UberEats Review I live for a wholesome breakfast spot and this place understood the assignment! I also heard that their lunch menu is worth it so I'm looking forward to ordering soon. The brioche French toast was DELICIOUS! It's enough to share but when I say that this was buttery soft and sweet-believe it! It came with eggs prepared your way, so I went with soft scrambled, very tasty! Also added, bacon-just the right serving and it was not over fried. Overall my food was amazing and very cost affordable. read more

Highlands Cafè and Grill - Brioche French Toast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The location came as a nice surprise, as there's not a lot of options in that area. So, I was excited to try it. When we arrived we were seated right away. It was on a Saturday morning, about 11am so it wasn't crowded. But, as it got closer to noon, things went left (slowly). It look a really long time for everything, a long time to place our order , a long time to get the food, a long time for the server to come back to the table, a long time to get the check and a long time to pay the check. The food sufficed. We ordered simple items, bagel with lox and capers, eggs over easy, a side salad and chicken wings. What was supposed to be a quick bite turned into a two hour morning that wasn't planned. To be fair, it did get busier as we got closer to lunch, but the place isn't huge, so they should've been able to manage the crowd better. read more

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Great service and good food right in the neighborhood. For my first, but definitely not my last, visit to Highlands, me and the girls met up for desert. The star of the show was the warm bread pudding. The glaze added a subtle sweetness to the bread pudding and it was the perfect portion. I suggest if you try it, get a side of ice cream. I wasn't a fan of the cool-whip/whipped cream topping. It added nothing to the bread pudding. Highlands is a great spot to catch up with friends and grab a quick bite without having to cross a river. Seating capacity may be right at about 50 and the music added a nice touch. I look forward to returning to try one of the tasty looking entrees and a cocktail. One of our table neighbors had the oxtails. They look pretty good. I can't wait to try them. Happy eating. read more

Everything here is delicious!!! The atmosphere is always friendly. I love this place!!!

Mannn listen. I don't know who is in the back in that kitchen but listen it took me 15 minutes to decide so I went with the Branzino 10/10 not what I was expecting and I got the Mardi Gras pasta, wasn't my fav was on the watery side the bonus was portion. 5/10 read more

Highlands Cafè and Grill - Looks good right?! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Incredible staff and amazing service!!! Highlands never disappoint me. Today, Nancy and Elsie gave me 5 star service and of course Chef Sosa never disappoints!!! His entire menu is always consistently delicious !!! I truly appreciate the entire staff!!! read more

I've been a longtime fan of Highlands--my mentor first introduced me to the flagship location back in 2010-ish, and I've been hooked ever since. So when I heard they were coming EOR, I was over the moon . I've been here for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even a casual drink at the bar. The murals are gorgeous, the vibes are always celebratory, and the team here is consistently warm, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. In a time where every place seems to tack on a "customary" 20% before asking for a tip, Highlands stays refreshingly modest. Do yourself a favor and go on your birthday--the music goes up, Stevie Wonder comes on, and the entire restaurant joins in to celebrate you . read more

Highlands Cafè and Grill - His Metro Club & Juanita's Shrimp & Grits - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Mango smoothie 10's across the board perfect. Cajun pasta 10/10 as well 2nd time having it amazing my family took a bite from my plate and wanted to order it to go. Crème brûlée exceptional. Genuinely best food in dc. Only thing is server left their shift while serving us so we had to ask someone else for the check. Place is cute and perfect for a quick bite . read more

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What a cute little gem tucked away in that newish plaza on Pennsylvania ave! Located next to planet fitness..this place is super cute, reasonably priced and DELICIOUS food! Things I enjoyed: - The wings, the curry shrimp, the fried green tomatoes, the collard greens, the fries, the lamb chop were all delicious! REALLY REALLY good! - they do the cutest birthday celebration! If it's your birthday...let them know! - the staff was really friendly - ample parking! The only reason for the 4 stars was they were super slow...while the team was really kind...it was slow. Won't stop me from coming back, but hoping it's an easy fix. read more

