I had eaten at Founding Farmers DC on Pennsylvania Avenue the day prior for a group dinner and was wow'ed by my Au Poivre Steak Frites, so I decided to go again by myself to another location -- which was this one in Chinatown. I made a same-day reservation on Open Table and was seated immediately. I ordered the scratch soda in guava, as that was the current seasonal flavor. It was delicious!! I'm not sure how homemade soda tastes better than normal soda, but I thoroughly enjoyed the drink especially with the flavoring. I ordered the goat cheese burger that comes with balsamic onion, lemon aioli, and fries on the side. I know goat cheese can be pungent and not palatable to all, but I've had it in burgers before and loved it so I thought I'd try Founding Farmers' rendition. I was actually not a fan. I knew I don't like onions and asked for the balsamic onions on the side, but I think I was most turned off by the lemon aioli layered with finely cut lettuce. I usually don't think I'm a nit-picky person, but I think the aioli made the lettuce soggier. I overall didn't love this burger's composition. Aside from this, the patty was juicy and tasted good with the goat cheese which was the main objective of the burger anyway. All in all, I think Founding Farmers is still a worthwhile restaurant to check out while in DC, but I won't order this particular dish again. read more

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I really wanted to love it for being farm to table. But minor to major flaws made for just an average meal. The salt levels were unbalanced in my juicy Lucy burger, the cornbread was lacking any sweet, the falafel burger was too think and had a dry patty, my Paloma needed fresher grapefruit that hadn't been soaking in simple syrup, my friend found her gnocchi heavy and lacking herbaceousness and acid. Not one dish clearly succeeded, except bizarrely the cinnamon sugar bacon lollis. The wait staff is relaxed and attentive, while the vibe inside is of hungry diners having (just) a good time. read more

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I had a local friend recommend this place. I wasn't wowed, but would give it another shot. I realize that in this post I'm basically judging off the fried green tomatoes, but hey, it's my post. I was there with my kids, ages 9-12. Server was really nice and friendly. I just wasn't impressed by the food. Nice atmosphere. We ordered a cheeseburger (standard), a meatloaf dinner, (that was good), wings that appeared burned but don't be fooled by the appearance, they were actually good. I had the Allagash beer and friend green tomatoes. Both were okay at best. Beer didn't have too much flavor and the fried green tomatoes were edible but honestly probably the worst I have ever had, so I would not recommend those. All the presentation was is the fried green tomato on a bed of smashed goat cheese mixed with something else. Not much flavor or taste. read more

This was soooo good- well at least our first visit. Hubs convinced me for dinner since we visited another restaurant in Georgetown by the same owners, which was also very good. We had a very good experience during our first visit and have visited this location several times after when staying in the area. There are so many delicious options to choose from but I always go for the same entree. I believe I always wind up ordering the same cocktail as well. We have sat at the bar every time we visited and it was always for dinner and drinks. This location sells their distilled liquors so I have purchased a bottle every visit, except for our last visit. Out of all the times we visited, I only used the restroom during our last visit. I really enjoyed the candle burning and it smelled great. It actually was a candle they sold there but it was late and staff availability was slim so I was unable to inquire about purchasing one. Our visits deteriorated more as we visited. The first time we dined here, the bartender was attentive and personal. Every visit after that, we experienced some kind of issue and/ or bartenders lacking personality or attentiveness. Each time the food was very tasty but sometimes it did not seem fresh. We decided during our last visit to not make this place a priority for dinner when we come to DC again. The staff just all looked miserable. I cannot recall if it was our last visit or the time before but there is this female manager who is unprofessional in my opinion. She approached a bartender and was basically accusing him of stealing because the till was short. They were not closed yet and that conversation should not have occurred in front of others. read more

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Stopped in here for dinner on a weeknight. Our party of four were seated right away as we had a reservation. I think reservations are highly suggested for most restaurants in downtown. We ordered their Hot Crab & Artichoke Dip and the Fried Green Tomatoes to share as appetizers -- both were wonderful especially the crab and artichoke dip. For my entree, I had the Ribeye steak paired with mash potatoes and veggies -- thank goodness the steak was prepared at my temperature request (medium rare) because I can't do a well-done steak. I appreciate the food philosophy model of being farmer-owned and the restaurant supporting American farmers through its farm to table concept. This was a good pick for food, ambiance, and service. Would return. read more

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We went here for a corporate dinner. The wait was very short to get seated and we were asked for our drink preferences immediately. I got a drink from their spring menu since they had the cherry blossom theme - It was great! We ordered several appetizers for the table and they were all amazing - cornbread which came in a cast iron skillet with honey butter, spinach artichoke dip with bread, kung pao dumplings, shrimp dumplings, and calamari. The appetizers were all amazing and the dumplings had a nice spicy kick. For my entree I got the steak frites. The menu had several southern food options but I was feeling like steak. The steak was delicious and the fries were great too although the dish had fewer fries than I'm used to when ordering steak frites. For dessert, I split the affogato with a friend and it was great given my first time trying the dessert. I'd love to come back to try the seven cheese macaroni sometime or try out the shrimp and grits. read more

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My nephew and granddaughter were visiting and I wanted to take them out for a nice lunch near home. I've eaten here several times before but always during the weekend buffet. I tell you I don't know when I've been this disappointed with a meal. The crab cake had no taste, I would not have known it was crab had the waitress not verified it. The fries looked and tasted as if the grease needed changing. I have always enjoyed FF&D's donuts but our donuts were like rubber, even my granddaughter who loves sweets declined a second bite. The only bright spot was the bathrooms were clean. Soooo disappointed! $$$ wasted. read more

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The food here has never disappointed us whether brunch (amazing buffet! lunch, or dinner). Despite having a big menu, they execute everything we've had well. Their prices are fair especially considering the quality/quantity of food. The ambience is nice and space is large. Reliable service. We especially love their fried chicken (we like spicy, it's not overpowering) and highly recommend both the chicken and waffles as well as chicken and biscuits (this sides slapped as well - waffles, biscuits, mac and cheese, greens, the whole 9 yards!). Portions are very generous, if you're not hungry consider splitting or taking leftovers. read more

Founding Farmers & Distillers - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Today's dinner was great. I opted for a Strawberry Ginger Margarita and the scallops with risotto for dinner. The meal was excellent. Scallops were cooked perfectly and risotto had a lemon zest that added to the already delicious flavor! Service was good considering how busy it was tonight. The vibe was cool and nice for our team dinner. As a local, I'll be back for sure. read more

Founding Farmers & Distillers - Strawberry Ginger Margarita - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I love their new barbecue, especially the brisket and the ribs! Customer service is great and found a farmers is one of those places in DC that you have to visit for lunch or dinner I highly recommend that you check out there new barbecue menu it's perfect for the summertime read more

Founding Farmers & Distillers - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I had a very disturbing experience at this restaurant during a team dinner. What started as a joyful and pleasant evening quickly turned into a nightmare when I found a cockroach in my spaghetti. The most horrifying part was that I had already eaten about one-third of the dish before discovering it. The moment I pulled it out, the entire table was shocked and panicked. What was supposed to be a happy team gathering instantly became chaotic and disgusting. This is completely unacceptable. Finding a cockroach in food raises serious concerns about the restaurant's kitchen hygiene and food safety standards. If something this obvious made it onto a customer's plate, I can only imagine what the kitchen conditions must be like behind the scenes. I strongly do NOT recommend this place. Everyone in my organization has heard about this incident, and many colleagues encouraged me to leave this review to warn others. Some even joked that I should sue the restaurant. To this day, whenever my coworkers mention this place, they don't call it by its real name anymore -- they simply call it "the Cockroach Dinner." This was easily one of the worst dining experiences I have ever had. read more

