While the rest of our sister sites are compiling the best bagels in their respective cities, DCist knows that D.C. is not a bagel town. Sure, you can get bagels at plenty of places—decent ones at that (as highlighted below)—but when it comes to the breakfast game, we’re all about finding the ultimate breakfast sandwich. Below, DCist writers highlight our 12 favorite breakfast sandwiches in the D.C. area.
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES AT TAYLOR GOURMET:
I know there is justice in this world because Taylor Gourmet brought back their breakfast sandwich menu in October, and it’s available all day long. There are few things that can’t be improved with the addition of eggs, and a Taylor sub is no exception. The Queen Lane is an Italian-ified breakfast sammy with spicy Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, and sharp provolone. And for the purists, there’s the Filbert Street with bacon, hot cappicola, and gooey American cheese. — Alicia Mazzara
Taylor Gourmet has nine locations in the D.C. area.
EGG SANDWICHES AT BAGELS & BAGUETTES:
I wonder if people who say there aren’t good bagels have been to Bagels & Baguettes, a small formerly cash-only Capitol Hill establishment near Union Station. The bagels there are delicious and only improved when they’re used in egg sandwiches. We’ll highlight the sausage, egg and cheese on a sesame bagel, which is the best and greasiest in the city. For under five bucks, it cannot be beat. — Sarah Anne Hughes
Bagels & Baguettes is located at 236 Massachusetts Avenue NE.
MEXICO CITY AT SUNDEVICH:
All of the breakfast sandwiches at SUNdeVICH are mouthwateringly excellent, but the Mexico City is their best savory protein-filled success. Fried eggs and ham are staples of other breakfast sandwiches, but the avocado and tomato class it up a bit and the chipotle mayo gives the sandwich an added kick. Just remember to keep napkins handy as the fried eggs can be a little runny. Like all of SUNdeVICH’s breakfast sandwiches, the Mexico City is available all day. — Valerie Paschall
SUNdeVICH is located at 1314 9th Street NW.
T.U.B.S. AT TED’S BULLETIN:
The T.U.B.S. (Ted’s Ultimate Breakfast Sammy) is the apotheosis of greasy breakfast sandwiches: a fried egg, scrambled egg, sausage, bacon, and cheddar stuffed between two buttery pieces of Texas toast. It’s as delicious and as sloppy as it sounds. Bring a mop to clean up the mess. — Matt Cohen
Ted’s Bulletin is located at 505 8th Street SE and 1818 14th Street NW.
BREAKFAST SANDWICH AT CAFE PHILLIPS:
Sometimes you just want a basic breakfast sandwich, but don’t have time to make one. With five locations, Cafe Phillips will quickly make you one with fresh eggs cooked to order and big strips of bacon on fresh bread and bagels. It’s very simple, but it’s done well. — Sarah Anne Hughes
Cafe Phillips is located at 425 3rd Street SW; 77 K Street NE; 650 Massachusetts Avenue NW; 1401 H Street NW; and 1776 G Street NW.
THE BRICK AT THE MARKET LUNCH:
If you’ve ever wished your breakfast sandwich was just carbs encircling more carbs, you’ll want to try The Brick at The Market Lunch in Eastern Market. The sandwich has gained national attention for it’s flagrant marriage of two seemingly opposed breakfast starches. The biscuit, egg, and cheese sandwich comes with your choice of meat and–most notably–a layer of hash browns. And while it’s hard not love a fluffy biscuit and crispy potatoes, I can only assume it’s name is derived from how it sits in your stomach after eating it. — Alicia Mazzara
The Market Lunch is located inside Eastern Market at 225 7th Street SE.