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Kramers
1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States
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Kramers
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Ar
Review №1

Cute little bookstore in DC and you should stop by if in the area. Eclectic collection of titles and journals/calendarsThey do have a restaurant/diner inside, so you can grab a bite as well if you’re hungry.Wish I had more time to spend there..

Jo
Review №2

Great brunch. The girls loved the pancakes. We ate outside in the street tent. The chairs were a little flimsy, but the open air was nice. Pretty crowded. Being creative during continuing COVID restrictions. Way to go Kramers!

To
Review №3

I was here 20 years ago and it was great. Seems just as good now. (I sure wish they still had that life-changing chicken lasagna)Chicken & waffles was really good. Great combo of different flavors, spicy, honey, waffley.Didnt have time to look through books today, but what I did see seemed eclectic and varied.

Da
Review №4

Has tons of books that you can choose from. I liked that they show books recommended by their staff. Also, everyone there is super helpful!There is coffee shop/restaurant part of it. It has great environment!

Yv
Review №5

Had a great time exploring this bookstore. Loved their friendly staffs and book collection. Want to sit down next time and try their coffee while reading.

Ca
Review №6

First time in Dupont Circle and first time at Kramers. Immediately on entering, the small and trendy atmosphere welcomed my group in. Emerson the server was extremely kind and patient with the splitting of checks and accomodating for my group. As for the food itself, I got a taste of almost every that Kramers offers because everyone in my group got something different. Put simply, Kramers makes good, simple breakfast, and knocked it out of the park. The food was quick, delicious, and definitely worth coming back for. Everything was delicious and I would absolutely come back. My only drawback is that for what they serve and the portions they come in, the prices are high. Overall, a wonderful experience and a breakfast for the books. Thanks Kramers.

Re
Review №7

This book store is great! It’s small but mighty. I appreciate the distribution of sections. I think they give a nice amount of space for new releases and they fit shelves for different genres in every corner. They’re also really helpful with looking for books and ordering whatever they don’t have!

Br
Review №8

I come here nearly every year Ive visited DC for the last 14 years. Its so nostalgic for me and I love the cafe vibe and adore the bookstore.However, after anticipating another visit for the last year, I have to say the cafe fell short (Im so sad to say!!). The cheesestake was decent except for the fact that the actual cheese seemed like Velveeta...it just didnt go! With the price point and my expectations, I was surprised the cheese didnt pack a nice quality punch. The Cubano - good but not mind blowing as I remembered Kramers to be. Cup of coffee was good but the espresso in the mocha was mediocre. Finally, for dessert, Goober Pie - peanut butter, graham cracker, and chocolate ganache - did not save my experience. The chocolate ganache was too overpowering! (Also, I wanted to order the veggie lasagna but I couldnt bring myself to pay $20 for it.)The bathrooms are in dire need of updating, but not sure if thats something Kramers can do...not sure if the bathrooms are owned by the building, but regardless, I was surprised they werent more pleasant.Although, great thing is Kramers service!!! My greeter and server were very friendly and attentive. And our food was ready at lightning speed even though it was dead middle of the lunch hour on a weekday.The bookstore is charming as always, they always have relevant and fun selections.Be sure to visit the bookstore, support local, and buy that book here that youve been eyeing on Amazon. Hoping the cafe seemed a little off only due to effects of the pandemic (supply chain? New cooks? Idk...) but go ahead and give them a chance at the cafe if youve never been here.

He
Review №9

Love the location of this bookstore/restaurant in Dupont Circle. The food has not change since the pandemic, however, the service has improved since our last visit. Availability was fast and convenient due to the extra outside seating for customers. The Smoked Salmon Benedict was delicious...and local shops have a good selection of items to choose from.

He
Review №10

Came here for brunch on a Friday. There was no wait but if you want, they do take reservations online! Food was amazing. Highly recommend trying their French sodas and smoked pork hash. Staff was amazing and the food came quickly. There is also a bookstore inside! I would recommend sitting on the patio if it’s nice out. All the staff were wearing masks

Sc
Review №11

We stopped for a lunch at the restaurant here and then wandered into the bookstore. Lunch was good; the bookstore was excellent. Many books I dont run across elsewhere with notes about them from employees. Could have bought more!

Na
Review №12

Good food at reasonable prices. Love the bookstore atmosphere.

Ca
Review №13

Kramers fits into that charming D.C. bookstore vibe set by others of its kind such as Politics and Pros.Ive personally found books here that are perfect as bookshelf/library additions as well as some quirky new reads that I wouldnt normally seek out.Highly recommended!

