Dos Gringos

Walk in on a Saturday around 10 and you will find regulars at the counter, families clustered around tables, and a host quietly working the wait list.

Set in Washington, DC, Dos Gringos has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.

Their breakfast burrito is the kind of thing locals order with eyes still half closed — eggs, chorizo, a scrape of refried beans, melty cheese, and salsa with real heat.

Menu highlights

Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Dos Gringos. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.

• Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
• Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
• Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
• Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
• Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
• Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
• Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
• Shakshuka with feta, herbs, and warm pita

The decor is part diner nostalgia, part modern bistro — vinyl booths, ceramic mugs, and small ceramic vases of fresh flowers on every table.

Order the pancakes and you'll get a stack tall enough to make you reconsider lunch — fluffy, lightly tangy from buttermilk, and finished with a generous pour of warm maple syrup.

Solo diners should head straight for the counter — the cooks will keep you entertained and the line moves fastest there.

Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Washington, Dos Gringos is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. By the time you walk out, you'll already be planning a return visit — and probably a long walk to work off the second cup of coffee.

Tips from the regulars

• If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
• Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
• Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
• Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
• Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Dos Gringos.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does Dos Gringos open for brunch?

Posted hours are: Tu,We 07:30-20:00; Fr 07:30-17:00; Sa 09:00-21:00; Su 09:00-16:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does Dos Gringos take reservations?

Most brunch spots in Washington are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.

Is Dos Gringos kid-friendly?

Yes — Dos Gringos welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.

What kind of cuisine does Dos Gringos serve?

It's classified under cafe — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Washington.

Is there outdoor seating at Dos Gringos?

Yes — outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.

Location

Located at 3116 Mount Pleasant Street Northwest. Coordinates: 38.9294, -77.0378. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.