"The sign outside the door of dLeña in Mount Vernon Triangle is easy to miss, but this modern Mexican restaurant announces itself with planters of cacti and succulents, plus a crowd of families and friends meeting up for Saturday or Sunday brunch. Much of the menu gets charred and smoky here, from steaks, cauliflower, and jumbo prawns to tomatoes and chiles for salsas. The move on weekends is the bottomless brunch, so you can try every dish on the brunch menu—chipotle-glazed chicken and waffles; little dishes of grilled Mexican street corn with cotija cheese and bacon. Piping hot churros are a sweet finish, so save room." - Adele Chapin