Georgetown is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Washington, D.C..– and nowhere does that play out more visibly than in the various brunch and breakfast options that the neighborhood has to offer. The best breakfast and brunch spots in Georgetown, moreover, are also some of the best brunch spots in the entire city.
From casual sidewalk dining À la Parisienne to hole-in-the-wall bakeries to American classics, the neighborhood has something to offer every taste and price point.
Whether you want the best darn bagel sandwich of your life or an elegant white linen brunch with Chesapeake crab cakes and mimosas, you’ll find it here. There are casual grab-and-go options that make it easier to explore on foot, as well as swanky sit-down spots for lounging the day away over food, drink, and great conversation.
This list is by no means complete, but it is the tip of the iceberg: a collection of tried, tested, and enduringly popular brunch spots that have become Georgetown breakfast staples. Each has something unique to offer that captures the essence of the food culture in this great neighborhood.
Bookmark this list for easy reference later. Enjoy!
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Clyde’s of Georgetown (Local Staple for Mid-Atlantic Americana Brunch)
Clyde’s of Georgetown is hopping for brunch on the weekends, and with good reason. This classic Georgetown breakfast joint is one of 12 (yes, twelve) Clyde’s restaurants in the D.C. area, and no two of them are alike.
The crab tower (above shown) is a popular item at this veteran M Street brunch spot, but the menu is excellent and features a wide variety of full-plate breakfasts. (Think: Eggs Florentine, upscale Breakfast Sandwiches, Country Breakfast, and French Toast with a choice of bacon or sausage.)
Lunch items that also moonlight as lighter brunch fare run the gamut from excellent Roasted Beet Salads or Pan-Seared Salmon Salads to Catfish Bahn Mi and a wonderful Salmon Burger. (Served with Wakame seaweed salad and sriracha aïoli, on a brioche bun. So good!)
Brunch at Clyde’s is served until 4 PM every day, so even if you’re visiting outside of traditional brunch hours you’ll be able to get your fix.
Lutèce (For the Incredible Pastrami Short Rib Panini!)
The refined digs and delicious flavors at this French-inspired Georgetown brunch spot never cease to impress. (Which is why the New York Times just named Lutèce one of The 50 Most Exciting Restaurants in America right now.)
Lutèce is now helmed by Matt Conroy, who previously worked as chef de cuisine at Michelin-starred NYC restaurant Oxomoco in Brooklyn. Here in DC, we love the seasonally-changing menu at this chic and cozy walk-up, which in the past has featured incredible dishes like a Pastrami Short Rib Panini and caramelized grapefruit with fennel pollen, olive oil, and black pepper.
This is a great option if you want a slightly more upscale/foodie-style brunch in Georgetown, without any pretense. Limited sidewalk seating is available ala Parisian, and it typically draws a tidy crowd on the weekends.
If you are a carnivore or egg-lover, you’re in for a real treat. (It’s also the only Georgetown breakfast spot where you’re likely to find ossetra caviar on any given weekend.)
Try the Baked Eggs or the Breakfast Cheeseburger for the quintessential experience. They also offer what might be Georgetown’s only breakfast cheese plate (yes, you heard that right). Served with blackberry jam and walnut raisin bread, it’s a fabulous way to start your weekend off in loungey, European-like style.
Oh, and the French Omelet and Avocado Tartine? To die for. Both are super elegant and worth coming back for, again and again.
Martin’s Tavern (For A Very “Presidental” Breakfast)
Martin’s Tavern is, by now, an iconic Georgetown establishment. It’s been around since 1933 and it’s one of the most famous restaurants in Georgetown. It’s popular for all meals, but the brunch service is really something special. (And it’s a little more offbeat than the more commonly-frequented dinner service.)
Here, from the comfort of your dark-stained wooden booth, you can dine lovely, upscale American-style brunch dishes like steak and eggs, Chesapeake crab benedict with fried green tomatoes, and challah french toast. They also serve classic Biscuits n’ Gravy, “A Little Bit of Chicken Fried”, and Corned Beef Hash.
Best of all, Martin’s serves brunch every day— not just on weekends!
Those who want lighter fare, meanwhile, can enjoy build-your-own-omelets and avocado toast; but generally, the menu is decadent and rich, much like Martin’s history.
There’s a huge, and I mean huge, Presidential legacy at Martin’s. Harry Truman used to have frequent dinners here with his daughter, Margaret, when she was a student at George Washington University. LBJ held several critical dinner meetings here to discuss civil legislation.
In the 1950s, JFK sat here reading the paper most Sundays. This is when he was a Senator from Massachusetts and he lived just a few blocks away on N Street.
^ Kennedy actually proposed to his wife, then Jacqueline Bouvier, in Booth #3, which was their favorite. To this day, it’s called “The Proposal Booth”. (FWIW, then-Senator Richard Nixon also used to dine here, and he was a fan of Grandma Martin’s Meatloaf, which is still served to this day.)
