Birch & Barley Brunch
by Tess
We recently heard Birch & Barley and Churchkey expanded their brunch service to offer the same menu at both locations. With that, we decided it was time for a much-needed re-review of the 14th Street locale.
Shruti and I both got a late start to our Sunday. There were no excuses–it was a sunny, but brisk day in the city and our reservation was for 11 a.m. yet somehow, we were still late. Luckily, the hostess was nice enough to hold our table for brunch on the house that morning.
Our waiter was unbelievably nice and understanding, and not the least bit judgmental, which was much appreciated. I ordered a coffee for Shruti and two orange juice mimosas for the table while I scrolled through Instagram waiting for my brunch companion.
The mimosas tasted very fresh and strong. They were served in large wine glasses, as opposed to the typical champagne flute. Shruti is much more exciting and fun than I am, so she wasn’t quite in a mimosa mood, as she had a rowdy Saturday night. More for me? I was a happy camper!
Birch & Barley doesn’t offer a bottomless mimosa option, but they do have another great deal. For just $12, you can get any two brunch cocktails and bottomless coffee or tea. This is great for when you want to have fun, but have work to get done that day. We approve!
I ordered the chicken and waffles and Shruti ordered the cacio e pepe bucatini. I really enjoyed my meal. The chicken was boneless which I appreciated for ease and convenience. The fried chicken thigh was tasty and crispy. I normally don’t love dark meat, but I really enjoyed this one. The waffle was fluffy and piping hot and went great with the syrup. It was a tasty dish.
Shruti was in recovery mode and in dire need of carbs. The cacio e pepe bucatini was a little too salty for her taste buds, but prepared well otherwise.
We went a little crazy and ordered a couple of appetizers as wellWe ordered the charcuterie and cheese platter, cinnamon roll, and cauliflower. The cauliflower appetizer was delicious! They were served with Shishito pepper, garlic, lemon, and pimentón. They were very saucy and spicy, so it you’re afraid of spice–order the sauce on the side.
The cheese and charcuterie platter was massive. We loved all of the cheese and accouterments. Shruti is our resident vegetarian, so I was forced to attack the charcuterie on my own. To which I say –great, more for me! We loved the teeny tiny apricots and plenty of crispy crostini.
The cinnamon roll takes the cake for most icing on any pastry. It wasn’t a particularly memorable bun, but it was good. We wouldn’t have minded a little more cinnamon either.
The Bitches say: B+. The stand out dishes were the chicken and waffles, cauliflower, and cheese board. Birch & Barley, and its upstairs neighbor Churchkey, are convenient and solid options for brunch in Logan Circle. We loved how it was affordable, cozy, and welcoming.
Brunch is served from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m on Saturdays and Sundays at Birch & Barley and Churchkey. (202) 567-2576
FYI, Churchkey is upstairs.
“Birch & Barley, and its downstairs neighbor Churchkey, are convenient and solid options for brunch in Logan Circle. “