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Eggs, pancakes, hash browns, “pop tarts” at Ted’s Bulletin.
Ted’s Bulletin serves over-the-top breakfast plates.
Ted’s Bulletin/Facebook

The Best Breakfast Spots Around D.C.

Where to find egg and cheese sandwiches, bagels, breakfast tacos, and more

by Tim Ebner Updated
View as Map
Ted’s Bulletin serves over-the-top breakfast plates.
| Ted’s Bulletin/Facebook
by Tim Ebner Updated

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then the D.C. area is runs on premium. While political strivers and decision-makers gravitate towards hotels for power breakfasts, options for those who are only on their first cup of coffee of the day include no-frills diners like Murry & Paul’s, Lincoln Waffle Shop, and Steak-n-Egg, plus plenty of spots serving stellar breakfast sandwiches to brighten up a morning. High-level pastries from Ellē’s bakery in Mount Pleasant or the wood-fired bagel sandwiches filled with farmers market produce at Call Your Mother don’t disappoint. For a brand new option, consider chef Omar Marroquin’s Titos Breakfast Burritos stall at Eckington Hall.

Most options on this map are concentrated in D.C. proper, but a few iconic suburban breakfast joints are highlighted here as well.

For all the latest Washington D.C. dining intel, subscribe to Eater DC’s newsletter.

— Updated by Tierney Plumb

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Donut Run

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This vegan doughnut shop became a hit the moment it opened in January 2021 — with a line to prove it. There are usually several people waiting down the block for a first pick at the light, yeasty confections ahead of its 7 a.m. opening time. Be sure to check Instagram for the list of daily flavors, with options like mango-coconut, Boston cream, and glazed donut holes. Hours run until 2 p.m.

6904 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012
(202) 506-3264
(202) 506-3264
A cookies & cream doughnut from Donut Run.
A cookies & cream doughnut from Donut Run.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Also featured in:

Tony's Place (Multiple Locations)

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Meaty breakfast platters, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches can all be found at this D.C. breakfast spot, with two other locations on H Street and in Anacostia. The generous breakfast platter offers two eggs, toast, home fries or grits, and a choice of bacon, ham, sausage, turkey bacon, turkey links, or scrapple, all for under $5.

622 Kennedy St NW, Washington, D.C. 20011
(202) 829-0721
(202) 829-0721

Steak-n-Egg

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Around since 1993, this Tenleytown breakfast institution keeps diners full with piled-high plates of country-fried steak and gravy, potato hash formed into perfect patties, and head-turners like funnel cake fries. Plus, a robot helps wait tables in this pristine, 1950s-inspired diner that recently expanded on-site. Open for walk-up, pick-up, or delivery until as late as 4 a.m. (on Fridays and Saturdays).

4700 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 686-1201
(202) 686-1201

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Bread Furst

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James Beard Award-winning baker Mark Furstenberg’s tiny cafe in Van Ness is one of the city's best places to buy baguettes, chocolate croissants, and English muffins. It opens at 8 a.m., and has built out an impressive retail market during the pandemic, offering access to wholesalers for high-quality coffee and olive oil.

4434 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 765-1200
(202) 765-1200
Croissants and coffee at Bread Furst.
Croissants and coffee at Bread Furst.
Bread Furst/official photo

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Murry & Paul's Restaurant

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This Brookland greasy spoon, with a sign proclaiming it’s served the neighborhood since 1964, is a no-nonsense option for grabbing a table or ordering at the bar. Throwback prices make the giant flapjacks and French toast even sweeter. Service starts early at 6 a.m.

3513 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017
(202) 529-4078
(202) 529-4078
Orange brick exterior of 1960s-era breakfast joint Murry & Paul’s.
The exterior of Murry & Paul’s.
Murry & Paul’s/Facebook

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The Coupe

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Tryst Trading Company’s sun-filled spot in Columbia Heights opens every day at 7 a.m. with a lineup of all-day breakfast plates fit for a lumberjack. That includes a flapjack stack — pick from plain, blueberry, or chocolate chip — and the fried chicken and biscuit topped with bacon, sausage gravy, and one egg any style.

