Daily Sunshine: Breakfast at Lunch

| Print Post This | Like (0) | Comments (0)

BACK IN COLLEGE, there were two important go-to spots: places that sell beer all night and places that sell hangover-curing foods all day.

But now, you've discovered there's almost nowhere downtown that serves breakfast after 10 a.m. — or stores that sell beer past 10 p.m. Luckily, a few spots do cater to the breakfast-for-lunch crowd — hungover or not.

The Art Gallery Grille delivers with a greasy egg option post-noon. Four omelets stand out in a crowd of salads, sandwiches and Mediterranean dishes. The three-egg omelets almost cover the entire plate, although there's room for the fries (!) and whole-wheat toast. The California version is especially delicious, filled with Swiss cheese, avocado, spinach and mushrooms.

After years of customers begging to order breakfast food for lunch, owner Fuad Abiaad finally agreed just a year ago — and this is the Grille's 36th year in operation. "It's not that there is a different profit margin," explains Abiaad on why more breakfast items aren't available all day; it's simply that "we need all the grill space for lunch."

But as a compromise, he let the omelets sneak on to the menu. His favorite is the Sicilian — ham, pepperoni, scallions and tomato topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It's on the breakfast menu, but Abiaad will make it anytime when requested.

Luna Grill and Diner doesn't mess around — it serves plenty of breakfast dishes all day. From the standard egg-and-cheese sandwich to a vegetarian-friendly wrap, this Dupont sit-down's fare feeds suits and students alike. And for those craving sweet over savory, get there before 3 p.m. for a Belgian waffle.

The crowd favorite, claims Hicham Chenini, the longest-reigning server at Luna, is the Hardy Breakfast Wrap with scrambled eggs, maple sausage, onions and jack or cheddar cheese, served with home fries. But Chenini created his own masterpiece: an egg-white omelet with blue cheese and bacon, home fries and a bagel with cream cheese. "I don't finish it all, but I like it."

The busy New York-style deli Loeb's won't fix any scrambled eggs for lunch, but you can find other morning food. Dubbed the "Garment District," a bagel with cream cheese, Nova lox and the traditional accompaniments will meet your carb needs. And if you're really jonesing for an egg, order the Times Square: pastrami, cheese, slaw, Russian dressing and a ... fried egg.

» The Art Gallery Grille, 1712 I St. NW; 202-536-3380. (Farragut West)
» Luna Grill and Diner, 1301 Connecticut Ave NW; 202-835-2280. (Dupont Circle)
» Loeb's Restaurant, 832 15th St. NW; 202-371-1150. (McPherson Square)

Written by Express contributor Stefanie Gans
Photos by Suemedha Sood/Express