There may not be an official brunch capital of America, but the locals here will make a strong case for the title.
Power brunch capital — politicos, embassies, and diplomatic dim sum on Sundays. Across Washington, brunch takes on a flavor and pace that you simply can't find in another city. The directory currently lists 58 brunch-friendly restaurants in the Washington, DC area, ranging from neighborhood diners and coffee bars to ambitious bistros that build elaborate weekend menus around seasonal ingredients.
What you order at brunch in Washington is shaped by what's grown nearby, who has cooked here for generations, and what newcomers have brought to the table. Locals here treat brunch as a small celebration: a way to mark the end of a long week, catch up with friends, or simply slow down and enjoy a meal that doesn't have to end on schedule.
Below you'll find a full alphabetical directory of brunch restaurants in Washington, with notes from the editorial team and local contributors. Use the cuisine breakdown to find a category that fits your morning — whether you want a classic American diner experience, a French pastry-and-coffee morning, a Mexican-style breakfast burrito, or a vegetarian-forward menu.
Each restaurant page includes more detail about the room, the menu, and what regulars recommend ordering. New listings are added every week, and corrections from local readers are always welcome — see the Submit page if you'd like to contribute.
By cuisine in Washington
- Cafe — 18 spots
- American — 15 spots
- Coffee Shop — 11 spots
- French — 3 spots
- Breakfast — 3 spots
- latin_american — 2 spots
- Diner — 2 spots
- pancake — 2 spots
Full directory: 58 brunch restaurants in Washington
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1789
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As You Are
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Avalon Theatre Cafe
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Avenue Grill
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Big Chair Coffee
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Bistro Cacao
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Booeymonger
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Bread & Chocolate
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Breadsoda
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Buff and Brew Café
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Buzz Bakeshop
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Cafe Berlin
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Coffee Express
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Corner Bakery
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Courtyard Cafe
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Cure Bar and Bistro
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Dos Gringos
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East St Cafe
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Eclairons
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El Nuevo Migueleno
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El Rinconcito Cafe
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Euro Market
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For Five Coffee Roasters
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Fresh Baguette
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Gregorys Coffee
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Hard Rock Cafe
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Harriet's
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Her Diner
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Hitching Post Restaurant
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IHOP
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Keren Restaurant
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Le Pain Quotidien
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Lincoln's Waffle Shop
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Lost Sock
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Manhattan Cafe & Catering
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Matchbox
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Matisse
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Millie’s
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Mr. Henry's
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New Dynasty
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Petit Monde Cafe
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Potomac Grille
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Qargo Coffee
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Ruth's Chris Steak House
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Sandella's Flatbread Cafe
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Sequoia Grill
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Starbucks
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Starbucks Reserve
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Teaism
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The Cheesecake Factory
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The Diner
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The Original Pancake House
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Tryst Coffeehouse
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Tynan Coffee and Tea
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Wah Sing Restaurant
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Wine and Butter
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Wingo's
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Yours Cafe