The 6 best diners in Washington

The 6 best diners in WashingtonUnconventional Diner. | Photo: Vidhika B./Yelp
Hoodline
Published on January 07, 2019

Wondering where to find the best diners near you?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top diners in Washington, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to fulfill your urges.

1. Unconventional Diner

Photo: Jovita S./Yelp

Topping the list is Unconventional Diner. Located at 1207 Ninth St. NW in Shaw, the breakfast and brunch spot is the highest rated diner in Washington, boasting 4.5 stars out of 355 reviews on Yelp.

Yelper Kathya S., who reviewed it on Dec. 30, said, "Loved my meal and drinks here. I was impressed with the variety of the menu and the mix of cultural influences on the food. There were also many vegan and gluten-free options, which is always nice."

2. Kinship

Photo: Michael U./Yelp

Next up is Mount Vernon Square's Kinship, situated at 1015 Seventh St. NW (between North New York Avenue and North Mount Vernon Place). With 4.5 stars out of 331 reviews on Yelp, the diner and New American spot, serving desserts and more, has proven to be a local favorite.

Maria K. said, "The ambiance is cozy yet modern with clean neutrals and warm rustic touches. The waitstaff is friendly and chatty, eager to explain the menu and the dishes, and very helpfully observant. The food is fresh and the tastes delightfully dance upon your tongue with each bite."

3. Flip it LJ Diner

Photo: Michael S./Yelp

Columbia Heights's Flip it LJ Diner, located at 1432 Park Road (between North Hiatt Place and North Kenyon Street), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving it five stars out of 87 reviews.

Alex S., who visited it on Dec. 26, wrote, "This is a great neighborhood spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We came for breakfast and I was impressed. Tons of food for cheap. Many things are of Hispanic influence, which makes for some unique breakfast items not typically found at your regular diner."

4. Fare Well

Photo: Margo A./Yelp

Fare Well, a diner, bakery and vegan spot in Capitol Hill, is another go-to, with four stars out of 395 Yelp reviews. Head over to 406 H St. NE (between North Fifth and North Fourth streets) to see for yourself.

Derek V. said, "Fantastic food, coffee and service. Some of the best vegetarian/vegan options in D.C. The Buffalo Seitan wings are a delicious rare find and the chilaquiles are a great brunch option."

5. The Tombs

Photo: Eric L./Yelp

Over in Georgetown, check out The Tombs, which has earned four stars out of 364 reviews on Yelp. You can find the diner, cocktail bar and New American spot at 1226 36th St. NW (between North Prospect and North North streets).

Yelper Halle H. said, "Great place close to Georgetown's campus full of both local residents and students. Consistently good quality of food and service. It's certainly a favorite of mine for grabbing a great burger with friends."

6. Bistro Bohem

Photo: Bistro Bohem/Yelp

And then there's Bistro Bohem, a Ledroit Park favorite with four stars out of 346 reviews. Stop by 600 Florida Ave. NW (between North Bohrer and North T streets) to hit up the modern European spot next time the urge strikes.

Frank L. wrote, "Bistro Bohem continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in D.C. It's never crowded, the food is good and the staff is friendly. I don't think I've ever had a bad experience here, and it is always so relaxed."