Our last day in the nation’s capital kicked off with a meal at the Tune Inn. Miss Julia and I made the short cab ride over to 331 Pennsylvania Ave SE to meet my cousin Lauren and her husband, Ned for breakfast.
The Tune Inn is a sliver of a building sandwiched in between another eatery and a brick face grocery store. Neon covered the front, and a sign advertised breakfast was served anytime. A sole gray headed patron crushed a heater on the small patio area while reading a morning paper.
We walked in and spotted Lauren and Ned at a booth towards the back of the restaurant. Wood paneling covered the walls and various treasure covered the walls. A chandelier made of horns hung from the ceiling. A collection of men sat at the bar sipping coffee and watching the news. Ned told me the place had been gutted by fire a few years ago, but that they had been able to restore the interior to its former glory. It was dimly lit, well worn, and I loved it.
The food at the Tune Inn was straight-forward no-frills American breakfast fare. Various meats, eggs anyway you liked, and home fries filled the menu. Miss Julia, asked for some grits and eggs. I opted for sausage, two sunny side up eggs, a side of home fries, and rye toast. Coffee completed my meal, while Miss Julia ordered a glass of OJ.
The food was tasty, the coffee was strong, and the company was great. Ned used to tend bar at the Tune Inn until he hung up his shaker and began earning a living as a realtor. He had some great stories about Capitol Hill brahs rolling in with swagger but no coin to pay for a basket of fries. Says a lot about DC.
Service during our meal was attentive and friendly. The owner stopped by our table to chat, and was very sweet to Miss Julia. I grabbed a free bumper sticker on my way out, and if I lived anywhere near the Tune Inn I would become a regular.
The restaurant and bar is open Sun – Thur from 8 a.m. – 2 a.m., and on Fri and Sat from 8 a.m. – 3 a.m. The Tune Inn does not have an online presence, but can be contacted by telephone at (202) 543-2725.
Sweet Tea & Bourbon’s Rating:
Atmosphere: A
Taste: A
Presentation: C
Service: A
Cleanliness: B
Price: $
Sweet Tea & Bourbon 
Looks like a fantastic meal.
It was good! I love breakfast.