3415 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 290-3342
(202) 290-3342

Also featured in:

Ellē

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Mount Pleasant’s ultimate neighborhood cafe serves a simple breakfast menu from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The egg sandwich showcases superlative brisket, while savory quiches and sweet pastries tempt customers from a case at the counter. There are also miso caramel lattes, guava turnovers, biscuit sandwiches, and a host of other treats to consider.

3221 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 652-0040
(202) 652-0040
A pastrami breakfast sandwich from Ellē.
Ellē’s pastrami breakfast sandwich.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

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La Tejana

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D.C.’s wildly popular breakfast taco pop-up La Tejana debuted its first standalone store in August. The 2020 fan favorite of Washington Post food columnist Tim Carman brings the upper Northwest neighborhood a true taste of the tiny taquerias its co-founder Ana-Maria Jaramillo frequented growing up in Texas. La Tejana honors Rio Grande Valley’s beloved border cuisine with five opening tacos — all served on homemade flour tortillas — like the “956” with eggs, bacon, potatoes, refried beans, queso, and cilantro. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with drip and cold brew coffee too.  

3211 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 525-1708
(202) 525-1708

Call Your Mother Deli (Multiple locations)

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This rapidly expanding wood-fired bagel shop fills its signature product with a handful of unexpected combos — like candied salmon cream cheese or bacon, jalapeños, and potato chips. The fried potato latkes are on point, and chocolate babka muffins go well with a cup of a custom coffee blend from Lost Sock Roasters. Call Your Mother is also serves doughnuts Thursday through Sunday. There are now eight locations of this hit bagel shop, plus farmers market outposts too. The latest store opened in the old Little Red Fox space in upper Northwest this year.

3301 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010
Bagels at Call Your Mother in Washington D.C.
Bagels at Call Your Mother.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

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Heat Da Spot Café

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This friendly Park View cafe serves all-day breakfast that combines American and Ethiopian comfort foods like cheesy breakfast sandwiches or scrambled eggs with a side of injera. Customers who welcome spice should squirt homemade green hot sauce over everything.

3213 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 836-4719
(202) 836-4719
Customers socialize in Heat Da Spot.
The interior at Heat Da Spot.
Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Also featured in:

Cracked Eggery

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D.C.’s neon-lit egg parlor serves up a menu of egg sandwiches, loaded tots, and French toast sticks in a squeaky clean space that vibes with ‘80s-era nostalgia. A “next-level” BLT called “Southern Charm” stacks a fried green tomato, pimiento cheese, arugula, bacon, egg, and lemon aioli on a challah bun. The Cleveland Park original was joined by a second standalone store in Shaw last spring. Both locations wake up at 7 a.m. daily and close at 3 p.m.

1921 8th St NW Suite 110, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 351-6167
(202) 351-6167
Cracked Eggery expanded its brick-and-mortar footprint with a shiny new Shaw location this year.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Also featured in:

Baker’s Daughter (Multiple locations)

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Now with locations in Ivy City and downtown, chef Matt Baker’s casual cafe dishes an all-day breakfast menu that includes breakfast sandwiches, breakfast tacos, and pastries. The menu varies by location.

1402 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 729-6990
(202) 729-6990

Also featured in:

Ted's Bulletin (Multiple Locations)

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This local chain channels Americana with cinnamon rolls “as big as your head” (available on the weekends); sausage and gravy plates; and crispy, shredded hash browns. There are multiple locations across the D.C. area, including a brand new outpost in Ashburn. Service starts at 7 a.m.

1818 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 265-8337
(202) 265-8337

Also featured in:

YELLOW Georgetown

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Michelin-rated Albi’s sibling Levantine cafe recently debuted standalone digs in Georgetown (the Navy Yard original is now closed). French patisserie classics with Arabic flavors in morning sweets such as labneh croissants dusted in za’atar or an olive oil basbousa (Lebanese semolina cake). Owner Michael Rafidi also makes sfeeha (meat pies) for the morning crowd. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with evening service coming soon.

