The Best Sweet Brunches in Town

In D.C., brunch isn’t just a meal; it’s a lifestyle. Every Saturday & Sunday around noon, friends and family gather at popular brunch spots across the city to indulge in unique menu creations and bottomless deals.
Whether we like to admit it or not, we all know that sweet brunch is the best brunch. From pancakes and waffles to chocolate, pastries, sweet drinks and fruits, D.C.’s brunch scene has everything you could dream of.

Le Pain Quotidien

This traditional, quaint Belgian bakery can be found in several central spots across the city including Dupont, Georgetown, and Downtown. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly, and the menu has an entire section dedicated to sweet meals & pastries.

Belgian Waffle – One of the most popular menu items. Perfectly crafted with delicious chocolate or fruit toppings, these waffles are just large enough to satisfy your sweet tooth and small enough to not leave you too full.

Hot Chocolate – Their hot chocolate is to die for: they bring you a small soup bowl filled with frothed milk and a smaller one containing rich, dark chocolate to pour in to create your own desired balance.

Don’t forget to check out their pastries displayed at the entrance of each store – their croissants & pains au chocolat will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the streets of France or Belgium.

Blue Duck Tavern – 1201 24^th St NW

 This restaurant is practically a landmark in D.C.’s West End neighborhood. While the majority of their brunch menu features savory items, they do have one sweet offering that you won’t want to miss.

Blue Duck’s Wood-Fired Pecan Sticky Buns are a must-have. The sweet swirled dough covered in delicious syrup and large, glazed pecans is heaven in a pastry. In fact, the sticky buns are so popular that you’ll spot dozens of them lined up and ready to be served from the restaurant’s open-style kitchen.

 

Co Co Sala – 929 F St NW

Chocolate confectionary Co Co Sala is known for its unique, sweet takes on chocolate, and includes it in practically every dish it offers. They offer a fixed 3-course brunch for $29, which includes a chocolate confection of the day, a main course, and a dessert. The elegant and eclectic décor, and impeccable service, will draw you in time and time again: it’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true.

French Toast S’Mores – This dish won’t disappoint. It’s brioche bread stuffed with marshmallows, dark chocolate & graham, and topped with bananas and chocolate mousse is sweet brunch bliss, if you’re ready to indulge.   

 Boqueria – 1837 M St NW

This trendy tapas spot just west of Dupont has a fixed price food & drink brunch that brings you their entire menu in bottomless amounts. While their brunch only offers two sweet options, they’re arguably the best part of the experience.

Churros con Chocolate – traditional, sweet fried dough covered in cinnamon & thick chocolate will delight your taste buds. Not only is this dessert delicious, but it’s fun to share with friends. You can either order thin churros to dip in chocolate, or thicker churros that are already stuffed with chocolate from the inside.

Piña Inopia – These little pineapple cubes topped with molasses and lime zest are the ideal sweet & light finish. If you’re looking for something fruity with a touch of sugar, this dessert is the perfect dish.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the sweet brunch offerings D.C.’s restaurants bring to the table, but highlights some of the city’s favorites. Make sure to book reservations early – these brunch spots fill up fast!