Definitely would have given this restaurant 5 stars but they need improvement on their wait time to be seated and more seating. My boyfriend and I went in, was nicely greeted, and was told the wait time would be 15 mins. We actually waited more than 30 mins and as we were about to leave, a seat became available. There are only 4 seating accommodations available in this restaurant. Also, please be aware that it isn't a big restaurant like it may look in the photos. Due to COVID, I'm sure that the seating is even more vacant so be mindful of the wait due to not having more than 50% capacity when you go. Now onto the most important part... THE FOOD! The waffle was so fluffy and you could taste the hint of vanilla, almost like a cake, YUM. The chicken was the star of the plate; it came out fresh, steaming hot, and full of seasoning goodness!!! No complaints on the eggs but I must say the waffle and chicken was beyond words HONESTLY. Great food and great customer service, can't beat that! We will be returning, just may take our food to go next time. read more

Highlands - Chicken and Waffle with eggs - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This quaint restaurant that probably seats 35 was a pleasant surprise for brunch today I ordered the chicken and waffles and what I loved about the chicken and waffles is the chicken was Friday but there was no bones to have to cut around or maneuver around! (I hate that) The waffles topped with a pat of butter and were coated in a light confectioners' sugar. I was pleasantly surprised when the dish arrived at the table with a side of scrambled eggs with cheese. I ordered a soy mocha as well that was super delish! For all you newbies (like I was) when you arrive at the restaurant on the weekend because it's so busy you'll have to go directly to the counter to order your food and then grab a table. The place is too busy and too small for the waiters and waitresses to make their way around the restaurant to take orders. So make sure you make a beeline to the register to order first! You won't be sorry you tried his spot. read more

Highlands - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The French toast is as good as everyone says. I got the chicken n waffles and sub'd the waffles for the French toast. Great move. Thx yelp The eggs and fried chicken breast were meh. Wish the chicken was fried fish instead. Mmm right? One yelper said the shrimps were small and another said nix the salmon cake. Maybe one day I'll be back to try them. $23 included 3 sm pieces of fried chicken breast, 2scrambled cheese eggs, 3 pieces brioche French toast, a prosseco mimosa and 15%tip Good deal! Metered parking out front. read more

Highlands - Substitute the waffles for the French toast so you won't miss out! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

If you want a fantastic dinner try the salmon accompanied by the Jasmine rice and spinach...it's wonderful!!

I came here at around 9:30AM on a Saturday. The place is not that big and you seat yourself. Thankfully there was an empty table that could seat five of us. Right after us droves of people came in and there was standing room only. I ordered the chicken and waffles. The chicken was good, but I like my waffles a little more crispy. This wasn't the best chicken and waffles I have had, but it was good. The scrambled eggs on the side however were my favorite. I wish there were more. They were fluffy and flavorful, probably the best scrambled eggs I have had. I also ordered a cup of coffee which you pour yourself. My coffee was a little above lukewarm which I did not enjoy. I wish it was hotter. The atmosphere is very relaxed. Almost has a cafe feel. I would recommend this place, just try and get there early enough if you plan on dining in. read more

This is a real DC locals cafe. Food is great!!! I am especially a fan of Juanita's Breakfast and the Chicken Melt Sandwich. Specials are always worth checking out too. It's always popping in here with a good vibe. I'm so happy I live so close! read more

The highlands is one of the BEST breakfast spots in DC. If you love a fluffy waffle and good coffee-come here. The platters are fantastic and the Philly steak is also! read more

The food is great bad thing I was there this weekend and they over charge me plus they add no 10% no 15% of service charge they add 20 % of charge in a place where you do a line you order and is not much service since once you get your food that is all... well I when there the lady order and extra plate (pasta) wish she charge for I have to sing the bill it was $87 dollars I put 8 dollars for tip again I did a line order my self yesterday I was checking my bank account and a new bill for $121.00 I was is not possible is a mistake when I come they told me they add $18 dollar for service plus the tip plus tax when someone tell me an amount of how much I will pay is with tax already well they did the refund of $8 dollars cause they said the $18 dollars can't be removed so I ended up paying for a pasta and $18 dollars more for service... check your bills and I am not agree to pay for service that is an owners business who pay salary and we do help a little paying tips read more

