clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

12 Winter-Ready Cocktails to Try Right Now in D.C.

Where to Eat Brazilian Food Around D.C.

D.C.’s Most Festive Holiday Pop-Ups

More in Washington DC See more maps
A breakfast dish at Michelin-starred Blue Duck Tavern.
A breakfast dish at Michelin-starred Blue Duck Tavern.
Blue Duck Tavern

10 Essential Power Breakfast Spots in D.C.

Where to wheel and deal

by Ross Perkins Updated
View as Map
A breakfast dish at Michelin-starred Blue Duck Tavern.
| Blue Duck Tavern
by Ross Perkins Updated

When real business needs to get done in this town, many area power brokers skip the evening cocktails, instead choosing to hash things out over eggs, bacon, and endless cups of fresh brewed coffee. Refining political and financial strategies are par for the course at these early morning gatherings.

Proximity to the city's and country's most prominent institutions is key to these well positioned dining establishments: Breaking bread with those who are in-the-know is worth whatever it costs for a seat at these tables.

— Updated by Tierney Plumb

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Greenhouse at the Jefferson hotel

Copy Link

Have bagel and lox or lemon ricotta pancakes with a side of ambiance at this early morning spot inside the Jefferson hotel.

1200 16th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
202-448-2300
202-448-2300
Official

Upper West Side Cafe

Copy Link

Overachievers head to West End sports club Squash on Fire to get pumped up for the day by playing a friendly round, and then refuel while deal-making at its new modern in-house cafe. Breakfast options include seasonally inspired omelettes, avocado toast, and produce-packed smoothies.

2233 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
202-241-2233
202-241-2233
Photo: Squash on Fire

Blue Duck Tavern

Copy Link

The Park Hyatt's Michelin-starred restaurant is not only well-known for its epic holiday feasts, it also hosts breakfasts with jumbo lump crab cakes, egg dishes, and gluten-free pastries for everyone — including power brokers — to enjoy.

1201 24th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 419-6755
(202) 419-6755
Short rib hash at Blue Duck Tavern. Photo: Blue Duck Tavern

Also featured in:

Seasons Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel

Copy Link

The restaurant below the Four Seasons hotel serves breakfast every day (along with a gourmet brunch on Sundays). It's definitely a spot for those who make things happen in Georgetown, and it recently revamped the menu with healthier options including smoothies, oatmeal, and yogurt parfaits.

2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 342-0444
(202) 342-0444
Seasons DC breakfast Duck confit hash at Seasons. Photo: Four Seasons

Also featured in:

Founding Farmers (Multiple locations)

Copy Link

A stone's throw from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, this burgeoning chain draws tourists and deal makers to its well-regarded breakfasts and brunches.

1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20006
(202) 822-8783
(202) 822-8783
Founding Farmers DC breakfast Waffles at Founding Farmers. Photo: Founding Farmers

Lafayette Restaurant

Copy Link

Hungry deal makers can feast on the $35 fully loaded breakfast inside the picturesque Hay-Adams hotel. Those not on a time crunch can try the $18 oatmeal souffle that takes 20 minutes to prepare.

800 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 638-2570
(202) 638-2570
Lafayette DC breakfast A breakfast at Lafayette. Photo: Hay-Adams

Crimson Diner

Copy Link

This new addition to Chinatown gives surrounding power people a new place place to catch up over fresh coffee and Southern fare.

627 H St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Crimson Diner The main dining room at Crimson Diner. Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC

Old Ebbitt Grill

Copy Link

Everyone comes here — literally. One of the country's highest-grossing restaurants is practically as close as a place can get to the White House. Old Ebbitt opens at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays, and at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday for weekend brunch.

675 15th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20005
(202) 347-4800
(202) 347-4800
R. Lopez

Also featured in:

Café du Parc

Copy Link

Café du Parc, located inside the five-star Willard Intercontinental hotel, is neighbors with the White House. It opens its doors every day at 7 a.m. so lobbyists, members of Congress, and even the general public can enjoy breakfast.