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

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Highlands is one of my favorite places to eat in DC. this photo of the breakfast sandwich is not doing the food justice but it's the only photo I could grab while I was chowing down on this delicious breakfast sandwich. My favorite thing to get from Highlands are their breakfast and their salmon, rice and spinach dish. They're very consistent. The vibe is very nice and the customer service is always great easy parking too. I highly recommend this place. read more

Highlands Cafè and Grill - Salmon, rice and spinach - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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It was okay. The service was good and fast. The food for me left a lot to be desired. I got the open faced shrimp omelette and besides the seasoning from the tomatoes, peppers and onions there was hardly in taste to it. The shrimp was seasoned. It wasn't crowded when we went so the noise level was good. read more

Highlands Cafè and Grill - Open Face Fried Shrimp Omelet - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Now, I've ordered chicken and waffles from here at least 20-30 times. I ordered via UberEats today and was given the two smallest pieces of chicken! What's going on?! I'm usually given nice size pieces and can split my food into meals! Then they had the audacity to NOT include syrup and butter!!! Stuff is way too expensive for this!!! Moving forward, this restaurant is on my "do not order from" list. read more

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I have been going to Highland Cafe in SE DC for over one year, actually, close to 2 years and for the last 2 weeks the service has been rather slow- when, only 3 or 4 people are in the restaurant or less at the time I arrived which was this evening and last week in the evening. I sat down as same with last week and waited over 25 minutes and then was told my food still is not ready. I left out this evening.The service as gone down considerably.....I don't plan to visit no time soon. I am disappointed. read more

Get in here yall! They got parking! I love that I can park in the lot and not ride around until someone leaves. The food was pretty decent to where I'll give it another shot; just wasn't blown away. Very nice staff, my server just never came over. We also didn't have utensils so had to wait for someone at the bar to see us aimlessly lookin for someone to notice us. Iced coffee not great but the chai tea made up for it. Highlands has the most beautiful mural inside. It was a nice place to go grab a bite and chat with friends and family. read more

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This was my first time trying Highlands. I went to get takeout because it isn't far from a friend's house. I ordered a Chicken Empanada, Beef Empanada and Fried Green Tomatoes. My friend got the Blackened Salmon dinner which came with 2 sides - Jasmine Rice and Spinach. Everything was delicious. The service was quick and the food was fresh. The cashier was polite and there were a few families dining in. I took the food to go and ate about 30 minutes later. The food was still a good temperature. The empanadas came with a sauce to dip in. The sauce had an Asian vibe and it was tasty. The tomatoes came with a garlic sauce that I even dipped the empanadas in as well. My only complaint which isn't the restaurant's fault is that fried green tomatoes can get soggy as far as the batter if you don't eat them right when they're crispy. Other than that I would easily go back to try the other dishes or even breakfast. read more

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Had Tilapia for dinner. Good was excellent. Come early to get seating Service is good. Breakfast the next day was excellent as well read more

Highlands Cafè and Grill - Breakfast plate with cheese eggs sausage and home fries and toast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Was invited by a friend and her daughter and ended up having a great time. I ordered the shrimp omelet with grits and it was delicious. I also had 2 beers which was great. The service was excellent! In a mall on the backside where the dmv used to be. Great updated and modern look inside! After I learned about the purpose of the place I was glad to support! I would recommend this place! read more

Highlands Cafè and Grill - Open face shrimp omelet with grits - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Nice ambiance however service and food were poor. A tip of 20% was added automatically to the bill. I ordered the Tuscan omelet which advertised a grilled portobello. There was barely a teaspoon of sliced button mushrooms that were sautéed, not grilled. The slice of accompanying bread was ungenerous with a big air hole in it. The drip coffee was a good strong roast but served tepid, not hot. read more

Service was absolutely terrible today. The server was nonchalant. I had to get up for silverware, because the food was already given. I had to get up and ask for syrup. Had to beg to get the check to pay for the meal. The food was great, but the service was extremely sub-par. Especially since a 20% is force upon you. This service wasn't worth 20% at best 10%. And that's being generous. read more

I've heard great things about the food, service, and the prices. I'm a sucker for a great mural and this place has a beautiful atmosphere that radiates joy. As for the food. I ordered the blackened salmon, with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach. Everything was seasoned perfectly and the food is amazing. I can't wait to try something else on the menu. I hear that the breakfast is phenomenal. read more

