Brunch is like a religion in D.C. But if bottomless brunch at The Mission or (God forbid) Founding Farmers no longer does it for you, it might be time to change it up. That’s why we spoke to Cornelia Poku of the popular food blog Black Girls Explore DC to get her take on the best underrated D.C. brunch spots, and got our team to share their favorites, too.
🥑 The Royal, Le Droit Park
This all-day coffee shop has a small but mighty brunch menu highlighting Latin American flavors. Try a baked good from their daily rotation of pastries, like their tres leches cinnamon roll or medialuna. Continue your meal with their lox tartine, arepa ranchera, or calentado. And don’t sleep on their cafe program, the coffee and matcha is some of the best in the city.
🍳 Immigrant Food, Multiple Locations
Here you’ll find inventive takes on dishes from all over the world, such as their fried chicken sandwich with Peruvian aji sauce and Belgian fries. Co-founders Peter Schechter and Téa Ivanovic pride themselves on their “gastroadvocacy,” and often host events and programs to support immigrants.
🦆 The Duck & The Peach, Capitol Hill
This spot delivers on its name — yes, they have duck! Poku says you have to try their duck carnitas, and they also serve duck fat home fries. Balance it out with their baker’s basket, cinnamon roll, and more.
The biscuits at St. Anselm. (Photo by Scott Suchman)
🍞 St. Vincent Wine, Petworth
They’re well known for their natural wine selection, but Poku says this is an unexpected brunch choice that you’ll be glad you made. Their bread basket alone is worth a visit. Their brunch-ish menu features sweet, savory, and small options, from warm strawberry-vanilla doughnuts to horseradish-caviar dip with Old Bay chips. And getting a bottle of bubbly on the side never hurt anyone.
🍔 Duke’s Grocery, Various Locations
This beloved D.C. gastropub is by no means secret, but their brunch is surprisingly good and totally slept on, says Poku. Get the full English breakfast or corned beef hash and watch a game. They also have free coffee refills, and yes, their Proper Burger is available for brunch.
🧀 Joy by Seven Reasons, Chevy Case
Their menu features classic breakfast dishes like Joy Benedicts, inventive takes such as their guava cheesecake waffles, and lots of Venezuelan flavors, including their arepa croquettes and tequeños. Poku recommends this brunch spot for when you’re craving a low-key morning.
🥩 St. Anselm, Union Market
Ok, maybe not so underrated but we couldn’t not mention this classic Union Market joint (I could write a whole article on their buttermilk biscuits alone). Served with pimento cheese, they come out of the kitchen hot, buttery, and oh so flaky. You’ll also find classic egg breakfast dishes, sandwiches, and selections from the grill.