1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., 20002
(202) 942-7000
(202) 942-7000
Facebook

Also featured in:

Bistro Bis

Copy Link

Steps from Union Station, this classic French restaurant is a favorite of the political set. Traditional breakfast fare, from a Continental plate to assorted egg-based offerings, is served beginning at 7 a.m. each weekday. For those looking to "power brunch," service is from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on weekends.

15 E St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
(202) 661-2700
(202) 661-2700
Bistro Bis DC food Country fried steak and eggs at Bistro Bis. Photo: Bistro Bis

Also featured in:

More in Maps

© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

Greenhouse at the Jefferson hotel

1200 16th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Have bagel and lox or lemon ricotta pancakes with a side of ambiance at this early morning spot inside the Jefferson hotel.

1200 16th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
202-448-2300
202-448-2300
Official

Upper West Side Cafe

2233 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

Overachievers head to West End sports club Squash on Fire to get pumped up for the day by playing a friendly round, and then refuel while deal-making at its new modern in-house cafe. Breakfast options include seasonally inspired omelettes, avocado toast, and produce-packed smoothies.

2233 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
202-241-2233
202-241-2233
Photo: Squash on Fire

Blue Duck Tavern

1201 24th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

The Park Hyatt's Michelin-starred restaurant is not only well-known for its epic holiday feasts, it also hosts breakfasts with jumbo lump crab cakes, egg dishes, and gluten-free pastries for everyone — including power brokers — to enjoy.

1201 24th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 419-6755
(202) 419-6755
Short rib hash at Blue Duck Tavern. Photo: Blue Duck Tavern

Seasons Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel

2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

The restaurant below the Four Seasons hotel serves breakfast every day (along with a gourmet brunch on Sundays). It's definitely a spot for those who make things happen in Georgetown, and it recently revamped the menu with healthier options including smoothies, oatmeal, and yogurt parfaits.

2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 342-0444
(202) 342-0444
Seasons DC breakfast Duck confit hash at Seasons. Photo: Four Seasons

Founding Farmers (Multiple locations)

1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20006

A stone's throw from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, this burgeoning chain draws tourists and deal makers to its well-regarded breakfasts and brunches.

1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20006
(202) 822-8783
(202) 822-8783
Founding Farmers DC breakfast Waffles at Founding Farmers. Photo: Founding Farmers

Lafayette Restaurant

800 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006

Hungry deal makers can feast on the $35 fully loaded breakfast inside the picturesque Hay-Adams hotel. Those not on a time crunch can try the $18 oatmeal souffle that takes 20 minutes to prepare.

800 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 638-2570
(202) 638-2570
Lafayette DC breakfast A breakfast at Lafayette. Photo: Hay-Adams

Crimson Diner

627 H St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

This new addition to Chinatown gives surrounding power people a new place place to catch up over fresh coffee and Southern fare.

627 H St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Crimson Diner The main dining room at Crimson Diner. Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC

Old Ebbitt Grill

675 15th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20005

Everyone comes here — literally. One of the country's highest-grossing restaurants is practically as close as a place can get to the White House. Old Ebbitt opens at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays, and at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday for weekend brunch.

675 15th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20005
(202) 347-4800
(202) 347-4800
R. Lopez

Café du Parc

1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., 20002

Café du Parc, located inside the five-star Willard Intercontinental hotel, is neighbors with the White House. It opens its doors every day at 7 a.m. so lobbyists, members of Congress, and even the general public can enjoy breakfast.

1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., 20002
(202) 942-7000
(202) 942-7000
Facebook

Bistro Bis

15 E St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001

Steps from Union Station, this classic French restaurant is a favorite of the political set. Traditional breakfast fare, from a Continental plate to assorted egg-based offerings, is served beginning at 7 a.m. each weekday. For those looking to "power brunch," service is from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on weekends.

15 E St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
(202) 661-2700
(202) 661-2700
Bistro Bis DC food Country fried steak and eggs at Bistro Bis. Photo: Bistro Bis

Related Maps