My husband and I tried the waffles, regular bacon, turkey bacon and French toast. Our favorite would have to be the waffle. The turkey bacon had a lot of flavor (when comparing to regular turkey bacon typically served). My French toast was cooked a little too soft for our liking. Not sure if this is how it is always served, but this is what we received. The staff was really friendly! read more

Highlands - French toast, eggs with cheese and turkey bacon. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Great......until...... Good food and service. Then we ordered takeout for my parents. Sat for half an hour. Finally sent my son to ask about the order. It wasn't even sent! After I told the server who basically asked why we were still sitting here why we were waiting. There were no orders in queue. If I just told your server we were waiting for an order, and there were no orders in queue, should that raise a red flag? Then nothing was done to correct it. They just said your food would be up in ten minutes. Where's the customer service? I had to suggest a discount. Then they informed me that was not possible since I already paid. Finally I asked for an extra order of shrimp and grits. Ridiculous! Almost got a good review out of me too. Gotta follow through until the end. read more

OH YEAH! Been here twice, both for Brunch. A little hectic as the space is small and busy... but the food is worth the wait. Shrimp and grits are my favorite here. Love the decor and the ambiance, casual and fun. read more

Highlands - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great neighborhood place that we usually visit when in need of a solid breakfast. The bacon, egg, and cheese on toasted croissant is unbeatable. They also have numerous entrees which are delicious, such as shrimp and grits. The servers are also very friendly if you choose to dine there. Highly recommend trying this place. read more

All the way from Cali this is thee most delicious authentic food I've had in awhile, every time I'm in DC I eat here. The food and hospitality is very welcoming I definitely recommended it. read more

3/16/2020 I visited Highlands . The service was very good the gentleman answered all of my questions about the menu , gave me suggestions on what to order and was very flexible with me substituting items to create the perfect dish. They have a very large menu with many options . I was stuck between the salmon cakes or shrimp and grits. They have a blackened salmon dish , I substituted the two sides for eggs scrambled with American cheese and cheese grits , I added a side of home fries and a waffle. The food turnaround was about 15 minutes. Overall my food was good , the grits were creamy and cheesy, my eggs were scrambled well done just as I asked , the home fries were perfectly seasoned and came with peppers and onions cooked with it , the only downside of my meal was the salmon. The good thing is it was a very big piece , downside is it was supposed to be blackened and it was so blan , it had absolutely no flavor and it was overcooked. I basically ate every piece of it with my grits or potatoes to increase the flavor and added hot sauce. The waffle was so good ! It was warm , fluffy, and topped with powder sugar. I would come back, I want to try the salmon cakes , the lamb chops, and a few other dishes that sounded good. read more

