Went to Florida Avenue Grill with family. It's a landmark. The food was tasty too! They have an extensive menu, so you need to have an idea of what you want. Definitely a great place to stop and try out a few things. read more

I heard great things about this restaurant from a friend and wanted to try it out. I came on a Saturday around 5:30pm. When I went inside there wasn't an employee in sight so I sat down on a table. After about 6 minutes when I still didn't see anyone I got up from the table and took a menu (which was so dirty) from behind the bar area. At this point I should have left but I already drove 30 minutes to get there. I finally saw a waiter and asked him if I can sit down. He wiped the table I wanted to sit at and I waited 5 minutes to get water. Also I want to note that this restaurant was not busy at all. If they were busy I would understand the slow service because they only had 1 server. I ended up ordering catfish, greens, and yams. The server forgot what I ordered and came back to confirm what I said. I said yes, then he came back with catfish, greens, and Mac and cheese. I didn't want to be complicated so I just kept the food. The catfish was good which is the only reason I am not giving 1 star. The Mac and cheese and greens were cold. I asked for a box and he gave me one. After I packed my food and got up and handed the waiter $20 and left. I DEFINITELY will never come back to this restaurant. read more

Florida Avenue Grill - Trash all over the floor. Dirty cups across the entire counter. - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Waste of time & money nasty food.Went Sat. July 22,2023. Melissa was doing everything but cooking. read more

Florida Avenue Grill - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I sooo looked forward to visiting this place, but they were NOT kidding when they wrote 'no frills' on their website! I was SO glad we drove here on the way to Arlington National Cemetery instead of taking the bus as planned. There was ONLY outdoor seating (I read the website in advance, and Reading is FUNdamental) and they had limited hours, and it was rainy, wet and COLD that day (Saturday Memorial weekend). We ended up eating in the car. We ordered at the window; the lady told me they did NOT have decaf coffee (is that a 'frill'?) so I ordered regular. I got the salmon cakes with grits, eggs and toast. My other party ordered pancakes, eggs, bacon and grits. We stood outside for 15 minutes, as other parties came by, disappointed that they could not sit inside. We could have waited in the car if we'd known it would take that long. (They may want to consider those outdoor heat lamps or some tents if they expect people to sit outside and eat in 50 degree weather, but maybe that's just another 'frill'. The food itself was just ok (I handed her a $20 for $18 meal she said she did not have change; that's fine..I guess) the grits could have used some seasoning, and the salmon cakes were good but salty! I should have mixed them together to split the difference! I would normally go to 2 stars for such an experience, but with the pandemic I am willing to to provide some leeway. read more

Finally tried Florida Ave grill and it was ok. The potatoes were over cooked. I absolutely loved the pancakes. The eggs were good and the vegan sausage was good. This place is ran basically by one person in the front and maybe 2 cooks in the back kitchen. The woman running the front was extremely busy, friendly but matter-of-fact/frank lol. She used all her time wisely and multitasked to get everyone taken care off. The diner is not updated at all and sometimes you may walk in to sit down at table that hasn't been cleaned off just yet. Just be patient with this location and come in knowing what you want. When I went, they didn't have many of the menu items which was a turn off of my spouse but not for me since I only wanted breakfast. My spouse ended up getting greens, sweet potatoes, Mac & cheese, and chicken. Overall, it's a cool spot to order banging pancakes and eggs, however, I wouldn't recommend their Mac & cheese. The sweet potatoes tasted like apples (which may be tasty to some people) and their greens/chicken were just ok. I was able to find street parking relatively easy but be mindful of the street signs because they cops were ticketing in the neighborhood. I would like to return to at least try their grits and get another delicious round of pancakes. Also... the front door is hard to open. Many people tried to open it and started peeking through the glass to see if the place was open due to the door being difficult to open. Use your arm strength to pull the door open. Another note: they do not answer the phone so don't bother calling. The lady working the front is too busy to take phone orders (literally she was working extremely hard in the front alone while I was there). Also, the posted hours online are different from the actual hours and the online menu is not updated. Just come in and see what they have. read more

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A beautiful and delicious meal to satisfy a soul food craving. I was a bit shocked when the prices at the grill were way higher than the online menu, but once I got past the shock of being told my total was more than a few dollars higher than I expected and saw the food/thought about supporting a local institution I didn't really mind. Just look at this photo! You can practically see the crunch and satisfaction. read more

