The Highlands

We loved our experience at this restaurant! The food was amazing and Walter knows how to mix up some drinks! I had the chicken enchiladas and they were wonderful. My husband doesn’t drink alcohol, but he was offered some unique non-alcoholic drinks. The plates were generous. Check it out! It won’t disappoint. (The mural depicts the family members that own and run this place in the picture I added)

My mom and I came all the way from Harlingen Tx to attend AwesomeCon here in DC and the place we were staying was close to the Highlands. I’m very glad we decided to come and try it the food was amazingly good! The staff were super nice and the overall atmosphere we awesome too we had a great time and we highly recommend to come eat here.

Delicious. I ordered chicken breast and waffles. The chicken was seasoned and tender. The waffle was sweet and cooked perfectly. Homefries were delicious just small for $5. I was pleasantly surprised and the meal arrived really fast.

The food is good. First time visitors and they did not disappoint. The staff was attentive, nice, & friendly. The place is small but we did not have to wait for a table. We ordered chicken & waffles, an omelette, and salmon entree. Everything was good including the strawberry lemonade and I dislike strawberries. Oh the food is reasonably priced.

Great option for take out. Nice inside seating area. Reasonable prices. Friendly service.

This place was awesome! Came in with my family is four including two toddlers have the omelette, Juanita’s special, blackened salmon, waffles, iced coffee and even a rum punch. Everything was wealthy and came out hot and the service was extremely friendly and attentive. Definitely a good spot to hit up when you’re in the DC!

Thoroughly enjoyed brunch at the Highlands. Simple cafe style setup with not a huge amount of space, but there was not too long of a wait to seat a party of 4. The Chicken and Waffle Entree included a waffle with a tasty batter and fresh and juicy fried chicken tenders. Unfortunately, the French Toast, which was a bit drier than I hoped, was not as tasty as it looked but was by no means below average. Lastly, the star of the show was the Juanita's Shrimp and Grits. The shrimp were large fresh and juicy; the cheddar Grits were packed with flavor and don't be put off by the "sweet apple cider sauce" in the grits description as the grits did not taste sweet at all to my recollection. I most definitely will be returning to try more menu items here as so many entrees look delicious!

A Breakfast Adventure at Highlands Cafe & Grill: Sweet and Savory Delights with Room for Improvement Recently, I visited Highlands Cafe & Grill in Washington D.C. for a breakfast experience that offered a mix of delightful successes and minor shortcomings. The star of the show was undoubtedly the chicken and waffles. The chicken was perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and juicy within. It paired beautifully with the light and fluffy waffles, creating a sweet and savory combination that was truly delicious. However, the eggs were a bit of a letdown. Unfortunately, they were overcooked, resulting in a watery consistency. Next came the Cuban sandwich. While it was enjoyable, it didn't quite reach the lofty heights of the best Cuban sandwiches found in Florida. The flavors were balanced, and the ingredients seemed fresh, but perhaps it lacked the unique character and bold taste profile one might expect from a truly exceptional Cuban sandwich. I opted to skip the chips that accompanied the sandwich, but the plantains were a revelation. Sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized, they were a true highlight of the meal. As the saying goes, "plantains are life," and these lived up to the motto! The cafe con leche was another clear winner. Rich, creamy, and boasting a bold coffee flavor, it was a delightful beverage, hitting all the right notes from the first sip to the last. Rounding out the savory side of things, the pollo con queso empanada proved to be quite satisfying. The filling was flavorful, and the crust was perfectly flaky. The service at Highlands Cafe & Grill deserves special mention. My waiter was attentive, friendly, and made the dining experience all the more enjoyable. There was a sense of genuine hospitality that added a positive touch to the entire visit. In conclusion, Highlands Cafe & Grill offers a solid breakfast experience with some clear standouts. The chicken and waffles were exceptional, the plantains delightful, and the cafe con leche a must-try. While the Cuban sandwich and eggs fell a bit short, the friendly service helped to elevate the overall experience. If you're in the DC area and looking for a casual breakfast spot with a mix of sweet and savory options, Highlands Cafe & Grill is worth a visit.

