What makes a good brunch spot? A convenient location, upbeat atmosphere, delicious food, reasonable prices, and free flowing alcohol. Not too much to ask for, is it? Well we’ve rounded up some of our favorites whether you’re into French, Mexican, American, or diner brunch. (Click here for our round-up of Cantonese brunch - dim sum).

Best for Groups

If you have a large group, it can be stressful to have to wait for a table at a popular brunch spot when your group is huge and you’ll never be seated. And then settling up the check after you’re all drunk - no thank you. That’s why a big group thrives on buffets, set prices, and individual tabs.

La Fiamma Italian Kitchen in Alexandria has a brunch buffet to rival all brunch buffets. Not only is it all you can eat pizza, made-to-order-pasta and salad stations, but you have all the regular brunch staples, a carving station, waffle station, a truly impressive dessert spread, and even your favorite cereals and fruits.

To be honest, ToastTab and I had a rocky relationship durinv Covid. But some restaurants used it well and Caboose Tavern in Vienna is one of them. Fuss-free ordering and paying for a group in a nice atmosphere for groups.

Palette 22 in Arlington has an affordable bottomless brunch with drinks just a couple dollars more. Dine on a cosmpolitan assortment of brunch stables such as a Szechuan Sausage Biscuit, churros, lumpias, empanadas, or Turkish Sausage flatbread.

For a Fancy Brunch

The menu for Entyse in the Ritz Calrton Tysons Galleria (Mclean) is more manageable than others, but it doesn’t skimp on the luxury with Crab & avocado toast, Lobster Benedict, and a Salted Caramel Creme Brulee on offer. Also offeringaround-the-world options of Huevos Rancheros, Shakshuka, Dutch Baby Pancakes, and a Mezze Board, the Ritz is obviously catering to a cosmopolitan audience.

Nothing Fancy Brunch

Of course, we have to list our signature diners.

If I’m honest, what most intrigued me about Beeliner Diner in Alexandria was the colossal cake slices. Brunch is nothing if not decadent. But I can also get 5 types of pie a la mode and an odd (but delectable) smashed plantain appetizer with roasted corn and Green Goddess dressing.

The prices at Barnside Diner in Alexandria seem straight from an earlier time. It’s nice to see you can still get a slice of pie for under $5, because we could all use that. Breakfast sandwiches, omelets, and lots and lots of gravy - what else could you need?

Jukebox Diner wins me over with their extensive list of add-ons for waffles, pancakes, french toast and crepes. Add Oreo cookie crumples and Nutella to anything and everything. The Skillets are also great if you’ve got a health appetite.

Preservation Biscuit Company in Falls Church- If you have to have biscuits, this is the place to go. Crispy, savory and sweet and loaded with fixings.

Best Brunch When You’re Hung Over

Maybe you felt invincible on Saturday but Sunday brings you back to Earth. Rebellion Bourbon Bar and Kitchen, with locations in Leesburg and Fredericksburg has a Belly Up sandwich with a beef patty, pork belly, egg, that will sop up all that alcohol. Follow up with coffee shooters or a Bloody Bulleit, if hair of the dog is more your style.

Best Southern Brunch

With branches in Alexandria, Dulles, Fairfax, clearly this area loves Milk & Honey Cafe’s take on Southern fare. From their award-winning Shrimp and Grits with Cajun cream sauce to all kinds of variations of crab, catfish, and cajun shrimp or lobster over grits, hash or pasta, you had me even before the honey butter biscuits.

Best Drinks

First Watch in Fairfax has put in just as much effort into its drinks menu as its food. First Watch has added to its typical choice of bacon bloody mary and classic mimosa with spiked lavender lemonade, pomegranate sunrise, cinnamon toast cereal milk, and brambleberry sangria. For the nondrinkers, a mango passion palmer would be my choice but there’s also a juice and coffee bar. The food items are classics with some healthy twists.

For a Decadent Brunch

With the Red Velvet Waffle and Fried chicken and a cream cheese glaze, I’m giving most decadent to Della J’s in Alexandria. Southern food knows how to bring you homey comfort.

For Brunch Every Day

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day - why relegate it just to Sunday?

The Virginian in Vienna serves breakfast all day every day. Some times you want to play hooky or get a snow day. Where are you going to turn for chipped beef gravy on toast and hotcakes?

The Virginia Kitchen in Herndon serves homestyle breakfast and lunch at affordable prices and has daily specials to boot.

Best Brunch Deals

The $26 two-course menu at Maple Ave in Vienna is a great deal with some really delectable options. The current offerings include truffled scrambled eggs, almond ricotta pancakes, or a pork confit sandwich. Add on spicy creme fraiche wings or warm donut holes with jam and vanilla bean ice cream.

Conclusion

Happy brunchin’ y’all!