Florida Avenue Grill - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

1. Escovitch Catfish? 2. Bottled Sorrel (non-homemade /added chemicals) 3. Breakfast potatoes (out of a bag and bland) 4. Vegan sausage removed from menu. 5. Most is void of any noticeable seasoning. When I was a heavy meat eater that doctored my food with salt, pepper, ketchup and sugar, this would've be heaven. read more

Worst thing is apparently the store does NOT give tips to the waitress, that's messed up! My pancakes were stale after the kitchen set them on the counter and didn't have anyone bring it to me for at least 15 mins then my food was cold at that point. Eggs are light and fluffy. Customer service was ok but to be expected with one waitress working the entire diner by herself. Maybe just an off day bc I heard great things. read more

This place is a no frills and no fuss good food time! The service leaves a little to be desired but if you are able to make it to eat during their very weird hours, you will not be disappointed! Their breakfast is delicious, and their dinner is divine! Definitely get their lemonade. I'm pretty sure it's country time which is my favorite! read more

Rainbow, GM is amazing! ALL of the food is great! Pancakes are buttery & fluffy! Catfish is delicious! Jerk Wings are awesome! We'll definitely be visiting often. read more

Was super excited to try this diner since it's a historic landmark for dc and one of the only diners around, but it ended up being the worst dining experience I've ever had. It started with an hour wait to get a seat which is totally reasonable given the limited space. However, when we were finally seated it took another 35 minutes to have someone take our order. Then we waited another 40 minutes to get our food and once it arrived they didn't give us any utensils to eat. We had to wait another 15 minutes after our waitress told us she was busy and we'd have to wait while our food got cold because we didn't have silverware. When she finally had time to get us silverware she said they were all dirty and gave us plastic forks and no knives, so it was difficult to even cut our food. The food itself was good but pretty average for breakfast food and definitely not worth the wait. read more

Florida Avenue Grill - Breakfast platter - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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No better place to go after a night out with friends. I grew up in the suburbs and am always on the hunt for a solid diner. One that doesn't have avocado toast but pancakes and eggs and endless coffee and potatoes. The woman behind the counter does it all (except make the food) so when she's ready to take your order you better be ready! My go to is always the miss berthas special, then I roll out of there and get straight back in bed. Doesn't get better than that. read more

Florida Avenue Grill - Fried Catfish, potato salad, Mac and cheese, cornbread - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I got fried fish, Mac and cheese, and greens. I thought it was quite tasty. This place is a favorite to dine in bc it's one of few still standing in now-gentrified Shaw NW. Not much to say here. Good food; great service. Didn't mind the Sunday brunch wait.. read more

Florida Avenue Grill - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

that was easily some of the best breakfast food i have ever eaten in my life. if you're going to come, i'd suggest getting there a bit early as they do fill up fast and they can only serve so many people at once. the eggs were incredible and flavorful. bacon and home fries delicious. the corn muffin was just the right side of sweet. my party also ordered the hot cakes with cinnamon sugar which were perfection. for the vegetarians, we tried the veggie sausage and apples, both were also delicious. i will absolutely be coming back next time i'm in town. waitstaff is really friendly, almost like family! you can tell they're trying hard to keep all the customers fed and happy. read more

Florida Avenue Grill - two large eggs and bacon with home fries and a Homemade Corn Muffins (2) - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The food here is really great! If you are looking for an inexpensive and delicious breakfast this is the place for you to go. Has to be my favorite breakfast in DC so far. The portions are huge, so come ready with your eating pants. Food is good so get ready to finish everything on your plate. Nice diner feel to it. Got our food at a reasonable time. It seemed a little busy so the service wasn't perfect. However, the staff are really friendly. I will definitely come back here the next time I am in DC. Would also recommend to friends/family. read more

Florida Avenue Grill - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This restaurant's open for to go orders at the moment. I went for brunch and after a short wait was able to order. The woman we spoke with was very friendly and polite and we got our order in quickly. The omelet and potatoes was perfectly cooked and the pancake has a cinnamon sugar coating which is delicious. I would love to return here when its open to sit inside. read more