Call Your Mother Deli (For The Best Bagel Sandwiches in America, Actually)
Eater recently named Call Your Mother Deli one of Best New Restaurants in America, and we applaud this designation. The bagel sandwiches at this fast-casual deli are incredible. Bagels like you wouldn’t believe! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside…*kisses fingers*.
Having lived in New York City for the majority of my adult life, part of me is reluctant to admit that Call Your Mother’s bagels might just be the best I’ve ever had. (And I’ve even written guides to the Best Bagel Joints in NYC, so I know this genre of food intimately.)
CYMD’s recent Cacio e Pepe cream cheese on a crispy cheddar bagel, however, is easily one of the best brunch items I’ve ever eaten. The super unique Cacio e Pepe cream cheese is sensational!
Starting with their flagship Park View location and expanding to others around DC (Capital Hill, etc), CYMD first grew popular at weekly area farmers’ markets. Now, they’re a go-to destination for nostalgic, playful comfort food that centers around bagel sandwiches. And they’ve since been rated as having the “Best Breakfast in DC” according to local votes cast in the Washington City Paper.
Their Pastrami Sun City bagel sandwich (fresh pastrami, bodega-style egg, American + cheddar cheese, and spicy honey on an everything bagel) is now a staple of their unique, tasty craft.
The Gleneagle, meanwhile, features local candied salmon cream cheese, cucumbers, crispy shallots, and seasonal greens like pea shoots on a Za’atar bagel. So unique, and so good!
The Bacon Sun City— one of the most popular sandwiches– features bacon, bodega-style egg, American + cheddar cheese, and spicy honey on an everything bagel. A classic hangover cure, as they say.
The Royal Palm, finally, features plain cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and capers on a well-seasoned everything bagel. These are just a few examples, but it’s all SO good. (Oh, and the pizza bagels are so great. And did we mention that they also have vegan cream cheese and chocolate babka muffins?)
Call Your Mother also serves nitro cold brew coffee and an array of delicious coffee drinks with cool add-ons like oat milk and brown sugar cinnamon syrup.
They also have great breakfast platters available that feature the classic smoked salmon and schmearz assortment as well as fresh veggies and your choice of bagels. It’s gorgeous, and you won’t have any leftovers. (Trust me.)
1310 Kitchen & Bar (For Great Shakshuka)
In addition to the wonderful food, we love the sleek digs at 1310 Kitchen & Bar— Jenn Crovato’s restaurant inside The Georgetown Inn. This casual but classy Georgetown restaurant offers a great breakfast and brunch menu from 7 AM to 2 PM Thursday through Sunday. (<— These are the hours as of this writing, but check the website to confirm before you go!)
The Shakshuka here is a customer favorite and is easily the best in town, and we love the inspirational quotes that adorn the windows. (A few recent examples include: “Not in numbers but in unity that our great strength lies” by Thomas Pane and “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears” by Nelson Mandela.)
Inside, the chic white booths, curved lines, and airy glass fixtures lend the space a hip, bustling vibe, especially on weekends. And with its convenient location right on Wisconson Avenue, it’s a perfect place to grab brunch in Georgetown before a day spent exploring. (This is also an excellent place to go for dinner, but that’s another story entirely.)
The buttermilk pancakes, meanwhile, are as fluffy and filling as you’d hope, often styled to match whatever the nearest holiday might be. Think: elaborate bunny pancakes around Easter, or heart-shaped pancakes for Valentine’s Day, etc. (This tradition reminds us of mom’s chocolate chip Micky Mouse pancakes as a kid, in the best way.)
Ultimately, whether it’s bacon, sausage, and eggs you’re after, or something more elaborate and international (like the excellent ab0ve-mentioned shakshuka,) the 1310 brunch menu has a little bit of something for everyone. They also make one of Georgetown’s only acai bowls, and their seeded avocado toast with poached egg, pomegranate, and almonds is one of the best around.
We love this Georgetown breakfast spot for families, dates, and even casual friend-meetups. Everyone seems to love it, especially those staying at the neighboring hotel, who happen to have access to one of the best restaurants in Georgetown right on their doorstep.
Lucky them!
Boulangerie Christophe (For Sweet & Savory Crepes + Waffles)
Boulangerie Christophe is a lovely little bakery on Wisconsin Ave that is an ideal spot to get a pastry-focused breakfast in Georgetown. We love their perfect sweet and savory crepes, their incredible lemon cake, and the savory, epicurean waffle dishes.
They also won the 2019 World Bread Awards with their signature baguette! (<—- Definitely get one to go if you’re a bread-lover.)
For the signature experience, get a lavender mimosa or breakfast champagne, and be sure to order an item from their Petit Dejeuner menu. This is available from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM daily.