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I will forever love this place! I used to go to the one uptown but now this one is closer to my house. The food is always consistent! Drinks are good and sometimes great! The customer service is always great! They know us when we walk in we come here so much lol my favs are the gumbo, turkey club, shrimp and grits, blackened salmon so many things are good here. The painting inside are so pretty and it's always nice and clean inside! Love love love it here! read more

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Highlands Cafe and Grill is a D.C. institution and I'm so glad they opened a location East of the River. Located by Planet Fitness in the Penn Branch Center, there's a spacious parking lot right outside. The inside is a single, cozy dining room with along bar and a waiting area. Wait to be seated or order takeout at the register. Waiting only 10 minutes for my to-go order, the po boy sandwich was really flavorful and the roll it's on is soft. The lava cake was good too. (It had a slight raspberry taste to it.) Service was friendly and quick. The space's walls are decorated with murals of the community as are the inside of the restrooms. read more

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Salmon dinner is always amazing! Service is great. Ambiance is welcoming and urban. Art on the wall is superb. My son likes the breakfast and pasta. One complaint from a friend on the portion and grits/shrimp combo. read more

Despite the previous reviews - our service was fast and everyone was nice. We both ordered the London Broil. It was ok - a bit sloppy (too much mayo) but it had good flavor. The music was good - from The Bee Gees to Earth, Wind & Fire! Would come again if I am in the area. read more

How? How is this review on this establishment so high? Were some of these reviews inadvertently on this location and should have been for the location uptown because NO! My food lacked seasoning (so essentially FLAVOR). To be fair, I ordered through UberEats and some of the presentation was list during the transport. You can't lose FLAVOR though! Definitely a big disappointment! read more

I can't even give this place an actual review considering I was never served. Sat a the bar for 10 mins and didn't get as much as a "Hi, how can I help you?" , I guess they thought I was just there to take up space and not be actually served food. read more

This place gives an urban vibe. I love their food they never disappoint . My most recent order was the Cesar salmon salad. The salmon was cooked just right. read more

Highlands Cafè and Grill - Salmon Caesar salad - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The food is delicious and staff are very nice. We have some dietary restrictions but everyone in our family can find something. I love thst they serve through tbe day. We are thrilled to have them in our community. read more

The food here is always great! If you are a drinker, you will not be disappointed. Definitely try a variety of items. We have not had anything that was less than excellent. I recommend the Bronzino and the short ribs are fork tender! The fried green tomatoes are also always good. Service is a bit slow, but it's OK on days when we are moving at a leisurely pace. read more

Great parking, great service, great food, and great music! I've heard about Highlands and I'm so happy that I've finally given it a try. We went for dinner and drinks and both were delicious. Can't wait to try them for breakfast. read more

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I've been to the original location on 14th st NW, but this was my first time visiting the Southeast location. The ambiance is very eye catching, when you first walk in you notice this beautiful mural on the wall and the customer service was excellent. My mother and I had the deep fried salmon, garlic spinach, and jasmine rice with a lemon butter caper sauce which was amazing. The salmon was fried to perfection and the spinach was so flavorful. We didn't eat anything else the rest of the day that's how full we were from our meals. I also had a chance to speak to the owner Chef Moe and hear his story about his upbringing in DC and his rise to opening up Highlands. I highly recommend checking Highlands out and enjoy some amazing food. read more

Highlands Cafè and Grill - Deep Fried Salmon Garlic Spinach Jasmine Rice Lemon Butter Caper Sauce - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Service is terrible. I really don't think they like black people just our money. I placed an order and it came back to me incorrect twice without an apology from the manager - a young spanish guy with glasses. It felt as if he was doing me a favor. I will never go back to Highlands Cafe again. I frequented the 14th St location when it first opened for years. I took my son and grandkids faithfully. He goes with his kids to the Penn Ave location. That will never happen again. Good service and respect will have me return even if the food is average. Highland will never get another dollar from me and I will encourage my friends to go somewhere else. read more

Amazing food and great service! We will definitely be visiting again for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

