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Where to Find the Best Brunch
If you’re obsessed with food: So you live for the perfect ricotta pancake or housemade fritatta. If you’re there for food and only food, head to always lively 14th Street for spanish-influenced Estadio, Cork’s delicious small plates, or the housemade pop tarts at the always-packed Ted’s Bulletin. Northwest in Adams Morgan, try Cedric Maupillier's Mintwood Place for French-inspired eats and inventive food that’s sure to impress. At Osteria Morini, Chef Michael White's brunch menu starring dishes like the housemade brioche with duck confit and pistachio pesto received the honor of Upscale Brunch of the Year at the 2018 RAMMYS.Over in Foggy Bottom, farm-to-table favorite Founding Farmers is a hard-to-get res for a reason, while Marcel's by Robert Wiedmaier offers a prix-fixe menu focusing on fine French and Belgian offerings. A hot new option is the Fyve's Sunday brunch buffet at the Ritz Cartlon, Pentagon City, where delectable seafood reigns supreme (think: snow crab claws, poached shrimp and ultra fresh sushi). For the only Michelin-starred brunch, be sure to visit the Blue Duck Tavern. In nearby Georgetown, Seasons and Sequoia Restaurant each offers a full array of regional and fresh offerings at various food stations – plus the bottomless mimosas to help wash it all down. For an outside the box take on brunch favorites, at Michael Schlow's Alta Strada brunchers can nosh on an everything bagel pizza topped with smoked salmon, mascarpone and all the fixings. And if you want to up your Sunday brunch game, head to Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place in Georgetown for a meal inspired by its scenic waterfront location. We're talking a brunch buffet that includes freshly shucked local oysters, smoked salmon from Ivy City Smokehouse, New England clam chowder and plenty of brunch classics. If you don’t have all day: Okay, so maybe you can’t spend three hours leisurely brunching your Sunday away. If you’re in the mood for a savory egg sandwich, swing by market-slash-eatery Glen’s Garden Market (located in Dupont Circle) for one made with local favorite Bullfrog Bagels, or head to Shaw for a biscuit-based version from Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. Those in the mood for something sweet can pop by one of the city’s gourmet doughnut shops; Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken and District Doughnut are standouts. If you want to leave a little (or a lot) tipsy: Bottomless mimosa deals are a dime a dozen, but some places really do it right. Richard Sandoval’s El Centro offers a deal that gets you bottomless mimosas and an endless supply of delicious tapas. Go hungry. At Provision No. 14, you’ll find communal brunching (mascarpone pancakes for everyone!) as well as sharable hand-crafted cocktails, served up in a French press. Using market-fresh ingredients, Boqueria recreates an authentic Barcelona market experience through its distinctive tapas and takes on classic Spanish dishes. This night-on-the-town destination. also makes for a great boozy brunch spot, as $42 will land you an unlimited selection of sweet and savory tapas and drinks. Like its sister restaurant in Dupont Circle, Mission Navy Yard is your go-to for a margarita-fueled fiesta. Tacos, tequila and bottomless guacamole – what more could you want for brunch? Elsewhere in the District, Agora has a fantastic bottomless brunch, complete with hummus and every other Mediterranean dip one could ask for, accompanied by warm, fluffy pita bread. If steak is your thing, look no further than Medium Rare. For less than $30, you can start your day with their award-winning culotte steaks and unlimited Bloody Marys or mimosas. Craving cider? At Shaw's ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar, $20 will get you a never-ending stream of three different ciders.