While road tripping, the family and I needed a good breakfast spot in preparation for our trip to the Museum of African American History. I am prepared for some walking, and I knew we needed a place that wasn't pretentious. Of course, I came to Yelp to recommend a good breakfast place- and I found this gem. Let's review the highlights of the Highlands: 1. Fried green tomatoes, with RANCH dressing on the side. Easy hit, classic, crunchy, salty, perfection. 2. Black coffee was hot, fresh, and strong. 3. Service was SUPER FAST. 4. Turkey sausage patties are huge and so tasty. 5. I had a salmon cake, scrambled eggs, grits- and the portions were literally perfect. The lowlights: NOT ENOUGH SEATING! This place is cozy, artsy, and just like having a meal with ya close friends. I would love to come back and try their fried fish, red beans and rice, and collard greens.

I live pretty close to here and went a few months ago with friends. I came back yesterday and opted to sit outside because it was beautiful out. There was really no one there, but after my waitress served me my food, she never came back out to check on me or ask if I needed anything else. I had actually wanted to order something more, but decided against it. When I went in to pay because again she never came back out, she was in the back chatting. I get it's slow, but she still should check in on guests. I honestly wouldn't have left a tip, but they add gratuity and it's situations like yesterday which makes me think it's unfair. No customer service whatsoever, but a 20% tip?! I honestly was just doing some work, so got light appetizers. I ordered the Brussel sprouts, beef empanada, and had a rum punch. The Brussel sprouts were not great. They just were fried, but not seasoned. The beef empanadas were great. A bit bulky, but very tasty and even though there was cheese in it, it was very light. The rum punch was very strong, and I'd recommend it.

Go to spots been coming for years . Went there and tried BRANZINO WHOLE FRIED FISH dish ! So good , would definitely get it again! Service was good ! I love the owner son ! He always gives 1000 % great customer service! Only thing is the gnats when eating ! Lol felt like I needed a fly swatter.

Came here with my mom after an event close by. We both ordered the soup and some hot tea. The chicken noodle was really good and full of vegetables. I also got the curry chicken to go because the soup filled me up. That curry was flavored right and had a spicy taste to it which I love. Will definitely go back when I am around again. The staff was also nice and assisted with suggestions.

Flew in to DC on a red eye from Fresno this morning. First time back in 18 years, after living here for 37 years. I met a friend for a late lunch here. It was freaking delicious. I had the Chicken and Waffles with a side of Cheesy Grits, and he had Eggs Benedict with Salmon. This place alone would make me move back.

Was nearby and hungry. The way the online order menu is set up it separates breakfast from lunch and dinner. I love breakfast here and would have ordered that but didn't know it's offered all-day at this location until I got there and asked. The restaurant may want to indicate all-day breakfast is an option online. Service from Angel was great. Ordered the blackened salmon (which I've had before) and substituted (for a $1 more each) from greens and jasmine rice to Brussels sprouts and sweet potato square (didn't know what it was but sounded interested). Upon speaking with Angel I ordered chicken and waffles and a side of grits without cheese and eggs without cheese (they come with cheese unless you request without) to-go and sat with the intention of eating a portion of my dinner while waiting. I ate it all! The salmon was good and on the verge of being overcooked (a little dry) and I under seasoned. I am not a fan of capers and I drizzled the caper cream sauce served on the side over it and it made the salmon great. The sweet potato square is a made of thin soft savory buttered layers of baked sweet potato with light cinnamon, and was not overly sweet (thankfully) and delicious!!! The Brussels sprouts were fried to crispy perfection and were seasoned just right in addition to having a dash of bacon and craisins. I enjoyed every bite. The chicken, waffles, eggs and grits were great the next morning. I heated the waffles in the toaster. And the cinnamon walnut coffee-cake was moist and flavorful and not overly sweet. The space is great, attractive, warm and welcoming. The seating has been changed and seems more inviting. There is a separate bar area that looked very well stocked.

