GW Delicatessen
The infamous GW Delicatessen has great breakfast options on your way to and from class. Their menu features classics such as bacon egg and cheese sandwiches, New York style bagels from Whatsa Bagel with a large variety of cream cheese flavors, and quick and easy egg and cheese sandwiches. They have a bunch of add-on options as well such as avocado, tomato, onion, and smoked salmon. Stop by GW Deli for a city-style bite and a coffee to go with it!
My top choice: Fried egg and cheese sandwich with avocado and tomato on a toasted kaiser roll.
2133 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
Devon & Blakely
Devon & Blakely is another great place for breakfast on the go. With a large variety of breakfast foods such as several different egg wraps, muffins, bagels, oatmeal, and yogurt with fruit, there is something for everyone to enjoy. They have a few tables for when you have time to sit down and hang out with friends!
My pick: Egg white, sun-dried tomato, feta, and spinach wrap.
2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
Wicked Waffle
If you’re looking for a breakfast to satisfy your sweet tooth, Wicked Waffle is just the place for you. They have just about everything you can imagine from Nutella and banana waffles to strawberry cheesecake waffles to waffle french toast!
Don’t worry if sweets aren’t your thing though, they have a great selection of savory waffles as well. Their menu features egg and cheese waffles, fried chicken waffles, and, my favorite, their nova waffle which includes smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, and capers.
While there is limited seating, their on-the-go waffles are great for weekends when you are craving something special!
My favorite: Savory Nova Waffle
1712 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
PAUL Bakery & Cafe
Paul’s Bakery and Cafe is a great place for the weekends when you’re looking to treat yourself with friends. Their variety of breakfast pastries including croissants, donuts, danishes, and muffins make a great quick bite in the morning. Their other breakfast options span from Eggs Benedict and omelettes to breakfast sandwiches served on croissants.
Enjoy something sweet or savory at Paul’s with a classic cafe coffee or juice!
My go-to: Fried eggs and a side of greens with a cappuccino and a vanilla éclair to-go.
2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Uptowner Cafe
Uptowner Cafe is perfect for coffee lovers who don’t want to wait in line at Starbucks for their drink in the morning. With several coffee options, both iced and hot, Uptowner Cafe is perfect for a quick bite to eat before or after class.
Their menu highlights many options like other spots such as classic breakfast sandwiches, but they also have a Sweet Breakfast which is peanut butter, banana, and honey toast, as well as a breakfast burrito option. Additionally, they have several omelette options such as Spinach and Mushroom, Western, and Spanish which are all great options for a Monday-Friday breakfast when you are in the middle of campus!
My recommendation: Breakfast Burrito without meat on a whole wheat tortilla with an iced chai on my way to class.
2023 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20052 (Located inside Lisner Hall with access from both G and H Street side
Tonic At Quigley’s
Are you expecting visitors over the weekend? Tonic at Quigley’s is the perfect place to treat them to brunch! Tonic prizes itself on its tater tots (which I can confirm are delicious) and they upgrade them for breakfast with their Huevos Rancheros Brunch Tots. Their tots are a must-have if you eat here!
They also have egg breakfasts with several options. These items include Eggs Benedict, Eggs Chesapeake, and a Fiesta Scramble as well as other classic brunch options. Other breakfast plates range from their take on chicken and waffles to their “toffle” which is a tater tot waffle topped with bacon, cheese, an egg, and maple syrup to a banana’s foster brioche french toast
Additionally, if you are 21 or older, they have variations on the classic brunch Bloody Mary as well as other unique brunch drinks.
There’s definitely something every person can enjoy for brunch at Tonic!
I’m digging into: The Big Stack with buttermilk pancakes, bacon, and a side of tots!
2036 G St NW, Washington, DC 20036
South Block
While many of us enjoy an açaí bowl after a hard workout, South Block is one of my favorite places for a light, yet filling breakfast! They have a variety of açaí bowls with different toppings such as almond butter, Nutella, coconut, strawberries, banana, blueberries, granola, and more. They also have several protein add-ins to fill you up longer.
Their smoothies are also delicious and filling for a healthier breakfast choice. They have several protein, green, and super smoothies, providing a variety of options. The best part: all of them are delicious!
Besides açaí bowls and smoothies, they have avocado and egg toast as well as beet toast for a different option.
Bonus! A hack I like to do to decrease my plastic use is bring my own bowl, get the bowl “for here” and transfer it into my own bowl. This is an easy, yet impactful, way to help decrease your single-use plastic consumption!
My go-to bowl: Almond butter bowl with banana swapped for strawberries on top
2301 G St NW, Washington, DC 20052 (Located inside Lerner Health and Wellness Center)
Peet’s Coffee
For the days you are looking for a quick breakfast on the go look no further than Peet’s Coffee located in District House! Peet’s location in the middle of campus offers a great option to grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee or tea on your way to class.
Some options they provide are bacon and cheddar brioche sandwich, oatmeal, and quiche. They also offer a variety of coffee shop bakery items like blueberry muffins, chocolate croissants, pumpkin bread, and vanilla cranberry scones.
Any of these food choices pair perfectly with their delicious coffee and tea selections. They serve espresso beverages, hot and iced coffee, and hot and iced teas. Peet’s is just what you need to get you through that early morning class!
What I’m bringing to class: Butter croissant with a cappuccino with almond milk
2121 H St NW, Washington, DC 20052
Hopefully, this helps you decide where to get breakfast at GW on the mornings where you have more time, as well as the days you need a quick bite on the go! If you’re looking for other coffee or make at home breakfast recommendations, check out these articles: