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 read more

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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

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. read more

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Walked in out of the rain with my fam. No reservations no problem, the Host found us a table cleaned it off and even checked on us mid meal. I got the Eggs Royale and cappuccino. Would def come back again just for the meal, definitely recommend it! Our server was spectacular. All in all felt welcomed and very well taken care of. Beautiful restaurant aesthetic and restrooms were also 10/10. Don't miss this gem if you're visiting the National Fair for America 250! read more

Café Riggs - Massive bouquet in a centerpiece display case by casual dining area. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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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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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 read more

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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! read more

Café Riggs - Escargot at Cafe Riggs. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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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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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Food was great and tasteful. Service was good and ambience was nice for breakfast and brunch read more

Café Riggs - Pancakes, Tuna, eggs were great - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Genuinely the best bowl of overnight oats in my life. I never knew you could make OO so delicious but they did- if I went again, I would pick this over anything else (and I tried all of my friend's food) ! The other big rec I would say is the pancakes- they come with an amazing syrup. The waiter was extremely attentive and kind. Great vibe, even better food read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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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

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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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 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

Beautiful decor, upscale atmosphere, phenomenal brunch menu. Everyone enjoyed their meal. My omelette with arugula salad was exceptional. 10/10. read more

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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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

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