1524 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Also featured in:

Republic Cantina

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The gold foil wrapper is fitting for breakfast tacos worth treasuring at this Tex-Mex cafe in Truxton Circle. Republic Cantina builds them on stretchy, rich flour tortillas that would pass muster even in Texas. Go for the smoked brisket, served with fried onions, potatoes, and avocado salsa, or a carne guisada (stewed beef) variety with scallions and crispy tortilla strips. Other options on the cafe menu (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily) include a fruit and granola bowl, chilaquiles, or avocado Texas toast with radishes, cotija cheese, sesame, fried onion, and cilantro oil.

43 N St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 997-4340
(202) 997-4340

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Unconventional Diner

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Chef David Deshaies takes diner fare up a notch with European flair. Daily brunch (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) includes Caribbean shrimp and grits, Lebanese fried rice, Georgia French toasts with peaches and ice cream, and an everything lox bagel.

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 847-0122
(202) 847-0122

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Kafè Leopold

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Located in off-the-path Cady's Alley in Georgetown, this Austrian cafe’s breakfast includes raisin-filled danishes, Belgian waffles with caramelized bananas, eggs with rosemary ham, and yogurt parfaits. Doors open at 8 a.m., and the serene patio includes a fountain.

3315 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 965-6005
(202) 965-6005

Metro 29 Diner

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Find thick challah French toast and “super egg” sandwiches at this no-frills, New York-style diner in Arlington. Both celebrity chef Guy Fieri and President Joe Biden have stopped by since it opened more than a decade ago. Opening time is 6 a.m. for early risers.

4711 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 528-2464
(703) 528-2464
French toast at Metro 29.
French toast at Metro 29.
Metro 29 Diner/official photo

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Lincoln's Waffle Shop

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Not just for tourists, this Penn Quarter fixture since 1990 keeps everyone well-fed, starting at 6 a.m. Naturally, waffles are on the menu. There’s also country-fried steak with a ginger-spiced brown gravy, vegetarian omelets, and frequent coffee refills from a conversational staff.

504 10th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 638-4009
(202) 638-4009
The exterior of Lincoln’s Waffle Shop.
The exterior of Lincoln’s Waffle Shop.
Lincoln’s Waffle Shop/Facebook

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The Market Lunch

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Don't let the name fool you — breakfast is the move at this Eastern Market mainstay known for its blueberry buckwheat pancakes. Try the crab cake Benedict on the weekends. Doors open at 8 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and at 9 a.m. on Sundays. Prepare to wait in line during busy market times.

225 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 547-8444
(202) 547-8444

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Donut Run

6904 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012

This vegan doughnut shop became a hit the moment it opened in January 2021 — with a line to prove it. There are usually several people waiting down the block for a first pick at the light, yeasty confections ahead of its 7 a.m. opening time. Be sure to check Instagram for the list of daily flavors, with options like mango-coconut, Boston cream, and glazed donut holes. Hours run until 2 p.m.

6904 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012
(202) 506-3264
(202) 506-3264
A cookies & cream doughnut from Donut Run.
A cookies & cream doughnut from Donut Run.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Tony's Place (Multiple Locations)

622 Kennedy St NW, Washington, D.C. 20011

Meaty breakfast platters, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches can all be found at this D.C. breakfast spot, with two other locations on H Street and in Anacostia. The generous breakfast platter offers two eggs, toast, home fries or grits, and a choice of bacon, ham, sausage, turkey bacon, turkey links, or scrapple, all for under $5.

622 Kennedy St NW, Washington, D.C. 20011
(202) 829-0721
(202) 829-0721

Steak-n-Egg

4700 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Around since 1993, this Tenleytown breakfast institution keeps diners full with piled-high plates of country-fried steak and gravy, potato hash formed into perfect patties, and head-turners like funnel cake fries. Plus, a robot helps wait tables in this pristine, 1950s-inspired diner that recently expanded on-site. Open for walk-up, pick-up, or delivery until as late as 4 a.m. (on Fridays and Saturdays).

