Tabard Inn – Timeless Dupont Tradition

If you haven’t experienced Tabard Inn brunch yet, you haven’t experienced the charm and old-world ambience nestled in the heart of historic Dupont Circle

Walking in, you are transported to a warm, quaint lobby with artifacts from the time Lincoln lived in the White House.

You normally can’t score a table for brunch unless you made a reservation way in advance. The living room is filled with patrons who are whetting their appetite while sitting on antique furniture, admiring the portraits of solemn-faced dignitaries that predated Admiral Dupont himself.

Of course, I didn’t make a reservation, so I made my way to the bar and met the lovely Natalia who was eager to serve me.

She handed me a Bloody Mary, on the house, filled with delectable spices and hot sauce that not only juiced me up but revved my appetite for something sweet and savory.

This was followed by the obligatory doughnut – fluffy and warm with a dusting of sugar and cinnamon. The Doughnut was great, but the whipped cream mind blowing.

Yummy Donut with Whipped Butter @Tabard Inn
Yummy Donut with Whipped Butter @Tabard Inn

Next was an order of Poached Eggs with corned beef and potatoes. If you’re expecting hash, you’d be mildly surprised. The corned beef was cubed and tasted similar to ham. It was tough, but it blended well with the diced potatoes, scallion and the hollandaise sauce was rich and fabulous.

Poached Eggs with Corned Beef Hash @Tabard Inn, Washington DC
Poached Eggs with Corned Beef Hash @Tabard Inn, Washington DC

My friend had the Bistro filet and eggs. She told me that the steak was perfectly cooked and bristling with flavors and the poached eggs, like mine was blended well with the hollandaise sauce and potatoes – yes the surprise was the hollandaise.

Bistro filet and eggs
Bistro filet and eggs @ Tabard Inn
Fried oysters with grits and pork belly
Fried oysters with grits and pork belly

The patron next to me was enjoying fried oysters with grits and pork belly.  The oysters looked thick and juicy. The grits were creamy and cheesy – boy did I want a bite.

I would definitely recommend all these dishes and more for a lazy Sunday brunch, a warm, romantic meal or a quick business meeting with colleagues.

And on this bone-chilling winter day, can’t wait to return to when the weather is pleasant and sit out in the patio, watching people enjoy the view, the food, the friends.


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