Highlands - Blackened salmon with grits , home fries and scrambled eggs with cheese . - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I had been here before a few years back, but I didn't pay it any mind. However this time I came with my one year old for brunch, and I'll say I was very pleased. Highlands isn't a big restaurant, which is a plus. It has no more than ten tables on the inside and about four outside. You must go to the counter and order and pay, which isn't bad, but hopefully you can land a seat before someone takes it. Luckily, there aren't many people there at one time, so you're gonna be okay. I ordered for my daughter and I Chicken and Waffles and a side order of homefries. There is a side of eggs with cheese that comes with the entree. The Chicken and waffles is a must. Its perfect. It comes with two large pieces of fried chicken breasts. Its fried to a perfection. The juices are still there. I love it. I do recommend eating the chicken with hot sauce they provide. The side of eggs is fairly small, but you won't need them once you've eaten the chicken and the huge waffle that comes with them. The waffle is good-it's a waffle. Lol. The side of homefries were amazing. They are sauteed with peppers and onions. I had to control myself because that was what my daughter was eating haha. They were perfectly seasoned. I had come later in the day with my mother and brothers (yes, it was that good), however I wasn't as pleased with this order. My mother bought fired green tomatoes as a starter. As a southerner, I was not at all pleased. It wasn't made with cornmeal, and there wasn't much flavor at all. One of my brothers ordered the two mini cheeseburgers and fries as his entree. He actually liked it! They come with two pieces of burger meat on each sandwich. It was pretty decent; he was satisfied. I ordered the chicken melt. I wasn't really happy about the sides- it came with a bag of chips, and you only have two options of chips. Considering the price, that sandwich should have come with some fries. But whatever. Mom ordered the shrimp and grits. Not at all happy. The dish came with four fried shrimp, which were good, but the grits were tasteless. We weren't surprised considered the location. You're never gonna get good grits from the north. That's just that. That dish should have come with at least six shrimp. At the very least. At the price it came with. But it is listed as an appetizer (for some reason) so I guess that's why the portion is the size it is. Mom also ordered the sangria, and at five bucks, its very delicious. I ordered the sweet potato square for my daughter. It was good. I'm saving the best for last, as my youngest brother ordered the best dish on the menu in my opinion: The gumbo. Served with a very nice amount of rice on top, this dish was filled with tons of meaty goodness. You'd think you would pay 10 or 12 bucks for it-it's 8. There is craw fish and shrimp and sausage and sooo much chicken I can't stand it! The flavor was just right. The spice wasn't too spicy. But it is spicy. After a couple of spoonfuls, it'll kick in. The fried green tomatoes and the shrimp and grits knocked a star off, as well as my sandwich. But all in all, the food is so good and the workers really care if you are enjoying yourselves. Excellent service. My only advice: if you're a southerner expecting much, don't. It's not mawmaw's home cooking at all. But it's worth the try. read more

Highlands - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Initially I was going to give this place 4 stars because I wasn't completely blown away but the more I thought about the food I had to bump that thang up to 5 stars lol. I couldn't help but pig out because everything looked great and the prices were more than reasonable. I ordered the shrimp and grits, wings, home fries and bread pudding. Let's start with the shrimp and grits...soooo bomb! These grits were some of the best grits I've ever had maybe even better than my own lol...the grits were the perfect consistency..you know them eat with the fork grits lol..perfect amount of cheese and the shrimp atop this greatness were fried to perfection! They were good sized, not overly breaded, flavorful and only $10!!! The wings were not as stellar as the shrimp and grits but still pretty decent. Now had they breaded and fried the wings the way they did those shrimp, my tune would be completely different lol. The home fries weren't a part of my original order but after tasting my friends I had to procure some of that deliciousness for myself lol. These potatoes were cooked with care. Nice, tasty chunks, seasoned well with peppers and onions. A must try! Now on to the bread pudding. Unlike any bread pudding I've had, this bread pudding came in the form of a muffin and was drizzled with some sort of blueberry sauce and powdered sugar. Needless to say this bread pudding muffin was very impressive and ended my meal on a very high note! I know I should've been done after all that but I had to sample the French toast and waffle which both were just as awesome as everything else mentioned. A hidden gem in DC, this place is amazing with amazing food! read more

I got the London Broiled and it was really good, Everyone in my group loved it. Everything was so tasty and filled with flavor. I also highly recommend the creme brûlée. I'm definitely coming again! read more

Highlands - London Broiled - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Went there for brunch on a Sunday, street parking in the area wasn't too difficult to find. Ordering the seat yourself system and we were lucky enough to grab a table. Not ideal for large groups though. My spicy chicken and waffles was tasty and came out quickly, chicken was tender and flavorful (though not terribly spicy). Waffles were a bit soggy and scrambled eggs were pretty standard. Not the most cleanly place though, my knife was caked in food residue and my friend had a hair on her plate (the waitress was very apologetic). I would return if I was in the area but nothing in particular is making me rush back. read more