Re
Review №14

Well stocked. Helpful staff

Be
Review №15

One of our favorite brunch places in DC. Outdoor seating is amazing, and the bookstore itself is also very nice. Great selection of books and yummy food menu too!

Sa
Review №16

Delicious food. Nice outdoor space for social distancing. Pup friendly.

Sa
Review №17

I’ve been here a few times before for books, but this weekend I took a friend for books AND drinks. The outdoor patio is really casual and peaceful. I had two Angelous and my friend had two dirty martinis. She enjoyed her drinks but the Angelou was quite small for $11. Books are usually priced at suggested MSRP, which is better than marked up. Happy to support this local business even if many consider it a touch too touristy.

Da
Review №18

Went for brunch on a Saturday - social distancing and COVID protocol are definitely in place which was nice. The burger was delicious, special sauce and fries were also solid. Decent selection of local craft beer on draft. The soho omelette was super cheesy and eggs and bacon were delicious. Highly recommend and fedwhich is also awesome

Jo
Review №19

Besides being a great book store. This place is a great brunch spot.I had the chicken and waffles. Very tasty and fresh. The chicken was very well breaded and fried to perfection.They have a lot of outside seating in the patio area. They have a tent outside that protects from the sun but still able to enjoy the nice weather on a nice day.Looking forward to visiting again soon!

Ch
Review №20

Very nice clean bookstore. lots of variety and topics, depending on your personal moods and interests

Sp
Review №21

Crab with egg Benedict is very delicious, the best breakfast ever. Also got a lager of embassy beer. Staffs are super friendly. Only one thing that I noticed is the payment app suggested tips starting from 30% for a breakfast, or brunch at most. I didn’t bother to change it lower as it seemed to need to jump another hoop to click open a new page etc, plus I thought maybe girls need some nice extra income because of less business during pandemic. Just a bit surprised.

Ro
Review №22

The bookstore is great, the service is good but they come to ask you if youre alright every 30 seconds. The food was good.

Qu
Review №23

Chicken and waffles were legit. That coleslaw was the bomb dot com! And the waitstaff were so damn kind. I give it a 4 because the bacon could have been better; theres gotta be better bacon options in DC. Love this place and the bookstore is sooooo amazing!

Jo
Review №24

Great restaurant, bar & bookshop. Trying really hard with COVID safety measures & they have cute outdoor tent bubbles for social distancing. Helpful & knowledgeable staff & lots of local books

Ka
Review №25

Was there in corona time and had the chance to enjoy the car free! Experience as the street was closed to cars. The food was great and try the bookstore as well

No
Review №26

The books? ExcellentThe omelettes? EggcelentI prefer Kramers for the bookshop but brunch is good too.

Th
Review №27

Surprisingly good food though it is at DC prices. I walked away satisfied and impressed with the quality for a bookstore. It’s truly restaurant level and probably is just as good as some Georgetown restaurants.

Jo
Review №28

I love Kramers. Theres just something about a well-curated book store that is both engaging and comforting. I felt like they had solid Covid protocols in place, including how you paid and such.They have staff picks and the layout of the store has display shelves as well as separated shelves, so you can browse the traditional way or just eye shop.They also have a great restaurant in the back and a fun delivery program

Ri
Review №29

Nice place. It was just unfortunate that they did not have a book that I went there in search of. It wasnt their fault, though. It wasnt mine either. They just didnt have it. Its still a good store. The staff there were very helpful.

Iv
Review №30

Great avocado toast! And overall the food was very healthy.Didnt like the coffee though, tasted sour.

lo
Review №31

Great experience. Food was delectable 😋🤤🤤🤤 Service Impeccable..

Di
Review №32

My idea of heaven. A fantastic bookstore combined with tasty cocktails. Service was excellent!

Ka
Review №33

Love this old Washington store! Only complaint is that the mystery section seemed a little thin. Staff great as always.

Vi
Review №34

The bookstore is great, but the restaurant is mediocre. The omelette was probably made with instant eggs. The potatoes were dry and pretty plain. The pork sausage was oddly flavorless. The French soda was pretty tasty. The chicken and waffles had a very small piece of chicken for the $17.

Br
Review №35

Good food and great service. Not much else to want for.

Ca
Review №36

Beautiful bookstore and dining

W
Review №37

Always so nice to chill and eat. Their alcohol sodas are cheap and good, they have great portions and the price is alright.

