The Absolute Best Brunch in Downtown DC [Updated 2024]

With over a decade of experience brunching in the area, I've sampled my fair share of eggs Benedict, bottomless mimosas, and avocado toast. After reviewing a total of twelve establishments, from trendy newcomers to classic spots downtown, I've narrowed down the top contenders for the best brunch in Downtown DC.

So put on your stretchy pants and join me on this lighthearted journey through some of the most delicious brunch offerings DC has to offer. Whether you're looking for a boozy bottomless brunch or just want to indulge in some delectable breakfast bites, we've got you covered.

The Greenhouse

Highlights
Exceptional Service
Passionate Chef
Excellent Food Quality
Accommodating Seating
No Rush Serving

From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the exceptional service provided by the staff. They were accommodating and attentive to my needs. The passionate chef at The Greenhouse made sure that every dish was prepared with care and attention to detail.

I must say, the food quality exceeded my expectations. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and tasted even better than it looked. From the smoked salmon to their decadent french toast, everything was simply delicious!

What really stood out for me was how accommodating the seating options were. I had my pick of tables and it didn't feel like a rush to finish my meal and leave. The relaxed ambiance made me feel right at home.

Overall, The Greenhouse is a perfect spot for brunch lovers who are looking for an outstanding experience in Downtown DC. Their exceptional service, passionate chef, excellent food quality, accommodating seating options and no-rush serving make it one of the best brunch spots in town!

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Gerrard Street Kitchen

Highlights
Beyond delicious food
Excellent service with great attitude
Allergy-friendly options available
Indoor and outdoor seating options
Wide variety of dishes available

First of all, let me tell you that the food at Gerrard Street Kitchen is beyond delicious. From the moment I stepped in, I could smell the aroma of freshly cooked dishes that made my mouth water. The menu offers a wide variety of options for all tastes, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. As someone with food allergies, I was relieved to see that they had allergy-friendly options available.

The service was also excellent with great attitude from the staff who were attentive without being intrusive. They were knowledgeable about the menu and provided helpful recommendations when asked. The indoor and outdoor seating options are perfect for any weather condition or personal preference.

What really stood out to me was how accommodating Gerrard Street Kitchen is towards their customers' needs. Not only do they cater to dietary restrictions, but they also offer a special brunch menu on weekends that includes bottomless drinks such as mimosas and Bloody Marys.

Overall, Gerrard Street Kitchen provides an exceptional brunch experience in Downtown DC. With its delicious food, excellent service, and accommodating options, it's definitely worth a visit. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

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Commissary

Highlights
Amazing brunch menu
Beautiful patio seating
Gluten-free options
Reasonable pricing
Generous portion sizes

Firstly, let me start by saying that the brunch menu here is simply amazing. It has something for everyone's taste buds. For those who enjoy a sweet breakfast, the Belgian waffles with berries and whipped cream are a must-try. If you're more of a savory person, then I highly recommend the huevos rancheros.

The restaurant offers beautiful patio seating which is perfect for enjoying your meal while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown DC. Not to mention, it's also Instagram-worthy.

As someone who follows a gluten-free diet, I was pleasantly surprised by their selection of gluten-free options. From gluten-free pancakes to gluten-free toast options, Commissary definitely caters to all dietary needs.

Now let's talk about pricing. Compared to other brunch places in Downtown DC, Commissary offers reasonable pricing without sacrificing quality or portion sizes. You'll leave feeling full and satisfied without breaking the bank.

To sum it up, if you're looking for a place with an amazing brunch menu, beautiful patio seating, great gluten-free options and reasonable prices - then Commissary should be at the top of your list.

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Teddy & The Bully Bar

Highlights
Fine dining
Exceptional service
Delicious food
Beautifully presented dishes
Limited but tasty menu

Upon entering the establishment, I was immediately struck by the elegant atmosphere. The fine dining ambiance made me feel like a fancy brunch connoisseur. The staff was welcoming and attentive, providing exceptional service, which only added to my pleasure.

Now let's get to the main course: the food. Oh boy, was it delicious! Each dish was thoughtfully crafted and presented beautifully, making it almost too pretty to eat. Almost. I savored every bite of my meal, from the juicy steak to the fluffy pancakes.

