Although I am not a frequent brunch attendee, I found myself meandering down M street to join the hoards seeking to satisfy this Georgetown ritual. A short walk from the front gates, my breakfast companion and I found ourselves rounding the corner onto the quaint Cady’s Alley, bound for Kafe Leopold.
In all honesty, the restaurant was far different from my expectations. I envisioned a softly lit, hardwood and leather café filled with Belgian art pieces and a quirky, tattoo-sleeved barista with his fixed-gear bike parked out back. I instead entered a chic, modern setting holding strong to a minimalist style. If the trendiest page of IKEA were turned into a restaurant, that restaurant would be Kafe Leopold.
After a five or so minute wait for this popular spot, we sat down underneath a series of art nouveau pieces that broke the aesthetic a bit for me—they did look like they were purchased from a stock rack in bulk. But the vast menu (although primarily cocktails) certainly made up for that questionable design choice, as we were inundated with a plethora of affordable options. I ultimately decided on the lemon soufflé pancakes and my comrade in food went with Kafe Leopold’s signature avocado toast with poached eggs.
My pancakes, and my brunch companion’s smashed avocado toast.
Alongside some Austrian coffee neatly served on a personal tray with miniature vases,The pancakes were rich, yet delicious as tangy lemon complemented subtle hints of raspberry, and the recommended avocado toast received nothing but the highest of praise. I felt as though I underutilized my brunch opportunity by going with pancakes, as extravagant as they were. Fret not breakfast lovers! A quick glance around the restaurant has convinced me to come back and try the plethora that Leopold’s has to offer from an elaborate cucumber and salmon sandwich to chai oatmeal with figs.
The Austrian coffee served at brunch.
All in all, I had a thoroughly enjoyable brunch. I would happily take a stroll down to Leopold’s again. If you visit, make sure you atleast take a look at their vast pastry options as well. For anyone from late brunchers to early birds, Kafe Leopold is a nice place to spend your Sunday morning.
Price: 6
Food Quality: 8
Food Presentation: 9
Originality: 9
Diversity of Menu: 6.5
If heading towards Kafe Leopold from the front gates, I’d recommend walking down O street and taking a right onto 33rd street, keep walking till you cross M street and Cady’s Alley is on your right. A brief stroll down this walkway and you can’t miss this brunch spot.
image credit: kathyphantastic.com
