I like to take my college freshman son out around 2 pm on Sundays in DC for lunch/brunch (truth be know he prefers lunch foods). I've had some trouble finding good places because many in downtown are closed on Sunday or don't open until 5. We like American, Italian, Chinese, maybe French. He definitely does not want to wear a jacket and tie so places with a dress code are out. I'd love to sample some good DC restaurants. We have been paying around 12-15 each but sometimes more.

Gabriel Restaurant (2121 P Street NW) features an ecclectic menu created and prepared by award-winning chef Gregory Hill. But in addition to maintaining service from breakfast through dinner, there is a Sunday Bruch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. that is quite notable. The restaurant has a nice ambiance -- particularly if you've grown tired of the stately "big-dark-wood-looking" places. It's part of the Radisson Barcelo Hotel, but it has it's own street entrance and it's one of the better hotel restaurants I've visited. The staff pays attention and I think you'd find it well worth a try. (202-293-3100)

My husband and I loved the Drag Brunch at Perry's in Adams-Morgan...the food was great, and the performers were outstanding. And Adams-Morgan is a fun, eclectic neighborhood to wander through afterward.

I like Bistro Francais on M Street in G'town for weekend lunches. The fixed price menu for about $15 includes app, main, desesrt, and a glass of wine and offers quite a few choices. Of course if this is too girly for a 19-yr old guy, he could order heartier fare.

If you're coming from Northern Virginia, try the Carlyle Grand Cafe. It's located in Shirlington and consistently gets voted one of the best brunches in the Washingtonian magazine. In fact, check out the Washingtonian's website and you can look at the rankings, that may give you more ideas.

Seconds on Gabriel; one o my favorites in DC. They only have 2 seatings (11:00 and 1:00 I think) but it's a wide range ot items for one of the best prices for DC brunch.

Another vote for Gabriel - I think it's the most interesting brunch in town, although it's more than you've been spending - around $30 per person with champagne, as I recall. I also love Cashions (on 18th and Columbia in Adams Morgan), and it's great to sit outside and people watch when the weather's nice. For a more casual Adams Morgan spot, the Diner on 18th street is a fun brunch place, and they have lots of lunch items for your son. Also, the Bombay Club serves a Sunday champagne brunch that I really like - combination of Indian and Western foods. The Washington Post website has a list of brunch spots that might be useful: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/entertainment/new_features/restaurants/brunch.htm

And kudos to you for taking your son on these great brunch dates - he's a lucky guy!

You should go the Washingtonian magazine for advise. They have a 50 Best Brunches section and it profiles all the places that have been mentioned by the other posters. The website is www.washingtonian.com

I second the drag queen brunch at Perry's. Food is fantastic and the drag queens are great and highly interactive.

A third vote for Perry's drag brunch! In my opinion, it is THE brunch in DC, something you must experience at least once. Another good bruch spot in the same area (Adams Morgan) is Cashion's--casual and laid back.

I also second Carslyle Grand in VA. I have eaten many a yummy Sunday brunch there!

The Bombay Club is fabulous, but perhaps a bit too formal for what you are looking for. I think your son would prefer one of the above!