I discovered Cafe Riggs on Yelp while looking for nearby restaurants to nearby Fever Hub DC. My wife and I were pleasantly surprised it was within walking distance and appeared to offer valet parking, although I had already found street parking available. It seemed the valet used the street for parking as well given the double parked cars blocking me in as I tried to leave. I had called to make a reservation in advance as the reservation site noted no availability for some reason. No issues with checking in and being seated in a timely manner, even showing up a little early in our case. The restaurant was very open and elegant, situated alongside the Riggs Hotel which has some hidden history to discover. Our server, Clemente, was phenomenal. Very attentive, not overbearing, and answered all our questions. My wife and I split a salad that we loved although felt it could have been more flavorful. It was missing something that we couldn't pinpoint whether it was croutons, tomatoes, etc although we still enjoyed it. I had the Steak Frites which came with french fries and I swapped for creamed spinach that was so delicious. My wife who isn't a fan of creamed spinach ended up eating a good portion. We ordered a side of brussel sprouts that was also good, a little sweet, but well flavored. We followed dinner up with coffee that hit the spot, along with a chocolate dessert that Clemente brought to celebrate our anniversary. It was a lovely evening thanks to Clemente and the team. We will definitely return for another experience. read more

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Went cafe riggs with some friends for dinner I thought everything was delicious and service was fantastic. I got the burger which was perfectly cooked and had great seasoning. Well balanced and tasty. Inside is beautiful and has lots of flowers and plants to make it inviting. read more

Café Riggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We were staying in this fantastic hotel so would always drop by for breakfast here. The cafe set up was fantastic with high ceilings, bright decor, and a very modern tone in this historic building. Gracie was our server was first day, and while attentive could've put on a slight smile! Breakfast menu for us was fixed because it was included in our room rate and we ordered the Ham & Cheese Croissant which came with a very refreshing arugula salad, Sausage and Eggs, Bacon and Fruit Plate as our sides. Also got unlimited refills on house coffee which could've been slightly warmer! Service was quick and our food arrived within 20 mins as it got ready. Noise levels on the lower end. Overall, great experience and would recommend this place to anyone looking for a fancy brunch spot! read more

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One of the best ambiance's in DC. The food is always great! A reservation is definitely needed, but the service is so outstanding and complimentary. Definitely a great stop! read more

Café Riggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We arrived late in the afternoon for our brunch reservation. We were seated immediately. We were not completely thrilled about the seating, but we made it work. We really wanted to sit in a booth, but apparently, there was something about reserving a booth. The ambiance was the highlight of the visit. As soon as we were seated, someone took our beverage order. Then another person took our orders. We never knew who our waiter was. The service was not bad, but just a little confusing. I ordered coffee and the omelet. The coffee was not bad. The omelet was fluffy and light. The omelet was accompanied by what appeared to be a small side salad. The vibrant colors in the salad were a nice juxtaposition with the yellow omelet. The salad was already dressed with a light but flavorful vinaigrette. We also ordered the breakfast burger, which included a side of fries. Both dishes had a nice presentation. I would definitely return to try something different. read more

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I came here a couple times with friends from out of town and loved my experience! The food, service, and ambience is amazing! I order the bottomless mimosas and the waiter never let my glass go empty! Worth literally every drop. read more

The service was good and accommodating. Ambiance was pleasant. The food was surprisingly good both for breakfast ans lunch. read more

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The mussels are to die for!!! You walk in to a giant marble room with high ceilings, very cool. My server Monica was great! Very friendly and seemed to genuinely care. Great experience all around. read more

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Hands down my favorite spot in DC. This is one of my go-tos to work from with a spectacular bar top with outlets. I love the food here and they always play fun music. Service is always 10/10. We had the chance to try their Winter Restaurant Week lunch special which includes 3 course for $35. We got 2 orders of the special. Course 1 included the burrata (my fave) and mussels (highly recommend!). Course 2 was a croque madame and salmon burger. Course 3 was dessert where we got crème brûlée and cheesecake. Such a great deal for the amount and quality of food here! read more

