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    The Pembroke

    4.1 (418 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

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    French Toast
    Maryrose B.

    Very consistent in food quality and service. Had brunch with friends today and we went to Pembroke. Located in DuPont Circle area. Brunch menu is reasonable and delicious. Ambiance is nice, plenty of seating but you have to reserve specially as it gets later in the day. Wait staff are attentive. Highly recommend this place for brunch.

    Drinks
    Tara A.

    Was craving pasta and this more than satisfied the craving. Everything was SO GOOD! I got a passion fruit martini that I really liked. My sister didn't love her Hugo spritz. The mezcal margarita was also good. We started with the grilled octopus. It was cooked to perfection and the chimichuri sauce was so nice with it. Then we shared the vodka pasta and the lamb bolognese. Wow both of these were incredible. We also got truffle fries. It was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Yum! We didn't have room for dessert but I'm sure those would have been just as delicious. Service was also great! Will definitely be back!

    Brioche French Toast with a side of bacon and eggs.

    I was lucky to have breakfast here every morning for the past four days since I was staying at the hotel. My only wish was that my stomach was bigger so that I could finish the food. I tried something different everyday and each bite did not disappoint. The breakfast menu had a little something for everyone. My favorite by far was the french toast. I'm going to dream about the brûlée banana! Since I was here for a work event, I was embarrassed to have to dine alone. But the restaurant was so beautiful with a nice view. Perfect vibe to mentally prepare for the day. The best part of the experience was the service. They were extremely attentive and even remembered my coffee order by the end of the week. My favorite interactions were with the hostess. I believe her name was Dina, she made each experience personable and I admired how she helped her team to make sure everyone had a great dining experience. However, on my last day, I overheard an interaction with another worker where she had politely told him that a table was waiting for their check. She received a nasty response from him saying that he already knew and they're just going to have to wait. I hope that management works on the team dynamic so that exceptional members like Dina are treated with respect.

    Octopus
    Sonya H.

    Fantastic New American / European restaurant in a gorgeous space. I visited the Pembroke as part of a work team dinner during Restaurant Week, and we were thoroughly impressed by the quality of the food, super friendly service, and great ambiance. The space is gorgeous; I love all the plants, and the light brown, light blue, and white color combination for their furniture makes the space look classy and modern. The light brown leather couches are comfortable, and I love the way they circle around the tables to create a natural, cozy booth. Our food was just as beautiful as the space. The Restaurant Week menu comes with an appetizer, main, and dessert. Given how indecisive I can be (and how expansive the normal menu is), I was grateful to have my choices narrowed down a bit. I started off my meal with the octopus. The octopus was remarkably tender and not overly chewy, and had a delightful char that gave it a slightly smoky flavor. They double downed on the smokiness with their burnt chili oil, which, alongside the lemon and salsa verde, gave the dish a wonderfully balanced smoky, savory, and slightly acidic flavor. The crushed potatoes had a lovely crispy shell on the outside and served as a great base for the tender octopus. The main course was probably the easiest choice of the evening -- I'm absolutely obsessed with branzino, so the second I saw it on the Restaurant Week menu, I knew that was what I had to get. The fish is beautifully broiled, with a nice, crispy skin and super tender, flaky flesh. It's topped with a few pieces of roasted garlic and a wedge of lemon. The fresh lemon juice, as well as the lovely side salad, offered a great pop of freshness to bring the whole dish together. And finally, for our dessert, I chose the chocolate torta. This wonderful dessert is remarkably rich and decadent, with a strong dark chocolate flavor. It's topped with a lovely marsala date sauce and scoop of sheep's yogurt ice cream, but still doesn't feel overly sweet. The sheep's yogurt in the ice cream offers a bit of tanginess, and I loved the addition of the candied walnuts for a bit of crunch.

    Menu
    Te-Mika W.

    A weekend brunch - yes please! A friend who recently relocated from here came back for a visit and gathered four of us for a leisurely brunch at this place. None of us had ever been here. I like new places. Dupont Circle was easy parking this time of morning - around 10. I love trying chicken and waffles at different spots and when I saw it on the menu I had to get it, even if I wasn't ravenous. The menu is a little pricey (most in DC are), but the chicken & waffles was also one of the better values (IMO). The cornmeal waffle (which I've had it only found at a few other places) was definitely on point! My fellow patrons had never had a cornmeal waffle and were skeptical, so I let them try and - they approved. The chicken was fried well, even if it could've used a bit more flavor. The latte was as good as I expected it to be. The decor in this place is gorgeous, very elevated, and the weather was perfect that day for an indoor or outdoor seating. Service was pretty good too, and the place was pretty filled, but never felt crowded. I'd recommend.

    Robert M.

    Lovely spot at DuPont Circle. Went for early weekday breakfast while at conference (cool they were open at 7:00 a.m.) Had the French omelette and was frankly underwhelmed. It was good, not great, and I kind of wanted great. Coffee also not earth shaking, and was not even offered a refill. Would probably give a second chance - vibe was very blonde Jane Fonda circa late 60s. Cool.