Highlands - Spicy Chicken and Waffles with Cheesy Scrambled Eggs - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Second time dining here and I truly enjoyed the food. I had the blackened salmon with jasmine rice and spinach. While very tasty, the description stated there will be a lemon butter caper sauce but it was apparent in my dish. Like I said I enjoyed it either way. I will definitely return. read more

Delicious! Yum Yum Yum! I live right around the corner from this little gem, and it finally caught my eye. This small quaint cafe has a cool vibe to it. They also have great customer service! This is def my new study spot :) I highly suggest trying the waffles and grits with shrimp. read more

Highlands - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This cafe was really comfortable and it was quite cozy and warm. Which was great because it was freezing outside. My girl friend and I ordered chic and waffles and French toast. The chic and waffles came with chicken waffles and 2 eggs scrambled styled. All three of the components was delicious, the chicken was well seasoned and the texture was great, the waffles were fluffy and the eggs were good. The second dish (French toast) came with French toast eggs and sausage, the French toast was just Alright. Wasn't the best but it was still good. I would really recommend the chick n and waffles. The service was a a bit slow, that's why it got 4 stars. read more

Highlands - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Ordered a few items for myself and family. Shrimp po boy, cajun mardi gras. Great filling food!! read more

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Awesome place to eat!!! Food, Service, Atmosphere was amazing. Recommend to everyone in the city!!

For my first visit to this establishment ordered the London Broil sandwich with fries that appeared to be handcut potatoes and the London broiled was real steak that also appeared to be strips of tender steak cooked to tender perfection on toasted bun! I will return to the Highlands again real soon to try something else on their menu! Five stars to the Highlands! read more

Our yelp search for a decent breakfast in Washington DC, led us here. It's difficulty to appreciate a place that makes you pay before you are served, or even seated for that matter. Especially, when the majority of the clientele was African American and the staff, was not. Once we were finally seated, the food was ok. Nothing to write home about. We left and realized that we never received the juices we ordered. How often do they get away with that? Returned to get our drinks. No hassle. But come on. The search continues as we attempt to locate a great place for breakfast while in DC. Help! read more

Came to Highlands I had been hearing about it for a while. 1. The workers don't greet you when you come in. 2. They are very slow. 3. It took way too long for breakfast food to come out. And it wasn't even crowded. 4. The food comes out lukewarm. Yuck!! Not sure if I will return again. read more

Highlands - French toast breakfast substituted potatoes for eggs. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The food was really good, I ordered eggs & bacon and my husband ordered eggs and chorizo. The prices were really affordable. Services was really fast. I would definitely recommend this place. read more

Highlands - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

There is so much I could say about this here place. The establishment is rather small inside, but that doesn't take away from anything this place has to offer. It's a cozy spot in NW, DC with some of the most delectable dishes I've ever had. I don't know who's back there in that kitchen, but whoever it is is doing a damn good job! Some of my favorites are the shrimp and grits, the salmon with jazmine rice and sautéed spinach or my all time fave, chicken and waffles!! Man listen!! The food is just the right portion no matter your size. It's flavorful, hot and always satisfies. The staff is friendly and very accommodating. They could definitely benefit from a soft drink machine as I don't think canned sodas are very cost effective. If you're a sangria lover like myself, be sure to try every flavor they have. And remember, this isn't a place to sit down, eat and then converse for hours on end. Get your food, eat it, burp and get out of there because other people are going to need your table. K? Thanks! Listen, don't take my word for it. Go try it for yaself so you can write a glowing review like I did!!! read more

We had breakfast there on Sunday mid morning 10/8/17. To my pleasant surprise, it was not overly crowded. We were seated quickly, food came out in a timely manner...RIGHT ON TIME...lol The COFFEE was amazing...I had 2 cups...LOL The breakfast was perfect w/no grease, no grease smell, no grease period. I ordered the Salmon Cake, which was cooked perfectly. The Potatoes & onions, loved. ALL in ALL...it was awesome. Would have taken pic of food but I ate it so quickly. Hubby had Waffles and these amazing tasty sausages...They were soooo good. Staff was on point and friendly. Thanks Highlands, We Will Def Be Back!!! Anita Reid read more