We stopped here for a late lunch. The place had 3 parties dining and there was still a great amount of space for our party of 4 to dine. The staff was very customer service oriented and they welcomed us into the place as soon as we walked in. They have a sign that tells customers upon entry that they automatically charge 20% gratuity for all dine-in orders, which is what we normally tip, and this was very fair and reasonable to have up front. We ordered: a Burger with shoestring fries + garlic dipping sauce on the side, Shrimp with collards over rice and plantains, fried green tomatoes + garlic dipping sauce on side, a chicken and queso fresco empanada, 2 beef and cheddar empanadas, a side of collard greens, and an order of chicken and waffles. Our drinks were: Sangria, Peach Lemonade, water, and Apple Juice. Our food was out in about 15 minutes, which was perfect timing. Everything was delicious except for the fried green tomatoes. They put too much salt in the batter used to fry the green tomatoes. Without the coating, the tomatoes were still delicious and cooked well. The server was excellent and he told us the history of his grandmother opening the first Salvadoran restaurant in DC. This is a restaurant legacy family and this place is tasty. They even had a picture of President Obama and his family on the wall because the First Family visited their restaurant, pretty cool. We will mark this place as one to visit again in DC. Thanks, great place to try new things.

The food and the atmosphere was outstanding, I love this restaurant, the Shrimp and Grits are to die for, coffee is hot and good free refills, the Staff is amazing, I will definitely go there often Highly recommend

Totally Recommend! Will come back and order it again when I'm around the area. You will not be disappointed

the food is definitely tasty. not gourmet but solid most of the time. I want to be a fan of the london broil sandwich but it's almost always light on the meat and the meat overcooked. Highlands is very pricey, however, for what it is. it's a neighborhood spot with downtown, let's meet for a nice dinner and ambience prices.

Food options are excellent and a good value. Service and atmosphere were great too. Very consistent quality keeps me coming back.

Good food but the portions are way too small. Maybe it is a to go thing but they should do better on that. The service is OK. The establishment is tiny so If you're going for brunch go early.

Had really good food from here. I really recommend their Breakfast Pasta or their Ribs. It's a must have after a long day

Hidden gem! I've had the chicken and waffles and I would say it's just as good as Founding Farmers. The chicken is tender and moist and the breading is flavorful. My eggs are also fluffy and yummy! I like to ask for cheese on top of the scrabbled eggs. The food comes out quick and that's a great thing because there's limited seating. The coffee is great. I also like their chai. The staff is always friendly. The atmosphere is chill. I always feel really good having lunch at Highlands.

Stumbled upon this neighborhood GEM after a long walk on July 4th. Welllllll let me say that I now know why this place gets the almost 5 star rating here! My girlfriend and I came here to sit down for brunch after a long walk. We ordered fried green tomatoes, the French toast and big waffle breakfast items. I also ordered a caramel latte with oat milk that was made to perfection! Delmy and Deonte were awesome hosts to us as we devoured our food. They ensured our water glasses were filled and our food was yummy! Whenever in this area of NW (just a short walk from Carter Baron) , you can count on some delicious food and coffee or cocktails!! YUM!

Been comin here for years. If you're looking for a minimum frill brunch uptown DC , this is the place.

We came for the quiet, calm ambience and stayed for Walter's delicious cocktails- wow! The fried green tomatoes were great, and the vegan gyro was satisfying with fresh greens and great sauce on the fake meat. But the true star was the drinks- a beautiful tequila drink that was subtle and savory, and my friend's incredible espresso martini. Their cocktails aren't on their website, so ask for their specials.

We went to Highlands based on the recommendation of several friends. It did not disappoint! We arrived around 6 pm on a Monday and there was plenty of seating. The interior has a cool, welcoming, laid back vibe. Their fried green tomatoes consisted of larger slices than most places and were lightly battered. I appreciate the larger slices because they stand up to the fry and remain juicy. A garlic sauce was served on the side. I was skeptical about the garlic but the flavor was subtle and a great addition to the tomato and lettuce. For my main dish, I tried the Cajun Mardi Gras pasta. I typically do not order pasta but it sounded so good and was recommended by the staff. The grilled chicken and shrimp and andouille sausage were tender, juicy and full of flavor. Everything was enveloped in a spicy, smoky tomato cream sauce. The portion was huge and if going on taste alone, I would not have had leftovers. We also had the Highlands rum punch. It was deliciously fruity and packed a punch. Bonus: The staff (Walter) was great, providing thoughtful service and honest recommendations all with a wonderful personality! Pro tip: Though the restaurant is not large and parking can be limited don't let that stop you. They provide take out!

