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.