Viva la Brunch

By Caroline Carr

After a full week of schoolwork, clubs, sports, and everything else that college students participate in on a daily basis, finding time for yourself can be a difficult task. Grab a couple of friends, or even go on a date this weekend, to one of the many incredible brunch places that the city has to offer! There are affordable and cozy places such as Bayou Bakery and Red Rocks but, if you really want to treat yourself, go to fancier places such as Pinstripes in Georgetown or Cava Mezze in Capitol Hill. These brunch places are sure to satisfy whether you are looking for a casual Sunday breakfast or an Instagrammable meal meant for foodies and social media lovers alike.

Affordable:

Bayou Bakery

Hop on the metro and head to this southern-style bakery in Arlington, Virginia. If you are looking for a good time, and are of age, try their affordable $10 or under drinks such as their Mississippi Mimosa or their Gator-Aid. Try their homemade biscuit-by-you breakfast sandwiches for under $5 or their Smoked “Douille” Dog. If you think you can handle more after an incredible meal, try their instagram-worthy Beignets for $3.  

Red Rocks

After a night of drinking, come to a college bottomless-brunch favorite: Red Rocks in Columbia Heights. Get any entrée or pizza with an unlimited access to any brunch drink! Try the Hangover Burrito with chicken-apple sausage or their Sunrise wood oven baked pizza with hash browns and a cracked egg on top. Or if you are feeling adventurous, try the breakfast calzones.

El Centro

Come to brunch on Saturday from 10am-4pm and on Sunday from 10am-5pm found on 14th street in Georgetown. Their cocktails include the El Centro Margarita and the Bloody Maria. When drinking these great brunch cocktails, try the Fried Egg Divorciadas with chorizo and green and red salsas. If you wish everyday was Taco Tuesday, try the Chicken Tinga taco or the Nopal tacos. Looking for a traditional breakfast with a twist? Give their crave-worthy Breakfast Enchiladas a try.

Trendy:

Cava Mezze

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to eat in Greece? Come to this chic, Mediterranean restaurant located on 8th street on Capitol Hill to find out. Come with a party and have an all-you-can-eat brunch for $35. If you want a classic brunch with a Mediterranean twist, try the Spicy Lamb Benedict or the Gyro Hash Brown. However, if you would rather have a meal without the lamb, try the Breakfast Salmon or fulfill your childhood dream of eating Green Eggs and Ham.

Espita Mezcaleria

Looking for upscale Mexican fare? Try this restaurant which is located on 9th street Northwest. There is a $22 fixed price brunch menu which offers an extra charge of $17 for bottomless-brunch cocktails. Some of the menu options that you can share with friends include the Salsa Verde Cruda which has a serrano pepper kick to it, the Tacos Brussels with slaw and hazelnut crema. For those who need a little sweetness get the churros with passion fruit caramel, coconut ice cream, and cinnamon sugar for dessert.

Tiger Fork

This restaurant cooks Hong Kong classics and focuses on creating Chinese dishes while bringing in flavors from other countries in the Asian continent and in the Middle East. Get a great deal with the breakfast set which includes the egg sandwich with truffle sauce, an egg tart, and choice of milk, tea, or coffee for $15. Go out of your comfort zone and try something new with their Cantonese-Style Roasted Duck Thighs with plum sauce or their BBQ Quail. Celebrate Chinese New Year with Tiger Fork by going to their event in Blagden Alley on Saturday February 9th from 2-7pm, featuring entertainment such as live dragon dancers and a Kung Fu Demonstration.

Maketto

Enjoy a cultural experience when going to this restaurant that describes their menu as an interpretation of Cambodian and Taiwanese cooking. Their interesting brunch or “Dim Sum” menu takes place on Sunday only from 11:30am-4:30pm. This menu includes many Asian specific foods such as their Pork or Leek Steamed Bao for $7, served with hoisin sauce or their Wok Fried Rice Noodles. However, if you are looking for a more American or classic breakfast, try their Blueberry and Cream French Toast or the Maketto Fried Chicken with five-spice caramel and housemade bread.

Nearby or Metro Accessible:

Fruitive

If you are looking for a clean and healthy brunch experience in the city, come to this Instagrammable place in the center of DC.

“Wheat toast with fresh almond butter, banana, cacao, agave and the green smoothie” is her favorite meal there. She says it was “my first meal of the day. I felt very energized, clean, and comfortable with what I was putting into my body. It made me happy knowing I was full but also understanding all the natural ingredients they were using,” Jackie Dende, a junior psychology major, said

Ted’s Bulletin

This is a restaurant on 14th street with an old-school diner feel with yellow leather booths, diner circle chairs, and jazzy music playing. If you want a hearty breakfast, try the Chicken ‘N’ Biscuits with honey drizzle. If you are looking for a healthier option, try their version of Avocado Toast with poached egg. Make it your cheat day and eat Cinnamon roll “As Big As Ya Head,” or a boozy milkshake such as the Nutty Professor with Hazelnut liqueur.

Pinstripes

Pig out at this Sunday brunch buffet from 10am-4pm! If you are 21, enjoy this endless breakfast buffet with bottomless mimosas for $36, or for $30 if you are underaged. Some of the buffet options include their Signature Waffle Station or their Carving Station that comes with Herb Crusted Prime Rib and Maple Glazed Ham. They also have breakfast selections including Homemade Biscuits and Gravy and Applewood Smoked Bacon. If you and your friends only come for the sweets, don’t worry! They have a chocolate fountain, carrot cake and many other delicious sweets that will satisfy any sweet tooth.