5 Tips for Being a Good Bottomless Bruncher

June 28, 2022

Brunching may seem easy — hey, it's just overpriced breakfast, right? — but if you're not prepared, you might find yourself making some rookie mistakes. Fortunately, you've arrived at the internet's number one resource for bottomless brunch advice, and we're happy to pass along five essential tips for getting the most out of your day:

Arrive on time

You should always be punctual — respect your friends' time! — but with many restaurants starting the two-hour bottomless limit from the time of your reservation, the stakes are higher at brunch. Don't cut yourself short, or leave your tablemates' glasses empty as they hem and haw about whether to order without you (they should order without you).

Keep your group to 6

We're sure you have many friends — but only invite five of them to brunch. Despite your best efforts, once you expand a table beyond six, conversation is bound to break in two. Your table can't obsessively debate an Instagram caption as one if you've got multiple sets of stupid inside jokes.

Don't make plans for afterward

As we've extensively documented, DC doesn't lack for brunch spots with generous pours and lenient time limits. If you're reading this website, you probably don't need us to tell you where that'll leave you by two (or three, or even four) o'clock. So, trust us, save the nice dinner reservation for another night.

Pack the protein

All-you-can-eat brunches can be the best deals in D.C., but beware their carb traps. You don't want to drop $50 on an all-inclusive deal only to fill up on the bread baskets and fries they won't hesitate to throw your way.

Never order a Bloody Mary

Even if you put aside the terrible taste, it's just rude! Mimosa refills are simple -- a server comes around with a pitcher, empties it into six willing glasses, and repeats the process a redacted number of times -- while a Bloody Mary disrupts this seamless flow. You don't want to be stuck waiting for your server to rummage through the back for a celery stick while the rest of your table enjoys full flutes of champagne.

Brunch Reviews

April 20, 2024

Baby Shank

U Street

2.94

It's a good thing the $30 bottomless deal comes with the freedom to pour your own champagne and multiple flavors, because we're 99 percent sure the "orange juice" was SunnyD.

March 16, 2024

PLANTA Queen

West End

3.32

We are perhaps not quite the target audience for a vegan restaurant, but after shelling out close to $25 for some entrees, we couldn't help but feel they were missing a certain something

February 18, 2024

Casta's Rum Bar

West End, Foggy Bottom

3.50

Disappointingly, the bottomless deal only covers mimosas ($25 for a make-your-own situation), so mojitos are off the table at this Cuban restaurant unless you spend $80 on a cocktail tower that purportedly serves 8.

We're like the postmen. We brunch in rain, sleet, or snow