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    Café Riggs

    4.2 (392 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Café Riggs Photos

    Business Info

    CAFÉ RIGGS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate

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    Recommended Reviews - Café Riggs

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    Daisa J.

    Café Riggs is definitely a brunch spot to have on your DC list! The beautiful setting, elevated atmosphere, and menu make it a great option for a weekend brunch with friends, a date, or a special occasion. I started with the Petit Plateau, which came with a half-dozen oysters, half-dozen shrimp cocktail, cucumber and caviar, and chips. If you love seafood, this is such a fun way to start the meal and had a great variety of flavors and textures. The Mussels were another favorite -- garlic, chili, white wine, and a baguette for soaking up all that delicious broth. Definitely don't skip the bread! For an entrée, I tried the Steak Frites, featuring a 14 oz NY striploin with béarnaise. You can also replace the steak with an egg your way for $3, which is a nice option if you're looking for something a little lighter. But the standout for me was the Buttermilk Pancakes. They come with blueberries and maple butter, and I can honestly say they were probably some of the best pancakes I've had in DC. Fluffy, flavorful, and absolutely worth ordering. And if you have room for dessert, I'd recommend the cheesecake or crème brûlée. Both are great options to finish off brunch on a sweet note. Overall, Café Riggs is a beautiful spot for a leisurely weekend brunch. Whether you're planning a girls' brunch, date, or just looking for somewhere new to try in DC, I'd definitely add this one to the list.

    Kiana M.

    What a lovely French restaurant. It was my first time as this establishment and I loved it. I was blown away by the aesthetic. As soon as we walked in we enjoyed the tall ceilings, the wonderful classy decor. The restaurant was a bank prior to being a hotel and restaurant. I love the transformation they did. It still looks like a bank but way more fancier. The service was great. We were were immediately greeted by the hostess who took us to our seat. Then the waiter came over. He was very friendly and kind. However, it seemed as though he forgot about us after we ordered our drinks and dessert. Eventually he came back over and checked on us which we appreciated. We were coming from Penn Social where we ate dinner so we just decided to order cocktails and dessert. Both were amazing. I chose the midnight ledger which contained Volcan Reposado, Ilegal Mezcal, Cynar, Melon Liqueur, and my friend ordered Mizu Lychee Martini which contained Citadelle Gin, Lychee Soju, Dry Vermouth. The Martini was very strong but enjoyable. The Ledger was very tasty, and a bit strong. For dessert we ordered the Creme Brulee. It was very tasty however, I really wish it would have come out warm instead of cold. Overall, it was a great experience. I will be back soon possibly to check out their happy hour or maybe have dinner. If you are looking for a fancy fine dining experience Cafe Riggs is the place for you. Cheers!

    Dining room
    Min Z.

    A nice fine dining restaurant in the Penn Quarters. It was decorated with bright blue red and yellow colors! High ceilings in a historic building. It's always busy so reservation recommended. We liked the tasty mussels and original flavored steak.

    Kaya E.

    I've been to Cafe Riggs about 4 times now. And every single visit I fall more and more in love with it. Here's everything I loved, + I typically stop in on Saturdays around noon after I'm done teaching and I'm always seated within a couple of minutes without having made a reservation + there's ample dining room seating, bar seating and then lounge seating + the interior design and architecture is beautiful + the bathroomsssss 10/10 lol I love a bathroom with soap and lotion that smells amazing + staff is really kind and professional + now to the food some of my favorites include their fries, burger, salmon locs breakfast dish and their steak frites breakfast dish + my lychee martini was delicious as well and came out quickly Things I didn't like as much, + the pancakes look like they taste really good but over all they don't knock it out of the park for me unfortunately Overall I will continue to come here again and again. I love the space and the fact that they have a champagne cart. You can come really dressed up or a bit more lax and you will fit right in

    Table
    Gary G.

    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.

    Good menu
    Raven C.

    Great experience. I learned a lot about my taste and French food and French wine. Personally, the Chablis made the escargot better, I prefered the beef and the bougandy/pinot noir separately and not together, the baked alaska was great. The service was the star, when they were out of my prefer drink, I got something else to try. I like the vibe of the music and the flowers. It wasnt too busy so no pressure to leave the table before I was ready. Initially, I wanted to sit at the bar, but it was full. Overall, great experience.

    Ben D.

    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.

    Bacon
    Ameya B.

    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!

    Escargot at Cafe Riggs.
    Samuel J.

    Came here for lunch today. I haven't been in here since it was Gordon Biersch but I have heard good things. They did not disappoint! I had the escargot and they were delish! The salmon salad looked amazing, I am getting that next time! The service was excellent. I was there for a work lunch and the atmosphere was perfect to have a conversation. They kept drinks full, delivered food quickly. I will be back!

    Ambiance
    Rena E.

    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.

    Leslie S.

    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!

    Erica W.

    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

    Espresso martini
    Paige D.

    The restaurant is really pretty. The Riggs breakfast was okay, the avocado wasn't really ripe but the hash brown was good, and the quiche was amazing! One of the worst espresso martinis for $20, would definitely skip it and the service was pretty mid. Not worth the money

    Lobster mac and cheese

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    Café Riggs Reviews in Other Languages

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