D.C. Loves Brunch

We Like: The Heights

Last Saturday we visited The Heights. Here’s what we thought.

The two of us arrived around 12:30 and were seated outside after a 20-minute wait. Thinking back on it, the 20-minute wait wasn’t all that bad. However, I was irritated because there were 5 or more outdoor tables stacked against the wall that could have easily been unstacked to seat additional guests (and thus lessen the wait for my numero uno Saturday priority … brunch). Beware, the neighborhood is noisy: If you’re looking for an intimate brunch (or more attractive view), we recommend sitting inside or heading elsewhere. Sorry Staples!

Life goes on.

Once we were seated, service was prompt. Though the waiter wasn’t overtly interested in making small-talk, he had the specials down and returned within 2-3 minutes with giant mugs of coffee (this, folks, is crucial). Note: Our beverages came accompanied with a basket of bread (a nice touch). 

I should mention that The Heights has a unique Bloody Mary Menu (This will be of interest to the Bloody Mary drinkers out there … I tend to opt for the Mimosa): 

THE FOOD

“BEST” FRENCH TOAST: with Caramel Pecan Sauce & Bacon. $9.75

Bravo. This truly is the “Best” French Toast I can recall eating in a long time. Drizzled with plenty of syrup, and accompanied by thick-cut bacon and well-appointed home fries. To add, the bread was moist, but not soggy (a pet peeve of mine). A

BACON OR TURKEY SAUSAGE (depicted below) & EGGS, your way! $8.95

Largely unremarkable. To be fair, the home fries at The Heights can bring any meal home. However, the girlfriend was less than impressed with the sausage (no pun intended), and the eggs were, well, eggs. My biggest complaint with the sausage was that it seemed dry; perhaps overcooked? B-

THE BILL

Approximately $25 per person. This included one brunch item, one coffee, and one beverage.

As always, we encourage you to peruse the menu. The Heights serves brunch Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays from 9am to 4pm. The Heights participates in the Eatwell Farm “field to fork” program, so their ingredients are always fresh.

View Larger Map

We Like: Peacock Cafe

Midday Saturday brunch in Georgetown (see map below). South Carolina natives John and Ashley insisted on this chic spot for afternoon drinks and the Peacock’s traditional-but-creative brunch menu. The Peacock serves brunch until 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday. 

Upon being informed of the 30-minute wait for a table outside, we opted for the bar next door at Cafe Milano (no Saturday brunch here!). A Bellini later, the three of us headed back to the Peacock and were promptly seated under an umbrella on the sidewalk. The waiter was on top of his game, and our waters were well-attended to. The crowd was a mix of twenty-somethings and families. Tables stayed full through 4pm. 

THE DRINKS (round one)

Two Mimosas, and a Greyhound. The Greyhound is made with fresh-squeezed grapefruit, creating a rich and tangy froth.

THE FOOD

MAZIAR’S PANCAKES: multi-grain or buttermilk (depicted below) with bananas and walnuts in Warm maple syrup. $11.95

I’d say this was the least exciting brunch item we ordered, and I probably would not order it again. Extra syrup was necessary, and at $11.95, I was expecting more bananas and/or walnuts. But hey, it’s pancakes, and they were still delicious. B

PEACOCK’S EGGS CHESAPEAKE: poached eggs with lump crab meat topped With Hollandaise sauce & Peacock fries. $17.50

At the higher-end of the Peacock’s brunch menu, the Eggs Chesapeake proved to be a great choice. This item takes advantage of Peacock’s fresh ingredients and creative cuisine. The fries were light and crispy (I enjoyed a handful). A-

SMOKED SALMON OMELET: with onions and capers, served with sour cream & home fried potatoes. $16.95

Paired with a unique cinnamon-raisin bread and a helping of Home Fries, the Smoked Salmon Omelet was the clear winner this afternoon. The omelet was stuffed was salmon, and the bread provided a nice balance between the wet and dry. Next time I visit the Peacock, I will be ordering this item. A

THE DRINKS (round two)

A Mimosa, and two Greyhounds. I was especially happy with my decision to go with the Greyhound this time around.

THE BILL

Approximately $33 per person. This included one brunch item, and two beverages. 

View Larger Map