I was excited to try this spot, but I have to be honest and say it was not good. First, the salmon burger was so bready and it was hard to find pieces of salmon. The French fries were hot but tasteless. I really hate to say it because it was so cute in the space and they had good music playing. read more

This is my update to the original review I posted about eight months ago. THIS time, the service was horrible. And I'm not even talking about the wait staff. I'm talking about just getting seated. Mark down the date of this review: February 18, 2024. Took my wife, my son, his girlfriend and the grandson to get something to eat. This was on a Sunday. We get there at 12:30 PM. I asked how long was the wait for a table for five, and I was told 15 to 20 minutes. Seemed reasonable. As we're waiting, we're looking at the tables that cleared out. Mostly seating for two. There was a manager who came over and said "I haven't forgotten you, I'm waiting for this one table to clear and I'll get your party seated." Fine. So we're in the waiting area, and I'm looking at the table he's waiting to clear. They stopped eating and began watching some video presentation on a laptop. The guy looked over at them but was afraid to say anything. So I made my way up to the host desk and spoke to another guy. By now, it's 1:25 PM (55 minutes have passed since we first arrived). I asked him about the people at the table and his response was "do you want me to ask them to leave?" My response: "yes. They're not eating anymore." His reply was that he couldn't do that. He asked would I want him to do that to me, and I replied that I wouldn't take up space and cost him business. We left. Ended up going to Silver Diner in the Navy Yard area. Think about this: we got there at 12:30 and waited 55 minutes. Those people were there well over one hour and took up space. Once they stopped spending money, they should have left, or, because the restaurant was absolutely full, been asked to leave so that other paying customers could sit down and eat. You wonder why money doesn't stay in the community? THAT is why. Poor customer service. read more

I have to welcome the new gem of PennBranch Highland Cafe and Grill Lots of variety read more

Highlands Cafè and Grill - Full level Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Ok so we came here to support a local neighborhood "gem" or " nightmare". I walked in and had to ask a for a hostess to seat us although it was only like 6 pple in the place eating. Ok moving on I sit and I remove my coat and noticed it was "brick" aka cold. So I ask the server if she can turn up the heat or on. She states she can't due to pple sitting where the thermostat was. Weird. This happens after I order an appetizer which was the wings and a sex on the beach cocktail. So I decided I will eat my appetizer and drink my drink and leave. Wings are ok, the drink tasted like juice I'm pretty sure nooo alcohol was involved in the making of this drink . Waitress comes back for my order and I asked for the bill . She looked suprised and I honestly don't know why. It 0 degrees in there,I asked for a cocktail and you gave me grapefruit juice. Go figure. Will I come back here ? I don't think so . Would I recommend ? Not to my friends. Good luck read more

A great contender for a neighborhood spot. They need more servers and a better wine selection but their food has always been on point. Knowing their history, I just want to express my pride in their persistence and hard work and my best wishes for CONTINUED success. I'm not a local but it will remain on my short list when I'm in the area. read more

Hidden Gem This place is special. Pretty new to the neighborhood but will be a strong staple in due time. Great place to meet for drinks with friends or take a date. The ambiance is quaint, mostly two seat tables but they can accommodate large parties (we had a party of 10). They don't take reservations but get there early enough and they are happy to seat larger groups. To the food.....BOMB! Around the table there was lamb chops, New York strip steak, full branzino , gumbo, seafood soup, beef short ribs, Cubano sandwich, Caesar salad, spinach dip, fried green tomatoes, crème brûlée, all...of it...was...excellent!!!!!! Due yourself a favor and try it out. Thank me later and....you're welcome . Oh, and ask for Walter if you're there on Thursdays. He's an amazing host and serves up deliciously refreshing cocktails! read more

This spot has been added to my regular rotation of local restaurants and my go to spot! The food is really good, portions are great, the service is amazing, and parking is the best. It's a gem in SE, DC. We needed Highland Cafe & Grill in the neighborhood. Food I've had: salmon burger, grilled ck sandwich, highland salad and salmon, and few breakfast items. I try something new every time I visit. The only thing I did not like was the coffee.. that's minor. This spot is a must! read more