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!

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Comments

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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.

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BenBishopsButt t1_iuahxg5 wrote

The number of hungover walks I took over there… I can’t even count. Interesting that they are in a new space now. Good for them.

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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)

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therich t1_iu9981a wrote

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

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AHairyFishsticks t1_iu9sx0a wrote

Is the waffle shop still there. It wasn't called Lincoln's but the counter and the waitress were ancient. Food was cheap and greasy and you could get Chinese food as well.

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rectalhorror t1_iudq9km wrote

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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Flame87 t1_iubcdsc wrote

My ex told me I should eat there but the line was around the block, no thanks lol

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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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MsMrsh t1_iuaimgh wrote

Came here to say this! Heat da Spot is truly special.

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TigerWing t1_iubobij wrote

They give you free refills on most drinks in my experience and call you Kings and Queens. They’re awesome

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Otree38 t1_iu9i2yv wrote

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

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wolandjr t1_iu9zy5m wrote

We used to go there in high school. You could smoke a pack of cigarettes, drink 6 cups of coffee, and get a slice of pie for under $5 all in.

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brodies t1_iui7aqq wrote

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.

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dirtypinksweatshirt t1_iu9e496 wrote

Tastee diner in Bethesda. + 1 for Murray and Paul’s

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stormydown t1_iu9w85q wrote

Seconding tastee

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ktrainor59 t1_iuagv2x wrote

RIP the Laurel TD

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BenBishopsButt t1_iuai94s wrote

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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ktrainor59 t1_iuaij3s wrote

I'm told they sold out to a developer a couple years back before COVID. Haven't been back there myself in a while since I live in Nevada now.

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BenBishopsButt t1_iuaiw5j wrote

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.

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ktrainor59 t1_iuajca7 wrote

We can hope. I come back to the DC area about once a year and would like some greasy spoon action closer than Frederick.

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SgtSwordfish t1_iuav1kj wrote

i thought the silver spring one was great too

and yea m&p for sure

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SoWrxy t1_iu9a431 wrote

Tune inn

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genghis_ma t1_iu9a07q wrote

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

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CaptchaCrunch t1_iu9s7rx wrote

Is that place still open? Thought the panorama got it

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genghis_ma t1_iuacvvm wrote

I think they closed down during Covid and did some renovations. It’s since re-opened. I went there about two months ago

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Namelaka_Cremeux t1_iu9ps65 wrote

Tony’s Breakfast and Tony’s Place on H.

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Tad2much t1_iuboqom wrote

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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Swift63 t1_iubqxbn wrote

I’ll back up Tony’s Place on Kennedy, absolutely great for a quick breakfast in the go.

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johnny2ratchet t1_iu9bdbe wrote

Dan's Cafe

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efthfj t1_iuacvmm wrote

I can’t believe it took this long for someone to mention it. Dan’s puts the grease in greasy.

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YetiPie t1_iubqsrl wrote

Literally should be #1 comment. I’m disappointed in the DC subreddit

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totdese t1_iub24bz wrote

I thought Dan's put the hair in the grease.

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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.

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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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Hank_59 t1_iuat8ac wrote

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

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Hank_59 t1_iubgz3o wrote

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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BoothTime t1_iuc54z1 wrote

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.

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ChubsBronco t1_iubofnx wrote

Don’t forget Tastee’s Silver Spring spot, as well as the one in Laurel.

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ResourcePotential546 t1_iud8w0t wrote

Tastee Diner is my “go to” and I love the wait staff there. Cozy spot and def under $15!

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mjc6290 t1_iu98eij wrote

Torrie's

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sNills t1_iuasclr wrote

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

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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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ThreeRedStars t1_iubpwpb wrote

Raven kicks ass and while I love Reliable it's way new as compared to the spots mentioned by OP.

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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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FewHaveTried t1_iuaal2r wrote

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

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Horror_candy_chick t1_iub896e wrote

I came here to say exactly this.

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rectalhorror t1_iudr3k5 wrote

Grew up on Alabama Avenue back in the '70s and it had different owners back then but the same damn menu. Legit neighborhood hole in the wall. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

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Weary_Position_3802 t1_iubdoc7 wrote

Judy’s on 14th Street. Get some pupusas with a Regia beer

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terpsncaseloads t1_iubk6sv wrote

Nicks diner in Wheaton

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DCBillsFan t1_iud0eli wrote

Had to scroll too far for this. But kind of glad I did. Best kept secret in MoCo.

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RilkeanHearth t1_iu9h26s wrote

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

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googlevsdolphins t1_iuaxsnv wrote

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

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Zahara_612 t1_iuc9ek4 wrote

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

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Playful-Translator49 t1_iu9b89u wrote

The city deli on bladensburg

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2lurky4you t1_iud1nih wrote

I could never tell if it was open or not. Perhaps that's a good sign.

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ProfHopeE t1_iuao38e wrote

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

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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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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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mzdameaner t1_iua8is9 wrote

Pete’s Diner off Independence and 2nd St SE

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SquishWindow t1_iubmw3u wrote

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

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SJHutton t1_iuc6rfo wrote

Steak n’ Eggs

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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.

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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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SpareParts1995 t1_iuchf54 wrote

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

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jakes1018 t1_iucr72h wrote

Duplex Diner, 18th & U.

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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.

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Oneightyoner t1_iude4g4 wrote

Murray and Pauls on 12th st ne.

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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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CaptainObvious110 t1_iu9vhzd wrote

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

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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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ManNameDan t1_iug6ccu wrote

Ari's Diner in Ivy City.

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Such_Cod_5314 t1_iuatrcj wrote

Lucky buns, Fed Pig, Ledos Pizza, Roaming Rooster

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