Brunch Options

[DrewTr]

My wife & I really like the brunch at Colorado Kitchen, a place where the eggs have always been cooked as ordered, the home fries crispy & well seasoned, the doughnuts delicious, & the price right. Are there any other suggestions out there for a good alternate, preferably in the city limits?

Thanks,

Drew

[mnebergall]

Firefly has upgraded its Sunday brunch, including the addition of a whole bunch of champagne cocktails. Check the menu on their website, www.firefly-dc.com.

[iamthestretch]

I enjoy brunch at Bistro Bis. It's serene -- good if you're carrying a big hangover -- they don't bat an eyelid when you order copious amounts of hair of the dog and the menu isn't too "breakfasty." Not cheap, but usually good.

[PatDC]

I enjoy brunch at Bistro Bis. It's serene -- good if you're carrying a big hangover -- they don't bat an eyelid when you order copious amounts of hair of the dog and the menu isn't too "breakfasty." Not cheap, but usually good.

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I second this. I like Bis for brunch, but it isn't cheap and it's heavier on lunch than breakfast foods. I had a wonderful meal there last month of a belgian endive salad and French onion soup. I took a friend for her birthday, which I've done a few times. Steak and eggs is her favorite breakfast, and they do it up right there.

[DrewTr]

Maybe my first post wasn't specific enough. My wife & I like the "breakfasty" stuff & just keeping it simple. What we don't want is overcooked eggs & soggy hashbrowns, which seems to happen all too often when places are swamped for brunch. Colorado Kitchen is always busy at brunch, but I have never gotten a poached egg that may as well have been hard-boiled or potatoes that are crunchy only because they haven't been cooked enough. We also like good sweets to start sometimes i.e. doughnuts, sweet rolls, muffins. I also really like bis & firefly, but crave a breakfast like I'd cook at home if I had the time or energy.

Thanks,

[bmiller]

Try Majestic Cafe in Alexandria. Nice space, thoughtful drinks, breakfast-y menu (including a ham hash and a side item of cheese grits that's equal parts cheese and grits), exellent bread basket, entrees around $10, and usually available seats.

(edit: not in DC, but evey time I've ventured out it's been well worth it)

Edited March 20, 2005 by bmiller (log)

[rbh]

Rosemary's Thyme Bistro over at 18th and S usually has good brunch - though my last time there was not so good, but I think that was because our order got stuck in the kitchen behind a party of 20. Prices very reasonable. Logan Tavern on P Street is also very good - good home fries.

I've been meaning to try Tabard Inn, which is supposed to be very good.

[pastramionrye]

Cashions has a great brunch with simple dishes...and an amazing pastry basket. it is also extremely reasonable.

My wife and I went to Tabard Inn for brunch on my birthday just a few weeks ago (since Cashion's doesnt open until 11:30)...what we tried was great....and i love the space.

[Joe H]

Never mentioned on here is one of D. C.'s best and most reasonably priced, the Afterwards Cafe at Kramer Books, just north of Dupont Circle.

[laniloa]

I haven't been in a while, but I used to enjoy the brunch at 15 ria fairly regularly when my cousin lived around the corner.

[JennyUptown]

Peacock Cafe isn't everyone's cup of tea (too hoity-toity, maybe), but I've enjoyed the brunches I've had there. I love their french toast with strawberries in a syrup of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. I also like the All American, eggs with choice of meat (I find the chicken sausage to be inedibly dry, though; stick with bacon) and home fries.

Peacock Cafe's brunch menu

Ardeo is also great - similar vein to Peacock Cafe though.

When I have a hangover and want something cheap, I go to...<hangs her head in shame> Austin Grill for either Macho Tacos or Texas Toast, both served with chips and salsa. No joke.

I've only been to Kramerbooks for brunch once - didn't like it enough to go back, but I realize that's just one person's opinion. My issues there? The portions were huge (a selling point for some, a waste for me) and the french toast was so blah, so tasteless (even after syrup, and then butter). The service? Slow. Slow. Slow.

Edited March 21, 2005 by JennyUptown (log)

[pastramionrye]

Never mentioned on here is one of D. C.'s best and most reasonably priced, the Afterwards Cafe at Kramer Books, just north of Dupont Circle.

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the one time i went there, i spent $20 (fixed price) on a crappy omelette and a mimosa...not exactly what i would call reasonable.

Cashions and Tabard have that place beat by a stack of flapjacks a mile high.