Café Riggs - Cheesecake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Plenty of open seating, aesthetically pleasing architecture & great service with an air of sophistication. Really makes you feel the part. A bit pricey - I only got a Paloma & Salmon Burger with fries - $60. Both were pretty good but nothing you can't find anywhere else. Overall a great option for meetings, after work drink or remote work if you need an inspiring environment read more

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I ate here twice on my trip to DC, once by myself and once with my husband and a group, both of which were for breakfast. The food is fresh, and well-prepared. The service is truly excellent. The interior is gorgeous and historic. The chocolate croissants are outstanding. I also appreciated the coat check. read more

Café Riggs - Coat check - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A stunning space located inside a hotel. I came for a Christmas weekend brunch with my mom, who has high standards. She loved the atmosphere, and the chic Christmas tree at the entryway. The French omelette was perfectly executed, light and fluffy, but filling. My boyfriend enjoyed his croque madame. Definitely a pricier brunch, but a nice treat for the holidays. read more

Café Riggs - Mimosa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Lovely restaurant in the Hotel Riggs. We had both dinner and lunch during our stay and enjoyed both. The dinner highlight was the delicious crab cake app. Meaty and enjoyable. The steak frites was a winner; I always enjoy this option when it appears on the menu! The lobster mac and cheese was rich and creamy. Cafe Riggs is very pretty and the service was great. Bustling spot all weekend. read more

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Def felt like a fancy old timey jaunt. Lots of people on their lunch working. Staff were nice although slightly absent. Food was delish. Got a croque madam that hit the spot. It was very filling. Had a light vinegar dressed side salad that I wish I had more of. Got a bottle of sparkling water that also quenched the thirst. Fries were on point, crispy but dense and not full of short stubs. Felt upscale even to the point where I felt slightly out of place due to my casual wear. read more

Café Riggs - Croque madam for lunch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Since I was staying at the hotel, I naturally ended up dining at Café Riggs several times. Each visit delivered excellent food and attentive service, and the space itself is absolutely beautiful. The café is quite popular, so I highly recommend making a reservation in advance if you're planning to stop by for brunch or dinner. No matter the time of day--breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner--the atmosphere always feels lively and inviting. read more

Super beautiful and airy space with a great brunch menu. Service was attentive and fast. - Omelette: 10/10 (the omelette was like a Japanese-style omelette. Silky smooth and super creamy. Loved the salad it came with too.) read more

Café Riggs - Vibe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Cafe Riggs has a great aesthetic and sizable bar, and its downtown location makes it good for post-work drinks. Separately, I recently came around 10 pm on a Saturday after a show at the National and we enjoyed the lobster Mac and cheese (pretty generous with the lobster) and steak tartare. Vibes were relaxed and good times were had read more

Café Riggs - Manhattan - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Me, my wife and my son recently went to Cafe Riggs for a quick bite to eat and love it. My wife has been before but this was my first time. Food was fantastic but the service was even better. Love the aesthetic at this venue. read more

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My daughter treated me to the Mother's Day Brunch. This restaurant set the bar for food and service! Totally over the top on every level. We were seated and acknowledged quickly. They had a special Mother's Day tiered plate of sweets and savory tapa choices. Absolutely delicious, every option was mouth watering sensational! We followed with each ordering an entree but really could have stopped at the tiered plate. Everything from the coffee to the entree's were first top rated. Cannot wait to come back to DC and eat here again. The wait staff was attentive and on point. read more

I think the restaurant itself is very beautiful. An instagramable moment if that's what you're looking for. Many people in my party did not like their food but the eggs were good to me. Espresso Martini was also ok. Not my favorite but good. read more

Café Riggs - I thought it came with toast/hashbrowns but it does not. Different from what is presented on the online menu. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

nice atmosphere and beautiful decor, great brunch, really nice staff :) I would recommend reservations ahead of time! read more

Café Riggs - Shakshuka, french toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I'd never had or heard of Shakshuka so I tried at Cafe Riggs. I would describe it as the flavor of a mix between a thick tomato soup and tomato sauce topped with feta cheese and a baguette on the side. It was a fine option but the menu is vast, so I'll look forward to trying the other items. Cafe Riggs is really a destination during the weekday for its ambience as a place fancy enough to have a meeting or date but casual enough to work. My service was great. The worker Monica made sure to check in often in case I needed anything and made helpful recommendations during my visit. read more

