There is no better way to end a night out than with a hearty, well-cooked breakfast. Unfortunately, unless you’re brave (sober) enough to cook for yourself in the middle of the night, the Georgetown area doesn’t really offer many options. Your best bet is to visit Adams Morgan’s one-two punch of cheap all-hours eateries, Tryst Coffeehouse and The Diner.
The two eateries share owners and a laid-back atmosphere. The Diner has all the breakfast staples you would expect, like their stuffed Nelli’s Omelet overflowing with pork and cheese and their buttermilk pancakes; but they don’t stop there. Dinner items include an array of sandwiches and burgers plus exciting entrees like the Fontina and Mozzarella Ravioli. Regardless of what you order, you must have to order one of the Diner’s generous milkshakes to wash it all down.
Two doors down, Tryst doesn’t limit itself to the stereotypical pastries and cappuccinos found at most coffee cafés. If you’re in the mood for breakfast, I recommend the lemon poppy waffles with blueberry-Grand Marnier sauce, or their salmon plate with real lox and a bagel. Their Tanya sandwich, a yuppie take on the PB & J, is grilled, and served, with strawberries and is tasty anytime of the day. A large menu of sandwiches, salads and a full service bar ensure that you can enjoy yourself long into the night.
Off course, it isn’t all sunshine and home fries at these popular spots, and both restaurants can get very crowded, no matter the time of day. You can get your food to-go, but for those who prefer to sit, there can be a wait for a booth at the diner even in the middle of the night. And at 2 a.m. Tryst’s couches are usually crammed to seams.
Service can also be uneven, especially at Tryst where the crowds and crazy seating arrangements make it hard to tell who is serving whom. But as long as you’re not in a hurry, it isn’t a real problem. Until they put a 24-hour Denny’s in Hoya Court, there isn’t a better place to fill those late-night cravings.
