DC Area Guide to Family-Friendly Brunch Locations

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This guide is sponsored by Matchbox. We are grateful for their partnership which allows us to continue to bring resources like this to DC area families!

Brunch can be a missed past time now that we have kids in tow, but it doesn’t have to be! We have gathered our very favorite places to enjoy brunch with kids in the Washington, DC area. We have broken the locations into DC, MD, and VA with multiple locations listed at the bottom. All have been mom and kid tested and approved in our thorough round-up. If there are any that you think we have missed, please leave them in the comments below. Enjoy a family brunch soon! 

Matchbox

Matchbox’s brunchbox offers an extensive menu of small plates. With something on the menu to satisfy any mood, such as the classic avocado toast or the must-have breakfast pizza, Matchbox is the perfect brunch spot for any occasion! Brunchbox runs every Saturday + Sunday 10 am to 3 pm. Pricing starts at $31.50 for adults, children 6-12 eat for $12.95 and children five and under eat for free.

1901 14th Street 14th Street, NW DC

521 8th Street, SE Capitol Hill, DC

750 E Street, NW Penn Quarter, DC

1699 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD

919 Ellsworth Drive Silver Spring, MD

2911 District Ave., Suite 120 Merrifield, VA

44720 Thorndike St. One Loudoun, VA

1100 S Hayes St. Pentagon City, VA

14th Street, NW DC | (202) 328-0369

Capitol Hill, DC | (202) 548-0369

Penn Quarter, DC | (202) 289-4441

Rockville, MD | (301) 816-0369

Silver Spring, MD | (240) 247-8969

Merrifield, VA | (571) 395-4869

One Loudoun, VA | (571) 918-8024

Pentagon City, VA | (703) 340-3884

Best Family-Friendly Brunch Spots in DC

Lincoln

1110 Vermont Ave. NW

From the pennies on the bar AND the floor (glued obviously) to the comfortable outdoor seating along Vermont Avenue, this restaurant is great for bringing out-of-town guests in addition to kids.  Recommend their build-a-biscuit brunch entrée.

Bar Pilar 

1833 14th Street, NW

A great spot along the very vibrant 14th Street neighborhood.  Upstairs seating is better.  Check out the “buttermilk fried chicken pancake” or the “hangover cure”.

Commissary

1443 P Street, NW

A perfect mix of a coffee shop and happy hour vibe.  They open every day at 8 am for “real breakfast” in addition to brunch on the weekends.  Patio seating is best.  The smoothies are always a hit with the kids, and they have excellent huevos rancheros!

Huevos Rancheros at Commissary

Open City

2331 Calvert Street, NW

Open City is very laid back and family-friendly. They open at 7 am every day of the week and serve breakfast all day long. If you have an early riser, this is the place for you. They have gobs of brunch items to choose from.

Brookland Pint

716 Monroe Street, NE

Metro-friendly (red line) and lots of nearby space for the kids to run. You can eat at the bar, the family-style tables outside, or at one of their regular booths. (It’s also A great place for large groups or private parties!) Recommend the chicken and waffle, both for adults and children. The kids will enjoy the Brookland Themed coloring mat while you try one of their signature drinks.

Brookland’s Finest

3126 12th Street, NE

The most traditional brunch menu in a very kid-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant keeps a nice stock of coloring and activity books for the little ones, and some will also be entertained by the different sports playing on their TVs. A very popular spot that does not take reservations, so come early or be open for a wait. The kid’s menu has very generous portions with fresh and delicious food. Always ask for their specials.

Primrose

3000 12th Street, NE

A taste of Paris in Brookland. Brunch in style at the most elegant, kid Friendly restaurant you will ever visit. The pink level chandeliers will make you forget that you brought your children. A combination of indoor and outdoor seating will ease the anxiety of bringing your little ones to a fancy place. The owners are parents as well, so they have made sure to create a space that is extremely tolerant event for the craziest little one. A simple brunch menu has something to appeal to everyone, and they offer their amazing French Onion Soup. Although they don’t have a specific kid’s menu, they will work with the chef to adjust your needs.

Joselito

660 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

A little on the unusual spots, Joselito comes on the fancier side of the brunching arena. Get transported to a Spaniard cafe while drinking some real coffee. You might feel intimidated by their crowd, but the Torrijas and other menu items will change your mind. Metro friendly and with lots of places to take a Sunday family walk.

Union Market

1309 5th Street, NE

This place has options for everyone and a great outdoor seating area, plus a parking lot.  Swing by Buffalo Bergen for some of the best bagel sandwiches in the city.  They even have one that is a Bloody Mary garnish!

Millie’s Spring Valley

4866 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC

With amazing curb appeal and the welcoming, floor-to-ceiling windows, this restaurant will keep kids entertained with the seaside decor alone.  Food highlights are the brioche French toast and the Lobb Salad.

Best Family-Friendly Brunch Spots in Virginia

Vola’s Dockside Grill

101 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA

This restaurant is in the heart of the Old Town Alexandria waterfront.  Every table offers a view of the river, especially if you can snag a patio spot!  (HINT: go right at opening).  Their monkey bread is always a hit with the kids, and they have several options for non-seafood lovers.