Café Riggs - Shakshuka - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Good place for a business lunch. Loved the brightness and open space in the dinning area and bar. Try the king salmon. Perfectly cooked fish with a flavorful and nutty red rice plus baby spinach all with a nice beurre blanc sauce. Service is excellent and prices reasonable by DC standards. read more

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Solo diner review for 6/1/25: I arrived on time for a noon brunch reservation. I will say that the Café Riggs website for making reservations was a more unusual one -- dinner reservations were available well before my date, but brunch reservations only opened a couple weeks or so before. Check-in with the host (at a repurposed teller window) was a breeze. The initial table they brought me to was rather crowded and the host generously offered me a different table with a better view of the dining room. I had a warm chocolate croissant and nitro espresso martini to start. Both were delicious and came out quickly. Mains were a glass of sparkling rose and the Steak Royale (a steak and eggs Benedict). The pours on the alcohol were generous and I'd love to come back and enjoy their bottomless mimosas or espresso martinis with a group. I do wish they had provided a steak knife with my entree as the steak needed to be cut up. This entree was fine, but I would choose something else if I went back another time. A choice of still or sparkling water was provided at no cost. However, including tip, this brunch did run me close to $100. The dining room was bustling, but not overly crowded. There were definitely some larger groups in the plush round booths enjoying themselves. Bathrooms are only two stalls, which I can imagine may make for some waits during busy times. Table service was excellent and everyone pitched in. Food runners refilled my water. The host checked in on my pastry. It was attentive without being overbearing. And the dining room itself is beautiful -- loads of natural light and bright accents liven up the space. I would definitely recommend brunch at Café Riggs if planning an afternoon downtown, but be prepared for the price tag. read more

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Beautiful bright restaurant with comfy furniture however it's a little cold so dress warmly! The food is mid. Nothing horrible yet nothing memorable. Riggs Spritz: 9/10. vodka with spiced pear, white peach & rosemary. Refreshing but they're sadly taking it off the menu! Quiche: 5/10. It could have been cooked a little longer and needed some seasoning. Hashbrowns: 6/10. Not your traditional hashbrowns. Kind of like a latke but thicker. read more

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Stopped into cafe Riggs for breakfast. Although we did not have reservations, we were able to sit at the bar. The pancakes were fluffy and delicious and served with blueberries and a maple butter. The hashbrowns tasted more like a potato cake. Crispy on the outside and soft and crunchy on the inside. I was able to split the pancakes and the hasbrowns and still felt full. Amazing decor and a great place to do remote work. read more

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Beautiful place within the hotel. We stopped in for a few cocktails and to lounge a bit. Expresso martini was money! read more

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Cafe Riggs is inside of a hotel and it is as upscale and and refined as the pictures!! I didn't have a reservation but there was open bar seating. The bartenders are quick and attentive. The menu has a great range of options and although everything is pricey, I enjoyed everything! The pancakes were delicious and were served with warm maple butter! SO DELICIOUS! The hashbrowns can in a set of 2 cakes that were crispy on the outside and mashed potato like inside, topped with flaky salt! Beautiful and clean decor right in Chinatown! read more

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I absolutely love Cafe Riggs. I go there for the friendly staff who are all wonderful. The location is right downtown and the interior has a luxury feel. This place feels nothing like a hotel restaurant cafe and more of a place where you can gather for brunch with friends or have an amazing cocktail at the bar. The food is also high quality, I would recommend. I have not had an item at the Riggs that I didn't enjoy. read more

