Seemor
The HighlandsB+Worth Trying
4706 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011
· Restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Cafe
· 4.5/5 Google (806 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Neighborhood cafe-grill with standout chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and broad comfort menu; small room, generally friendly service, fair prices, but inconsistent execution and a few serious cleanliness/service red flags.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Highlands delivers solid neighborhood brunch appeal with standout dishes like crispy catfish and chicken and waffles and genuinely friendly, attentive service. However, recurring reports of undercooked or dry execution and isolated but serious hygiene concerns prevent a higher grade. The tight space and weekend waits further limit its appeal as a destination restaurant, though it remains a reliable neighborhood favorite for brunch enthusiasts.
Restaurant Summary
A snug neighborhood cafe where brunch plates fly past the counter and the room feels warm and bustling. Diners praise crispy catfish, tender fried chicken, and waffles that hit the sweet-salty spot. One regular put it simply: the food was delicious and the service friendly, though the space is tight and waits pop up on weekends. The cooking leans comfort-first with global touches: Southern staples, a Caribbean corner, and even ginger noodles. The culinary approach is elevated traditional with variety: familiar flavors made hearty more than showy. Order chicken and waffles or shrimp and grits if you like bold, homey plates; steaks and seafood broaden choices at dinner. Families do well here thanks to kid-pleasing classics like waffles, eggs, fries, burgers, and mild fish. The menu clearly supports picky eaters, and there are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sides. It is a small room, so strollers may be awkward at peak brunch times.
At a Glance
- Standout chicken and waffles and crispy catfish
- Broad comfort menu with Caribbean options and breakfast all day
- Inconsistent execution (eggs, grits, dryness) across visits
- A few alarming cleanliness/service incidents reported
- Small space; waits likely on peak brunch hours
What Sets It Apart
- breakfast_all_day_menu
- southern_and_caribbean_hybrid
- neighborhood_loyal_following
What People Love
- Crispy, juicy fried chicken
- Fluffy waffles and rich French toast
- Hearty shrimp and grits when on form
- Friendly staff who keep things moving
Points of Concern
- Inconsistent dishes reported (runny grits, overcooked eggs, dry toast) though many meals are strong
- Occasional rude or inattentive service at the counter, contrasted by helpful servers
- Serious but isolated hygiene complaints raise caution for risk-averse diners
- Pricing feels high to some when portions are small (shrimp counts, single salmon cake)
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-46 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Morning Glory Omelet ($17) and Beet Salad ($12)
- Value combo: Fried Green Tomatoes ($9) plus Tuna Salad sandwich ($12)
Perfect For
- Casual weekend brunch with comfort cravings
- Pre-theater bite with shareable plates
- Neighborhood breakfast with coffee and waffles
- Mixed group where some want Southern, others seafood
Location Insights
Area: Residential corridor with local shops and casual spots; attracts neighbors for brunch and takeout.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic by day; standard urban awareness at night.
Nearby: Near small theaters and neighborhood retail; street parking typical; delivery drivers frequent.
BrightwoodBrightwood offers a neighborhood dining scene that is increasingly diverse, with a mix of casual eateries, ethnic restaurants, and local cafes. The area has a community-oriented feel with a blend of traditional and new influences, reflecting its evolving demographic and cultural landscape.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–20:00
Tuesday09:00–20:00
Wednesday09:00–20:00
Thursday09:00–20:00
Friday09:00–20:00
Saturday09:00–20:00
Sunday09:00–16:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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