A Classic Greasy Spoon Breakfast on The Hill
Washington, DC has tons of places for brunch where you need to get dressed up to enjoy an expensive and lavish Sunday brunch. But how about a neighborhood joint that caters to locals and serves simple and hardy classic breakfasts, where wearing jeans and a sweatshirt is more than acceptable?
Then head on over to Jimmy T’s Place, just five blocks from The Capitol Building, for a classic diner, no-frills breakfast. It’s been called the last of a dying breed- the classic greasy spoon and is a weekend ritual for people who live on The Hill.
Down home breakfasts ($5.00 - $8.00) consist of traditional eggs, bacon and grits, waffles, omelettes, French toast, blueberry pancakes and hash browns and yes, scrapple! If you’re feeling high brow, order the surprisingly good Eggs Benedict.
In the mood for lunch? Then try a non-gourmet burger or sandwich with fries.
The atmosphere is friendly and communal. Lots of the patrons seem to be regulars, many reading their Sunday Washington Post over coffee or breakfast. Service can be either great or downright crappy, so avoid the place if you’re looking for a fast in-and-out breakfast or your coffee within 5 second of ordering. And you won’t find a gourmet vanilla café latte with low-fat foam, just regular coffee.
The place is usually pretty crowded for breakfast on weekends, but tables turn over quickly. If there’s a wait, try for a counter seat. The few window seats are good for people watching outside.
On Sundays, to avoid a wait, try to arrive before 10:00 a.m. to beat the the church crowd and 20-somethings who are just starting their day.
The coffee mugs and silverware don’t match, the cramped Formica tables haven’t been updated in decades, but the breakfasts might remind you of what your Mom or Grandmother used to serve you as a kid. And of all else fails, try a homemade milkshakes (very good) with breakfast. And no one will tell your Mom.
The accept cash only. There’s a cash station across the street and another at 4th and E. Capitol St.
Jimmy T’s Place
501 E Capitol Street, SE, at 5th Street
Washington, DC (map it)
Dates and Times - Wednesday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Weekends, 8:00 -3:00, closed Monday and Tuesday.
Nearest Metro Subway Station - Eastern Market - Blue and Yellow lines, then a 4-block walk.
Parking - Metered and free street parking is available.
Images - Exterior personal collection - © 2008 - Jon Rochetti, menu board,
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POSTED IN: Food & Beverage, Just a Bit Weird - Fun & Quirky Places, Lunch Hour Fun
1 opinion for A Classic Greasy Spoon Breakfast on The Hill
Scotte
Aug 10, 2008 at 9:23 am
When I lived on Capital Hill, we frequented Jimmy T’s many times. I really enjoyed that place, especially the people. I miss it and need to get back there.
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