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Came here for Valentines dinner. Beet salad was tasty. Had traditional red beets and golden beets with pistachios and goat geese with a citrus dressing. The red beets were earthy while the golden beets were mild and soaked up the citrus flavors. The crushed pistachios added a nice texture to to overall salad. The mussels were cooked well, nice and soft. They were cooked in a cream based sauce that wasn't too heavy. It came with two slices of bread, which were soft but also had a slight chew and a bit of a soft crunch. It was nice to dip into the mussel sauce. My steak was cooked nicely to the medium temperature I asked for. The French fries it came with were soft and light inside with a crisp on the outside. They were well seasoned with salt. Husband's scallops were flavorful and the bed of mashed potatoes it came on was creamy, smooth, and full of flavor The soufflé was prepared very well. It was my first time having one, but it's one of my husband's favorite dessert and he said this was one of the better ones he's had. He really enjoyed it. It had a nice rise. And the inside was still soft and creamy as it should be. It was the perfect ending to our meal. Our server was cordial and delivered everything a server should. He was courteous and thorough. He gave me a nice recommendation for a red wine. The restaurant was interesting. It used to be an old bank. The layout was spacious and open with an old school elegance. It had a very pretty floral display enclosed in glass. Colorful flowers were strewn over a long high table - for Valentine's Day, I assume. read more

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The cafe itself is very pretty with lots of seatings. We ordered a dozen oysters to start, and I had the avocado toast for my main. It was meh - the toast had avocado mask (not fresh sliced avocado) and had nothing special. The oysters were good. Service was very slow (waiting over a for the avocado toast and mussels) and our waitress kept disappearing on us. Overall a good place to stop for lunch if you have extra time (it might take long to get your food) and are visiting museums nearby. read more

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One of my fav establishments in DC. The decor is so beautiful and on par for the cherry blossoms. We went here for brunch after the waitress at The Smith ignored us. We found 2 seats at the bar. The pancakes were delicious. The orange juice was tasty. Croissant so flaky and good. The pork bacon was mid-seemed to be cooked in batches instead of made to order. The pork sausage was bland. The bartender who primarily kept helped us kept going missing for extended periods but the other bartender later informed us both of them were assisting everyone at the bar. I'll keep this place as my late night option. read more

High end dining in the Riggs Hotel. Beautiful ambiance and decor. Intimate/romantic vibe with dim yellow lighting. Near the front they have a bar and lounge area which is where I sat, in some comfy lounge chairs and a small table. Great vibe. Service was flawless and fine-dining-esque. Our server was completely on top of everything, while perfectly navigating the table conversation not to interrupt. There were eye glances and body language that perfectly communicated with me from afar while I focused on my guest. Masterfully done. I order beet salad and NY strip. I order beet salads every chance I get and have developed some strong opinions about them. The best ones have pistachios, goat cheese, and oranges. That's exactly what this one had! The perfect composition of ingredients. The dressing wasn't memorable (I literally can't remember what it was) but the salad was delicious and can hold its own against any beet salad anywhere. The steak was delicious. I'm not a huge fan of steak frittes... I'd rather have mash potatoes or something like that. But I didn't ask to sub it so, no complaints. The fries were crispy and delicious. read more

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Too many gnats flying around. Stopped by for a quick drink and I know it is the DC summer heat but they need to get those gnats under control. Didn't try any food. I just don't feel like sharing a plate with an army of gnats. I will live off of sparkling wine for now. read more

The ambiance is top notch and we wanted the bottomless champagne cart with 4 children under 12 yrs before the Alvin Ailey performance near by. My 11ywarnold daughter struggled to share her pancakes with me. The kids' meal selection pancakes were so delicious, I thought about those pancakes twice in one week. Way better than my Steak Royal because it was chewy but that didn't keep me away from going again and also the nostalgia of being in a bank from the olden days (in my Peppa pig voiceover). Those pancakes ya"ll, fluffy, sweet creamy , and velvety. Can't miss. read more

Had a decent but not stellar experience here at Café Riggs. I came for brunch with my partner on a Saturday. We had a reservation and were seated right away. Prices were a tad higher than they advertised on their website menu. The interior was quite nice and there were plenty of other people there, giving it a bustling vibe. I ordered the shakshuka and my partner ordered the steak royale. The shakshuka came out extremely hot, and with no warning from the staff I touched the plate and slightly burned myself. Eating it also burned my tongue/throat. I'd recommend to the staff to warn customers ahead of time that the plate/food is extremely hot. The shakshuka also only came with two small slices of bread, which was definitely not enough to enjoy the tomato sauce. I'd recommend them to give you a couple pieces more. My partner enjoyed his food, though he said the steak was a bit too chewy. Overall it was decent but not spectacular. read more

