Belga Cafe
Category: Brunch Spots, Belgian, Neighborhood Bars
Neighborhood: Barracks Row
Price: $$$
Address: 514 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
✨ Vibe
A charming and cozy Belgian brasserie led by Top Chef alum Bart Vandaele, offering an authentic European sidewalk cafe experience in the heart of Barracks Row.
🍸 Best For
Weekend brunch, authentic Belgian cuisine, al fresco dining, and neighborhood happy hours.
🔥 Highlights
- Renowned for signature Belgian staples including legendary moules frites, lobster waffles, and Flemish beef stew.
- An extensive waffle menu featuring both sweet and savory authentic creations, such as the herb-pesto "Beruchte" Groene Eieren and fruit-loaded Belgian waffles.
- Exceptional outdoor seating options, highlighted by a vibrant sidewalk patio and cozy alfresco greenhouses perfect for year-round dining.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Reservations are highly recommended for their popular weekend brunch and exclusive wine dinner events.
- Sign up for their loyalty program to earn rewards and stay updated on seasonal specials and happy hour offerings.
🔄 Weekly Events
🧇 Authentic Belgian Brunch
A phenomenal weekend brunch featuring authentic Belgian waffles, specialty dishes like Tartiflette, and a wide selection of sparkling wine drinks and innovative cocktails.
Happy Hour
Extended happy hour featuring $8 wines, $7 beers, and $9 cocktails, plus $3 off shareable bites through the evening.
📰 In the News
Employees attacked while working at DC restaurant
Belga Café in Barracks Row was the site of a physical altercation that led to the arrest of four individuals for assaulting restaurant employees. The incident began behind the venue after a vehicle nearly struck workers, resulting in a confrontation that prompted police intervention and multiple assault charges.
DC restaurants cite low customer traffic, one launches GoFundMe to stay afloat
Belga Cafe is experiencing a significant decline in foot traffic and customer spending due to a combination of inflation, legislative changes, and a decrease in local tourism. General Manager Rinata Gafarova reports that weekend brunch attendance has plummeted from historical highs of 500 patrons to as few as 100 as the long-standing 8th Street establishment navigates a challenging economic environment.
KFDC Picks for Kid Friendly DC Restaurants
Belga Cafe is highlighted as a long-standing, kid-friendly dining option on Capitol Hill's Barracks Row, particularly noted for its Belgian waffles, mussels, and fries. While suitable for families at brunch, lunch, and dinner, the venue also features a rooftop back patio called Betsy that serves as a popular spot for cocktails.
The Best Spots for Brunch in DC
Belga Cafe, a popular Belgian spot in Barracks Row led by chef Bart Vandaele, offers a charming outdoor patio setting for weekend brunch. The menu features authentic sweet and savory Belgian waffles alongside signature dishes like 'Beruchte' Groene Eieren made with herb pesto, spinach, and Gruyère.
61 Neighborhood Restaurants That Make the DC Area a Better Place to Eat—and Live
Belga Cafe is a Belgian brasserie on Capitol Hill known for its hearty fare and comfortable style under Top Chef alum Bart Vandaele. Signature offerings include moules frites, lobster waffles, and Flemish beef stew, which can be enjoyed in a cozy setting featuring alfresco greenhouses.
Recent Reviews from Google
Went here for brunch with a few friends on their recommendation and it was very delicious. It is a true Belgian cafe with a full waffle menu! I got the Fresh and Simple waffle which was LOADED with...
Had a light brunch? We both only ordered one dish. And the total came out to be $50 quite high, but understandable for area. The skillet I ordered was quite nice, with the meat, sauce, eggs and...
Everything is great! The dishes and coffee were super delicious! Great atmosphere and great food here. We definitely will back and try more other dishes.
Great service, very friendly staff. Knew nothing about Belgium cuisine so I kept it safe by just getting mussels, which were delicious. Friend got salmon which she loved. Will be back to try other...
Yum! The chocolate mousse was amazing. The other food was great too. The cod was cooked perfect and the sauces were much better than I thought they would be.
