Best Value Brunch in Washington, DC
Brunch in Washington, DC is great in any season. Whether you are looking for an affordable bottomless brunch, a cute patio, or a quick bite, there is something for everyone. The brunch vibe in the city has evolved since the pandemic, but there are still a variety of great deals to check out. Some of the spots on this list are not the cheapest options in town but I always leave feeling like I’ve received a great experience for the price.
ala
ala in Dupont Circle holds a coveted mention on the Michelin guide and in my opinion, it is very well deserved. The menu includes 3 courses and bottomless drinks. Choose from Bloody Marys or build your own mimosa at the mimosa bar. If you aren’t drinking, you can order just the 3-course prix fixe for $34.
Reservations are highly encouraged. If you can, choose the colorful outdoor patio. If you are in a rush or work in Dupont, stop in the bakery for a coffee and snacks.
801
801 is a very reliable brunch spot in Shaw with 3 floors of dining including a rooftop and a street patio. Order from a variety of entrees and side plates. My go-to entrees are always the breakfast tacos or the French toast but you can’t go wrong with any of the options. The best part is for $28/person, get 1 brunch food item and endless bottles of champagne plus four fruit juices to mix however you like! I usually add on a few sides. You can also upgrade to brunch cocktails for $48/person.
dLeña
dLeña opened in 2021 and celebrates the concept of “leña,” or firewood. Chef Richard Sandoval brings a modern approach to classic Mexican dishes with wood-fired food and smokey mezcal and tequila-centric menus.
This is a true bottomless brunch with pricing for drinks ($69/person) and food only ($45/person). The menu is a little small but delicious, and you don’t have to worry about ordering. They will bring you a taste of everything and you can order more of your favorites. Drinks include mimosas, Bloody Maria’s, micheladas, and margaritas. This brunch is on the higher end but I always leave feeling like it is a great value for the experience they provide.
Hanks Oyster Bar
Hank’s Oyster Bar is one of my favorite places for something on the fancy side. Enjoy seafood brunch plates like the lobster omelet, crab cake benedict, and salmon platter. Or try the po’boy or crab cake sandwich. Large plates like pasta or fish dishes are also available. Hank’s Oyster Bar in Dupont Circle offers 2 hours of bottomless mimoas for $25 will the purchase of a brunch or large plate.
Both locations have expansive outdoor seating and are perfect for people watching. Enjoy water front dining and shopping at The Wharf or stop by the Dupont Circle location after a trip to the Dupont Farmer’s Market.
The Coupe
The Coupe offers brunch all day, every day with inexpensive options. It’s a great quick spot on the weekend or for late-night munchies. Enjoy all the best brunch classics like a bagel sandwich, pancakes, chorizo scramble, huevos rancheros, and more. They also have a bakery with a variety of muffins and cookies. The best part is all coffees come with two animal crackers for an extra bit of fun.
The Coupe is part of Tryst Trading Company which also includes Open City (Woodley Park & The National Cathedral) and The Diner (Adams Morgan).
Brookland’s Finest
Brookland’s Finest has cute outdoor seating and more lunch options on their brunch menu. Enjoy classics like scrambled eggs and breakfast burritos plus a club sandwich and chicken and waffles. My favorite is the huevos rancheros. Plus, don’t miss extensive drink options including a variety of cocktails. You can also order a bottle of prosecco with juice to build your own mimoas for $35.
Barrel
Barrel is a whiskey bar with a lot of comfort food brunch entrees to ensure that you will not leave hungry. Try brunch biscuit sandwiches, chicken and waffles, french toast, and more. Or if you can’t decide, add on sides like half a waffle or fried chicken. They have an extensive drink menu or you can add bottomless bubbles with multiple juice choices for $26. Entrees are around $20 but the bill can add up depending on how many sides and cocktails you get.
Ambar
Ambar has two locations in Eastern Market and Shaw that offer bottomless tapas. The menu includes waffles, egg dishes, sliders, spreads, and more. Drinks include 3 flavors of mimosas and Bloody Marys. If you aren’t drinking, you can order just food for $37/person. Both locations have indoor and patio seating.
Royal
Royal is a small neighborhood in LeDroit with a classy, upscale feeling that doesn’t have to break the bank. They have morning plates including egg dishes, yogurt, and rotating pastries, plus coffee, tea, and brunch cocktails. Reservations are recommended, and they often have great deals for Restaurant Week.