Where to Find the Best Brunch in Washington, DC
Brunch is decidedly a thing nowadays. But here’s the catch: you have to know what you’re looking for. Do you want lick-the-plate-clean food? Or is it bottomless mimosas first, food second? Maybe you want a (drag queen) performance with a side of eggs. No worries. DC has it covered with these top spots: If you’re obsessed with food: So you live for the perfect ricotta pancake or housemade frittata. If you’re there for food and only food, head to always lively 14th Street for Spanish-influenced Estadio, Cork’s delicious small plates, or the housemade pop tarts at the always-packed Ted’s Bulletin. For prime people-watching and eats, you can't beat the terrace at Café du Parc on Pennsylvania Avenue, where you can pair Niçoise salad or eggs Benedict with views of the Washington Monument and nearby sights. At Osteria Morini, you can start your day with house-made artisan pasta without judgement. Over in Foggy Bottom, farm-to-table favorite Founding Farmers is a hard-to-get res for a reason, while Equinox offers an eight-course plant-based meal. Hot new options include Taqueria Las Gemelas located in La Cosecha and Yardbird, which features a Southern menu including Chicken 'N' Watermelon 'N' Waffles. For a Michelin-inspired brunch, check out Mediterranean-inspired Zaytinya, one of many Bib Gourmand restaurants designated by the French tire company for serving great, affordable food. In Georgetown, Seasons and Sequoia Restaurant each offers a full array of regional and fresh offerings at various food stations – plus the bottomless mimosas to help wash it all down. For an outside-the-box take on brunch favorites, at Michael Schlow's Alta Strada brunchers can nosh on an everything bagel pizza topped with smoked salmon, mascarpone and all the fixings. And if you want to have your brunch and eat it every day of the week, Unconventional Diner offers just that with their Everyday Brunch menu. Enjoy Georgia French Toast, loaded breakfast biscuits, corned beef hash and more daily until 4 p.m. If you don’t have all day: Okay, so maybe you can’t spend three hours leisurely brunching your Sunday away. If you’re in the mood for a savory egg sandwich, head to Shaw for Butter Me Up, where the goods are sandwiched between buttery brioche rolls and even pancakes. Pick up homemade bagels and schmears from Call Your Mother and Buffalo & Bergen. Those in the mood for something sweet can pop by one of the city’s gourmet doughnut shops; Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken and District Doughnut are standouts. If you want to leave a little (or a lot) tipsy: Bottomless mimosa deals are a dime a dozen, but some places really do it right. The Park at 14th doesn't just serve up bottomless mimosas for brunch, it also offers unlimited plates with favorites like brioche French toast, bacon and eggs, jerk chicken wings and blackened salmon. Richard Sandoval’s El Centro offers a deal that gets you bottomless mimosas and an endless supply of delicious tapas. Go hungry. Using market-fresh ingredients, Boqueria recreates an authentic Barcelona market experience through its distinctive tapas and takes on classic Spanish dishes. This night-on-the-town destination also makes for a great date brunch spot, as $49 will land you a Brunch for Two experience. Like its sister restaurant in Dupont Circle, Mission Navy Yard is your go-to for a margarita-fueled fiesta. Tacos and tequila – what more could you want for brunch? Elsewhere in the District, Agora has a fantastic bottomless brunch, complete with hummus and every other Mediterranean dip one could ask for, accompanied by warm, fluffy pita bread. If steak is your thing, look no further than Medium Rare. For less than $35, you can start your day with their award-winning culotte steaks and unlimited Bloody Marys or mimosas. Swap out the traditional eggs and bacon for Ambar's bottomless Balkan brunch. Craving cider? At Brightwood Pizza & Bottle, you can get you a never-ending stream of three different ciders. If you want to brunch on a patio: When the weather’s perfect, brunching al fresco is practically required. A rundown of some of the prettiest patios on which you can catch a breeze with your benedict: Iron Gate, Sequoia, Tabard Inn, Open City, Maketto, Fiola Mare, Le Diplomate, Mercy Me and St. Anselm. Now that brunch is decided, plan the rest of the day's meals. Discover all of the hottest restaurants and best places to eat in Washington, DC.
Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC
Hey there!! Adams Morgan Madam's Organ A neighborhood landmark, this mural lives on the side of the Madam's Organ Blues Bar and was completed in 1997. The piece was sponsored by the restaurant owner, Bill Duggan, and has been controversial for its bold depiction. Make sure to check out all the murals in Adams Morgan. 2461 18th Street NW Mural at BUL Head to BUL Korean Bar & Restaurant to see a mural that depicts one of Toulouse-Lautrec’s most famous posters of the singer Aristide Bruant. Completed in 1980, the mural was painted from a photograph by the restaurant’s original owner, André Neveux. The piece is now iconic, and signals your arrival in Adams Morgan, much like the Madam's Organ Mural. 2461 18th Street NW Mural Un Pueblo Sin Murales The title of this striking mural on Adams Mill Road translates to: A People Without Murals are a Demuralized People. The piece, which is located on the side wall of Kogibow Bakery, was created by artists Felipe Martinez, Carlos Salozar, Carlos Arrien and Juan Pineda in 1977. It is the only mural in the neighborhood created by Latino immigrant artists. The mural was revitalized in 2005 by Sol & Soul, a local arts organization, in collaboration with one of the original artists, Juan Pineda, and renovated again by Pineda in 2011 after an earthquake in DC. 1817 Adams Mill Road NW Bloomingdale Neptune in Bloomingdale Head to DC’s Bloomingdale neighborhood to grab a slice of pizza from Bacio Pizzeria and check out this vibrant mural in the neighboring alley. This bright, contemporary piece references mythology and was created during the 2019 ART ALL NIGHT DC event by artists Jeff Huntington and Juan Pineda. 81 Seaton Place NW Columbia Heights The Columbia Heights neighborhood is full of street art celebrating the area’s culture and diversity. My Culture, Mi Gente, by artist Joel Bergner is just one such mural. The colorful artwork can be found across from the Columbia Heights Metro Station. 3064 15th Street NW Downtown Black Lives Matter Plaza Located along a two-block pedestrian area of 16th Street NW in Downtown DC, this mural features the words “Black Lives Matter” in 50-foot-tall letters, in yellow and all caps, as well as the flag of the District. The portion of 16th Street on which the mural is showcased, located just outside of the White House, was officially renamed by Mayor Muriel Bowser as “Black Lives Matter Plaza NW.” The area is open to visitors on-foot at any time of the day. The nearest Metro station is McPherson Square, on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. Read our Guide to Black Lives Matter Plaza to learn more. 16th St. NW, between H St. and K Streets NW Dupont Circle Amanda Gorman Mural Dupont Circle is home to a new radiant mural that depicts a memorable scene from the 2021 U.S. presidential Inauguration: 23-year-old Amanda Gorman reading her captivating poem, “The Hill We Climb.” The mural was painted by local artist Kaliq Crosby, a frequent and acclaimed contributor to DC’s street art scene. In addition to Gorman’s larger-than-life portrait, the installation features symbols from the DC flag and a notable line from her famed poem: "There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it." 1608 17th Street NW (near Dupont Circle) Georgetown Wave Mural Nestled a few blocks from M Street in historic Georgetown, this iconic mural was created to replicate the mid-1800s Japanese print, ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’ by Hokusai. In 1974, painter and architect John McConnell was asked to ‘dress up’ the wall of a rowhouse owned by his friends, which led to this breathtaking memorial to Hokusai’s legendary piece. After admiring the street art and snapping a few pics for the ‘gram, be sure to check out nearby Call Your Mother Deli for delicious bagels. 3510 O St. NW Alma Indigena Created by artist Victor Quinonez in 2021, Georgetown's newest mural is located at 1564 Wisconsin Avenue NW. Inspired by the photography of Diego Huerta and the people of the western Mexican state Jalisco, the detailed artwork features an indigenous Wixárika Elder as well as blue maize and guajillo peppers, ingredients used in many native cultures. 1564 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 NoMa For a more traditional portrait of the country’s first president, head to National Portrait Gallery. But if you’re looking to see George Washington funk-a-fied, look no further than artist MADSTEEZ’s piece in NoMa. The mural is part of an international art movement, POW! WOW!, which celebrates culture, music and art all over the world. 331 N Street NE Union Market is your one-stop shop for mural grams! The revitalized NoMa food hall has something for everyone; there’s the heart wall topped with the inspiring message, “Never Give Up,” a project by LA-based graffiti artist Mr. Brainwash in honor of International Women’s Day in 2015. There's also the [R] Mural Project, which was designed to inspire the community through art and storytelling, specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and those who have been most affected. There are three pieces to this Union Market project that complete the narrative: the installation, stories of resilience and community resources. 