Industrial-chic bistro and bar for upscale comfort fare, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails.
At a glance
#12 of 233 Restaurants in Washington #2 of 88 American restaurants in WashingtonLocalGuideWorld score: 4.70
Rating breakdown
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5 ★80%
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4 ★13%
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3 ★4%
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2 ★2%
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1 ★2%
Quick facts
- What is the rating of Unconventional Diner?
- Unconventional Diner is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 13,067 reviews.
- How does Unconventional Diner rank in Washington?
- Unconventional Diner is #12 of 233 Restaurants in Washington by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
- Where is Unconventional Diner located?
- Unconventional Diner, 1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States — 0.4 km from the center of Washington.
- How can I contact Unconventional Diner?
- Phone: +1 202-847-0122 · Website: unconventionaldiner.com
The food is great. The fried chicken was really good with the accompanying gravy. The pot pie poppers were unique and flavorful. The huge piece of carrot cake was very good. Definitely recommend this restaurant if you're in the area.
Came to DC this past summer to see the sights and eat the food. Several little birdies told me that this a must-see for lunch. It seemed quirky and delicious and it was in a convenient location, so I had to check it out. The ambiance was very interesting. It seemed like a post-modern hipster vibe, almost like I was in a Dr. Seuss novel. I liked it.
We got seated, our server was very nice. And got to looking at the menu. I liked that the menu wasn't too big. It had a few items that they wanted to specialize in, and there were a variety of choices to satisfy everyone's food preferences.
I ended up getting the Double Cheeseburger & Fries (Lettuce | Tomato | Caramelized Onion | Pickle | American Cheese | Sesame-Seed Bun | Sexy Sauce). Nice sized patties, very juicy and beefy. All the good veggies that accent a traditional burger. Loved the sesame seeds, not sure why, but you eat with your eyes first. Overall just really good.
I also got to try the Fried Chicken Sandwich & Fries (Sweet & Spicy Slaw | Garlic Aioli | Sesame-Seed Bun). Dear Lord, this thing was a monster. Such a beautifully thicc chicken cutlet that was breaded to crispy perfection. The sweet, the spicy, the garlic, I think that this might be the best lunch item I tried the whole time I was in DC. A+
I'm not sure what I got for dessert, it's been so long, I'm so behind in my reviews, but I remember it was delicious. And look at that presentation. This place dresses their food up to the nines.
Overall, big success, loved the vibes, loved the food. Would return.
We got seated, our server was very nice. And got to looking at the menu. I liked that the menu wasn't too big. It had a few items that they wanted to specialize in, and there were a variety of choices to satisfy everyone's food preferences.
I ended up getting the Double Cheeseburger & Fries (Lettuce | Tomato | Caramelized Onion | Pickle | American Cheese | Sesame-Seed Bun | Sexy Sauce). Nice sized patties, very juicy and beefy. All the good veggies that accent a traditional burger. Loved the sesame seeds, not sure why, but you eat with your eyes first. Overall just really good.
I also got to try the Fried Chicken Sandwich & Fries (Sweet & Spicy Slaw | Garlic Aioli | Sesame-Seed Bun). Dear Lord, this thing was a monster. Such a beautifully thicc chicken cutlet that was breaded to crispy perfection. The sweet, the spicy, the garlic, I think that this might be the best lunch item I tried the whole time I was in DC. A+
I'm not sure what I got for dessert, it's been so long, I'm so behind in my reviews, but I remember it was delicious. And look at that presentation. This place dresses their food up to the nines.
Overall, big success, loved the vibes, loved the food. Would return.
Food was decent, not sure of Michelin star quality but definitely enjoyable. Service is super friendly and efficient. Just be careful of price as 20% is added onto bill before your 20% tip. So it can add up more quickly then you realize. Nothing wrong with it, just something to be aware of.
Unconventional Diner has become one of my “must visit” places when I’m in DC. I love the Caribbean shrimp and grits. They typical have a savory spicy taste to them and are delicious. This time the taste was a bit off because they added celery which I don’t remember tasting the previous times I’ve visited. The celery really threw the taste off. Next time I will be sure to say no celery.