Founding Farmers & Distillers - Part of the menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I was in town for the weekend to run a half marathon, and after the race I needed a good meal to refuel. My friend who lives locally in DC recommended a couple of places and we decided to meet here. We got there about 1:00pm towards the tail end of peak brunch time. It was still busy, but we were able to find two seats at the bar pretty quickly. The bartender was friendly and greeted us with menus and water. My friend ordered the Founding Farmers Breakfast with a Diet Coke and I ordered the ham & cheese scramble with pancakes and my drink was the Strawberry Fizz. Everything arrived pretty quickly and we both enjoyed our meals! Mine was exactly what I needed to refuel after running a half marathon that morning. The service was great and there was a lively atmosphere. Next time I am in DC, I will definitely have Founding Fathers on my list for brunch! read more

Founding Farmers & Distillers - Ham & Cheese Scramble, Original Pancakes, Strawberry Fizz* - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

WOW. Just wow! I've been to another of this brand in the city, but this one is officially the top of my list! If you are a foodie, you need to get here immediately. First things first: the Fried Green Tomatoes. They are, without a doubt, the best I have ever had. They were firm, fried to absolute perfection, and that sauce? Outstanding! It was an amazing food experience from start to finish. We had a large party, which can be stressful, but the service was top-tier. Yohhanas was our server, and he was incredible! Attentive, professional, and handled our group with ease. If you're looking for someone who can serve a large party and keep everyone happy, he is your man! We were seated in the private room, and while the journey there was a little "sketchy" (you have to go downstairs through the kitchen to a back room with no windows), don't let that throw you off! It was actually very quaint, private, and perfect for our group. For my main, I had the Cioppino and the homemade bread--both were delicious. But whatever you do, save room for dessert. The beignets were divine, and the bread pudding was out of this world! I am already planning my next visit. This place is a gem! read more

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Farmers & Distillers continues to hold a deeply special place in my personal and professional journey in DC. Today was an especially meaningful visit. I stopped in before facilitating a marketing and job preparedness workshop for DC natives in partnership with DOES and Carolina Canyon Co., and I picked up donuts for the cohort as a special treat. Not only were the donuts massive and absolutely delicious, they were the perfect touch for the group. Everyone loved them and they helped set a warm, welcoming tone for the session. This visit felt like a true full-circle moment for me. Nearly eight years ago, I was part of the opening team at Farmers & Distillers, where I helped train the serving staff and spent many long nights contributing to the development of DC's hospitality workforce. Hospitality and people development have always been at the heart of my career, and it was incredibly emotional to walk back in today -- now working with a new cohort focused on career readiness and professional growth for DC residents. The manager on duty and staff were wonderful as always -- welcoming, professional, and consistent in delivering the level of service that makes this restaurant such a community staple. Moments like today remind me how interconnected DC's hospitality industry truly is. From training restaurant teams years ago to now helping prepare the next generation of professionals, I'm grateful to continue serving this city in new ways. I truly hope I'm making my mentor, Dan Simons, proud. read more

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Got a takeout order from the restaurant! The takeout orders were a smaller portion size than expected for all the dishes. Prime Rib Au Jus 3/5. Very surprised that it came on a brioche burger bun instead of a regular roll. The meat was tender but I felt like the portion size was small. Disappointed in the only 3 onion rings. The sandwich was very rich and tasty though. The grand meatball was also a 3/5, not as big as expected - but definitely a tasty sauce that went well with the dip. The donuts were a 5/5! Really enjoyed the flavors - tried the strawberry, banana, and chocolate! read more

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Really nice ambiance for a lunch. Here for a conference, party of 7. Apps were great. Dumplings = amazing, corn bread also outstanding, dips were great. Grilled cheese and tomato soup was fantastic, noodles were well received, stew was so good, bacon lolipops were well liked. Would return! read more

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Stopped in here for an early morning breakfast and left with very positive impressions. We both got scrambles and they were very good - fresh ingredients, good flavor. Even the side of fruit was done well! read more

Founding Farmers & Distillers - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We were in search of great food before our concert at Capital One Arena, which is in walking distance. Upon arrival it looked super busy, however, they were able to accommodate my husband and I. My husband ordered a burger and I had the fish and chips. In addition we both ordered cocktails. The food came out promptly, as well as the fish and chips. Not to mention the skillet bread that was suggested and is popular among the customers. Everything was delicious! The eating space was nice, clean and classic inside, but also had outdoor space. Our waitress was amazing as well! Overall, I'm looking forward to returning, when visiting DC! read more

