Best Brunch Spots In Washington, D.C. You Need To Try In 2026
In a city widely known for birthing movements and marches that have shaped the nation, it comes as no surprise that Washington, D.C., has also set the tone for Brunch culture. While politics may run the city, brunch runs the people.
Brunch in the nation’s capital is one of the few times when Washingtonians and visitors collectively set politics and policy debates aside to savor slow mornings, bottomless mimosas, and the joys of community and connection. Sure, while things remain political (like whether restaurants in Maryland and Virginia should be included on this list), great food and a welcoming atmosphere are universal and things everyone agrees on.
DC’s brunch scene is as diverse and layered as the city itself. Whether you are indulging in a Turkish-style spread or enjoying a fusion of Afro-Caribbean flavors infused into American classics, brunch in Washington, D.C., is where birthdays are celebrated, gossip is exchanged, and the weekends become a well-earned reprieve from the grind of the workweek.
Save room for some of the best brunch spots in the nation’s capital (and yes, surrounding areas, too, because we’re being politically correct).
The Coupe
There’s so much to love about The Coupe. Located in Columbia Heights, it’s an unpretentious restaurant that feels like the old-school places you used to eat at with your family, filled with joy, laughter, and great food. That’s exactly the atmosphere the team wants to create for guests.
The Coupe is a diner, coffeehouse, and bar that strives to be a neighborhood gathering place, serving handcrafted food and drinks for its community. Staff sources food products from local farmers and companies to support the local ecosystem.
On the menu, the Hash Brown Bowl, Stuffed French Toast, The Coupe Royale, and its Chicken & Biscuits are all guest favorites. Also, you don’t need to make a reservation, as the restaurant only accepts walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. You can call to inquire about potential wait times.
Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen
Milk & Honey is a vibrant Southern-inspired restaurant serving up rich, exciting flavors during brunch. Known for its famous chicken and waffles, award-winning shrimp and grits, and signature Mimosa Towers, Milk & Honey is sharing the warmth of modern Southern cooking with each guest who walks through the door.
What’s great about Milk & Honey is that there are several locations throughout the DMV. Take your pick and make a reservation for a soulful meal.
Vortex Restaurant and Lounge
Elevate your brunch with the soul-satisfying menu at Vortex Restaurant and Lounge. It is one of the premier brunch experiences in Washington, D.C., where the food is bursting with flavor, and the atmosphere is vibrant. The menu is a creative fusion of Afro-Caribbean cuisine, featuring Suya and Eggs, El Dorado French Toast, Chesapeake Hash with Jerk Potatoes, and Shorty and Grits.
Ottoman Taverna
Since opening in 2017, the Ottoman Tavern has been a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant for its high-quality food at reasonable prices. Once inside, you will find the Turkish restaurant offers an ambiance and cuisine fit for a King and Queen.
It’s the perfect restaurant to luxuriate in Turkish cuisine with family and friends. While there is a brunch à la carte, its Bottomless Brunch experience is unlike anywhere else in the nation’s capital. At $49.95 per person, Bottomless Brunch includes mimosas, Bloody Marys, tea, American coffee, and fountain drinks. The menu includes its housemade hummus, Tzatziki, lamb lule kebap, Tavuk Köfte, and more.
Please note that the entire table must participate in the bottomless brunch. There is a two-hour seating limit. Takeout is not permitted with the brunch experience, which is available only on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Palette 22
While technically not in Washington, D.C., Palette 22 has rightfully earned its spot as a top brunch destination. Located in Arlington, Virginia, Palette 22 is a truly unique restaurant that offers a feast for your senses. The menu features flavorful global street food and custom cocktails, all set against the backdrop of vibrant artwork by local artists.
The bottomless brunch is one of the best deals in the region. At $38.22 per person, guests can select as many menu items as they want, including items from its chef-attended taco and waffle bar. You can also add on a Bellini, a mimosa, or a create-your-own Bloody Mary when you purchase the Bottomless Brunch option.
For this experience, all guests at each table must choose this option. Reservations are available.
The Madhatter
It’s been more than 40 years since the Madhatter opened in Washington, D.C. The family-run business has been a staple in the Dupont neighborhood, consistently offering guests a fun atmosphere, great food, and even entertainment.
From the outside, you would think it’s just a pub or tavern. Don’t be fooled. Weekends feature a tasty brunch beloved by locals. Get there early. The brunch sliders, the brunch chicken sandwich, the chimichanga, and its iconic “Hangover Helper” are some of the menu items that keep this place booked, busy, and packed on the weekends.
Ted’s Bulletin
Walk inside Ted’s Bulletin, and you will immediately travel back in time with its retro-diner vibe. Ted’s Bulletin serves American comfort food and all-day breakfast classics in its cozy and familiar restaurant. The modern-day diner is popular for its comforting meals and relaxed atmosphere. Alongside its buttermilk pancakes, fluffy French toast, Confit Shiitake Hash, and iconic chicken and biscuits, its homemade sodas and boozy milkshakes are irresistible.
There are a few locations throughout the DMV, and reservations are always recommended. Don’t leave without a “Ted Tarts.” Those who know know it is a rite of passage.
Founding Farmers
Another brunch staple in Washington, D.C. is Founding Farmers. Everything on the menu is made from scratch, including the bread and booze. A group of farmers who believe in using the freshest ingredients from the farm for your meals founded the restaurant. The team thoughtfully sources all its ingredients, and it shows in the flavors.
Everyone who walks through its doors should try the Coupla’ Buttermilk Biscuits, Bananas Foster Classic Brioche French Toast, Chef Joe’s Original Scramble, and the Maine Blueberry Pancakes at least once. The one downside is that with fantastic food, getting a table can be challenging. Reserve ahead or risk waiting a couple of hours, albeit still worth the wait.
Sequioa
One of the draws to the Sequoia is the stunning views. Located on the banks of the Potomac River, the Sequoia offers views of the Kennedy Center, the Roosevelt Bridge, Roosevelt Island, Key Bridge, and the Virginia skyline. Decorated with floor-to-ceiling windows, the main dining room features Hitoshi Kuriyama’s neon and glass vacuum-tube light installation. There’s also a collection of contemporary art on display throughout the restaurant.
As if the ambiance is not enough, you will also enjoy some of the finest American cuisine in Washington, D.C. On the Saturday Brunch Menu, the Sequoia Crab Scramble, Chicken and Waffles, Stuffed Apple Pie French Toast, and Cast Iron Buttermilk Pancakes are mouth-watering options that will keep you coming back. The Sunday Brunch Menu features Maryland Crabcake, Seafood Paella, and Smoked Chipotle BBQ Back Ribs.
Busboys and Poets
Another D.C. staple is Busboy and Poets, a restaurant that truly embodies the meaning of community. Busboys and Poets is a community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted. It’s a space for art, culture, and politics to intentionally collide. More importantly, it’s a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body, and soul.
Owner Andy Shallal believes that by creating such a space, the community can inspire social change and begin transforming the community and the world. The signature brunch menu is available Monday through Sunday until 3 p.m. It features classics such as Benedict’s, omelets, and pancakes. Signature brunch items include Chicken Chorizo Hash and Mekhleme (Iraqi corned beef hash).
The post Best Brunch Spots In Washington, D.C. You Need To Try In 2026 appeared first on Travel Noire.
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