The Hawaiian Punch was great!
I wasn’t a fan of the roasted peach dessert and would not recommend it.
I love the option of being able to eat indoors or outdoors. I typically love eating outdoors when the weather is nice. The atmosphere is energetic.
The Hawaiian Punch was great!
I wasn’t a fan of the roasted peach dessert and would not recommend it.
I love the option of being able to eat indoors or outdoors. I typically love eating outdoors when the weather is nice. The atmosphere is energetic.
It is an awesome place for brunch! The food is delicious, the presentation is superb, and the service cannot be friendlier. Their prices were also decent considering how expensive food can get in the DC metro area. Other than the echoing, which is typical for an industrial look, it is a great place for brunch. We had to order more of their amazing pancakes. I would highly recommend this place.
The Mrs. and I had lunch here at the Unconventional Diner. I love the layout of the restaurant, and they have a great outside space.
If you like the hustle and bustle of downtown DC, then baby, you are in for a treat.
So, when I came into the restaurant and was greeted with a smile. We initially sat outside but decided to change our seating to the inside, and they were very accommodating.
Now, this is when it gets a little sketchy and why I didn't give them 5 stars. We set for a least 15 min at a table before a server even spoke to us. There was 1 time that we contemplated leaving and eating at the restaurant down the street.
However, eventually, our server came over, and he was pretty good. I ordered the chicken and waffles, and my wife ordered the chicken sandwich.
Surprisingly, the food came out fast and hot. I must admit the chicken and waffles were right up there in the running for some good food.
I tried my wife's fried chicken sandwich, and it was scrumptious, and those fries were great.
A nice DC spot for breakfast, brunch, and dinner.
If you like the hustle and bustle of downtown DC, then baby, you are in for a treat.
So, when I came into the restaurant and was greeted with a smile. We initially sat outside but decided to change our seating to the inside, and they were very accommodating.
Now, this is when it gets a little sketchy and why I didn't give them 5 stars. We set for a least 15 min at a table before a server even spoke to us. There was 1 time that we contemplated leaving and eating at the restaurant down the street.
However, eventually, our server came over, and he was pretty good. I ordered the chicken and waffles, and my wife ordered the chicken sandwich.
Surprisingly, the food came out fast and hot. I must admit the chicken and waffles were right up there in the running for some good food.
I tried my wife's fried chicken sandwich, and it was scrumptious, and those fries were great.
A nice DC spot for breakfast, brunch, and dinner.
We ordered the curry (vegan I believe), cauliflower as a shareable (vegan for sure), shrimp and grits, fish tacos, and the burger with an egg. Everything was wonderful and I can’t recommend the curry enough! Everything was perfectly seasoned and cooked. The fish tacos had the perfect balance of flavor and texture, the shrimp and grits had a similar experience going.
The shrimp and grits however had a strong sausage taste that I didn’t love but if you enjoy sausage it won’t be an issue.
The atmosphere was very chill but also slightly fancy. My friend also got the French toast old fashioned which was delicious.
The shrimp and grits however had a strong sausage taste that I didn’t love but if you enjoy sausage it won’t be an issue.
The atmosphere was very chill but also slightly fancy. My friend also got the French toast old fashioned which was delicious.
Super high quality joint. Expertly made cocktails and strong entrees and apps in a casual setting.
I had the fried chicken sandwich and it was very tasty. A generous chicken breast with slaw and creamy sauce on a sesame seed bun, accompanied by perfectly crisp french fries.
I enjoyed my meal with one of their Manhattans. They use a great vermouth, really great finish on this version.
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Returned for brunch here and it's equally as impressive. The Lebanese fried rice, fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and sweet potato shakshuka were all exceptional, as well as the coffee.
I had the fried chicken sandwich and it was very tasty. A generous chicken breast with slaw and creamy sauce on a sesame seed bun, accompanied by perfectly crisp french fries.
I enjoyed my meal with one of their Manhattans. They use a great vermouth, really great finish on this version.
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Returned for brunch here and it's equally as impressive. The Lebanese fried rice, fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and sweet potato shakshuka were all exceptional, as well as the coffee.
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