Who doesn’t love mimosas with a water view? Take advantage of the warm weather and get outside for brunch this weekend.
301 Water St., SE #109
Not only does this pretty waterfront Italian in Navy Yard have a roomy wraparound patio shaded by umbrellas, they also serve a fantastic brunch prix-fixe: any choice of appetizer and entree for $30, or add dessert for $35 (either way, the first fresh fruit mimosa is $5). Don’t miss homemade burrata with peaches and chilies, and chef Benjamin Pflaumer’s sublime pastas like shells with pancetta, leeks, and a poached egg.
220 S. Union St., Alexandria
Alexandria’s new waterfront restaurant from the Restaurant Eve team serves daily breakfast and weekend brunch in an airy setting overlooking the Potomac River. Chef Cathal Armstrong nods to his native Ireland with a proper Irish breakfast (black and white pudding, rashers, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms). You’ll also find plenty of seafood to match those water views on the patio.
301 Water St., SE #115
This seafood spot only boasts a few patio tables overlooking the Anacostia River and their popular Rosé Garden, but it’s worth the wait for oysters al fresco. Splurge on bubbles and Whaley’s shellfish plateau (one of the best in town), or dig into chef Daniel Perron’s creative plates—we love the clams casino with chorizo, and oyster po’ boy dressed with cucumber kimchi.
79 Potomac Ave., SE
Sandwiched between Nationals Park and the Anacostia River, this new seafood spot can draw lines out the door on home game days (good reviews and a big waterfront patio don’t hurt, either). Chef Kyle Bailey’s New England-inspired menu leans more lunch than brunch, but who needs eggs when you dig into stuffed clams and a lobster roll? A separate outdoor bar pours boozy slushes and other warm weather libations.
3050 K St., NW
The star of the Georgetown waterfront may be a special occasion spot, but the prix-fixe brunch menu is a comparative deal at $48 per person (the cost of some dinner entrees alone). You won’t leave hungry: the lineup includes a brunch cocktail, warm pastry basket, and three courses such as burrata with porcini mushroom and balsamic, pasta with king crab, and warm Sardinian doughnuts with chocolate sauce for dunking. Both the patio and indoor window tables offer pretty Potomac Views.
101 N. Union St., Alexandria
This Alexandria waterfront restaurant specializes in casual, beach-y fare like fish tacos, lobster rolls, and crab cakes—served by the sandwich and brunch Benedict. A plus for those who like to drink by the water: weekend libations like a spicy bloody Mary and draft prosecco cocktails can be refilled for just $4. Also: don’t miss the monkey bread.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
