Whether you ask locals or visit washington dc breakfast searchers everyone is overwhelmed by options. This uber-urban capital city is chock full of eateries, from old-school diners dishing out stick-to-your ribs morning grub to chic new café joints with their fanatical spins on your breakfast faves. Whether you just want a quick bite to go or are keen on catching up with friends over brunch, there is something for everyone in DC. We will take you on a tour of some of the best spots for breakfast and let you know what people are ordering, what makes each different (if anything), places to go with kids or groups.
Best Breakfast in Washington DC
Top Breakfast Spots in NYC Offering fan favorites, niche dishes and family-friendly eateries — oh my!
Top Breakfast Spots in Washington DC
Breakfast is just as great of a thing in Washington DC and thanks to its diversity, it boasts an impressive culinary scene. Favorite Places to Open for the Morning in Town:
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Founding Farmers: Famous for farm-to-table, Founding Farmers serves up a breakfast menu parcelled with delicious dishes crafted from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
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Ted’s Bulletin: A classic but funky retro diner serving a hearty breakfast, including their housemade pop-tarts and adult milkshakes.
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Florida Avenue Grill—DC gem since 1944, Florida Ave. is renowned for hotcakes that could clog your toilet (try and make it through their fluffy flapjacks before you collapse from a soul-stabbing hangover) dosed in butter/cinnamon/sugar(powder).
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Unconventional Diner — a must-try for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions who appreciate something classic, but with an unusual twist like the fried chicken and waffle sandwich; avocado toast topped off by creamy ricotta, poached eggs buried in aromatic catchalot cream sauce…
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La Tejana: A neighborhood favorite in Mt. Pleasant for its delicious breakfast tacos, fresh flour tortillas and Tex-Mex classics.
Popular Breakfast Dishes and Specialties in Washington DC
Washingtonians will fiercely debate where to find the best breakfast foods in DC, but a few dishes stand out among this hungry pack:
Chicken and Waffles: A DC breakfast favorite by way of the south — fried chicken on a Belgian waffle.
Breakfast Tacos: soft flour tortillas with scrambled eggs and cheese, maybe some potatoes (ensuring you have a quick hit of carbs) and take them as is or filled (meat!— brisket chorizo no seriously veggies it works too)- see La Tejana.
– Pancakes: Whether you prefer the classic buttermilk variety or opt for creatively flavored blueberry and chocolate chip cakes, diners and cafés in D.C. are serving some of the fluffiest pancakes around town.
– Bagel Sandwiches: A DC breakfast staple especially for those on the move, from egg and cheese to super special lox with cream cheese.
Best Cafés and Diners in Washington DC
To truly feel like a local, try these DC spots!
BEST BREAKFAST | The Coupe: This roomy all-day eatery features an enormous breakfast menu, including gems like the light and fluffy eggs (try them in a fancy scramble or over easy with bacon) of ‘The Coupe Royale,’ served late-night fortune-cookie style alongside delectable sides such as perfectly crispy hash browns or sizable pancakes/French toast.
Lincoln’s Waffle Shop: A no-nonsense greasy spoon near the Mall that serves a good breakfast at very reasonable prices.
Tatte Bakery: Two locations (in Penn Quarter and Foggy Bottom) for Tatte, which dishes out all of your breakfast-the-way-it-really-should-be comforts — pastry-wise sweets in the morning, plus artisan sandwiches alongside coffee shop classics like cortado.
Brunch Spots with a Twist
If you want a morning meal that is something more than just two eggs and toast, head to one of these unique brunch destinations in the suburbs:
- Succotash: Creative takes on Southern standards for brunch, such as the fried green tomato benedict and red velvet waffles.
- The Smith: If you have a sweet tooth or sample items, the pancakes at this indulgent brunch favorite are worth salivating over-order them with virtually anything else on their menu for an excellent tasting experience (helloooooo breakfast pot pie and cinnamon toffee brioche!).
- Any Day Now: The Navy Yard newcomer has been a hit with locals thanks to creative breakfast sandwiches like the scallion pancake-egg sandwich; each comes stacked meat of your choosing along with spicy garlic-chili crisp.
Healthy Breakfast in Washington DC
DC is a city that allows you to start your day on the right foot with several breakfast options like:
Fruitive: Organic, whole-food smoothies and acai bowls; plant-based avocado toasts.
Greenheart Juice Shop: Available at various locations throughout the city, Greenheart Juices does cold-pressed drinks, wellness shots and breakfast bowls supercharged with healthy ingredients.
Flower Child: A light and airy boho-chic cuisine, serving up breakfasts like avocado hummus toast & gluten-free pancakes for the health nuts.
Family-Friendly Breakfast Places in Washington DC
Dining out with kids in tow? Fortunately, these family-friendly spots have you covered.
Silver Diner -Multiple locations: A few Silver Din…The breakfast kid’s menu is replete with classics like pancakes, French toast and scrambled eggs. 7.
Ted’s Bulletin: In addition to the regular menu, Ted’s has a kids’ menu that offers items such as Little Dippers (mini pancakes with dipping sauces) and a Cinnamon Sugar Pop-Tart.
BUSBOYS & POETS: Another (long-standing) local chain known for its cozy, funky vibe that welcomes kids — and offers kid-friendly fare including French-toast sticks and a scrambled-egg-with-cheese wrap.
How to Find the Right Breakfast Place
There are so many good choices to pick from… it can be kind of overwhelming when it comes time to decide on the best breakfast in Washington DC. We will guide you through those tips that let to choose According Best Personal Loans for You
1. Location — Where You Are Willing to Travel And of course, there are tons more incredible breakfast places all over the city –find something close to you or plan ahead based on your location.
2. Reflect on how you like to eat. Do you feel like having a traditional diner dining experience or perhaps something that is more high-class, trendy and just simply delicious? Are there any dietary needs that you have such as if they are vegetarian or gluten free?
3. Look at local opinions and online reviews One of the best tools for finding popular breakfast spots in any city around the world is to consult websites like Yelp and Tripadvisor.
4. Do not hesitate to think outside the box. A few of DC’s best breakfast gems are hidden in residential neighborhoods or on side streets, so it might take a little off-the-beaten-path navigation to find them.
Final Thoughts
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As a DC native or simply someone who is new to the region, you can help yourself with some great breakfast ideas. Whether you rise early or stay in bed, the city’s diverse breakfast scene caters to diners and cafés as well as bohemian brunch spots. Between the tips and recommendations in this guide, you should have a good idea of where to find that best breakfast Washington DC has. So why wait? Grab a fork and dig in!