4700 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 686-1201
(202) 686-1201

Bread Furst

4434 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

James Beard Award-winning baker Mark Furstenberg’s tiny cafe in Van Ness is one of the city's best places to buy baguettes, chocolate croissants, and English muffins. It opens at 8 a.m., and has built out an impressive retail market during the pandemic, offering access to wholesalers for high-quality coffee and olive oil.

4434 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 765-1200
(202) 765-1200
Croissants and coffee at Bread Furst.
Croissants and coffee at Bread Furst.
Bread Furst/official photo

Murry & Paul's Restaurant

3513 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017

This Brookland greasy spoon, with a sign proclaiming it’s served the neighborhood since 1964, is a no-nonsense option for grabbing a table or ordering at the bar. Throwback prices make the giant flapjacks and French toast even sweeter. Service starts early at 6 a.m.

3513 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017
(202) 529-4078
(202) 529-4078
Orange brick exterior of 1960s-era breakfast joint Murry & Paul’s.
The exterior of Murry & Paul’s.
Murry & Paul’s/Facebook

The Coupe

3415 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Tryst Trading Company’s sun-filled spot in Columbia Heights opens every day at 7 a.m. with a lineup of all-day breakfast plates fit for a lumberjack. That includes a flapjack stack — pick from plain, blueberry, or chocolate chip — and the fried chicken and biscuit topped with bacon, sausage gravy, and one egg any style.

3415 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 290-3342
(202) 290-3342

Ellē

3221 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Mount Pleasant’s ultimate neighborhood cafe serves a simple breakfast menu from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The egg sandwich showcases superlative brisket, while savory quiches and sweet pastries tempt customers from a case at the counter. There are also miso caramel lattes, guava turnovers, biscuit sandwiches, and a host of other treats to consider.

3221 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 652-0040
(202) 652-0040
A pastrami breakfast sandwich from Ellē.
Ellē’s pastrami breakfast sandwich.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

La Tejana

3211 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010

D.C.’s wildly popular breakfast taco pop-up La Tejana debuted its first standalone store in August. The 2020 fan favorite of Washington Post food columnist Tim Carman brings the upper Northwest neighborhood a true taste of the tiny taquerias its co-founder Ana-Maria Jaramillo frequented growing up in Texas. La Tejana honors Rio Grande Valley’s beloved border cuisine with five opening tacos — all served on homemade flour tortillas — like the “956” with eggs, bacon, potatoes, refried beans, queso, and cilantro. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with drip and cold brew coffee too.  

3211 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 525-1708
(202) 525-1708

Call Your Mother Deli (Multiple locations)

3301 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010

This rapidly expanding wood-fired bagel shop fills its signature product with a handful of unexpected combos — like candied salmon cream cheese or bacon, jalapeños, and potato chips. The fried potato latkes are on point, and chocolate babka muffins go well with a cup of a custom coffee blend from Lost Sock Roasters. Call Your Mother is also serves doughnuts Thursday through Sunday. There are now eight locations of this hit bagel shop, plus farmers market outposts too. The latest store opened in the old Little Red Fox space in upper Northwest this year.

3301 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010
Bagels at Call Your Mother in Washington D.C.
Bagels at Call Your Mother.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Heat Da Spot Café

3213 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010

This friendly Park View cafe serves all-day breakfast that combines American and Ethiopian comfort foods like cheesy breakfast sandwiches or scrambled eggs with a side of injera. Customers who welcome spice should squirt homemade green hot sauce over everything.

3213 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 836-4719
(202) 836-4719
Customers socialize in Heat Da Spot.
The interior at Heat Da Spot.
Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Cracked Eggery

1921 8th St NW Suite 110, Washington, DC 20001

D.C.’s neon-lit egg parlor serves up a menu of egg sandwiches, loaded tots, and French toast sticks in a squeaky clean space that vibes with ‘80s-era nostalgia. A “next-level” BLT called “Southern Charm” stacks a fried green tomato, pimiento cheese, arugula, bacon, egg, and lemon aioli on a challah bun. The Cleveland Park original was joined by a second standalone store in Shaw last spring. Both locations wake up at 7 a.m. daily and close at 3 p.m.