Be
Review №38

As a librarian - who obviously have read every book that has ever been written - I can clearly assess that Kramerbooks is the most amazing bookstore of all time. The selection of books is outstandingly thoughtful and the Afterwords café is a great addition with incredibly delicious food and fantastic live music in the evening. I wish I would live in DC and could visit it more often!

di
Review №39

The book store / restaurant / bar combo is like heaven on earth and Kramers always delivers on all fronts. Were so lucky to have a spot like to us in the neighborhood.

Li
Review №40

Menu was a bit limited as compared to the past, but the burger was fine.

Di
Review №41

A fun bookstore, combining a few loves

Is
Review №42

Great restaurant! Very friendly staff and fast service! Both the breakfast and lunch/dinner menu is absolutely delicious. Would definitely recommend!!

an
Review №43

Needs a better parking for my bike. But walked in went to register gave the name of the book and they had it in 2 mins. Id paid and out the door in 5 mins service excellent. The cost no different to Amazon if you add transport. Its been a while since i bought a book. I enjoyed it. They have a nice cafe and a good bathroom. I would have stayed for coffee if i fealt my bike was safe. But i didnt so i passed on that experience

Pa
Review №44

Fantastic food, quick and friendly service, but disappointing coffee

Re
Review №45

Really enjoyed this little cafe. Stopped by just for desserts and they were fantastic! Took us a minute to get seated, but once we were, the service was great and stopping in the bookstore afterwards was really nice.

Li
Review №46

Sat outside on a Saturday. Socially distanced tables for those that are worried about it. The food was wonderful and so was the banana coconut French soda. We ordered the avocado toast and loved it with the pickled onions on top.

Le
Review №47

Breakfast all day, and the Soho Omelot didn’t disappoint. Little to no wait for a Friday lunch.

DA
Review №48

The new menu isnt as good....not consistent and old standbys are missed. Change in hours in the morning a big disappointment for loyal neighborhood guests.

Pe
Review №49

Always visit anytime Im back in DC. Great bookshop! Be sure to check it out and get some books!

Kw
Review №50

I loved what I got. I think it was called Fettuccine New Orleans. It was delicious. Tables are a bit small and the hostess was a bit rude, but our waiter was great. Had a few laughs with him and he was pretty accommodating. Definitely recommend.

Mi
Review №51

Cute bookstore with a nice selection. Cafe in back.

Am
Review №52

Great Bookstore-cafe-bar near Dupont Circle. Lots of books from various genres. The cafe and bar are nice add-ons as well. Went into the bar and enjoyed a beer and appetizer with my husband. Struck up a conversation with the friendly bar tender who happened to be from the same home state as my husband. Overall, we had a great experience and would come back. The space is small and they use all of it; so just be prepared to slowly move around people and books...have patience. Thanks!

Si
Review №53

Thoughtful and really interesting book selection, breakfast fresh and delicious, server Carmen was attentive, fast, really great wait staff. Will def come back.

Ja
Review №54

Good every time I come in! The chicken and waffles are delicious.

ve
Review №55

Cool bookstore just off the Dupont Circle area... impressive selection of books, a small bar, and good desserts. Also open late!

Em
Review №56

The staff was very friendly, Lovely atmosphere, great books.

Ka
Review №57

Try the fried chicken sandwich out on the back patio before or after browsing the selection of books.

An
Review №58

A book store with a full restaurant, whats not to love? Their menu is good, although I really wish theyd have at least one charcuterie board option!Ordered avocado hummus and deviled eggs and a refreshing gin drink andoved all of itm definitely recommend!

th
Review №59

Get the Goober Pie and the Mousse!!

Br
Review №60

Nice, old school book store with cafe. The selection of books isnt huge, but they have good diversity. The cafe is a bit pricey and Id recommend reservations for groups.

De
Review №61

This place is basically a bookstore with a cafe or restaurant attached to it in the back, depending on the street you choose to enter the place. The price is on the higher side but the food is pretty amazing. Mostly American food, with great attention to detail.

Vl
Review №62

Great comfort tasty food, great service, easy atmosphere :)

Ja
Review №63

Fettuccine New Orleans is really good. Its been on their menu for 30 years.

Al
Review №64

A unique business with a joint bookstore and cafe that has a spectacular variety of dining options.I spent my Saturday exploring some of the independent bookstores around DC. Kramerbooks has one of the more unique setups where it’s bookstore in the front and restaurant/bar in the back. The location of the business is easily accessible and right outside of the metro station. Although the bookstore is pretty typical (think a smaller Politics & Prose), the dining experience is wonderful and is the reason why they get 5 stars.I ate at the bar and ordered a Crab Omelette and coffee and was not sure what to expect. However, the omelette ended up being one of the best omelettes I’ve tasted and was reasonably priced! It had the perfect pairing of massive amounts of crab, some corn, and egg. I highly recommend coming here for brunch and trying the crab omelette!

