Washington DC Spotlight: Café Riggs

Café Riggs is a vibrant and elegant dining destination in Washington D.C., located within the beautiful Riggs Washington DC hotel.

Here is a comprehensive overview of the establishment:

🏛️ Café Riggs: A Grand Brasserie in the Capital

Café Riggs is a contemporary American brasserie deeply inspired by the grand, all-day cafés of Europe. It offers a refined yet lively dining experience from breakfast through dinner.

What Makes it Unique: History and Ambiance

The uniqueness of Café Riggs is inextricably linked to the building it occupies: the former Riggs National Bank headquarters.

• A Historic Icon: The building, constructed in 1891, is a landmark example of Richardsonian Romanesque Revival architecture. The Riggs National Bank was historically known as the “Bank of Presidents,” having served 23 U.S. Presidents during its storied past.

• The Grand Setting: The restaurant itself is located on the hotel’s ground floor, preserving the building’s original architectural details. The bright, airy space features:

  • Soaring ceilings and classically inspired stonework.

  • Stately Corinthian columns.

  • Elegant mirrors, custom furnishings, and gleaming brass and marble.

  • Velvet-covered Art Deco booths, all combining to create a polished and sophisticated atmosphere.

• A “Bank of Presidents” Narrative: The hotel’s overall design, including the restaurant, subtly draws on the narrative of the golden age of banking, giving the whole experience a sense of historical gravitas and luxury.

Menu Highlights

Café Riggs offers an all-day menu that focuses on contemporary American cuisine with a foundation in classic French brasserie traditions.

• Brasserie Staples: You can expect high-quality takes on classic dishes. The restaurant has been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, with reviewers highlighting the excellence of its cuisine.

• Customer Favorites & Signature Dishes:

  • Beef Tartare: Often described as delicate and served with creamy mustard sauce, capers, and cornichons.

  • Seafood/Risotto: Dishes like prawn risotto with saffron, peas, and pickled ramps have been praised for their refinement.

  • Desserts: The Chocolate Soufflé (sometimes served with Grand Marnier caramel sauce) and Baked Alaska (often featuring rum flambé) are popular, theatrical choices.

  • Breakfast/Brunch: Offerings include classics like the Croque Madame, Shakshuka, and the signature Riggs Royale (smoked salmon, hash browns, béarnaise, and a poached egg).

• Raw Bar: The menu features a full raw bar with oysters, shrimp cocktail, and items like Tuna Tartare and Scallop & Lobster Ceviche.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, often highlighting a few key areas:

• Ambiance: The elegant, polished setting and historic architecture are consistently praised as creating a beautiful and high-end dining atmosphere.

• Service: The service is often described as attentive, knowledgeable, and professional, making it suitable for both casual and business occasions.

• Cocktails: The bar program is strong, with excellent cocktails (like the signature Riggs Spritz) frequently mentioned as a highlight.

• Value: While some dishes can be pricey (as noted in some reviews), most agree the overall experience and food quality justify the cost.

Significant Events and Programs

While a restaurant’s primary “events” are daily service, Café Riggs and the Riggs Hotel host several recurring programs and can host private events:

• Brunch at Café Riggs: Held every Saturday and Sunday, sometimes offering “limitless mimosas” from a dedicated champagne cart.

• Banker’s Hour: A cocktail hour with a selection of small bites and signature cocktails at the bar, typically held Sunday through Thursday in the late afternoon/early evening.

• Martini Mondays: A weekly event focusing on specialty martinis.

• Seasonal Celebrations: The restaurant is a popular spot for special holiday dinners, such as Thanksgiving.

• Private Dining: The space offers various options for private dining, meetings, and receptions, utilizing semi-private and private rooms within the café.

📍 Contact and Location Information