1309 5th Street NE New Mural by Meaghan Toohey As part of the 2021 D.C. Walls Festival, artist Meaghan Toohey's mural of a woman building a brick staircase is located on a 900-foot wall along the Metropolitan Branch Trail. Toohey's eye-catching work is accompanied by an array of murals created by local, national and international artists during the annual fall celebration of art. Near Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002 Mount Vernon Triangle Tucked amongst rehabbed carriage-houses and Shaw's award-winning restaurants like The Dabney, Blagden Alley was once home to working class Black Americans following the Civil War and, later, creators in DC’s underground art scene. Now you’ll find a series of rotating murals including an oversized tribute to musicians Sun Ra and Erykah Badu and this piece, titled, Let.Go. by artist Rose Jaffe. 50 Blagden Alley NW XXIV Carrot in Blagden Alley Cleverly titled XXIV Carrot, this mural in Blagden Alley features 24 carrots and was created by artist Marcella Kriebel with the help of the local community. Kriebel designed and outlined the piece, but members of the public were invited to grab a paint brush and add their mark to the vibrant project. Blagden Alley NW Voice of Change in Mount Vernon Triangle The full title of this mural is Voices of Change: Representation, Progress and Hope, as this piece encourages Americans to unite and work toward peaceful and positive change. Featuring Black leaders such as DC’s Mayor Muriel Bowser, Vice President Kamala Harris and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the five-mural installation was part of a 2021 MLK Day of Service Project and painted by local artists Shawn Perkins, Levi Robinson and Dez Zambrano. The corner of 5th and K Streets NW Shaw Artist Aniekan Udofia, who is the creative mind behind the Ben’s mural and Blagden Alley’s whimsical portrait of Sun Ra and Erykah Badu, pays tribute to DC-born musician Marvin Gaye in this masterpiece in Shaw. The vibrant mural is Udofia’s second of the soulful icon – the previous mural was created in 2013 but later covered by construction. S Street NW, between 7th & 8th streets Watermelon House Plastered on the side of a residence in Logan Circle, the Watermelon House is a must-see on your mural tour of DC. The story behind the Watermelon House goes something like this: the owners of the home hired someone to paint the side red but when the result was more pink than anticipated, the owners turned lemons into watermelon. The home has become an attraction for visitors and locals alike. 11th Street & Q Street NW Washington by No Kings Collective in Shaw This colorful piece is situated across from Howard Theatre in the eclectic Shaw neighborhood. The mural was created by No Kings Collective in collaboration with Stella Artois (notice the hops); note that there are also features of the Washington Monument and the District of Columbia flag. 631 T St. NW Dacha Beer Garden A hip, dog-friendly brewtopia and cafe, Shaw’s Dacha Beer Garden also boasts some of the city’s most recognizable street art – a giant mural of glamorous 20th-century movie star, Elizabeth Taylor, whose charity work around AIDS awareness has been recognized by nearby Whitman-Walker Health Center. Raise a glass (or one of the eatery’s monster pretzels) to the icon for the perfect outdoor patio gram. 1600 7th Street NW Southwest Waterfront Culture House DC This former Baptist Church has been transformed into a brightly colored arts and culture community center and gallery space near the Southwest Waterfront. Built in 1886, the Victorian and Romanesque architectural gem was re-imagined in October 2012 by artist HENSE and later repurposed as Blind Whino in 2013 before changing its name to Culture House DC. 700 Delaware Avenue SW U Street Ben's Chili Bowl A DC staple since it opened in 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl remains a must-visit for tourists, locals and celebrities. Known for its half-smoke – a DC delicacy that is half-pork, half-beef and served with heaping helpings of herbs, onion and chili sauce – Ben’s is also famous for its iconic building. The restaurant’s U Street location features a gigantic mural of iconic African American figures, updated in 2017 by Aniekan Udofia, to include DC-native Dave Chappelle, abolitionist Harriet Tubman and Barack and Michelle Obama. Step back for a wide-angled shot of the whole mural or get up close and personal for a selfie with one of the wall’s icons. 1213 U Street NW The Resurrection on U Street You’ll definitely want to pencil this one in to your DC mural hunt. This epic street art by Aniekan Udofia features musical legends Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and Billie Holiday. The spark of creativity is illuminated through a stargazing backdrop and the inclusion of pencils, piano keys and a depiction of Miles bellowing through his legendary trumpet. 2001 11th Street NW Lee’s Legacy Mural on U Street Lee’s Flower and Card Shop first opened its doors in 1945 and specializes in quality flower arrangements, no matter your needs. Lee’s and Ben’s Chili Bowl— both Black-owned businesses — have been staples along the U Street Corridor since the 1960s. The Lee’s Legacy Mural was painted by airbrush artist and native Washingtonian Kaliq Crosby in 2017. 