No Idiots. No Specials. No Shooters. No Politics. No Bombs. Relax. Be Cool. Drink. Behave.

These are the rules of my favorite brunch spot and one of the best-kept secrets in DC: The Pug. This neighborhood joint is located in the heart of the Atlas district at 1234 H street NE. The bar is filled with iconic pictures of turn of the century boxers and propaganda posters from the 70’s and 80’s. It is a cozy neighborhood bar with an amazing staff and friendly group of locals, truly a rare find in DC. I know that heading to Northeast DC is a little bit of a schlep, but do yourself a favor and make the trek.

When you walk inside after a night of drinking, The Pug is like a warm blanket with a brunch that boasts unlimited mimosas for ten dollars, that’s right ONLY $10, and a full menu of comfort foods. My favorite meal is “The All American”, which comes with two biscuits, two organic sausages (from 13th street meat, sooo goooood), two eggs (sunny side up of course), and a pile of Joe’s secret hangover hash (patent pending). All of that is then covered in homemade gravy. This is not a plate of health food, but also something you’ll never regret ordering.

Now, the food is absolutely amazing, but the staff is what keeps me coming back. Jackson (pictured left), Billy and Joe make sure each weekend is better than the last and keep things running smoothly. Jackson, an Auburn grad, runs the show every Saturday, and will make you feel at home the second you walk through the door (despite his subpar football preferences, Roll Tide).  Billy, our boy from Boston, can get the entire bar singing Sweet Caroline by one in the afternoon on any given Sunday. And last, but certainly not least, there’s Joe. Joe is the cook, and armed with only a hot plate and a skillet he creates some of the most fantastic food I have ever eaten. (I am not kidding, Joe cooks at the end of the bar, it’s unbelievable).

It is more than worth it to take the hike out to Northeast DC, and I could write pages more, but The Pug is something you have to experience for yourself to truly understand.

See you guys next Sunday.

Have a tip? Opening a new restaurant? Know the best drink list in the city?  Email me at [email protected].