Seemor
Northwest Washington › Penn Quarter › Café Riggs
Café RiggsA-Worth Trying
900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
· New American restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1021 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery
Design-forward hotel restaurant with very good food and standout brunch in a stunning room, but service inconsistency can undermine the experience; book ahead and manage expectations.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Café Riggs delivers solid A-grade performance anchored by exceptional setting appeal in a historic, photogenic hotel space that reviewers consistently praise. However, inconsistent food execution with temperature and seasoning issues, combined with variable service attentiveness during peak times, prevents the higher tier. Strong brunch and desserts justify visits, but premium pricing demands reliable execution across all service occasions.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with high ceilings, flowers, and golden light that reviewers gush over. Service can swing from effortlessly charming to frustratingly absent, depending on timing. One diner summed it up: "The space is stunning; when the team is on, the experience is magic." The cooking skews elevated New American with French accents—think raw bar, escargot, steak frites, and a showy Baked Alaska—delivered with a contemporary bistro touch. The culinary approach leans refined comfort: polished technique and premium products rather than theatrics. Brunch is a sweet spot, with fluffy pancakes, solid classics, and cocktails that draw locals and hotel guests alike. Families are fine here if kids like familiar foods. The menu offers easy wins for kids like pancakes, fries, burgers, and simple eggs, though raw bar and richer mains skew adult. No explicit kids menu noted, so portions may be large—consider sharing or sides for younger eaters.
At a Glance
- Gorgeous, historic dining room that elevates any meal
- Strong brunch and desserts; Baked Alaska is a crowd-pleaser
- Service can be slow or inattentive at peak times
- Pricing is premium; value depends on smooth service
- Expect waits for walk-ins at brunch; book ahead
What Sets It Apart
- grand_historic_dining_room
- showpiece_baked_alaska
- robust_raw_bar
- thoughtful_brunch_program
What People Love
- The photogenic, grand interior
- Well-executed brunch staples and mussels
- Friendly servers when staffed well
- Fun touches like martini carts and celebratory notes
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistency: delayed greetings, missed refills, and pacing issues occur during busy shifts
- Temperature inconsistencies on mains reported intermittently
- Premium pricing means misfires feel costly
- Hot items and vessels can be extremely hot; staff warnings sometimes missed
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$62-82 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Shakshuka ($18) and Quiche ($16) are solid picks
- Value play: Restaurant Week prix fixe when offered
- Shareables: Baked Alaska and fries pair well with cocktails
Perfect For
- Stylish weekend brunch with friends
- Hotel guests seeking a convenient upscale meal
- Date night with classic cocktails and dessert theatre
- Pre-event bites before Capital One Arena
Location Insights
Area: Historic downtown corridor with offices, museums, and upscale hotels; caters to business travelers and culture seekers.
Safety: Busy, well-patrolled federal-core area; high foot traffic and good lighting.
Nearby: Near Capital One Arena, Smithsonian museums, Gallery Place; strong pre-event and brunch demand.
Penn QuarterPenn Quarter is known for its vibrant dining scene with a variety of upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and cultural venues. The area attracts a mix of office workers during the day and visitors in the evening, offering a lively yet polished social atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–23:00
Tuesday07:00–23:00
Wednesday07:00–23:00
Thursday07:00–23:00
Friday07:00–00:00
Saturday07:00–00:00
Sunday07:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery
View full analysis on Seemor →