Brunch reommendations requested

Question

Doing some early planning for a short trip to DC in May. Would like to have a Sunday brunch, which will end up being on Mother's Day, while we are there. Looking for suggestions for brunch places. We will be staying at the Conrad, but don't mind traveling a bit. TIA

Answer

Great question! Brunch in Washington, D.C. is a beloved weekend ritual — and on Mother’s Day (which falls in May), many places offer special menus or buffets. Since you’re staying at the Conrad in Penn Quarter / downtown, you have lots of wonderful brunch options both nearby and a little further out in neighborhoods like Georgetown.

Here are some top brunch recommendations for Sunday (and for Mother’s Day) in DC, plus tips for making it special:

Four Seasons – Georgetown / Downtown: Their Mother’s Day brunch is especially popular. According to GeorgetownDC they run a 4-course brunch for Mother’s Day.
Pinstripes – Georgetown: A fun, family-friendly spot. For Mother’s Day, they do a brunch buffet with carving stations, a waffle station, dessert table, and bottomless mimosas or Aperol spritzes.
Parker’s American Brasserie: Their Mother’s Day brunch special features a Creole-influenced menu (beignets, gumbo, shrimp & grits, steak frittata) and elevated classics.
Pilar (14th Street NW): A trendy, modern brunch spot with a creative menu — think fried chicken pancakes, egg white omelets, breakfast burritos, and more.
Peacock Café – Georgetown: Cozy, charming, and ideal for a relaxed brunch in Georgetown. Their menu is comforting, the ambiance is warm, and it’s a lovely spot for a quieter Mother’s Day meal.
Le Diplomate: If you’re looking for a classic Paris-style brasserie, this is a favorite. Great egg dishes, charming vibes, and it’s very brunch-appropriate.
Balos Estiatorio: For a Mediterranean flair, Balos offers a delightful brunch with seafood, spanakopita, and other bright, flavorful dishes — plus a lovely space.

Tips for Mother’s Day brunch in DC:

Make reservations early. Mother’s Day is very busy for brunch in DC, especially at popular places like Four Seasons, Le Diplomate, and Pinstripes.
Consider timing. Go for an early seating if you want a more relaxed brunch, or a later one if you plan to spend part of the morning on other activities.
Transportation. Since you’re at the Conrad, most of these places are easy to reach by a short taxi, rideshare, or even a walk + Metro combination, depending on the spot.
Budget. Some of these are upscale (Four Seasons, Le Diplomate), so be prepared for higher brunch prices, particularly on Mother’s Day.

My top pick for Mother’s Day brunch given your location and the occasion: I’d lean toward Four Seasons for a special, elegant celebration or Pinstripes for a more relaxed, buffet-style family vibe with fun stations and drinks. Peacock Café is perfect if you want something cozy and intimate in Georgetown.

Hope this helps — and you have a wonderful Mother’s Day brunch in D.C.!