Tupelo Honey

1616 N Troy Street, Arlington, VA

One of the best brunches in Arlington near Courthouse metro. Reservations are highly recommended, as is their Queen Mary Bloody Mary.  The menu offers a great selection of southern brunch entrees, sandwiches, and salads, including the Shoo Mercy Omelet.

Old Skool Breakfast Bowl

Bakers Crust

19890 Belmont Chase #135 Ashburn, VA

A newer kid on the block to NOVA, but several locations from here to Virginia Beach.  Kids are very welcome here!  Food highlights are the swanky eggs Benedict (fried chicken, bacon, arugula, and sweet potato biscuit) and the crab/grilled avocado bowl.

SER

1110 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA

One of the best weekend brunch places around the area. The restaurant offers a unique concept to brunch: Kids cook and get entertained while parents enjoy a warm cup of coffee or fresh Sangria. Both brunch and dinner menus are available, with an offering of traditional Spanish items as well as some fusion dishes. Parking could be a little confusing, but they will validate your ticket to the garage. Make a reservation to secure your spot in the cooking class.

Founding Farmers Tysons

1800 Tyson’s Blvd. Tysons, VA

This specific location offers an amazing buffet brunch for $33 a person, and kids under 6 eat free!  Go very hungry and make reservations, or you will wait hours.  Great spot for all things southern cuisine.

Chicken and Waffles

Best Family-Friendly Brunch Spots in Maryland

Nada

11886 Grand Park Ave., North Bethesda, MD

Tucked away in Pike and Rose shopping center, this modern Mexican restaurant is a North Bethesda brunch gem. Don’t miss the Kale and Bacon Hash!

Pacci’s Trattoria

6 Post Office Road, Silver Spring, MD

Pacci’s offers a beautiful brunch on Sundays from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. You don’t want to miss the omelet or Belgium Waffle station.

Stella Barra

11825 Grand Park Ave., North Bethesda, MD

Enjoy this new brunch location on the weekends with family. Did we mention that kids 10 and under eat the buffet for free? That is amazing!

Owen’s Ordinary

11820 Trade Street, North Bethesda, MD

The reasonably priced brunch menu is great for families. The fun and friendly atmosphere welcome families well since it’s a neighborhood restaurant.

Several Locations

Ted’s Bulletin

14th Street, Capitol Hill, Gaithersburg, Mosiac District, Reston, Ballston

Walk back into the last century into this kid-friendly art deco restaurant open at 7 am for breakfast every day.  The oversized booths are great for the little ones, and the vintage movies showing on the screen are a great distraction for everyone. The adult milkshakes are a must, and their pop-tarts that please both kids and parents are infamous in the DC area. Recommend the Crab or Smashed Avocado Benedict!

Busboys and Poets

Hyattsville, Brookland, 14th Street, Mount Vernon Triangle, Takoma, Shirlington, Anacostia

Such a fun eclectic spot, especially for out-of-town guests and purchasing kids’ birthday gifts in their bookstore.  They offer several vegan options and one of the best shrimp and grits dishes in all of the DC area!

Matchbox

DC: Capitol Hill, 14th Street, Penn Quarter, MD: Silver Spring and Rockville, VA: Pentagon Row, Mosaic District, One Loudoun, Merrifield

It has been fun to watch this restaurant grow into multiple locations from its original one in Chinatown.  This restaurant truly has something for everyone!  Several of their wood-fired pizzas are available during brunch, including two breakfast-themed ones.

Silver Diner

Rockville, Greenbelt, Waldorf, Springfield, Arlington, Merrifield, Tyson’s, Reston, Fair Oaks

Expanded from their original Rockville location, this is a local favorite.  They are very proud of using local ingredients and providing a delicious, diverse menu for dietary restrictions/allergies.  Check out the avocado toast (Gluten-free available)  and eggs plus smoked salmon.

Top Golf

Alexandria, Ashburn, Germantown, National Habor

What’s better to keep kids entertained during brunch than hitting golf balls?  And in any kind of weather!  Check out the Chicken and Waffles and Smoked Salmon Everything Bagel Flatbread. They have gluten-free and dairy-free options too.

Pinstripes

Bethesda, MD, and Georgetown, DC

Enjoy the fun environment of Pinstripes over Sunday brunch with your family.  Get your savory and sweet fix during brunch here!

Salmon Flatbread at Topgolf

This guide was written collectively by Adrienne Barge from Brunching with Kids,
Tatiana LaBorde from The Story of My Table, and Courtney Whittington.


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Adrienne Barge
Adrienne was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Even though she is a proud 6th generation Texan, she is thrilled to call Alexandria, Virginia home for the last 10 years. Adrienne enjoys exercising the left part of her brain working for the Federal government, and the right part of her brain on her blog Brunching With Kids.  She is a mom to a smart & beautiful 9-year-old daughter, and kind & rugged 5-year-old son.  Her husband works at a local hospital in Virginia. The entire family loves exploring all aspects of this amazing area, especially anything outside and/or along the Potomac River.  Major likes: a good cup of coffee, fire pit, fried okra, and outdoor happy hours.  Major dislikes: Laziness, a messy house, and mansplaining.