    Children's menu: chicken strips and fries
    Ingrid L.

    This bright, modern restaurant had a great ambiance, and the staff was friendly without being overbearing, which I appreciated. The dishes we ordered were delicious and nicely presented. The portions felt just right to me, though I could see how some might find them a bit on the smaller side. My only note would be to ask for the salad dressing on the side-the Caesar salad was a bit over-dressed.

    The Pembroke: menu is outside the door for your perusing
    Eric W.

    Reservation is required. You can't find any swat without it. Food is okay. Not that great, but not bad at all. 4 stars. Drinks are strong! Service is 5 star for sure! Decor and interior is nice. Bathroom is shared with the bar. All in all, a solid choice if you're in embassy row/DuPont circle area.

    Kai M.

    Returning to say that this place is still a gem in Dupont Circle. Unmatched for intimacy, quality food, fun lattes, beautiful ambiance, and an amazing staff! My boyfriend planned the perfect birthday breakfast for me and Rath, our waiter, was so kind and accommodating and definitely the type of waiter that you want to encounter all the time. Breakfast was phenomenal!!! I ordered the flavorful Pembroke American breakfast which contains eggs your way, bacon, potatoes, charred greens, and a slice of sourdough bread. These flavors blended together perfectly, making this dish memorable with each bite. The eggs were scrambled with white cheddar-FLUFFY and oozing with buttery goodness. The bacon was fried just right! The breakfast potatoes were bursting with herbs and a consistency in preparation. The charred greens added a balance to the fattiness from the bacon and eggs, meshing the dish together. This entire dish was stellar and no, I did not try the bread because the potatoes left me stuffed lol My boyfriend had the brioche French toast which came topped with apples. Whew! Another great pick! I took a small bite and was immediately stopped in my tracks by the softness, burst of cinnamon, and extraordinary taste! Our lattes were perfect! To conclude the dish, our amazing waiter provided us with a complimentary dessert to celebrate my birthday. He sang happy birthday softly and that made the dining experience even more worth the while. INCREDIBLE! I love the Pembroke and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great dining experience.

    Steak and Eggs (Replacement for the first dish due to hair)
    Nicholas C.

    Truly a lower than average experience food wise. Arti and Jose were great servers! Very attentive and provided recommendations without hesitation. My main issue here is with a manager I presume she was. The steak and eggs I had ordered came with a hair on the side of the potatoes. She stopped by shortly after our food came to ask how things was and that is when I brought up the hair. I just asked for the potatoes to be remade. I understand hair happens but I was not thrilled when she insisted on remaking my entire dish. I gave up after the third insistence after I repeatedly said it was fine, I just want new potatoes. My original dish was delicious (I avoided the potatoes of course). Steak and eggs were cooked to perfection. However, my new dish was horrible. I had a feeling it was going to be awful as it's expected the new dish would be rushed whenever the original dish gets sent back. The steak was chewy and not medium cooked. Overall dish was very salty. If they added another seasoning I did not notice as the salt overwhelmed it. It also appears they doubled portioned everything but the steak. I would have much appreciated the original dish with the hair in it. I had expressed this to Arti and he was sympathetic. He was unknown to the issue I had with my dish. At that point I didn't really want anything more from here. Just the check and to leave. After that whole incident, I would have assumed my order would have been discounted or taken off the bill. That was not the case. She also vanished from our sight since taking my food back. My mom ended up not enjoying her meal either. She had the French omelette and thought the mustard was a rather overpowering touch to it. My mom was also surprised my meal was still on the bill. She was going to complain but I withheld as it truly is not that deep especially since the manager didn't care to come back to check if the new dish was satisfactory or not. I was given a warning not to go here by my friends and boy did I wish I listened. I wouldn't come back on my own accord but to eaches own. This restaurant will most likely stay here forever given its amazing ambiance and ease of location.

    Trying to finish my quarter!!
    M U.

    We ate breakfast here twice on a recent trip to DC. The first time we tried the "healthier" options--oatmeal, yogurt, and coffee. All of them were perfectly serviceable, but nothing wowed us, and we really didn't care for the coffee. The second day, though, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience! We got a cappuccino and a latte, and they were much better than the coffee. We got a cinnamon roll for the table--holy mackerel!! You could definitely share it with four or five people--it's huge! It's also delicious. Lots of gooey frosting, hazelnuts, and soft bread. I'm pretty sure there was orange in the frosting, too, and I liked that. For my meal I had the standard breakfast--it was so big. That we decided to share it the next time we ate there. Normally I get my eggs over-medium, but I went with scrambled and they were perfect!! The eggs were soft, yet still substantial--just perfect. The best part of the meal, though, was the warmth of the staff and servers. The hostess and manager remembered us from the previous day, and they were both very kind and welcoming. Our server, Gio, was a gem. He was super friendly and easy to talk to, but he didn't hover or upsell--he just seemed like a really great guy who is able to brighten the corners.

