Brunch, done politically correct

In recent years, brunch has become a way of life. There are a number of cities that offer an abundance of tasty options and all-you-can-eat-and-drink specials — and at affordable prices, too. People often travel to Washington, D.C., for its rich historic culture, but now you can add brunch to the list of reasons you should visit the nation’s capital.

1. Cava Mezze Capitol Hill
527 8th St., SE (and four other locations)
202-543-9090
cavamezze.com

Cava Mezze will leave you full and satisfied with its modern take on traditional Greek recipes. With five locations on the East Coast, the brunch spot offers all-you-can-eat Mediterranean plates like spicy lamb Benedict and gyro hash brown, an expansive wine and beer list, and handcrafted cocktails. The restaurant was started by local childhood friends in 2006 and is loved for its weekend all-you-caneat brunch. Best of all, when guests order the brunch deal, mimosas only cost 25 cents.

2. Boqueria
1837 M St., NW (and six other locations)
202-558-9545
boqueriarestaurant.com

Photo by Caitlin Basilio

Available every Saturday and Sunday, brunch at Boqueria offers a menu of unlimited Spanish tapas, classic brunch dishes, sweets and drinks. For a reasonable price, patrons receive unlimited food and libations off Boqueria’s brunch menu. The restaurant’s Brunch Feast serves up dishes like Ensalada de Cogollos (baby gem lettuce, hazelnut romesco, Idiazábal cheese, caramelized hazelnuts and mint); Torrija (caramelized French toast, seasonal fruit and caramel sauce); Revuelto de Calabaza (soft scramble of organic eggs, squash, bacon, Manchego cheese, cherry tomato and basil) and Churros con Chocolate — you cannot forget to try the churros!

3. Medium Rare
Medium Rare Cleveland Park
3500 Connecticut Ave., NW
202-237-1432
mediumrarerestaurant.com

Photo by Caitlin Basilio

Known for its steak and accompanying sauce, Medium Rare is another one of the nation’s favorite brunch spots. What seems to be a trend in Washington, D.C., Medium Rare also offers all-inclusive brunch specials featuring bottomless Bloody Marys and Medium Rare’s Famous Benedict. The latter is a mouthwatering dish that highlights steak and portobello mushroom hash accompanied by “the perfectly poached egg,” topped with the restaurant’s secret sauce hollandaise and hand-cut fries.

Photos courtesy Farmers Fishers Bakers

4. Farmers Fishers Bakers
3000 K St., NW Washington Harbour
202-298-8783
farmersfishersbakers.com

Photos courtesy Farmers Fishers Bakers

You can’t go wrong with a brunch buffet, which is what Farmers Fishers Bakers is known for. There’s something for everyone, but go-tos include Cinnamon Rolls and Bruleed Grapefruit. Other favorites include French Toast Table, Carvers Table with Grilled Thick Cut Maple Black Pepper Bacon, Slow-Roasted Brisket and traveling trays with Eggs Benedict, Bakers Pizza, Farmhouse Sushi and Fried Shrimp. All this tasty food has to come with accompanying drinks — take a sip from Farmers Fishers Bakers’ Tiki Cocktails. Guests often indulge in a Scorpion Bowl, which serves two to four people.