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Met a friend here who was in town on business. After reviewing the menu we chose this restaurant because of the variety. Food: Diner 1 had the Twice Cooked Beef. This was very average, but he enjoyed it. Diner 2 had Shrimp and Grits. This was not good. The roux lacked flavor as did the shrimp. Most of the shrimp were dry and clearly added to the dish afterwards. The grits? Well there was a small dollop under the roux. Had to poke around for it, and it also was not good. Diner 3 -- Crabcake dinner. Yuk! That's the best I can do with the description. Service was great! Ambiance was an overall nice vibe. They make a lot of the spirits there, and offered a drink menu with variety. Unfortunately, the mule we had missed the mark. Worth noting: Management's insincere attempt at apologizing for our experience left a lot to be desired. The offer of "leftover Easter candies" was insulting. read more

This is an okay yet overpriced place for breakfast. The blueberry pancakes were solid and a large portion but they're pricey and don't include any sides. The bacon is sub-par and I'd recommend skipping it since it was a couple strips of fairly tasteless and overcooked bacon. Overall this is an okay place for breakfast but not a must try due to the cost. read more

Founding Farmers & Distillers - Blueberry Pancakes with Bacon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Brunch: 3.5/5 Based on brunch and Thanksgiving! I've been to brunch and of course the food was tasty, but the set up wasn't ideal. I also didn't like that it didn't have all the options the other location has! That was disappointing. Some of the dishes seemed less fresh in a way. It seemed drier as if they weren't being eaten as quickly and refreshed as often. Thanksgiving: 5/5 Thanksgiving dinner is a whole new ballgame! We dined inside with a reservation for Thanksgiving day and it was so relieving to show up knowing you're getting a thoughtfully curated and fresh holiday dinner! The cornbread was moist and the biscuits were great! There were great food and dessert options that took the extra step to feel "at home." I loved it so much that we invited friends to eat here for Thanksgiving the year after! We did it as a to-go order and it was still amazing! We had cleared plates across the table! year after! read more

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Wide ranging menu and everything our party ordered was fresh and delicious Rosendo our waiter was attentive and very knowledgeable regarding menu read more

Well..what can I say? This place came highly recommended but it didn't quite meet the hype. Now don't get me wrong the 121 rule doesn't apply here. (The 121 rules is a rule that says if the parking lot is empty steer clear) this place was packed and the food was good. The service was great. There's really no complaints but the breakfast was just breakfast...you know what I mean? Nothing really stood out. Well except for the pancakes. They were great. We got the blueberry...but here's where they lost cool points. The pancakes were 6 bucks...but they charged us 6 more bucks just for a shot glass of blueberry compote. Not cool....and the orange juice tasted funny. read more

Founding Farmers & Distillers - These pancakes were great! But they charged us $6 for that little cup of blueberry compote. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We did brunch buffet this past weekend and to he honest it was alright. We went there 11:30sh and most of the food are not getting refilled or they take long to refill. Location: It is located along Massachusetts Avenue. There is a lot of seatings inside and the main buffet spot is in the middle. Service: the guy served us was good. Food: to be honest the food was alright. It is a hit and missed. Most of the food trays are empty so you have to go back twice or trice to check if they refill it which they don't. My favorites were the ribs, roast beef, beignet which you must get!!! Otherwise other food is generic. Also not much choices for a $45 dollar buffet. Price rating: 9/10. We pay $110 for 2 people including tips. It is probably worth it if they refill food quickly. Will probably not come back for buffet here, maybe regular menu is better. read more

