On a Mission: Dupont Circle
Image courtesy of WJLA
By Kat Kaderabek
Located a mere eight metro stops down the red line from the Brookland-CUA Metro Station at Dupont Circle is Mission Dupont, a tasty Mexican restaurant that offers authentic cuisine and great music. Upon exiting the metro station, Mission is located directly across the street within the line of sight from the Metro exit. Not only does this make it incredibly convenient but also accessible to any Catholic University member with a MetroCard.
One of two locations, Mission Dupont resides in a renovated townhome and is much bigger than expected upon first glance. With additional outdoor seating to comply with COVID-19 restrictions, an indoor separated seating area, and even a private second floor normally used for parties, Mission Dupont possesses a large capacity venue. However, due to its increasing popularity, reservations must be made and include no more than six people. These can be done on their website.
The atmosphere of the venue is one of the best aspects of the restaurant. Designed with black and white accents, the interior spaces feel very private and homey which makes Mission Dupont a great place for a first date. The restaurant also plays exceptional music, sending customers right back to the early 2000s with Rihanna, Britney Spears, and even some older classics from the 80s. The easily recognizable songs make for a more enjoyable experience while dining.
In terms of food, the portions are large and satisfying. It is very likely customers will take a box of food home. The quality food is easily the most enjoyable part of the Mission experience. However, it is important to note that chips and salsa do not come free at Mission Dupont and instead they cost an extra $3.50 to every meal.
Where Mission falls flat is in its pricing of alcohol. The drinks menu is rather expensive and certainly only worth it if the party is larger than four people. For five people to split three pitchers of Mission margaritas (about one glass per person per pitcher), the total comes to approximately $15 per person. This equates to $5 per margarita which is a good deal compared to individually ordering drinks.
Not only does Mission Dupont offer a delicious and nicely-portioned dinner menu, it also offers a fairly-priced brunch special available Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The brunch menu offers a choice of bottomless brunch drinks for only $25.99 in addition to a food order. However, all guests at the table must participate in the bottomless brunch deal to ensure drinks are not shared.
Brunch options include a breakfast burrito and steak and egg tacos; however, other menu options are also available and even encouraged to pair with the Mission margaritas and other drinks.
Monday, February 22 is National Margarita Day and Mission Dupont is gearing up to celebrate with a socially-distanced fiesta. Their website boasts $8 queso, $8.5 margaritas, and $6 El Jimador shots starting from 4 p.m. until close. COVID-19 restrictions call for all alcohol to stop being served promptly at 10 p.m. in D.C. Reservations for indoor and outdoor spaces can be made by emailing [email protected].
While Mission Dupont can be more pricey on a college budget, the food and atmosphere certainly make it a worthy treat for a birthday or anniversary. It is great to try with a larger group of friends and to venture over into Dupont circle will surely feel like a mission. And if Dupont is too far, there is also another location in the Navy Yard, directly across from Nationals Park.
