Locolat: Another reason to reminisce about Belgium.

Photo credit: DCBEER.com

Locolat is one of my favorite cafés to grab a Belgian lunch in DC. My friend, Alex, introduced me to the place a couple years ago and we have been using it as our brunch meeting spot ever since. I use the term bunch loosely, because they really do not have any breakfast items on the menu (we just happen to arrive during brunch hours).

The menu boasts a variety of chocolate drinks, wines, and Belgian beers; hot and cold sandwiches and mussels (recently voted #2 in DC for mussels); and a variety of Belgian waffles. I know it is against my inner foodie to order the same meal each visit, but I do have my favorites at Locolat. I typically begin my meal with a dark chocolate latte (hot or cold, depending on the season) and prosciutto and parmesan panini. The girls and I split a delicious and sugary Liege waffle with a side of whipped cream. I always leave full, but never over-stuffed, just like a real European. If you are looking to bring a special treat home with you, look no further than the chocolate and pastry filled display cases.

Locolat does offer happy hour specials during the week, and would be a good place to grab a beer and a sandwich before heading over to nearby Jack Rose. They have limited seating inside and outside, so I suggest going during off-hours if you don’t like to wait. Prices are very affordable (most items on the lunch menu are under $10), the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is generally calming.