Florida Avenue Grill - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Really good local spot. The seating is really tight, but the service was PHE-NOM-ENAL!!! I'd definitely return... read more

Florida Avenue Grill - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

BEST BREAKFAST IN DC. For the price everytime I travel to DC I love to go here. Amazing soft pancakes and love how filling it is read more

Florida Avenue Grill - Miss Bertha's Breakfast Special Turkey Bacon - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A classic, homegrown institution with all adorned with history. Any entrance that features the likes of Denzel Washington and Barack Obama as patrons speaks volumes. With gentrification on the horizon, it's hard to find the original DC, and Florida Ave keeps that intact! Order breakfast, all the time. Any hour of the day. There's a greasiness with old school joints like this that adds a real grit to every bite. read more

I was so honored to be able to dine at the same restaurant that Dr MLK dined at over 40 plus yrs ago this diner is very much conform food while eating it I felt very good inside other than the steak restaurant I dine at this was the 2nd BEST place I ate at while on vacation in DC the only thing I did not like was that the inside was close for dinning so there was limited space outside to eat I would have loved to see all the pictures on the wall of MLK and our activist who has previously dine there. For more reviews please check out my old yelp pg Mrs Jackson D. read more

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We sat there for an hour before we finally asked where our food was since we never saw the waitress again and there were hardly any customers , so go figure. Food had been sitting on a nearby counter for who knows how long. The food was cold and the eggs were cooked to death. And it cost almost $40. Never again. read more

All the hype around this place and of course i'm disappointed. i've honestly had better food at the atlanta airport. i ordered a veggie plate- green beans, mac and cheese and yams with a cornbread muffin. the beans had a little bit of flavor, the yams were lacking and mac and cheese was pretty basic. i also ordered a sprite that was 5 months expired. so be sure to check your dates on the bottled sodas. i won't bother recommending this place to anyone. there are too many great food spots to waste a visit here read more

Florida Avenue Grill - Veggie plate - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I'm from Florida, so I'm accustomed to excellent "soul food"! Heard about Florida Avenue Grill and decided to give it a try. 1st - parking was kinda confusing because the meters are covered by over grown trees and the other road had signs that said for residents. I called the restaurant to ask where to park and was told "on the street". I asked where because the signs say for residents only...the lady hung up on me. We found parking and then realized it was our waitress Julie who answered. She wasnt "overly friendly" at all. We were a little out off seeing we were 1st time visitors in a DC staple restaurant. We were given water from the start. The place is small with only 8 or so booths and bar stools. We ordered the Catfish and smothered pork chops. Fish was seasoned perfectly! Pork chops were super tender! Corn muffin was delicious! Greens were a little to sweet for me but were ok. I ordered the potatoe salad but she forgot to bring it out. Offered for me to take it to go but I just requested it taken off the bill. Even though it wasnt great service, the food was good. read more

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This place left me speechless and NOT in a good way. We were in DC for an overnight visit and in search of breakfast on a Sunday morning. Our friend suggested The Florida Ave Grill because he had been there some years back and said it was good. When we walked inside I was taken aback at how depressed and run down the place looked. There was only one person working behind the counter. She was very obviously overwhelmed. We seated ourselves and grabbed our own menus. The waitress eventually took our order in a rushed manner. Again, she was the only one working on a busy Sunday morning. The food was mediocre at best. The "world famous pancakes" may be world famous but for the wrong reasons. Corn muffins were hard. We had to fetch our own butter from the counter because the one waitress was overwhelmed. They were out of several items. I have never had an experience like this in a restaurant. The owner should be ashamed of himself. He has taken a historic restaurant whose founders worked hard to build into something they could take pride in and he's neglected it and run it into the ground. Shame on you. read more

The food is horrible. They can't cook soul food, stay away. They are serving luke warm and cold food. This was a waste of money.

