American University's graduation is May 14 -- which also happens to be Mother's Day. I need to find a good but not exorbitantly expensive brunch option. Any suggestions?

In case you and your mom will be spending Mother's Day in the area, DCist encourages you to consider booking a reservation for Sunday brunch sooner rather than later. With American University's graduation falling on the same day, plenty of places are already full -- including brunch or tea at the Willard and many time slots at the Tabard Inn. For those of us who still want to show Mom how much we appreciate her but haven’t yet made a plan, we’ve come up with a short list of reasonably priced brunch options -- as well as ways to wile away the afternoon.

Dumbarton Oaks and brunch at the Peacock Café
Should you consider a stroll through Dumbarton Oaks or a shopping trip through Georgetown with Mom, Peacock Café may be a good post-walk bet. It’s a fun spot for people watching from the patio on Prospect Street. The menu includes an array of juices and smoothies and a solid wine list. For a splurge, try the French toast, served with strawberries sauteed in butter, brown sugar and balsamic. This option might be good for last-minute reservations.
Dumbarton Oaks. Entrance at R Street & 32nd Street NW.
The Peacock Café. 3521 Prospect Street NW. (202) 625-2740.

Robert Bechtle at the Corcoran and brunch at 701
Post-modern moms may prefer spending the afternoon at the Corcoran to see suburban Americana as portrayed by San Francisco painter Robert Bechtle or the photojournalism in David Seymour’s “Reflections from the Heart.” So she doesn’t go hungry, book a reservation at 701. For a reasonable $35, the restaurant offers a prix-fixe menu with choices such as poached eggs on lobster roulade with avocado compote.
The Corcoran Gallery of Art. 500 17th Street NW.
701 Restaurant. 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. (202) 393-0701.

Sunday drive and brunch at Patowmack Farm
Planning on taking a Sunday drive? One nostalgic option is Loudoun County’s Patowmack Farm. For $35, you can enjoy the prix-fixe menu outside, where you can take in the stunning view of the river and countryside. The “from farm to table” concept will likely be reinforced by the bleating of goats and the occasional rooster call. Though some items on the menu are hit-or-miss, the more traditional offerings such as the crab-and-artichoke dip will nearly always guarantee pleasure, whereas the seared frog legs hot wing might not. Other choices may include cornmeal crusted trout and lamb roulade as entrees. Don’t miss the especially delicious homemade breads and preserves.
Patowmack Farm. 42461 Lovettsville Road. Lovettsville, Va. (540) 822-9017.

Bach/Beatles Project at Kennedy Center and brunch at Circle Bistro
Another option for the baby-boomer Mom is the Bach/ Beatles Ballet project at the Kennedy Center. Nearby is foodie favorite Circle Bistro, which offers such options as a tempura soft shell crab remoulade and traditional Belgian waffles for brunch. With an extensive wine list by the glass, Circle Bistro is a sure bet for moms who are wine connoisseurs as well.
The Kennedy Center. 2700 F Street NW.
Circle Bistro. One Washington Circle Hotel. One Washington Circle NW. (202) 293-5390.

Bluegrass and brunch at FireFlies
Del Ray’s FireFlies offers down-home bluegrass and brunch for Mother’s Day. Sponsored by the D.C. Bluegrass Union, musicians start at 11 and continue throughout the afternoon. Menu options include biscuits and gravy and pan-fried pork chops, as well as traditional omelettes and pancakes. After a meal like that, we’d need to head home for a nap.
Fireflies. 1501 Mount Vernon Avenue. Alexandria, Va. (703) 548-7200.

Dog run and brunch at Pat Troy's Irish Pub
If you can’t leave the pooch at home, consider taking Mom and Fido to brunch together. After a morning off-leash run at Duke Street dog park or one of the area parks, consider Irish brunch options on the patio of Pat Troy's Irish Pub, which may include bangers and mash, omelettes, or the Ferbane Irish breakfast: Irish bacon, black and white pudding, and sausage, served with eggs and home fries. There’s a doggie menu, too, which includes chopped burger or lamb stew. Make sure you follow the rules: clean up after your dog and don’t feed him from a fork.
Duke Street Dog Park. 5000 block of Duke Street. Alexandria, Va.
Pat Troy’s Irish Pub. 111 North Pitt Street. Alexandria, Va. (703) 549-4535.

Live jazz and brunch at Georgia Brown's
Comfort food at Georgia Brown's is described as delicious by fans. Grits, fried green tomatoes, and fried chicken gizzards are stars on the menu, as are the gargantuan portions. So, arrive hungry. Because the music is allegedly loud, this might be your place if there's less of a need for catch up and more craving for a fun, festive brunch.
Georgia Brown's. 950 15th Street NW. (202) 393-4499.

The National Zoo and brunch at Dino
Enjoy a spring vegetable risotto, traditional lasagna or a whole fish grilled by new chef Daniel Amaya. Afterwards, walk off brunch and visit our favorite panda, the year-old cheetahs, or Selkie and Gunnar -- the seals who are likely older than you, if you were born after 1973. The Zoo describes Selkie as the one with "the exceptionally pretty face."
The National Zoo. 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW.
Dino. 3435 Connecticut Avenue NW. (202) 686-2966.

And, as always, consult OpenTable Nycci Nellis’ frequently updated List for updated reservation options.