Food was so good we went back the next day for breakfast again but this time did pickup and it was still delicious. Small restaurant but Customer service was good and its really a bang for your buck. Would recommend over and over for a good chill breakfast at a good price. LOVED the French toast and I'm super picky about my toast

Highlands Cafe is a cute hidden gem in Northwest. The food is tasty and portion sizes are great for the prices. I had a house salad and empanadas for my meal. The salad was dressed beautifully and it was bountiful. I had a chicken and a beef empanada. Both were nice and flaky and hot! The drinks were great as well. I tried the rum punch as well as the cocktail of the day! Our waiter, Walter, was very attentive and gave us great recommendations. I want to go again to try breakfast, which is served all day. If you are looking for a nice spot to get a drink and some tasty food or maybe even a coffee, look no further than Highlands!

Everything on this menu is delicious. The drinks are great as well! I especially am a fan of the salmon.

Lackluster fish fry - greasy, tasteless fries and salty fish. Nice atmosphere inside and staff seem friendly.

I have visited this restaurant more than a few times. I love the food and the ambiance as well as the environment - the people are nice and the staff are friendly. I highly recommend everyone to visit this restaurant. The music is memorable and the rhythm and Blues is familiar. This is a really good place to visit.

Overall our food was good. My friend got the shrimp grits. Her grits were cold and she had to send them back. When they came back they were hot a cheesy as they should have been the first time. It also only came with 4 medium shrimp. The menu says they are Cajun and fried but she requested grilled instead. They taste like they were only seasoned with black pepper and were a bit greasy but they were cooked to the perfect texture. I got the waffle breakfast and was very happy with the portion size and taste. It came with two eggs that I got scrambled and I requested turkey bacon. My sisters French toast was hug, I guess that is because it was brioche bread. It was still good and fluffy. The spinach artichoke dip which was not pictured was made to perfection. So creamy, hot, cheesy, chips freshly made, and a very good shareable portion size. My sister also got home fries, they were perfectly seasoned and the peppers and onions in them were perfectly caramelized. The mimosa option was very small did not order but saw someone else with one. The rum punch definitely packed a punch. It was still good and a better size. Our server was new we could tell but I thought he did very good trying to keep our drinks full and got our order correct. But there were people waiting for 30 or more minutes to order or be seated. They had 3 servers who seamed to be helping each other but there were to go orders and a full dinning room with a few ppl outside. We requested to order after sitting or a few minutes. The decor is nice; the artwork on the wall is fun and simplistic. It is a small area but they have a nice arrangement to fit about 7 tables inside most two ppl tables. They also have a outside seating option. Overall it was nice and would go back.

Fantastic, casual lunch food! We stumbled upon this little café while on a walk. The place was busy, so we considered that a good sign! We were seated right away. It took a few minutes for our server to come take our orders, but we were not in a rush. I ordered a mimosa and the Chicken Melt. The mimosa was good. The Chicken Melt was fantastic! The bread was great, the chicken was tender, and the honey mustard tied it all together. My partner had the Stallworth chicken salad sandwich, which he said was awesome. We both thought the food was top notch. The price was also quite reasonable. We recommend visiting The Highlands.

I was passing through DC and decided to grab brunch with some friends. I ordered the (not) spicy shrimp and grits with a side of fries. The food was subpar. I had to hand it back to the kitchen because they served it to me cold the first time.

So happy to have found this place! Discovered Highlands via Yelp while out and about craving some southern brunch cuisine. We got takeout, and while navigating the street parking may be a slight issue, it's worth it. Got the shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes with the side of french toast and waffle à la carte. Y'all, the grits are sooo good! Super creamy, tasty, and the large fried shrimp amazingly complimenting the grits. My mouth is watering thinking about it. My husband and I also thoroughly enjoyed the fried green tomatoes and the à la carte items (waffle and french toast). Price point for the food is awesome for a DC spot and staff friendly. We'll be back soon for sure!

