By: Cori Sue
Typically, I avoid brunch at Kramerbooks. Several years ago, I met an older-and-wiser District resident there for a late breakfast while working as a summer intern and thought it was “like the coolest.place.ever.” Nowadays, I consider myself a D.C. native and too creative to dine at this typical D.C. tourist spot. However, as it is spring, I seem to have out-of-town visitors every weekend. Kramer’s is close, we were hung-over, so to Kramer’s we went.
The wait was minimal and we were able to peruse the book store. (My opinion on the bookstore, is different, however, I love love love it). They brought us bread, orange juice, water, and coffee (all included in the entrée price) immediately, which essentially saved my life.
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
I decided to avoid the sugary pancakes, waffles and French toast section (so tempting) opting for one of the benedicts instead. I like that they give you options—traditional, crab cake, salmon, tomato-avocado, or prosciutto. I proverbially pounced on the crab cake. Once again, major points for a quick delivery of the entrees allowing all four ladies to easily maintain composure despite ravenous hunger. I was shocked- shocked!- that my crab cake benedict did not come on an English muffin, the nerve! However, I ended up being satisfied by the toast set-up.
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
I asked for my poached eggs on the less runny side, and, lo and behold, they were perfect! (This never happens, anywhere). The asparagus added a nice touch, despite my general ambivalence toward the vegetable.
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
What of the hollandaise, you ask? Well, it was decent—certainly not memorable, or life-changing. Also, there was too little of it. Luckily, Stephanie had the Smith Island Crab Omelet, which came with a bowl full of hollandaise, and she was kind enough to share.
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
The other girls also had omelets—the Soho, with spinach, bacon and swiss-cheese, and the Brie-Basil-Tomato. The omelets were huge, accompanied by heaping portions of Café potatoes and delicious fresh fruit. All omelet eaters were very happy campers, indeed. Despite the higher price tag for the brunch entrees ($15-18), Kramer’s is worth the price due to (a) the inclusion of coffee or tea, orange juice and breakfast breads, (b) the heaping portions, and (c) the lively, bright, festive atmosphere.
The bitches say: A, for lots of good food and bottomless coffee and OJ at a solid price along with good service and a great location.
Kramerbooks
1517 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C.
Just found you through DC Blogs and am immediately subscribing because brunch is my favorite meal by far. Do you know if all of their benedict dishes come on toast? I actually really like that idea because I’m a huge eggs benedict fan (even better with smoked salmon and avocado), but not a huge fan of english muffins. I’m gonna have to check this one out.. maybe I’ll wait till fall when the tourists leave though.
[...] off work, get brunch! Lots of restaurants are serving brunch today, including Red Rocks Pizzeria, Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe, Founding Farmers, Eatonville, Busboys & Poets, and Belga [...]