All omelets here are served silky-French style, filled with lush European cheeses, fresh herbs, and seasonal fillings like wild mushrooms, salmon, or local ham. The seasonal wild mushroom omelet, for example, is super fluffy, with optional cheese and fresh chives. For those who love a good mushroom omelet, they’ve perfected the art.
Personally, I love the Gaufre sales au saumon fume et eventail d’avocat, a savory waffle served with smoked salmon, avocado, and Boursin cheese. (It’s super unique and, I think, a delightfully original brunch item you can’t find anywhere else.)
They also have chestnut waffles and gorgeous mimosas that pair beautifully with any of their savory crepes. Which, speaking of: order the Crepe Forestiere for a real treat. It’s a crepe filled with cheese, mushrooms, farm-raised chicken breast, and creme fraiche. Very rich, very French.
Ultimately, all of the savory crepes at this boulangerie are excellent, right down to the croque monsier-esque Crepe Complete. This one features cheese, ham, and a sunny-side-up egg with yolk so perfect that you’ll plan to return again for breakfast before you’ve even finished your meal.
Peacock Cafe (For Upscale Brunch & The Best Quiche Ever)
Peacock Cafe is a nice go-to for upscale brunch in Georgetown, and it’s definitely the best place to enjoy, say, a Spinach, Mushroom, and Black Truffle Quiche topped with grilled shrimp and a side arugula salad. (Above shown– delicious!)
This restaurant has white-linen indoor and outdoor seating and a great wine list. Oenophiles: this is the Georgetown brunch spot for you!
Dine here for upscale American Classics like multigrain pancakes, omelets, and sides of Applewood Smoked Bacon– but really, that quiche is to die for. Peacock Cafe definitely serves the best quiche in D.C.!
Ultimately, this place is lovely for brunch and has well-attended sidewalk seating that gives free advertising to the restaurant when the weather is nice. It can feel slightly stuffy for brunch– and as such, it tends to draw an older crowd– but the food here is always excellent.
Cafe Georgetown (For Perfect Lattes & Turkish Pastries)
Cafe Georgetown is mostly a go-to spot for coffee and Turkish pastries, but the pastries themselves are so decadent and delicious they’re worth mentioning as breakfast options in their own right.
Whether it’s sesame bread aka simit, spinach and leek turnovers, layered cheese borek, or pistachio baklava, the baked goods at this popular local cafe are simply delightful– and great for a fast, on-the-go breakfast in Georgetown. They also have a limited selection of gluten-free baked goods, as well.
I adore their Rose Latte, the Matcha Latte, the Golden Milk Latte, the Chai Latte, and the fact that they can make all of their lattes with oat milk (or other alternative milk of choice!). They also make a gorgeous Cherry Blossom Latte during D.C.’s iconic cherry blossom season, which is super cute. And of course: This is the best place to get Turkish coffee in Washington, D.C.!
That being said, you can still get excellent americanos, espressos, and drip coffee here, as well. This place is a whole scene, bustling on the weekends with lots of folks moving in and out for lattes on the go.
Ultimately, no matter what you order, Cafe Georgetown definitely wins the award for cutest coffee art in the city. (Think of it as D.C.’s answer to Maman in NYC.) They even have a Printed Latte option where you can text them a custom design, selfie, or logo that they can “print” into the foam of your coffee! It’s pretty cool.
They also have Turkish delight, rose truffles, and other curiosities inspired by Turkish confectionery. (These are always a good choice if you’ve never had anything like this before.)
Sequoia DC (For Buzzy Brunch with Lovely Views)
Sequoia DC is a swanky, social brunch hall known for its popular Saturday Sangria Brunch and epic raw bar. For generous cocktails and Southwestern fusion dishes, look no further than this waterfront staple for people watching.
From the signature Chicken and Waffles to excellent Ceviche de Mariscos, there’s something on the menu for everyone at Sequoia. You can even get local crab and corn omelets and a unique “surf & turf” avocado toast featuring chorizo, baby shrimp, and poached egg. (The brunch menu is served tapas style and brunch cocktails are encouraged.)
This is the kind of place people go when they want a fun, lively brunch experience. They serve champagne and a seasonal sangria cocktail every weekend. Thus, Sequoia tends to attract bridal parties, family gatherings, and first-time daters, alike.
As a result, the environment is lively, scenic, and dare I say fun. If you want an intimate, quiet, or more foodie-focused breakfast experience, this is not the venue for you. But, if you want to see and be seen on the Georgetown waterfront, this is a lively local spot. Tasty brunch, great cocktails, and enduringly cheeky candor.
Advanced reservations aren’t required, but on the weekends (and especially if it’s sunny, as the waterfront views here are lovely!) it’s always a good idea to make one. Enjoy!
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Related: The 7 Best Coffee Shops in Georgetown.
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