Well, I have to say I was excited for this place. My friend had talked it up and we planned to stop here for some good cooking on our way to VA. BUT we were sadly mistaken and disappointed- totally! First of all, service was horrible. We waited at the door for someone to greet us longer than anyone should. Then once seated, we waited and waited. When the server finally took our order, she never brought our drinks. Once we were almost finished eating, she came over and said she would get our drinks. By that point all we wanted was some water to wash this bland food down. Now onto the food. It was early in the afternoon and the day after Thanksgiving so we weren't super hungry- my husband and I decided to split the smothered pork chops platter with yams and collard greens, and an additional side of Mac n cheese. The pork chops were tough. Gravy lacked seasoning and flavor- needed some garlic, pepper, etc. I ended up covering mine in hot sauce. The yams made me feel cheated. It was apparent that they weren't slow cooked, hadn't had a chance to carmelize. They were sweet but not that good. The Mac n cheese.....: MAJOR LET DOWN. It was watery, barely any cheese. Might've had a good flavor if I had anything besides noodles in watered down cheese sauce. The collards were the best thing on the plate, but that's not saying much. They were way too sweet. Nothing savory about them. My friend ordered pigs feet (not my cup of tea but hey). The menu specified "simply steamed". And that's exactly what they were. There was no damn seasoning on these things! I felt disgusted even looking at them. AND they still had hair on them!!! Gross. What we had planned to be a satisfying afternoon of soul food, ended up in us hitting the road dissatisfied and hungry for food that actually had flavor. To be "world famous", I had never heard of it and I wish I never went. The place could have charm but needs a LOT of work. The walls are plastered with signed photos of D list celebrities, the booths are literally falling apart, and the bathroom sink is falling out of the wall!!! This place was a mess and I will not be returning. read more

Florida Avenue Grill - Smothered pork chops, Mac n cheese and collard greens. Wouldn't advise anyone to eat here. Looks can be deceiving. - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This last two time I have gotten food from here has been a problem. My orders are always missing something or the portions or small, something. I don't know what's going on but it is unacceptable. The women there this morning is angry for reason unbeknownst to me. Eat there with caution read more

Ok so I'm big on history and black owned everything.... I was a little disappointed because the menu was extremely limited and the hours weren't accurate online. However we were still able to order and my catfish did not disappoint. Everything was good my daughters got the pork chops and they enjoyed them. I would definitely come back here again. read more

Florida Avenue Grill - Fried Catfish Mac n cheese and collard greens - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

So, I heard such great things about the soul food, but it appears it's now Jamaican. Waitress was just the best, but nothing was hot. I dont think I've ever sent something back, but this was chicken, so ... checked reviews about the staff losing their tempers and thought better of it. Still, I wasn't getting that energy when I was there, but nope,". Not risking it. They seem to be precooking the chicken then reheating on the grill. Fingers crossed I'm not sick tomorrow. read more

The jerk chicken was delicious and tender and the collard greens were smackin! The staff is sweet and accommodating! If you are anywhere near Howard University make sure you pull up on them!!!! Support black businesses!!!! read more

Best breakfast spot in DC. Had heard things changed post COVID but it's still the best. Everyone was warm and friendly and the food was perfect. read more

Home cooked Food at its finest. When you walk in you're blasted back into the past. You're surrounded by photos of Greats and the sweet aroma of grandmas kitchen! Small, hometown location. The grill and bar run alongside the left of the restaurant and the booth seating along the opposite. The restaurant hasn't undergone any renovations that would allow LARGE seating or even wheelchair access. So order takeout it's worth it. The potatoes are perfect and fresh off the grill ! French Toast and Pancakes are homemade & just right. They top the French toast with cinnamon and sugar deliciousness. read more

Florida Avenue Grill - The bar - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It is probably not typical to give an establishment like this 5 stars but I am... let me tell you why. When we walked in, we were greeted with a good, southern auntie type of love. There were seating options available at a table or the high top so we chose the counter. There were a few folks giving Miss Melissa a hard time and I must say, given the staffing strain that they had this particular day once everyone in the city followed us in there, she handled it well. Power to her. A friend who told me abo6thenplace ate there the day prior and had the chitterlings... not in the least something I'd even try but he said the mac n cheese reminded him of mom and grandma's mac n cheese. Immediately I knew where I'd go the next day for lunch. Of course he came along for round 2. I ordered the fried pork chops with mac n cheese and potato salad. Babies, the chops are one of the many items made to order... I thought I had seen the front door to heaven between the chops and the mac n cheese. The salad was actually good but yall see what my faves were. I saw pigs feet and many other soul food staples that looked divine, however I had to keep my composure. The other friend that came also had the candied yams and have good remarks. Ilk be sure to make my way back here the next time work leads me to the area. read more

