True hole in the wall DC Diners

Submitted by dcguy000 t3_yglshm in washingtondc

Looking for true “hole in the wall-ish” , “local spot” DC Diners.

Like: Jimmy T’s, Pete’s Diner, Florida Ave Grill

Unlike: Silver Diner, The Diner, Open City

Places with a little history, a little grease, some uniqueness etc. There are definitely places I am missing up in NE, NW DC.

Any and all suggestions are welcome even if they do not fit the diner category or the specifics highlighted above. Every establishment has their own great unique features.

Bonus points if you can walk out of there for $15 or less for a full spread.

Thank you!

183

Comments

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robot_in_socks t1_iu95cyj wrote

Murry & Paul’s in Brookland, Bagels Etc in Dupont (not a diner but is a hole in the wall)

110

therich t1_iu9981a wrote

Lincoln's Waffle Shop, right across from Ford's Theatre.

108

genghis_ma t1_iu9a07q wrote

Post Pub near McPherson is a pub, not a diner, but fits the vibe you’re looking for

38

Worldly_Government t1_iu9gndc wrote

Steak n' Egg up in Tenleytown. It used to be a tiny place that you sat outside but with the redevelopment they've moved into a shiny space.

121

RilkeanHearth t1_iu9h26s wrote

College Park Diner if you don't mind trekking out a bit

9

Otree38 t1_iu9i2yv wrote

A bit out of the District but the original Bob & Edith’s on Columbia Pike is nice

71

BubblyProgress8182 t1_iu9mvnb wrote

Not a diner but rather a small market.. I get lox bagels and drip coffee at “so’s your mom” in admo about once every month. Love little shops like that.

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CaptainObvious110 t1_iu9vhzd wrote

Do you mean DC or are places in MD or VA acceptable as well?

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douggoblue t1_iu9x80a wrote

Tony's on Kennedy, Mark's kitchen in Takoma Park which is a Korean diner

Not diners but Andrene's on Kennedy, Spicy Delight in Takoma, and Peaches in Brightwood all will fill you up with Caribbean food for not much money.

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51stStar t1_iu9yneq wrote

Hi, does anyone have a lead on a place with either wildly inflated prices, or minuscule portions? Haha no corporate chains please, I prefer byzantine seating procedures and absolutely demand to be ignored by the staff. Extra love if they refuse to take credit cards.

21

mzdameaner t1_iua8is9 wrote

Pete’s Diner off Independence and 2nd St SE

6

chocolatorange t1_iua9e48 wrote

Not a traditional diner but def hole in the wall and has incredible breakfast foods: Heat Da Spot Cafe on Georgia Ave. Seriously delicious & owned by the sweetest family - an absolute gem

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FewHaveTried t1_iuaal2r wrote

White Corner in SE, hands down hole in the wall dope food spot.

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lgrace_ t1_iuabw1l wrote

Not a diner but I love the food at Garden District. They have a great burger, and the Cuban is amazing.

2

BenBishopsButt t1_iuai94s wrote

Replying to ktrainor59 (#323,354)

When did they close? I moved away a while ago but I liked it. Plus points for the weirdest, most run down dive bar I’ve ever encountered. It had the ambiance of a no name gas station bathroom in Wichita.

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BenBishopsButt t1_iuaiw5j wrote

Replying to ktrainor59 (#323,666)

Oh yeah they did but I don’t think they shut down. Still shows as open and active on their website and Google. Developer probably ran out of money.

I remember people talking about that before I moved away and that was in 2019.

1

failstronaut t1_iuani6j wrote

Benito’s Place in Shaw - this place is a little hole in the wall that sat on Eater’s top 38 restaurants in DC for a long while and it still puts out some fabulous food.

5

ProfHopeE t1_iuao38e wrote

Red Derby- not a diner. Hole in the wall bar that plays Twilight Zone episodes on the wall.

8

sNills t1_iuasclr wrote

Replying to mjc6290 (#315,232)

Torrie’s is the greatest diner in DC. They recently disconnected their phones so I go once a weekend or so and find out it’s closed and walk back home. And I keep going back

8

Hank_59 t1_iuat8ac wrote

Tastee diner in Bethesda.
Steak and egg kitchen (Wisconsin ave., near Tenley). Although they did recently expand.

