khubani kofta or tawa chicken pulao. Finish your meal with delectable desserts like rasmalai tiramisu or gulab jamun in condensed milk.
 |
| Credits: Bottomless Bros |
American Classics and Modern Twists:
Sometimes, you just crave classic American brunch fare. These restaurants offer familiar favorites with creative twists:
-
Alta Strada: Michael Schlow's relocated restaurant offers a refined breakfast menu with dishes like duck-confit hash with chipotle hollandaise and lemon-ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote.
-
Astro Beer Hall (Shirlington): This beer hall also serves up classic brunch favorites like brioche cinnamon rolls, chicken and waffles, and a variety of bagel and biscuit sandwiches.
-
Boundary Stone (Bloomingdale): This pub offers a great deal for early birds: bottomless cocktails (bloodies, mimosas, and Aperol spritzes) for an hour and a half with the purchase of a brunch entrée.
-
Ellē (Mount Pleasant): Ellē's all-day menu features creative and ferment-forward fare. Try their bagels topped with beet-cured salmon or the goat cheesecake with concord grape.
-
Matt and Tony’s (Alexandria): This all-day brunch spot in Del Ray offers globally-inspired dishes like masa pancakes with mole and spicy lamb-kabob sandwiches. Their cocktail menu features three types of Bloody Marys, plus iced Irish coffees and beer-mosas.
-
Pastis (Shaw): Enjoy a taste of Paris at this New York-born bistro. Their brunch menu features French standards like escargots, quiche Lorraine, and almond financiers.
-
Pearl Dive Oyster Palace (Logan Circle): This seafood destination offers shareable plates like ricotta beignets, latkes, and, of course, a variety of oyster preparations. They also offer bottomless mimosas.
-
St. Anselm (Union Market): This tavern offers American brunch classics like biscuits with pimento cheese, steak with garlic butter, and a bodega-style bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwich.
-
Unconventional Diner (Shaw): This eclectic diner serves brunch until late afternoon. Their menu includes creative dishes like "S'eggs'y" sandwiches, sweet-potato shakshuka, and caramelized-apple-pie French toast.
 |
| Credits: Colada Shop |
Don't Forget the Drinks:
Brunch isn't complete without the perfect beverage. Many of these restaurants offer special drink deals for Presidents' Day:
-
Colada Shop (Multiple Locations): This Cuban café chain will offer happy hour specials all day, including discounted mojitos and piña coladas, and will serve brunch until 2 PM.
-
Mi Vida (Multiple Locations): Enjoy bottomless brunch cocktails (mimosas, bloodies, and more) for a set price at these modern Mexican restaurants.
Make Your Reservations Now:
Presidents' Day is a popular time for brunch, so it's highly recommended to make reservations in advance. Don't miss out on the opportunity to celebrate this holiday with a delicious meal at one of DC's many fantastic brunch spots. Whether you're looking for a casual meal with friends or a more formal celebration, you're sure to find the perfect place to brunch like a president (or at least someone who really enjoys brunch).