[hillvalley]

I have to agree that Afterwards isn't worth it. The last time I was there I encountered long waits, mediocre omlettes and french toast and overpriced "specials".

When the weather gets warmer and you are looking for something more casual the brunch at Eastern Market is great. Those blueberry pancakes are worth standing in line for.

[rbh]

Afterwords is ok in my book. I've been a couple times and found it satisfactory - I do think it's a tad pricey for what you get - it seems more on quantity than quality. I never veto the place if friends want to go, but I almost never suggest it - except for dessert!

I like 15 ria also - service is good. Last time there, I had quite yummy blueberry pancakes.

I know the place gets panned here, but I also really like Chef Geoff's brunch (downtown) - I've always like the food, service is attentive, and in the spring/fall, they have a nice covered patio you can sit on - and looking at the web page, they even have a $20 coupon for brunch now......

[The Hersch]

I'm a tireless promoter of the brunch at Bistro Français on M St. in Georgetown. Excellent "brunchy" items like Eggs Benedict or Norwegian (with smoked salmon); also excellent "lunchy" items like roast chicken. Some of the best French fries in the area. Bottomless champagne glass. $18.95. When you reserve, ask to be seated on the "restaurant side", which is more serene. The service can be a little uneven, but cultivate your waiter to be sure of prompt refills of that bottomless glass.

[Nadya]

I have to agree that Afterwords brunch is Not All That. The place is only good for late-night munchies when there's nowhere else to go and The Diner does not beckon.

Also, when the sun is out, do not be tempted to sit by the glass windows facing it. It makes you feel like you're on a hot plate (while fully dressed.) Not Good.

[Miami Danny]

Please don't forget La Fourchette on 18th St in Adams Morgan. Very good eggs, crepes, and great people watching from the sidewalk cafe. It's nice inside too, very homey. The French couple who own it are an Adams Morgan institution. Do NOT be tempted by Bardia's across the street. Food is terrible!

[jm chen]

Please don't forget La Fourchette on 18th St in Adams Morgan.  Very good eggs, crepes, and great people watching from the sidewalk cafe.  It's nice inside too, very homey.  The French couple who own it are an Adams Morgan institution.  Do NOT be tempted by Bardia's across the street.  Food is terrible!

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Another vote here for La Fourchette, but be warned that the menu is almost all omelettes, other egg dishes, and crepes. (I only notice this because I don't like eggs.) Coffee's good, bread is dry, atmosphere is French, price is right.

I always enjoy Ardeo brunch -- went there for Easter, and although we were sad to be stuck with a $29 prix fixe instead of just picking and choosing from the menu, everything was absolutely delicious. The bread pudding with candied walnut ice cream and dried cherries was insane, and a huge portion, besides.

[oliveDC]

We also like good sweets to start sometimes i.e. doughnuts, sweet rolls, muffins.

At a recent brunch at 15 ria, we had a basket of nicely sweetened cornbread that was crunchy on top and crumbly in the middle...very good. You can also order a basket of sticky buns, scones, muffins, etc. Also enjoyed the banana french toast.

Even though they'll be looking for a new chef, I imagine the menu will stay the same for a while.

[Sthitch]

I like the brunch at the Luna Cafe in Shirlington. They have several different takes on Eggs Benedict. I particularly like the Eggs Cheasapeake which has crab instead of Canadian bacon.

I have not been to the one in Dupont.

[JennyUptown]

I would appreciate any suggestions you might offer for a place to have breakfast on a weekday in Georgetown.

Peacock Cafe doesn't open until 11:30 on weekdays.

[mnebergall]

4 Seasons?

[EllenH]

I'm pretty sure the Daily Grill on Wisconsin serves breakfast (they are in a hotel). Also, if you're not looking for atmosphere, the Georgetown Bagelry on M st does a mean toasted bagel with egg & cheese! Along with a variety of other bagel sandwiches. yum. Finally, if you don't mind the student-diner feeling of Booeymonger, they also serve breakfast. Bagels, various egg things, etc.

[Malawry]

Melrose is a little more of a schlep from Georgetown, but they're rightly proud of their breakfast service.

[JennyUptown]

Good options, nice range - thanks to all. My mother's coming to town on business and has a few hours to kill (with me!).

Fortunately I'm going to be able to take the Wednesday and Thursday off in exchange for the time off I didn't get to use last week. Hoping for more sunny days (I think I'm out of luck on Thursday but anything will be better than more time at the office).