1921 8th St NW Suite 110, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 351-6167
(202) 351-6167
Cracked Eggery expanded its brick-and-mortar footprint with a shiny new Shaw location this year.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Baker’s Daughter (Multiple locations)

1402 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Now with locations in Ivy City and downtown, chef Matt Baker’s casual cafe dishes an all-day breakfast menu that includes breakfast sandwiches, breakfast tacos, and pastries. The menu varies by location.

1402 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 729-6990
(202) 729-6990

Ted's Bulletin (Multiple Locations)

1818 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

This local chain channels Americana with cinnamon rolls “as big as your head” (available on the weekends); sausage and gravy plates; and crispy, shredded hash browns. There are multiple locations across the D.C. area, including a brand new outpost in Ashburn. Service starts at 7 a.m.

1818 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 265-8337
(202) 265-8337

YELLOW Georgetown

1524 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Michelin-rated Albi’s sibling Levantine cafe recently debuted standalone digs in Georgetown (the Navy Yard original is now closed). French patisserie classics with Arabic flavors in morning sweets such as labneh croissants dusted in za’atar or an olive oil basbousa (Lebanese semolina cake). Owner Michael Rafidi also makes sfeeha (meat pies) for the morning crowd. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with evening service coming soon.

1524 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Republic Cantina

43 N St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The gold foil wrapper is fitting for breakfast tacos worth treasuring at this Tex-Mex cafe in Truxton Circle. Republic Cantina builds them on stretchy, rich flour tortillas that would pass muster even in Texas. Go for the smoked brisket, served with fried onions, potatoes, and avocado salsa, or a carne guisada (stewed beef) variety with scallions and crispy tortilla strips. Other options on the cafe menu (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily) include a fruit and granola bowl, chilaquiles, or avocado Texas toast with radishes, cotija cheese, sesame, fried onion, and cilantro oil.

43 N St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 997-4340
(202) 997-4340

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Unconventional Diner

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Chef David Deshaies takes diner fare up a notch with European flair. Daily brunch (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) includes Caribbean shrimp and grits, Lebanese fried rice, Georgia French toasts with peaches and ice cream, and an everything lox bagel.

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 847-0122
(202) 847-0122

Kafè Leopold

3315 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Located in off-the-path Cady's Alley in Georgetown, this Austrian cafe’s breakfast includes raisin-filled danishes, Belgian waffles with caramelized bananas, eggs with rosemary ham, and yogurt parfaits. Doors open at 8 a.m., and the serene patio includes a fountain.

3315 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 965-6005
(202) 965-6005

Metro 29 Diner

4711 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207

Find thick challah French toast and “super egg” sandwiches at this no-frills, New York-style diner in Arlington. Both celebrity chef Guy Fieri and President Joe Biden have stopped by since it opened more than a decade ago. Opening time is 6 a.m. for early risers.

4711 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 528-2464
(703) 528-2464
French toast at Metro 29.
French toast at Metro 29.
Metro 29 Diner/official photo

Lincoln's Waffle Shop

504 10th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Not just for tourists, this Penn Quarter fixture since 1990 keeps everyone well-fed, starting at 6 a.m. Naturally, waffles are on the menu. There’s also country-fried steak with a ginger-spiced brown gravy, vegetarian omelets, and frequent coffee refills from a conversational staff.

504 10th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 638-4009
(202) 638-4009
The exterior of Lincoln’s Waffle Shop.
The exterior of Lincoln’s Waffle Shop.
Lincoln’s Waffle Shop/Facebook

The Market Lunch

225 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Don't let the name fool you — breakfast is the move at this Eastern Market mainstay known for its blueberry buckwheat pancakes. Try the crab cake Benedict on the weekends. Doors open at 8 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and at 9 a.m. on Sundays. Prepare to wait in line during busy market times.

225 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 547-8444
(202) 547-8444

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