Adams Morgan’s Hidden Brunch Treasure: Roofers Union Restaurant and Bar

By Jessica Fetrow

Adams Morgan is a charismatic neighborhood known for its artistic expressionism and extravagant nightlife. However, this D.C. neighborhood is hiding a Sunday morning treasure located directly across from Catholic University students’ beloved Town Tavern. 

Located in the heart and soul of Adams Morgan, Roofers Union offers a classic take on American cuisine in three levels: the first a cozy wine bar, the second a rustic restaurant, and the third a rooftop bar overlooking the lively neighborhood. The second of these levels, a charming restaurant set-up paneled by full-length windows overlooking the 18th Street NW, the skyline offers an inviting weekly brunch full of classic comfort foods. 

“Roofers Union is unique to other frequented brunch locations around DC,” said Haley Sprague, a junior architecture major at Catholic University and frequent bruncher at Roofers Union. “The space is open and the location offers a great view of the neighborhood. The food is amazing with a great range of options at a respectable price range.”

The brain-child of Executive Chef Jennifer Flynn, appointed to the position at Roofers Union in December 2016, the menu highlights traditional brunch dishes with a contemporary flair. The menu features a variety of dishes and cocktails, divided into a “light fare,” “brunch fare, “lunch fare,” and “waffles.” Some of the fan-favorite brunch items include eggs benedict, chicken and waffles, and the Roofers Union classic called the “Hot Mess,” a delicious meal consisting of peppers and onions, fried chicken, sausage gravy, and a sunny egg.

The “light fare” menu offers sugar-coated doughnut holes served with chocolate sauce and house jam, a house-made everything bagel, french onion dip, and biscuit and sausage gravy. The “brunch fare” menu consists of a tofu scramble, served with wild mushrooms, kale, and a sunny egg, eggs benedict, served with a choice of spinach, Canadian bacon, or house-smoked salmon, as well as the “Farmers Breakfast” with two eggs and a choice of bacon or sausage.

The “waffles menu” features a half or whole Belgian waffle, served with home fries, whipped honey butter, and a choice of fried chicken thigh, sausage gravy, over-easy egg, strawberry and vanilla bean, candied pecans, or whipped cream. 

The “lunch fare” menu offers a more traditional menu, accenting American cuisine classics such as a hamburger with a blend of sirloin and brisket, lettuce, tomato, chipotle aioli on a sesame seed bun. The menu also features a fried chicken thigh sandwich with honey sriracha, lettuce, and mayonnaise on a ciabatta roll, and the black bean quinoa burger topped with lettuce, tomato, aged cheddar, avocado, on a sesame seed bun. 

No brunch would be complete without a flavorful cocktail menu, complete, of course, with bottomless mimosas for $17. Other traditional brunch drinks such as the Bloody Mary and Red Snapper are offered. Pelo del Perro is a cocktail made up of tequila, jalapeño-infused spirit, grapefruit juice, and lime juice, while the Optimosa is a twist on the classic mimosa, a mimosa with optimal wit. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines and beers.

Roofers Union is open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is open weekly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Roofers Union is open daily Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Happy hour is also served on the first and second floors from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and the rooftop bar is open 5 p.m. to close daily. Roofers Union is accessible via the Metro red line’s Dupont Circle station and is a seven-minute walk from the Metro stop, located at 2446 18th Street NW, Washington D.C. 20009. Reservations can be made online or via telephone at 202.232.7663.