Brunch

Matchbox Chinatown  | 713 H St. NW

Matchbox, home of mini-burgers and wood-fired pizza, is not the first place that comes to mind when looking for a good brunch spot, but don’t be too quick to rule it out. The restaurant’s brunch menu is sure to surprise diners with creative takes on brunch classics.

The cinnamon rolls, baked in a cast-iron skillet, are the stars of the menu. Every part of these rolls — not just the center — is delectable. The soft, pillow-like treats are filled with ribbons of cinnamon and topped with molten icing that melts down the sides of the piping-hot rolls.

If you’re looking for something more savory to start off your morning, brunch at Matchbox also features what the restaurant does best: pizza. Its brunch pizza takes eggs and sausage to a new level with a kick from their spicy chipotle sour cream. It’s a mouthful of different textures that will surely fill you up. Each dish is hearty and satisfying for both your stomach and your wallet. Brunch at Matchbox is definitely worth stopping by before a Georgetown basketball game.

Teaism | 2009 R St. NW

Breakfast is Teaism’s cup of tea. The teahouse’s Asian-inspired menu highlights its love of tea and artful use of aromatic spices.

Teaism’s French toast, made with a cinnamon-sugar-coated whole-wheat baguette, puts all others to shame. The toasting method caramelizes the sugar but maintains a light and fluffy interior. Scrambled eggs, the quintessential breakfast dish, also receives a wake up call at Teaism by way of a blend of ginger, cilantro and jalapenos.

Naturally, tea is the perfect complement to these flavors. Teaism also offers naan covered in a thick layer of brown sugar, which can be dipped in tea for an Asian twist on biscotti. The quaint restaurant requires you to seat yourself, so there’s no need to spend extra on a tip. You may find yourself leaving one, however, because the food is that delicious.

Crepes at the Market | 7th St. and North Carolina Ave. SE
For those of you still mourning the loss of Crepe Amour, these crepes, located at the historic Eastern Market, are sure to fill the void. Whether you’re craving something savory or sweet, there are dozens of fillings and combinations to choose from. All the ingredients are fresh from local vendors — the secret to these goodies. The perfectly thin crepes are crisp around the edges, and the spongy middle aids the pancake as it soaks up the Nutella or cinnamon butter. Crepes start at $4, and the price grows as you add more fillings. Just remember to keep track of your fillings because you must tally up the cost at the end — payment functions on an honor system.

The Eastern Market crepes are legendary in the area, so be prepared to wait in line to taste a piece of history.