Su
Review №65

Fabulous bookstore with a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction. And the restaurant at the back serves an amazing blueberry cheesecake.

So
Review №66

Went there for breakfast based on good reviews. When we first walked in and saw the space, we didn’t want to eat there. So we left. With no better options available, we came back. We sat in the lower level - slanted brick floor and ugly wobbly black metal table and chairs. The food was good and the coffee was good.Needs a lot of help in decor to warm up the space. The food was good but overall experience wasn’t great. Will give 3.5 stars.

V
Review №67

Great breakfast. Better books.

Pa
Review №68

Good chicken and waffles and the spicy margarita really kicks!! Great service too, I recommend for a chill evening.

Ja
Review №69

What a surprise to find! We enjoyed our time at Kramer books & Afterwords. We arrived hungry. I ordered the tacos and corn relish. The flavorful taste was just right. I would gladly order it again. After we ate, we shopped for books and each of us found more than one book to bring home. Great place.

Li
Review №70

Love this place. Im doing a monthly book and bottle of wine subscription right now. The wines could not be more interesting and thoughtfully chosen. The same can be said of the books

Li
Review №71

Bookstore has a good selection however the restaurant I was terrible. . The hamburger and salad were sloppily presented and completely over dressed. No thought to presentation. Chef needs additional training. Waiter was very good and professional.

na
Review №72

Cannot ask more than a bookstore with a restaurant and bar. it’s a staple location in dc’s dupont circle. you can spend hours without notice.

Le
Review №73

Delicious food. Great books. Great staff.

Pa
Review №74

This is truly one of the finest places in Washington.I am absolutely in love with this place.Such a soothing and calm vibe, every visit to this place has always came out as a good time .The food is exquisitely delicious and the service is amazingly warm.

Ro
Review №75

Food, books, friends... who could ask for more. The crab cakes were awesome with the pasta and the scallops were delicious. The service staff were very friendly and accommodating.

Yu
Review №76

Service is ok, food is reasonable. Server mixed up dinner entrees, had to wait extra 10 minutes for food (when my husband said that he was really hungry before order) and surprisingly didnt get free entree or free desert when in other places if something like this occurs, the place will offer something like that. Sever also didnt check for ID and there was too much liquor in our cocktails. When asked to make a cocktail with less liquor, sever said that we need to pay for that.

Ra
Review №77

The wings were the best. Books are retail price.

An
Review №78

Kramerbooks is an independent bookstore and restaurant in the Dupont Circle area. It has a wonderful selection of books, including non-fiction and childrens. The staff recommendations are definitely worth checking out, as are the award-winners or nominees..The café/restaurant and the bar are within the bookstore itself, and serve very good food, even though not exactly easy on the pocket.

Us
Review №79

My 2 year old grand daughter loved the store too!

Sa
Review №80

Highly Recommend you PASS on this experience. Maybe they are good if they’re not busy, I will never know.It is a cute concept that is poorly executed.After waiting an hour and a half for a table (quoted 30-45mins) I ordered the avocado toast. Poached egg, avocado, pickled onion, salt - a staple that I assumed won’t be quick but delicious.Not quick. Not delicious.The “pickled onions” must have been dyed pink because they lacked any semblance of flavor. There was no flavor at all on any of ingredients actually.My partner and I considered ordering togo when we were told the initial wait time, since before putting our name on the list we were asked if we would be joining for dine in or take out they then told us they weren’t taking to go orders and to check back in 15 mins. to see if they were at that point(wut?)I also noticed tables sat dirty and empty for long periods of time which must have added to wait times, perhaps to pace the kitchen - but this was a Holiday, in Washington D.C, at 12:15pm - pacing the kitchen like this is poor management.Bloody Mary was good and it would be a nice way to pass the wait if you could stroll through the bookstore while drinking one. I asked to order a drink or a coffee but was told they do not serve if you’re not sat.TLDR; Do not recommend since wait times are misquoted, service is lacking, food is bland.

Li
Review №81

A phenomenal bookstore with great selection!!

Jo
Review №82

Food was good overall. French toast was a bit disappointing (sorry didnt get a pic before wife dug in) and service was a bit sporadic. I think it was due to the busy time of the day. Book store side was great.Edit: We went back for dinner a few nights later wow great food great service. The place was lively and packed. Everyone enjoyed their food. Changing my rating from 4 to 5 stars.