One thing to note is that their menu is somewhat limited compared to other brunch spots in Downtown DC. However, what they lack in variety they make up for in quality and taste.

Overall, I highly recommend Teddy & The Bully Bar for anyone looking for a classy brunch experience with delicious food, beautifully presented dishes, and top-notch service. Don't be intimidated by the upscale atmosphere – it's worth every penny!

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Infamy Bar and Restaurant

Highlights
Impressive service and food
Relaxed atmosphere
Excellent customer service
Great valet service
Comfortable rooms

Firstly, the service was impressive. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive to our needs from the moment we walked in. They even helped us choose from their extensive brunch menu which had a variety of options ranging from traditional breakfast dishes to more unique offerings.

The atmosphere was also quite relaxed, making it easy to enjoy our meal and have a good time with friends. The seating arrangement was perfect for our group, and we were able to carry out conversations without any interruptions.

The food itself was outstanding, and I must say that Infamy's chefs know how to make a meal that will leave you craving more. Every dish was cooked to perfection, and the presentation was top-notch.

I cannot forget to mention their excellent customer service! Every member of the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable throughout our visit. Even the valet service was great - it made parking stress-free!

Lastly, the rooms were very comfortable, providing an ideal setting for a relaxing brunch experience.

Overall, my experience at Infamy Bar and Restaurant exceeded my expectations in every aspect. If you're looking for an exceptional brunch spot in Downtown DC with delicious food, impressive service, great atmosphere, and excellent customer service, then Infamy should be at the top of your list!

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Birch & Barley

Highlights
Incredible tasting menu
Delicious mushroom tart
Great selection of wines
Friendly and attentive staff
Artistic small plates and mains

First of all, let me tell you that Birch & Barley absolutely blew me away with their incredible tasting menu. Each dish was a work of art, and I couldn't help but take pictures of every single one before diving in. The mushroom tart was particularly delicious - it was so good that I contemplated ordering a second one just for myself!

What really impressed me about Birch & Barley, aside from the amazing food, was their great selection of wines. They had something for everyone, whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking for something to pair with your meal.

The staff at Birch & Barley were also incredibly friendly and attentive throughout my visit. They made sure that everything was to my liking and even gave some excellent recommendations.

If you're looking for small plates and mains that are both artistic and delicious, then Birch & Barley is definitely the place to go. I highly recommend this spot if you want an unforgettable brunch experience in Downtown DC!

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Georgia Brown's

Highlights
Delicious food
Friendly service
Strong drinks
Great ambiance

First and foremost, the food was absolutely delicious. I indulged in their shrimp and grits dish which was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of spice. The biscuits were also a standout, flaky and buttery.

The service at Georgia Brown's was truly top-notch. Our server was incredibly friendly, attentive, and made great recommendations on what to order. We never had to wait long for refills on our drinks either.

Speaking of drinks, Georgia Brown's does not disappoint in that department either. Their cocktails are strong and flavorful, perfect for a boozy brunch with friends.

Lastly, the ambiance at Georgia Brown's is perfect for a lazy Sunday morning brunch. The decor has a classic Southern feel with warm wood tones and vintage accents. It's cozy without feeling cramped or stuffy.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Georgia Brown's if you're looking for an unforgettable brunch experience in Downtown DC. With delicious food, friendly service, strong drinks, and great ambiance - it truly has it all!

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Nina May

Highlights
Seasonal menu
Unique twists
Friendly staff
Great value

Upon entering, I was greeted by the friendly staff who promptly seated me at a cozy table. The menu was impressive with its seasonal offerings and unique twists on classic brunch dishes. As someone who appreciates a good value, I was excited to see that Nina May's prices were reasonable for the quality of food and service provided.

I started off with the avocado toast which had just the right amount of seasoning and crunch. For my main course, I ordered the buttermilk pancakes with a side of bacon. Let me tell you, these were not your average pancakes - they were fluffy yet filling, and the bacon complemented them perfectly.

But what really set Nina May apart from other brunch spots in Downtown DC was their attention to detail. Each dish was beautifully presented and tasted as good as it looked. And let's not forget about the mimosas - they were flowing and delicious!