1026 U Street NW Foggy Bottom Duke Ellington Mural Celebrated DC artist Aniekan Udofia's breathtaking mural is on the outside of the building that now occupies the space where the legendary Duke Ellington was born, when it was 2129 Ida Place back in 1899. The gorgeous installation shows the Duke as a pianist, composer and band leader, with doves incorporated as a representation of his reputation as a goodwill ambassador. 2121 Ward Place NW Foggy Bottom Painted in 2017 by Aniekan Udofia, this mural captures Foggy Bottom's industrial past and the educational spirit of its present. The mural's central figure is a Mad-Max style glass-blower, a reference to the Glass House, an early Foggy Bottom industry. The vibrant mural also shows factory smoke, the three red stars and stripes of the DC flag and George Washington's face and pencils, two references to nearby George Washington University. 950 24th Street NW Garden Elizabeth Graeber's Garden mural can be found on the rear façade of an historic row house and was first featured in the 2014 Arts in Foggy Bottom Bi-Annual Art Exhibition. Graeber painted the image freehand using acrylic interior and exterior house paint. She returns to the neighborhood from time to time to tend to her garden. 923 Hughes Mews NW, Washington, DC 20037 Patriotic Pasture Daniel Zeltner's three-sided mural in the Foggy Bottom Historic District features images of red hearts, puddles of milk, cows and the Capitol. The cow's face that turns the curve with the corner of the wall adds a touch of dimensional whimsy. Are the images of spilt milk references suggesting the lost opportunities one finds in government and politics -- or just darn cute bovines common to Switzerland? We leave it up to you to figure it out. 2532 I Street NW
Where to Find Water Parks & Outdoor Pools In & Around Washington, DC
When planning your best summer ever in Washington, DC, you may want to include a relaxing trip to an outdoor pool or a day-long adventure at a water park near DC. No worries – we have you covered with some of the best options at your disposal, including outdoor public pools, splash parks and hotel pools. Hotel Pools The gorgeous rooftop pool at the Ven at Embassy Row, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel offers day passes that vary from $15 to $50. The YOTEL Washington DC, Capitol Hill features a rooftop lounge, one of the largest in the District, with a full-service bar with light bites, an expansive pool and generously sized cabanas fitted with charging stations. The Washington Plaza Hotel’s pool is beautifully landscaped and offers a poolside bar. Day passes are available for $50 on weekdays and for $60 on Saturday or Sunday. While the pools above are accessible to the public, other DC hotels offer poolside pleasure as long as you’re receiving a spa treatment at the hotel. You can make it a day of relaxation at the posh Four Seasons Hotel, Washington D.C., the Omni Shoreham Hotel and The Watergate Hotel. Water Parks Six Flags America (located in Maryland, roughly 15 minutes outside of DC) features Hurricane Harbor, the largest water park in Maryland, filled with an array of rides and plenty of room to roam. While it’s a bit of a longer drive, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA are well worth it. Splash and slide at Virginia’s largest water park, which also features resort-style amenities and more than 40 water rides in total. Public Splash Parks Splash park, spray park – whatever you call it, sometimes you want to scamper through some water without swimming in it. DC has the family covered in that regard, as there is a multitude of these fun-filled areas throughout the city. River views come with the territory at splash parks featured in Georgetown Waterfront Park, Canal Park and Yards Park (the latter two are both in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood). Petworth Spray Park is also a popular spot for families. DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation offers a full list of these parks so that you can plan accordingly. Outdoor Public Pools DC residents can swim at pools managed by the Department of Parks of Recreation for free. Resident passes are administered on-site. For non-DC residents, a day pass costs just $7 for an adult. Passes for children under 6 are just $3, while ages 6-17 can get in for just $4 (seniors 55 years old and over pay that same price). Many of DC’s coolest neighborhoods feature public pools that are perfect for enjoying a pretty summer day. Banneker Pool in Shaw is a favorite among locals. Francis Pool in Foggy Bottom is accessible by Metro and offers two 25-yard lap lanes. Just one block from Wisconsin Avenue, Volta Park Pool in Georgetown is another convenient option. For a full list of outdoor public pools in the city, visit the DC Department of Parks and Recreation’s website. Looking for more water-based activities? Explore the vibrant waterfronts in and around Washington, DC for a variety of exciting experiences.