Ga
Review №83

Please ask your staff to not come to my table multiple times asking if I need something. If I need something, I would ask you. Please be courteous. You walk by my table so many times. Trust me if I need something, I would let you know.

Ke
Review №84

Nice staff and decent depth of inventory. However, its organized a bit haphazardly. Very nice bookstore and Cafe that Ill visit again, but it is nowhere near as nice as it used to be Kramerbooks & Afterward

Pe
Review №85

Nice atmosphere. Got there when an author was reading from his book.

Ch
Review №86

It was the only place still open after 10pm in the area. Got the Cubano with seasoned fries and it was pretty delicious! Unlike other Cubanos Ive had, this one was not pressed down. The fries were seasoned well, but not all were crispy. The service, though, was really disappointing. We sat waiting for someone to take our order. They took the order from a newer customer before they took ours. Ordered drinks but had to remind them when the food arrived. Asked for a second plate and had to remind them 2 times.

Jo
Review №87

There should be one of these in every city. The books are diverse and the drinks are mind blowing. The food is as creative as the fiction section, and covers everyone, from meat and potatoes me to my vegan kid.If you are in DC, go here.

Re
Review №88

Pretty good breakfast/brunch. Got the croque madam with fruit. Nice selection of books.

Ja
Review №89

In the restaurant, the food and beverage are very special and delicious 😋, you must visit this place. Salmon, pasta, sandwiches, etc, good!!!!

Ju
Review №90

Perfect place to get brunch only on weekends! And then go to the book store.

Ni
Review №91

Really great collection. Excellent service. Met an old friend.

Be
Review №92

Good book cafe! not only a healthy book for my brain & good food^+^ nice ambiance

Da
Review №93

It was nice to be out in.public and eating with those celebrating Pride.

Gh
Review №94

The same year they opened I was born and my mother took me here that same year. Yes I grow up in bookstores. 😂 Now we take our son. They are still offer great book selections. Great breakfast spot to meet friends and family.

Co
Review №95

Nice modern bookshop in the dupont area with a tasty pop up in the back!

Wi
Review №96

One of the best venues in all of Washington DC....food is amazing and great Great Books

El
Review №97

I love books. so bookstore plus food=heaven to me! Great Selections for everything! Very polite and helpful.

Se
Review №98

Passed by and saw a book store so I decided to look inside. To my surprise they have a cafe/bar in the back and modern selection of books. Quiet yet hipster atmosphere. Will definitely bring someone on an intellectual date here.

Ve
Review №99

Read a book. Eat some breakfast. great food. i love the steak and eggs in the morning.

Ha
Review №100

Good food but you definitely go for the atmosphere of dining in a book store. They had some gluten free options when I went last which was helpful.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.5 Rating
  • Address:1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States
  • Site:http://kramers.com/
  • Phone:+1 202-387-1400
Categories
  • Book store
  • Cafe
Working hours
  • Monday:8AM–9PM
  • Tuesday:8AM–9PM
  • Wednesday:8AM–9PM
  • Thursday:8AM–9PM
  • Friday:8AM–10PM
  • Saturday:8AM–10PM
  • Sunday:8AM–9PM
Service options
  • Outdoor seating:Yes
  • Curbside pickup:Yes
  • No-contact delivery:Yes
  • Delivery:Yes
  • Takeout:Yes
  • Dine-in:Yes
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great beer selection:Yes
  • Great coffee:Yes
  • Great dessert:Yes
  • Great tea selection:Yes
  • Great wine list:Yes
  • Live performances:Yes
Popular for
  • Breakfast:Yes
  • Lunch:Yes
  • Dinner:Yes
  • Solo dining:Yes
  • Good for working on laptop:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible seating:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot:No
Offerings
  • Alcohol:Yes
  • Beer:Yes
  • Cocktails:Yes
  • Coffee:Yes
  • Comfort food:Yes
  • Happy hour drinks:Yes
  • Happy hour food:Yes
  • Hard liquor:Yes
  • Healthy options:Yes
  • Late-night food:Yes
  • Quick bite:Yes
  • Small plates:Yes
  • Vegetarian options:Yes
  • Wine:Yes
Dining options
  • Breakfast:Yes
  • Lunch:Yes
  • Dinner:Yes
  • Dessert:Yes
  • Seating:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • High chairs:Yes
  • Restroom:Yes
  • Wi-Fi:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cozy:Yes
Crowd
  • College students:Yes
  • Groups:Yes
  • Tourists:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
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