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Nina May for brunch if you're looking for a memorable experience that won't break the bank. The seasonal menu, unique twists on classic dishes, friendly staff, and great value make this spot a must-visit in Downtown DC!

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Equinox Restaurant

Highlights
Vegetarian Menu
Five Course Meal
Plant-Based Options
Portion Sizes
Delicious Mushrooms

Firstly, I was excited to see that they offer a vegetarian menu for those who prefer plant-based options. Equinox Restaurant provides a unique and flavorful brunch experience with their five-course meal option. The portion sizes are just right, ensuring that you leave the restaurant feeling satisfied but not overly stuffed.

What set Equinox apart from other brunch spots in Downtown DC is their delicious use of mushrooms! As a mushroom lover myself, I couldn't resist trying their mushroom dish and was pleasantly surprised by the rich flavors and delicate textures.

For those who are health-conscious or have dietary restrictions, Equinox offers several plant-based options on their menu, making it an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Although Equinox is pricier than your average brunch spot, the quality of food and service truly make it worth the cost.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an upscale dining experience with unique vegetarian options and mouth-watering dishes featuring mushrooms, then Equinox Restaurant should be at the top of your list.

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Madhatter

Highlights
Great food
Excellent service
Fun atmosphere
Extensive beer selection

Firstly, let me start with the great food that Madhatter offers. The dishes were not only delicious but also creatively presented. From the classic eggs benedict to the unique chicken and waffles topped with sriracha sauce, everything was cooked to perfection.

The excellent service at Madhatter is worth mentioning as well. The staff was friendly and attentive, making sure our glasses were never empty and our needs were met promptly.

The fun atmosphere of this place is perfect for those looking for a lively brunch experience. The walls are adorned with colorful decor and witty quotes which added to the playful vibe of the restaurant.

Lastly, if you're a beer lover like myself, you'll appreciate Madhatter's extensive beer selection. They have a wide variety of beers on tap and in bottles that pair perfectly with their brunch menu.

Overall, I highly recommend Madhatter for your next Downtown DC brunch adventure. With its great food, excellent service, fun atmosphere, and extensive beer selection, it's definitely one of my top picks for the best brunch spot in town!

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The Lafayette

Highlights
Old-historical charm of hotel
Elegance and luxury in fine dining
Delicious dishes
Warm and pleasant wait staff

The moment I stepped into the hotel, I was immediately struck by its old-historical charm. The Lafayette is a place where you can experience elegance and luxury in fine dining, and it definitely does not disappoint.

The brunch menu at The Lafayette is full of delicious dishes that will leave your taste buds wanting more. From traditional breakfast items like pancakes and eggs benedict to more unique options like seafood platters and charcuterie boards, there's something for everyone.

But it's not just the food that makes The Lafayette stand out. The wait staff were warm and pleasant, making sure that every guest felt welcomed and taken care of. They were always available to answer any questions we had about the menu or offer suggestions on what to try next.

Overall, my experience at The Lafayette was nothing short of exceptional. If you're looking for a brunch spot in Downtown DC that offers both delicious food and a luxurious atmosphere, then look no further than The Lafayette. It's truly one of the best brunch spots in the city!

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Cornerstone Cafe

Highlights
Delicious sandwiches
Generous portion sizes
Reasonable prices

As soon as I walked into Cornerstone Cafe, the first thing that caught my eye was the display of beautiful baked goods. However, since I was there for brunch, I decided to focus on their menu items.

I went with a classic choice and ordered a breakfast sandwich. Let me tell you - it did not disappoint! The sandwich had perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon, and melted cheese all nestled between two slices of toasted bread. It was so delicious that I couldn't resist taking a picture to share with my friends.

But what really stood out to me at Cornerstone Cafe was the portion sizes. They were incredibly generous! I definitely did not leave feeling hungry.

And the best part? The prices were very reasonable for Downtown DC standards. So you can enjoy your brunch without breaking the bank.

Overall, if you're looking for a delicious and satisfying brunch in Downtown DC without having to spend too much money, then Cornerstone Cafe is definitely worth checking out. And don't forget to treat yourself to one of their tempting baked goods on your way out!

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