15

leafonawall t1_iuatc2p wrote

Raven in mt pleasant (can bring your own food!) and Reliable Tavern in petworth. Solid neighborhood spots (along with the regular spots like red derby and looking glass)

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Such_Cod_5314 t1_iuatrcj wrote

Lucky buns, Fed Pig, Ledos Pizza, Roaming Rooster

−5

googlevsdolphins t1_iuaxsnv wrote

Huacatay is my local hole-in-the-wall, great chicken at insanely low prices.

9

Hank_59 t1_iubgz3o wrote

Replying to Hank_59 (#325,614)

Btw, as an aside, the family that owns the Bethesda location turned down untold millions from both the Woodmont grill folks (excellent place, btw) and also the developers of the future MARRIOT world HQ-which literally built their building around the TD. It’s so refreshing to see the little guy refuse to sell out.

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SquishWindow t1_iubmw3u wrote

Highlands on upper 14th St might fit the bill. Taqueria Habanero may scratch this itch too.

6

Tad2much t1_iuboqom wrote

Replying to Namelaka_Cremeux (#318,630)

Don't forget about the Kennedy St location. Great spot for a tasty cheap breakfast.

EDIT: Just realized Tony's breakfast is a different place. I'm sure it is great, but I've only ever been to Tony's place, which as I said above, is great.

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Illustrious_Bed902 t1_iubtkmz wrote

Wafle Shop in Del Ray

(Not a Diner) Blue & White Carry-Out in Old Town

Primo Family Restaurant in Belle Haven

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BoothTime t1_iuc54z1 wrote

Replying to Hank_59 (#330,169)

Is it? I hope that it was financially the right decision or at least prioritized their own joy, because I think it would be silly to turn down a lot of money just so they can be a prop for authenticity.

0

Zahara_612 t1_iuc9ek4 wrote

Parkway Deli in silver spring. The pickle bar is everything, and their Ruben is amazing 😍

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homelessorgy t1_iuc9yj9 wrote

Fairfax inn is amazing. Full on diner but also amazing home cooked Filipino food. Garlic fried rice and lechon are insanely delicious and the service is outstanding with hilarious Filipina aunties are your servers. It’s a vibe and they have outdoor seating. https://fairfaxinnrestaurant.com

It is in Seven Corners (not actually in Fairfax, but Falls Church/arlington) near Eden center which is a Vietnamese shopping center with delicious food everywhere

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SpareParts1995 t1_iuchf54 wrote

Probably a stretch based on the above, but Shrimp Boat Plaza by Benning Road is excellent

3

jakes1018 t1_iucr72h wrote

Duplex Diner, 18th & U.

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mildlyfunkyduck t1_iucwzu9 wrote

Bagels Etc in Dupont! Not a diner but a really great, true hole in the wall spot for exceptional bagels

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scratchnsniff t1_iudece0 wrote

No one I know in DC seems to unless I recommend it and it’s one of my favorites. Florida Avenue Grill

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rectalhorror t1_iudq9km wrote

Replying to AHairyFishsticks (#319,233)

Doug Jemal bought the original Waffle Shop and put the facade and interior in storage. They were used to build the new Stellina Pizzeria over in Mount Vernon Triangle. They actually did a pretty good job and the pizzas are excellent. Funny thing is, because of the Waffle Shop sign, people thought they'd get waffles there. They got tired of saying no, so they started serving waffles as well as pizzas. https://wtop.com/business-finance/2022/04/dcs-stellina-pizzeria-goes-retro-with-new-mt-vernon-triangle-location/

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goat211 t1_iudz6ya wrote

Mark's Kitchen in Takoma Park - it's been around forever, very much a greasy spoon atmosphere, and has a mix of American and Korean fare.

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caseyscottmckay t1_iueg8rx wrote

Henry's Soul Diner at 17th and U has good southern food for under $15.

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HealthcareZeros t1_iuhckou wrote

The Market Lunch! Blueberry pancakes are so good!

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brodies t1_iui7aqq wrote

Replying to Otree38 (#317,176)

They’ve opened a few more locations. Some seem far too nice to look at (the Crystal City location is so shiny and clean), but the prices and food quality are still on point.

1