0/5 packaging terrible salty af poor customer service. Called restaurant they blamed it on the uber driver when the driver had already prepared me with the actions of the restaurant. They refused to package food correctly and they just trash

Excellent meal! I have the brioche French toast with chorizo. AMAZING. Friend said the chai latte gonna make he become a regular!

Great food at a reasonable price. The place has a cool vibe. The service is inconsistent.

today I was calling my order in as I have done in the passed due to my short meal break. The male server answered the phone and asked if I could hold and never came back to the phone I drove 15 minutes on hold hearing other customers walk up and being served. I walk in the door and the phone was still lying there on hold. The server said this is why we encorage people to order online. This was the worst experience I have received from here this will be my last time come due to the fact of the unprofessional remark after having me on hold for 15 minute.

You can't come to DC and not stop at the Highlands for breakfast. Juanita's Shrimp and Grits were the truth! All of their food is delicious! It was my go to spot growing up and living in Petworth. Damn good food! Walter is the best!

Small CLEAN Space! Comfortable, Top Notch Food. Top Notch Service, Stable Staff That Doesn't Fluctuate So You Always Know What Energy To Expect.

This place never fails!! When friends and family come in town, we always go to this place! Food: very seasoned food. My friends and family enjoyed all of their food and wish to come back!! Chicken and waffle is a must and so is shrimp and grits. Parking: street parking is available around the restaurant. Seating: first come first servesYou can't make a reservation due to the limited number of seats. Outdoor seatings are available for an awesome weather.

We wanted to dine in but there wasn't many tables and they were all taken. So we ordered it to go. I honestly disliked that they do not take down any of your information to let you know when your order is ready. They gave us a time and we just paced the area until we thought it would be done, luckily for us, we came back in time. However, there was a customer who was not happy about his long wait time and incorrect order. I got the salmon cake breakfast. I was disappointed that the grits had absolutely no seasoning and they did not include any salt or pepper in the bag. The salmon cake itself was a little on the dry side and I was not to fond of the flavor either. The cheesy eggs, however, were really good. I would give this place another try, I just would not choose that dish again.

This is a hole in the wall spot famous for chicken and waffles. But did I ORDER chicken and waffles??? Sigh, no. The parking is pretty bad it's neighborhood off 14th St and there's a storefront stripmall to compete for parking. I went on Presidents Day so it wasn't so bad. It's small with a dark hipster aesthetic. The menu is on the board behind the cash register and there is no host or table ordering. You order what you want, get a number and sit and wait. The coffee is served in paper cups and you serve yourself and pay for refills. I ordered the salmon cakes with grits, eggs, and toast. My cousin got the fried chicken and waffles, the special, with bacon. We started with the fried green tomatoes, which were PHENOMENAL! I must say. The tomatoes were perfectly tart and crunchy, the breading was expertly seasoned, and they were fried at the perfect temperature and thus neither burned or greasy/soggy. The sauce was an aioli of some kind that was neither good or bad, well it was a bit bland. But the tomatoes with some hot sauce!! You will love them! The coffee was pretty good but nothing to write home about. The salmon breakfast was okay. The croquette was one little tiny THICK square and it was S-A-L-T-Y. It needed hot sauce and it needed more seasoning. It wasn't that good. My cousin (and everyone in the place) thoroughly enjoyed the chicken and waffles so I'm going to have that next time. I was just a little turned off by the coffee refill station and cost, the teeny tiny menu and the salty salmon cakes. There's something to a small menu as it's best to do a few things with excellence than everything halfway, but let's be clear: you have to do the few things with excellence. I was unimpressed. I'll try it again ... maybe. After I check out the kids' menu. But I will definitely will get the tomatoes again!

I took a photo of my half eaten food but decided to spare everyone that. But I wandered over to a little spot called Highlands on 14th street and ordered Juanita's Breakfast. Don't know who Juanita is, but I need her number on speed dial. I could literally eat this everyday! 3 eggs over easy, salsa, Cotija cheese, fresh avocado, refried beans, chorizo and a couple tortillas! Amazing!! Finding joints like this is one of the gems of DC! I'll be back again...and again...and again. Maybe not able to handle large parties without reservations, so bring a friend and thank me later!! Fantastic! Can't say enough.