This place was very good. There chicken and waffles was awesome, I ate a half plate and I didn't even order it lol (greedy). I had the salmon cake breakfast and a omelet breakfast both of them were delicious!! My Date ate most of my home fries that's how good they were. I really liked the place but even though we found a spot to sit and eat I wish they had more seating available. I guess you eat and get out, either way still a great place to eat!! read more

Highlands - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Highlands you are really terrific, I had a lovely experience here today. The pricing is reasonable. I feel no matter what you order you will absolutely love their food, I especially enjoyed their Chicken Melt. The team is very courteous. I really appreciated that. Love that place so much. read more

I ordered the crab cake meal it was terribly disappointing! Not one item was seasoned. The crab was flavorless, leading me to believe it's artificial, I love crab meat this was different, no crab taste at all, weird, The sautéed spinach was bland,, I've had it before and it's usually good, not today, and how can you go wrong with mashed potatoes, well no salt, no butter, just awful. Tossing this $30 meal and will never order it again!!!! read more

Awesome spot. I had the 14th St. Heights breakfast! I also had a mimosa (really good). No complaints about anything! Sat outside in the patio area. Parking is available on the street for a charge. read more

I really wanted to love this place because my friend loves it, but I was soooo disappointed. Parking is the street The place is tiny. You go to the counter and order and seat yourself. Mind you, if you go on a weekend. It's like hunger games for a seat! I had the chicken and waffles which comes with eggs. I opted not to get the eggs because they look suss. And I got home fries instead. If light fluffy waffles is what you're looking for. This ain't for you. My waffle was bland. I am used to that melt in your mouth Belgian waffle, waffles that you can eat without the syrup. This waffle was dry, somewhat burnt ugh aggy. Now to my home fries. They were cold, and some were not cooked all the way through. The only decent part of my meal was the chicken which was tenders and if you mess up on tenders you're just a failure. This is not somewhere that I'll return. C+ for you highlands. read more

Had breakfast here that had a light flavorful taste. I ordered the brioche French toast with scrambled eggs and homefries. Nothing was excessively greasy, buttery, or dense which I liked for such a hot day in August. The restaurant itself has a really warm and intimate ambience as the tables are closely packed in the dining area and there is a beautiful mural the runs almost the length of the restaurant. My only slight complaint, is the cashier who possibly in part due to language/cultural barrier would just stare at me and had no sense of warmth in her service. But overall I would return for the food and atmosphere. read more

I love this place. Just give it a try, I promise it's worth it. The shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, home fries, everything. I wouldn't try eating in the actual restaurant since it's rather small, but parking is plentiful on a Sunday at around 10am. It can busy inside depending on the time, but it's worth the wait. There's even a little water station to quench your thirst while you wait. read more

If you're looking for an intimate neighborhood restaurant in the 16th street heights area, look no further! read more

Highlands - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Hidden GEM here in DC !!! It's Small local business showing love in the food and staff! The manager Mr. J is wonderful! He has that home feel.The chicken and waffles are great! Waffle is fluffy but it got that crunch! Even the honey mustard is HOMEMADE read more

Highlands - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My first time ordering take out from here. Great breakfast spot. I was told that my food would be ready in 15 to 20 minutes. I arrived and had to wait for an additional 10 minutes. It is a very busy spot so be prepared to wait for a table. I ordered the Brioche French toast and the Juanita's Breakfast from the menu. Overall, the food was excellent and good for the price. The cashier apologized for the wait. I will be returning. read more

Great food as well as prices! I ordered the chicken and waffles with with eggs. I also added a side of shrimp. The fried shrimp is phenomenal!!!! The shrimp taste super fresh and are definitely worth it. I like the set up as well. You walk in order your food then sit down wherever there's an opening. If there are no seats you can just take the food to go! Super easy ordering model. read more

Highlands - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia