News & Politics

February, 2005 Dirt Cheap Eats: Black Market Bistro

Charming bistro will remind you of home.

BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH BARGAINS

This four-month-old cafe, housed in a charming Victorian next to a playground in Garrett Park, is perfect for a brunch date. There are faux-fireplaces in two rooms. Small herb plants like rosemary or sage sit on tables. Servers seem happy to see you.

The menu for brunch, 10 am to 2 pm on weekends, is heavy on lunch but has three delicious breakfast dishes. A plate of perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, wheat toast, hash browns, and a small salad is $8. Two thick slices of orange vanilla-bean French toast served with fruit salad are $7. Our favorite: buttermilk pancakes ($7). Other entrées include a burger with crispy fried onions ($8) and a fried-chicken sandwich with arugula and a mustard cream sauce ($9).

Ann Limpert
Executive Food Editor/Critic

Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.