The Best Boozy Brunches In Northern Virginia

With a remarkable food scene comes great brunch options, and Northern Virginia is gaining national attention for its good eats. Whether you’re in Federal City, Arlington, Del Ray, or Alexandria, there are plenty of options for breakfast food and bottomless drinks. From tequilerias to oyster bars, bistros to Irish pubs, here are the best boozy brunches in Northern Virginia.

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Palette 22

Signature brunch cocktails and sangria are offered, but it’s the build your own Bloody Marys for $2.22 each that’s the really good deal. On top of that, there are bottomless small plates like breakfast dishes, beignets, flatbreads, and more for only $25. It also is in an artsy scene, with murals, paintings, drawings, and photographs to admire at every turn.

Hank’s Oyster Bar

There are three of these in D.C. and one in Alexandria, and the people of Northern Virginia couldn’t be happier. If you’re looking for a seafood-esque brunch, this is the place for you. Start off with sake oyster shooters, then get the smoked rainbow trout hash, smoked salmon Reuben, or oyster po’ boy. For drinks, choose from a variety of bloody’s made with your choice of spirit, including peppered gin, lager beer, or pickled vodka. Hank’s bubbles (champagne) include flavors like mango nectar and basil syrup.

Brabo

For a high-end modern establishment, Brabo’s Sunday deal of a champagne magnum and carafe of juice for just $40 isn’t too bad. There are also the options of what they call “brunch-tails,” which include fantastically unusual cocktails like Mexican Coffee, L’eggo my Eggo, and Brunch Punch. They’re known for their superb Belgian-French fare, including mini-waffles that include ingredients like fried chicken, kimchi, roasted pineapple, and seasonal compote.

Junction Bakery & Bistro

This is a charming local favorite to head to on a Saturday/Sunday morning (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). They have the essential cocktails like the Bloody Mary, mimosa, and rosé served with many healthy options like cold quinoa bowl, country squash cakes, and the kim chee, with a roasted pork shoulder, egg, and housemade kimchi. They also have a variety of “toasts” (think more elaborate versions of avocado toast) and pastries.

Tupelo Honey

This is Southern charm at its finest: handmade food with local ingredients and big, beautifully crafted drinks. They serve 10 oz mimosas and 20 oz “Queen” Bloody Marys, which are topped with your own appetizer of pimento cheese-stuffed olives, grilled shrimp, apple cider bacon, celery, green bean, pickled jalapeño, and cherry tomato. Can’t make it on the weekend? Lucky for you, Tupelo Honey serves brunch seven days a week.

Kapnos Taverna

With renowned chief Mike Isabella on board, this is a wonderful option for modern yet coastal-classic Greek meals that involve delectable ingredients like dill and feta biscuits, yogurt hollandaise, sultana chutney, and spit-roasted chicken for brunch. There’s also a $35 all-you-can-eat brunch menu, 25 cent Mimosas, and $3 Hardywood Pils.

Daniel O’ Connell’s

This is an Irish pub so you know they’ve got great drink deals along with excellent classic food. The Mimosas, bellinis, and Bloody Mary’s are only $3. Have them alongside favorites such as smoked salmon croissant, corned beef hash skillet, and a full Irish breakfast. If you go on Sunday from 1:30–3 p.m. you’ll also catch a live jazz performance.

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