Top 10 Best Brunch Spots in Washington DC

Celebrity chef Kevin Kelley's upscale soul food destination has taken DC by storm with its theatrical presentation and elevated comfort classics. The Chicken & Waffles here transcends the ordinary—honey-hot sauce glazed fried chicken, bourbon butter, and pearl sugar waffles that arrive with tableside flair. The sleek, sophisticated interior with plush seating and mood lighting makes it feel more like a nightclub than a brunch spot, attracting DC's see-and-be-seen crowd. With nearly 15,000 reviews and a 4.8 rating, it's become the city's most buzzed-about brunch reservation, so book well in advance.

The NoMa location of this beloved local chain captures the same nostalgic comfort food magic in a neighborhood setting. Their Crabby Patty—a generous lump crab cake Benedict with Old Bay hollandaise—is a Maryland-meets-brunch masterpiece. The space is more relaxed than the 14th Street flagship, with plenty of patio seating and a neighborhood vibe that attracts nearby residents and Union Market visitors. Weekend mornings here feel less chaotic, making it the better choice for families with kids or anyone seeking a more low-key Ted's experience.

This Dupont Circle Mediterranean hotspot brings coastal Italian and Greek flavors to DC's brunch scene with elegant simplicity. The Shakshuka is a standout—North African-spiced tomato sauce with perfectly cooked eggs, served with warm pita for dipping. The minimalist white-and-blue decor creates a bright, breezy atmosphere that's equally suited for business meetings and leisurely weekend brunches. Their fresh-squeezed juices and Mediterranean coffee drinks offer a refreshing alternative to the typical mimosa-heavy brunch menus.

Steps from the White House, this DC institution has been serving presidents, power brokers, and tourists since 1856. The Eggs Benedict here is the gold standard—perfectly poached eggs on English muffins with thick-cut Canadian bacon and silky hollandaise. With its mahogany bars, velvet booths, and walls lined with political memorabilia, it's the quintessential DC power brunch spot. The raw bar is exceptional, and spotting a congressman or journalist at the next table is practically guaranteed during weekday brunches.

Capitol Hill's Balkan gem offers an unlimited small plates brunch experience that's unlike anything else in DC. For a fixed price, you'll feast on an endless parade of Balkan-Mediterranean dishes from their wood-fired grill, including Serbian sausages, burek, and grilled halloumi. The bottomless brunch deal includes unlimited food and drinks, making it a favorite for groups and adventurous eaters looking to try something different. The lively, communal atmosphere with live music on weekends creates an almost party-like vibe that extends well into the afternoon.

This retro-inspired neighborhood staple channels mid-century Americana with its all-day breakfast menu and homemade Pop-Tarts. The Ted's Tart (their signature house-made Pop-Tart) comes in rotating flavors and is served warm with a side of nostalgia—it's become such a phenomenon that people order them by the dozen to take home. The space is family-friendly with a full bar, bakery counter, and comfort food that appeals to all ages. Their Homemade Biscuit Sandwich on a buttermilk biscuit is a hangover cure that government staffers swear by.

This bustling French brasserie transports you straight to Paris with its zinc bar, red leather banquettes, and sidewalk seating on 14th Street. The Croque Madame is textbook perfection—gruyère-smothered ham on brioche topped with a sunny egg and creamy mornay sauce. It's the go-to spot for special occasions and romantic brunches, with an atmosphere that buzzes with energy from DC's young professional crowd. Arrive early or make a reservation; the wait can stretch to two hours on peak weekend mornings.

Shaw's coolest brunch destination reimagines diner classics with creative flair and an impressive cocktail program. Their Duck Confit Hash is a showstopper—tender duck paired with crispy potatoes, poached eggs, and hollandaise that'll make you rethink everything you know about brunch. The industrial-chic space with an open kitchen attracts a trendy, younger crowd, and the craft cocktails rival any DC bar. With nearly 8,000 glowing reviews and a 4.7 rating, this spot has earned its cult following among food-savvy locals.

A cornerstone of DC's farm-to-table movement, Founding Farmers draws massive crowds for its commitment to sustainable, scratch-made cooking. The Bottomless Brunch package is a steal—unlimited drinks paired with their famous Chicken and Waffles or Banana Bread French Toast. With its rustic-chic decor and central location near the White House, it's perfect for tourists and locals alike, though expect a wait on weekends. The house-made donuts are baked fresh daily and sell out fast, so order them early.

This Wharf gem brings authentic Southern hospitality to DC's waterfront, serving up soul-warming comfort food with a modern twist. Their Fried Chicken and Waffles is legendary—perfectly crispy chicken atop fluffy Belgian waffles drizzled with hot honey butter. The airy, light-filled space with views of the marina makes it ideal for families and groups looking for a relaxed weekend vibe. Don't skip the housemade biscuits, which locals swear are the fluffiest in the district.