
Whether you’re looking for the best brunch spots in D.C. or hoping to score some points by planning a dinner at one of D.C.’s most romantic restaurants, the most important meal of the deal will always be breakfast.
This is exactly why we’ve broken down our list of the best breakfast spots in D.C. that you have to visit at least once!
1. Lincoln Waffle Shop – Penn Quarter
This place may be a greasy spoon diner but it’s a local institution for a reason! Lincoln Waffle Shop does tend to get a little crowded around peak tourism season because it’s not the best-kept secret, but it remains a fact that it’s one of those iconic D.C. spots you need to visit at least once if you consider yourself a Washingtonian.
Location: 504 10th St NW
2. Bullfrog Bagels – Multiple Locations
For those who are on the prowl for a reliable bagel spot around the capital city, Bullfrog Bagels will give you a consistently delicious breakfast spot that will hit every time! With a variety of cream cheese flavors to choose from, and several different breakfast sandwiches on the menu, the classic Bacon, Egg, & Cheese is a personal favorite.
Location: Multiple Locations
3. Jimmy T’s – Capitol Hill
A family-run place that doesn’t even have a website and is cash-only, Jimmy T’s might hit the trifecta of iconic old-school breakfast spots that you’re going to want to check out sooner rather than later. This diner on Capitol Hill is a must-visit for anyone hoping to visit an authentic local breakfast spot that’s been churning out classics since 1969.
Location: 500 E Capitol St SE
4. Heat Da Spot Cafe – Columbia Heights
This fusion spot takes a unique stance on breakfast bringing together ingredients and flavors from Ethiopia with the classic dishes you find in an iconic American breakfast. Heat Da Spot Cafe is another local family-owned spot, so the unique personality of the place and its staff make it such an enjoyable experience, one that Washingtonians should experience at least once!
Location: 3213 Georgia Ave NW
5. Hog Haven Farm – local farmers’ markets only
Hog Haven Farm is famous for its breakfast sandwiches that are only available at DMV area farmers markets! They do not have a storefront, but they have one of the most beloved breakfast sandwiches in the DMV, so if you want an authentic local breakfast check out their Instagram page to track down where they’ll be next!
Location: Local farmers’ markets only
6. La Tejana – Mount Pleasant
Famous for their to-go-only breakfast tacos, La Tegana has a line out of the door regularly and it’s not a shocker as to why, this place is a local institution that just does one thing, but they do it right. They do their one thing (breakfast tacos) so well that they’ve even gotten recognition from Michelin as one of the top spots for breakfast in the capital city!
The line forms FAST here, particularly on the weekends, so you’ll want to get there early if you don’t want to wait in line! They are open Wednesday through Sunday from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm daily, but your best bet to get what you want without waiting is to show up on the early side because there’s demand for this place every day they are open!
Location: 3211 Mt Pleasant St NW
7. Ted’s Bulletin
This place is just too good to be kept a secret, the blueberry ricotta pancakes may be one of the greatest inventions to come out of D.C. area since the internet (yes, we’re taking credit for the internet). If you haven’t been to Ted’s Bulletin yet, this is your sign to plan your next big breakfast at one of their locations around D.C.!
Location: Multiple Locations
8. Open City – Woodley Park
Coffee house – Diner – Bar, Open City does it all in style from their Woodley Park location that is filled with good vibes and positive energy! Not to mention their breakfast is one of the best you can get in the city, this place serves up classic breakfast fishes all day long, but if you’re craving pizza or a burger, then you’re in luck because this place makes them by hand!
Location: 2331 Calvert Street NW
9. Buffalo & Bergen – Capitol Hill & Union Market
While this D.C. dinette specializes in New York bagels, they really do it all. From lox and latkes to cocktails and knishes, there’s something delicious waiting for you at Buffalo & Bergen. For those living in Northwest, stay tuned for the third Buffalo & Bergen location coming to Cleveland Park!
Location: 240 Massachusetts Avenue, NE (Capitol Hill), 1309 5th Street, NE (Union Market)
10. the DINER – Adams Morgan
Old school style but with modern use of ingredients and flavors, the DINER is a local favorite for a very valid reason: it’s delicious.
Location: 2453 18th Street NW
11. I Egg You – Capitol Hill
This breakfast and brunch destination is as warm and inviting as they come, I Egg You is everything that you want your destination breakfast spot to be! It makes it worth getting out of bed and is something you can look forward to when you plan your reservation with your friends at the start of the week, the food is delicious and pretty but the incredible ambiance does just as much to keep us coming back.
Location: 517 8th St SE