    Jose P.

    If you want to enjoy an elegant, well serviced, delicious breakfast/brunch, come to The Pembroke. Located steps away from Dupont Circle, this restaurant's allure can be seen as you approach. The outdoor seating area is beautifully decorated, will have plenty of shade during the summer months, and is adorned with lavish green planters. The interior has large booths, bar seating, and their seats have an appealing pattern. The host staff was very friendly and accommodated our 12 person reservation. We were seated in two comfortable adjacent booths. My Cappuccino was smooth, creamy, served in a large cup, and artistically created. The entrees were SOOOOO GOOD! My French Omelet (Boursin cheese, herbs, mixed greens, mustard vinaigrette) was exquisite. The cheese was velvety, pleasantly salty, the accompanied sourdough bread was crunchy, and every forkful was throughly enjoyed. The other delectable entrees were: Avocado Toast with a poached egg, Pembroke American Breakfast, and Smoked Salmon Bagel. When in D.C., don't hesitate to start your day at The Pembroke. You'll leave content and add it to your future visits.

    Levain bread and butter, duck pasta, and beer and wine
    Angela L.

    This is such an elegant location! This restaurant is connected to the hotel we stayed at and the service was delightful, our waitress answered all of our questions and had great recommendations! The pasta was so good I wanted something that wasn't too heavy and the duck with pasta delivered. If you go here I recommend metroing in as there is limited street parking.

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

    Great service, good menu for brunch, delicious coffee. Lots of room to spread out in the dining room.

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    1 year ago

    Expensive but delicious food with great ambiance. Service also solid. Best hotel restaurant I've tried.

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    3 years ago

    One of my favorite brunch spots in DC. Looking forward to going back in the summer. The food and drinks were amazing.

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Amazing service, food and ambiance. Had the branzino dish and the grilled lobster and it was delicious

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    Page 4 of 11

    The Pembroke Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Pembroke

    Is the atmosphere kid friendly?

    Yes!

    Do they have heated outdoor seating?

    What's the dress code?

    Casual business not shorts

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    Unconventional Diner - Space is large, bright, and contemporary.  Reservations recommended.

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    0.4 miDowntown, Dupont Circle
    $$$

    There Are Hotels. And Then There Is The Jefferson…read more Some places hold history the way marble holds cold, the way a well-appointed room holds silence after a long day of noise. Washington, D.C. is full of those places. Monuments. Halls of power. Streets that hum with the weight of decisions that shaped the world. But The Jefferson sits in a different category entirely. It does not shout its significance. It assumes it. Quietly. Perfectly. The way only a truly great institution can. For a millennial woman who grew up watching The West Wing and Scandal; who came of age believing that proximity to power was a personality trait, walking into The Jefferson feels like arriving somewhere you already knew existed but had not yet been permitted to enter. The lobby does not try to impress you. It simply receives you. Dark wood, dramatic marble,, soft light, the kind of quiet that costs something. I came for an afternoon. I left with a story. It started with a glass of wine and a question. The wine was easy. The question was better. I turned to Mike, the bartender, the kind of professional who carries himself with the quiet competence of someone who has never once doubted a pour, and I asked him directly: how confident are you in making the perfect martini? Sky high, he said. He was not wrong. Gin. A wash of vermouth. Nothing more. Stirred, because some things are not up for negotiation, and James Bond has a lot to answer for. The glass arrived impossibly cold, impossibly clear, with a lemon twist curled inside like a small, elegant secret. The first sip was the kind that makes you set the glass down slowly, look at nothing in particular, and simply exhale. That was the drink. That was the moment. That was The Jefferson saying: you are exactly where you should be. What followed was a burger. But calling it a burger is like calling the Library of Congress a place with books. They heard me. Gluten free toast in place of a bun, no hesitation, no substitution tax levied in the form of a lesser experience. The patty was serious. The cheese was melted with intention. And then, the Dijon. Two small jars of Clovis, the kind of condiment that makes you wonder why you ever settled for anything else. Thick. Complex. The culinary equivalent of a strong opinion delivered with grace. This is what D.C. does to you when you let it. When you stop moving long enough to sit at a bar that has probably hosted quiet conversations that changed things, and you order something beautiful, and you let the afternoon arrive. This city is not just for politicians and lobbyists and people with lanyards. It belongs, equally, to the ones who show up knowing what they want and how to ask for it. Stirred. Not shaken. Mike understood that before I finished the sentence. And The Jefferson understood it long before I walked through the door.

    Such a cozy and intimate bar, complete with painted portraits, martini shakers going and piano…read moreplaying! It felt so quintessentially DC of a cocktail bar.

    Photos
    Quill - Bar!

    Bar!

    Quill - Thanks Andrew!!

    Thanks Andrew!!

    Quill

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    The Pembroke - newamerican - Updated August 2026

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