It's always a pleasure I wish they were open for indoor service since it was so hot when I went. I still love the home cook feeling and I will return again and again when I visit DC. read more

I heard this was a longtime DC staple for good breakfast. Service was terrible, the owner sat back and watched the disaster along with a "consultant". Avoid it unless you want to wait an hour for a mediocre breakfast. read more

I went to this establishment on 6/29/2024 for breakfast and I must say the breakfast I ordered was horrible. I had a regular breakfast. Sausage, scrambled eggs with cheese and hash browns potatoes with a biscuit. That was the most expensive nasty breakfast I have ever had. Now, I read the reviews and most were pretty good regarding the food that's why I decided to give it a try. Now, I have not been to Florida Ave; grill since, the "90"s and the food was superb then. The place has not changed only the cooks have. Let me just say everybody cannot cook. My eggs were not scrambled they were done in omelette style. My hash browns was not what I was used to seeing they were diced potatoes and I do not consider those hash browns and the sausage was the type of sausage you get at McDonalds on a sausage Mac muffin breakfast sandwich which was okay. Now, let me tell you the biscuit was like a brick. My entire breakfast was just bad. I should have went somewhere else for breakfast. Never again, will I go there or refer them. That was the worst $14.60 I have ever spent on breakfast. I just gave my money away! read more

Come here for a good ol home cooked breakfast. There is nothing spectacular about this place but the food is fast and delicious.

Florida Avenue Grill really knocked my socks off. I need to take some time to acknowledge the chefs who painstakingly make the food with a graceful swiftness. They were destroying it in the kitchen (and I'm saying this in the best way possible), as there were only two of them working a busy weekend shift. Bottom line is that the food is really good here. It looks like everyone is cooked in bacon grease or something, so if you're not a fan, then I'd suggest you go to some disgustingly healthy place. Florida Avenue Grill is super tasty, and I believe it's reasonably priced for the amount of food you get. Will probably come back - just FYI, you need to get here early otherwise you'll probably be waiting a while. It gets PACKED. read more

My 5-star review of Florida Avenue Grill --as soon as my tiny tummy digests the delicious cornbread muffins. The collard greens. The okra and tomatoes. The fried catfish. The diner is unassuming, small, and historic --you can *feel* its history in every booth; at every stool along the counter. And, as a quote-unquote not tall person, I appreciated the old school, everyone used to be short as me height of the stools. If you're a quote-unquote tall person though... I got no feels for you. Almost every restaurant seat in this city is Not Comfortable for me (lol). Anyway, the vibe was absolutely spot on "old school diner" and the food? Everything was perfect and way beyond what you may know about soul food. Light, not heavy. A little sweet, but perfectly so, not cloying. Slightly bitter, but in a complementary fashion. I asked for hot sauce but never used it --the food was that good. I horked my food here in record time. 20 minutes? I was the only customer (30 minutes to closing). All 3 male employees kept peeking at me, but discreetly not creepily as they shut down shop. Like, is that 100lbs. (COUGH) Asian-looking female Really eating... The Whole Thing? About 800 calories. Probably more. So glad I didn't order the mac & cheese! So sad I didn't :,( I only ate so quickly (and kinda regretted it) because I knew they were closing and I didn't want to be *that* customer. At no point, despite it being the end of their night, did I feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. That is: Exemplary service. If you want soul food in DC, I'm bringing you here. read more

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Follow me on IG @2goboxforwhat I can't believe I've been in the DC area for 4yrs and this is my 1st time coming to this amazing and historic place. This place has been around since 1944, and the food taste like they have taken every year to make the food as good as it is now. It has a diner style feel to it but if you're not going to a restaurant for the food, then what are you really even doing? The servers were wonderful and the service was great. The food is AMAZING. The menu has some traditional but good and plentiful options. I only did breakfast when I made my trip here, but I will definitely be back to try out their dinner options. Be better than me, and do yourself a favor...get your tail to Florida Ave Grill ASAP. read more

Florida Avenue Grill - MIss Bertha's Breakfast Special (Added a Porkchop) - Diners Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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