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We came on a Saturday afternoon for dinner before attending an event. I believe our waiter's name was Andrew and he was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. I've only mainly come for brunch so this was my second time for dinner. The service was great and the food was prepared well, the entrees just went my favorite. The ambiance was nice as it wasn't too crowded or loud. For the appetizers we got the crab dip and shrimp dumplings. Both were great and I highly recommend. I got the crab cake entree (forgot to snap photos, sorry!). I am from the DMV area so I know what a good crab cake tastes like. This had a lot of breading and the coleslaw wasn't my favorite. My mother got the ribeye, mashed potatoes and greens/cabbage. The ribeye was just okay but we didn't care for the cabbage. I highly recommend dining here I just would recommend trying other entrees. read more

Founding Farmers & Distillers - Crab & Artichoke Dip - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The atmosphere is inviting and the food tantalizing! I had the steak frites, one of us had the salmon salad, and one had pappardelle bolognese-all excellent! The best part of dinner was the service! Our server, CJ, was warm and friendly, super knowledgeable, and very attentive to our every need. Ask for his area if you decide to dine here because you will love the service! read more

Great breakfast place. I came before the brunch buffet was set up but was delighted with the a la carte options. The decor is great from the large George Washington mural to the vintage plate designs. We were intrigued by the starter peanut butter banana toast which sounds simple, but it was really elegant with high-quality ingredients including a little marshmallow fluff. This is a great dish for sharing. The founding farmers breakfast allows some great customizations of otherwise standard breakfast fare. We got eggs (scrambled, so buttery and soft), meat (chicken apple sausage is unusual and a great sweet/salty combo), side (fresh fruit for a little healthy kick) and bread (apple walnut raisin was amazing and needed very little butter as it was already sweet.) Bathrooms were nice, booths were spacious, service was excellent, and as they were putting out brunch options as we were wrapping up, it looked amazing. Would love to come by and try that option as well, but the standard menu is still wonderful. read more

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Founding Farmers Nice place to gather after a busy day viewing museums. The location was easy to find. The Labor Day holiday allowed free and easy access to street parking when we arrived early in the evening. The restaurant is spacious and inviting with also a nice outdoor patio area. Service was prompt and friendly. Their lunch/ dinner menu was quite extensive. I did wish was that the music could have been toned down in volume. Conversations were hard to maintain. Their menu was quite extensive and the prices seemed about par for the area. The fried green tomatoes was ok, but I would have liked a lighter touch to the batter but the tomato was tasty. I had the Shrimp and Grits, Andouille which was a bit salty and the portion of grits was quite meager but the shrimp was cooked well. Everyone in our group completed their meal and were quite filled. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. read more

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I have been here a couple of times over the years. The food always blows me out of the water! Thoroughly delicious. Zoe was our waitress and was very attentive. We had to wait a couple of minutes at lunch time on a weekday to get in but they were very quick. I had the cobb salad which was so full of shrimp and avocado and all the good ingredients. Definitely worth the money although I had to ask for more dressing. Looking forward to coming back in the future! read more

Founding Farmers & Distillers - Twice cooked beef - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I have been to a lot of founding farmers branches but this one is one of the best , And of course brunch options are very exclusive and satisfy every taste. I got Goat Cheese & Beet Hash which was tricky different taste and Yummy but I ended up not finishing all the beets read more

I visited with a big group of about 8 on a Friday morning. The staff was very according and friendly, considering a few members of our party arrived at different times. Fortunately we were able to start ordering beverages while waiting for the whole party. The service was fast and friendly. Once we ordered our meals, everything came out at the same time and was hot and fresh. I really enjoyed my breakfast plate and margaritas. Everyone else enjoyed their food too, but I will say some of them felt like the seasonings were a bit bland. Overall, a solid choice for a meal for a group that likes a little bit of everything read more

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service is good but the food and drinks are average. Mai tai was great but the vodka soda was bad. And they claimed that they made vodka from their distillery. Garlic black pepper wings tasted like Korean sweet sauce BBQ wings, no black pepper flavor. Ahi Tuna bites were good, love the crispy chips and tuna poke Southern fried chicken is disappointing, the battery is kind of bland and chicken is tasteless and dry. Banana foster Jefferson donut- donut was not fluffy and the banana paste in it was just a normal mashed banana paste. read more

