Yesterday I met two of our dear friends for brunch at Sixth Engine (on Mass Ave between 5th & 4th Ave NW, a few blocks east of the Chinatown gate). We had driven by this renovated firehouse before, but had not tried it out yet, as it is a few blocks “off the beaten path,” but we are thankful we finally did. Constructed in the late 19th Century, the building was one of the oldest firehouses in D.C.
If one word could describe Sixth Engine I would pick: details. Our experience started with the sweet hostesses, we were then led to the downstairs dining area which has beautiful decor. The walls are a royal blue, the lighting for each table was just right, and the booths/chairs are extremely comfortable, even the way the napkins were wrapped around the silverware was unique. Brunch drinks were ordered and the presentation was beautiful (photo is of a Bloody Maria and after the lime/olive/celery was taken off the little sword). They also provide the table with a large container of filtered water with of course a fireman etched on the front.
Back to the details, our table ordered coffee and we had our own stainless steel french press delivered to the table with awesome coffee cups, which you can get a glance of in the Bloody Maria photo. A small tray of cream and sugar accompanied this. The brunch menu is a hybrid between brunch and lunch. Food choices range from buckwheat chocolate chip pancakes (which I ordered) to an All-American cheeseburger. All four of our meals were delivered and the presentation was clearly thought of… (photo is of their chorizo, potatoes, and eggs plate with chile sauce, scrambled eggs, tortillas, & crema verde.)
I wish I had gotten a photo of my chocolate chip flapjacks with the whipped cream so fresh it was sliding off… yum yum! You will have to trust me that this dish alone is worth a visit to Sixth Engine. I shared with everyone at the table and all of us just loved how light and delicious they were.
We finally finished up our delectable meals and then popped upstairs to see the decor before we left. Is it cliche to say it took my breath away? We got to the top of the stairs and turned the corner to large bay windows flooding the area with soft light, exposed bricks that were the walls of the original firehouse, and yup, the details down to the light bulbs on the chandeliers were just gorgeous. We left with full bellies and promises to come back.
Details:
Sixth Engine
438 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
202.506.2455
Serve: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Bar
Price Range: (brunch) $8.00-$19.50 (drinks) $~10.00
Eating Out In DC/NoVA 
I didn’t even know this restaurant existed (and I work so close to here). Thanks for sharing! I’ll have to check it out.
Can you start reviewing NY restaurants too? 😉
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