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While the French Onion soup was perfect for a very cold day lunch, it was a bit bready for me and didn't have enough soup for my fiancé. While still good, could have used more soup and less bread. The Cafe itself is beautiful and cozy. If you haven't been to Silver Lyon downstairs of the Riggs hotel also give that a try! read more

Café Riggs - French Onion Soup - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Stopped by The Riggs Cafe after work on a Tuesday for happy hour and it was exactly the kind of evening I needed -- chill, relaxed, and easygoing. I grabbed some bar bites and a glass of wine and just settled in at the bar. The atmosphere was really nice for unwinding after a long day. The bartenders were very friendly and welcoming, which honestly made the experience even better. The crowd in the café area wasn't quite as warm or engaging, but since I was posted up at the bar, it didn't affect my experience much. Plus, it's super close to where I work, the prices were very reasonable, and the overall vibe makes it a great go-to spot for casual drinks and a low-key evening. I'll definitely be back -- and I'd say check it out if you're looking for something laid-back with good drinks and a comfortable atmosphere. read more

Café Riggs - Beautiful Place, But a Bit of a Hiccup Café Riggs is easily one of the most beautiful spots in D.C.--full of history, charm, and style. From the moment you walk in, you feel it. The building is stunning, the layout unique, the ceilings high, and the atmosphere warm and classy. It truly feels like you're stepping into something special. I went with a few friends for brunch, and most of the experience was top notch. The staff was great, especially our server--super accommodating. We asked for a caviar service, even though it wasn't on the menu, and to our surprise, the manager made it happen. He was kind and professional throughout. The food was excellent--seafood, caviar, champagne--all fresh and delicious. It really felt like a five-star experience... almost. The only real letdown was how the food came out. We ordered a seafood tower, caviar, a few breakfast items, croissants, sausages (both pork and chicken), and a strip steak. But after nearly two hours at the table, the croissants, sausages, and steak still hadn't arrived. No updates, no check-ins--just silence. When we finally said we had to go, they rushed to the kitchen, made everything quickly, and packed it to-go. They explained they were waiting for us to finish eating before bringing the rest out, but honestly, that felt like an excuse. Especially when you look at the receipt--it's clear those items (like the croissant and sausages) were part of our main order, not something we added later. Croissants and sausage are basic brunch starters--they should've come out early, especially with the caviar. And if there was going to be a delay, they could've at least checked in or offered to remove them from the bill. We spent over $1,000 on brunch (with tax and tip), so we expected a bit more care in the details. So yes--the place is beautiful, the food is great, and the service is friendly. But a mistake like that--especially at this level--left a bit of disappointment at the end. That's why, instead of five stars, I'm giving three. read more

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We came in for brunch so I'll be reviewing their breakfast menu and service. The Riggs Hotel and Cafe is kind of a hidden gem in DC. The hotel is Michelin rated, the Cafe is remarkable, and the Silver Lyan speakeasy in the former vault prepares some of the best cocktails you'll find anywhere. But like I said, I dipped in for brunch on a Sunday. This was during the Christmas holiday, so we popped over from the annual DC holiday market. I'll start with the food because it was amazing. I got the Riggs Royal which is the cafe's take on a Benedict. Sublime. It is prepared with salmon which *could overpower the dish, but that wasn't the case. It was well balanced with a Béarnaise sauce and hash browns (in place of a muffin). Prepare to leave sated and satisfied. The atmosphere is upscale and elegant, as one would expect from one of the premier hotels in the city. If you are paying attention you will notice that you are in a former bank, with enormous ceilings and marble architecture. Take it in and enjoy. Getting a seat during this busy season was tough. There is a fair amount of ad hoc seating, if you are patient, around the bar and lounge. If you'd like a guaranteed table you will need to make a reservation. Like I said, we showed up during the holiday market so had to find our own table. The staff were gracious but understaffed. Seemed to be an oversight by management given that the market is right across the street. Altogether a fabulous experience and super high end experience. Do visit. read more

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