Best cubano sandwich I've ever had! Among other dishes this sandwich is my favorite. Fresh ingredients and perfect combination . Drinks are always great accompaniment especially these summer days.

Thank you for all your hard work and being open through this pandemic. The eggs Benedict with fried green tomatoes along with the breakfast potatoes are delightful. I do wish they were available all week.

If i could I would give them a 0. I went to get some grits and their computer system was down. I left to go get cash and came back. While I was waiting for the cashier to take my order I witnessed an employee emptying a pot of grits into a container that was full past the rim. The employee was wearing gloves that she licked and proceeded to smooth out the food with the same hand she had just licked. I told the cashier and she went in the kitchen and addressed the wrong employee. I told her that was not the employee I was referring to and asked if she was going to throw away the food. She went to the back again and came back with a very rude attitude towards me. I asked for the manager or owner and she told me to just come back later. She told customer in the line I was talking to much and refused to help me. I called DC department of health and asked if they could send someone out immediately to get the food and they told me to send an email. Be careful eating at this restaurant.

Still a fan overall, but food quality is inconsistent. I've ordered the lamb chops probably 5 or so times now. And they've been different each of those 5 times. The last time I received burnt, shriveled, dry, and completely inedible chops -- sliding around in a slop of other foods, since they didn't use a divider container. (Compare the photo of the chops in my "updated review" to my "original review" to see just what I mean.) Highlands really needs to get its act together! And they need to figure out what's going on in the kitchen -- and which of their cooks are not able to properly cook lamb!

Wouldnt recommend this place. Everything was overcooked and no flavor. Asked for eggs over medium.:. Eggs were cooked hard. Asked for bacon crispy but bacon was burnt. Salmon cake was DRY. Not worth it

Listen up!!! This place is hands down one of the best places to eat in all of DC. I travel the world a lot and love to eat!! Nothing compares. When I tell you... EVERYTHING on the menu is Amazing it's no lie! Someone is back there making this food with LOVE! The food is soo good it's hard to not order the same thing every time.... And to top it off... They have the best Margaritas and Rum Punch in town! Classy, consistent and the food is always super bomb!!!

Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed. This tasted more like a complimentary breakfast at a hotel. I did like the fact the it was a small quiet place. I'm not sure I would revisit but the lunch/dinner menu items seem like they might be better than the breakfast.

This is a long time neighborhood restaurant that has terrific fresh food and beverages. I frequent here at least twice a week, sometimes for a great breakfast and other times for a really good lunch. Their freshly made turkey burgers and tuna salad are worth any distance that you have to travel. If you are a coffee lover, be sure to get a cup to go or sit and enjoy an expresso.

Great ambiance and wait staff and bomb food. Great spot for dinner, brunch or just a coffee. Get the chicken and waffles or the salmon cake breakfast :)

Went here this morning with my husband and son and grandson. The food was delicious and the customer service is above and beyond. Nice atmosphere. This is a welcoming place. My whole family enjoyed this place and the food this morning

Glad I decided to stop in. The place was pretty busy with lots of people coming in and out which to me showed their rating was well earned. Turns out you have to order at the register, where they only take caah, and find a table (quite a few inside and out) where it will be brought to you. Overall the food came out rather quickly. I got the chicken and waffles which also came with scrambled eggs, it was all really delicious and a great value (price and size). ......Chicken - two well seasoned fillets (breast) ......Waffles - whole waffle which was thick and soft. There wasnt any crisp to the edges but they were still good ......Eggs - you could tell they used real eggs and not stuff from the box (given the presence of whites). Looked to be about two eggs and they automatically added cheese. While I just had water, they had quite a few hot drinks and mimosas (I'm sure they have juices as well). Glad I veered off the beaten path and tried it, but it was worth it. It was also nice to see a different part of DC.

The service here was great! Mauricio was our server & he was very pleasant & informative. We were visiting from NC & very happy to find a place with COVID procedures in place. I didn't really care for my meal. The salmon came had a pickled taste to it, & to me it didn't pair well with the salmon. The mimosa was very good. Perfect blend of pineapple & champagne. My partner ordered the chicken & waffles. I ended up eating a quarter of her waffle & some of her chicken: it was okay! I'd go back for the service, if nothing else.