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Very solid 4.5! Not my first time here, but first time having dinner. Of course we ordered the classic fried chicken and waffles which is I think the best in downtown DC area! Their fall cocktails were so fun, and definitely leave space for a Jefferson filled donut as your dessert. Since it is the Chinatown location, dont sleep on the noodles. Also the corn bread is phenomenal- definitely get that too!! read more

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I am visiting family and we were looking for a quick bite to eat. We came here for lunch and they have so many options. There is all types of cuisines here. We got the cheeseburger, the gnocchi, and the Caesar salad. They were all delicious and very fresh ingredients. There is plenty of indoor seating and they have a mini cafe by the front. Definitely give them a try! read more

Founding Farmers & Distillers - Cheeseburger, caesar salad, and Ricotta Gnocchi Pomodoro - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

You are paying for service, high Quality food and amazing venue when you come here. That being said the food is Fantastic! Honestly I had 10 people where I should go when in DC. All 10 said Founding Farmers!!! They all gave their reasons and different locations for them. We tried a few while in town and are so happy we did. Didn't try the buffet but hear it differs. The drinks are great they are more than I would pay back home but they are in line with other big citys I have been to LA, SF ect. so don't be too surprised. We had dinner, breakfast and lunch over the last trip. We went back multiple times because it was just that good. Breakfast - French toast was amazing pay the extra and try the syrup!!!! The real stuff the good stuff. Lunch and dinner have small varents but wow ribs amazing, fried chicken was just too good to past up. We had a blast and enjoyed ebey minuet of it! read more

I absolutely love this place and it never disappoints. This is one D.C. gem I can always recommend as a lover of fresh/quality food. The food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and is made from scratch. Their fish dishes are always a hit but you really can't go wrong with any option here. The fries are very delicious too. Everything tastes high-quality and well-prepared. The drinks are just as impressive -- authentic, well-mixed, and full of flavor. They currently have a seasonal fall menu, and the cocktail I tried from it was amazing. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and perfect for socializing. The servers have always been very pleasant and helpful also. I definitely recommend this spot for anyone looking for great food, great drinks, and great vibes in D.C. I would consider this a staple. I still have to come for breakfast as people rave about their brunch/breakfast. read more

Founding Farmers & Distillers - Pretty ambience here - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Their brunch buffet is a must-try if you're in the DC area! A fantastic, high-quality variety of options with a mix of table and traditional buffet service. Their mission & values were also very admirable and well decorated in the interior to represent that. Well located throughout the city with different properties. We had an entree at a different Founding Farmers location, and it seems like the service & food quality are both consistently great. read more

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What a great lunch. Food was perfect. Vegetable burger was superb. Started with tempura vegetables which were light and fresh. So nice. Also had a chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans which was expertly prepared. Service was prompt and courteous. Pricing was on par with DC eateries. However, the value was exceptional. Can't go wrong for lunch or dinner. Wanted the dessert but the portions were more than enough that I had to beg off. read more

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We stopped in Saturday morning and I had found this place based off the infatuation's "The best breakfast spots in DC" and there is a good reason this place made the list! Everything we tried was delicious. On weekends they offer a breakfast buffet which a very wide selection. Staff were attentive and the restaurant was decorated very nicely. I will definitely be coming back here next time I am in DC read more

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Oooh chile...this was some good eatin' right here. I went with some coworkers for an after work hang one night while I was in DC and man was Founding Farmers ever the right choice. My drink was really good and the choices of drinks were right up my alley. Also their starters and sides were unusual but very appetizing. The cross between southern food, asian food and steakhouse food is an intersection of pure delight, and they pulled it off well. My waiter, Abe, was a cool ass dude who really made sure our 12 person table was handled with kindness and professionalism. The space was meant for a lotta people to eat out and I think they'd be good at handling bigger crowds than were present when we were. The whole place felt kinda homey and inviting. Know this: I will be back because what I didn't mention before was the bakery thats part of this establishment. It was... well that part is for YOU to discover. read more

Founding Farmers & Distillers - The last of an AWESOME meal!!! After my whole dinner I had to go back in for the Key Lime Pie...SO worth it!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia