Before we headed out to explore, I brought my little one to my favorite diner in D.C. People judge the outside are making a huge mistake as the food and service are 5 stars! We waited maybe 10 minutes for a table and enjoyed our breakfast. I am obsessed with their waffles as they taste like Waffle House back in the south! So good !!! My little are her waffle with a side of bacon and said " mommy we have to come back here again" I love being home in D.C., we will be back again soon ! read more

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A true no-frills diner that's been serving up delicious food for years, and it shows. The menu is surprisingly extensive, but the waffles are obviously the star, perfectly done every time. That said, everything I've tried has been flavored really well, this isn't a one-trick pony. My only recommendation is that they find a way to expand the space or utilize the downstairs. Word has clearly gotten out because it's usually packed now with tourists who've caught on to how good the food is. If you're short on time, my advice is to order ahead and do carry out so you can skip the line entirely. Either way, well worth the visit if you want food that actually tastes like someone cares about it. read more

Stopped by Lincoln's Waffle Shop recently and honestly had a great experience. Eggs were cooked just right, home fries flavorful, and the waffles even though on the thin side were still tasty. Everything tasted like classic comfort food done well. They even had Grandpa walking around with containers of fresh fruit! What really stood out, though, was the service. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was perfect even though it was very busy with cherry blossom festival tourists. You can tell they genuinely care about their customers, which makes a big difference! If you're looking for a reliable spot for a good breakfast with excellent service, this location definitely delivers. read more

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Trust the locals, they know. It appears to have been here since the dawn of time but isn't that what makes it one of the must go to breakfast and/or lunch. The sweet friendly waiter(s) were just so eager to serve. I liked this place immediately. We will take cracked chair cushions and eclectic ambiance over pristine cookie cutter restaurants anyday. I hope they keep humming along forever. Precious! read more

Lincoln's Waffle Shop - Good morning! - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The location is good if you're headed to the national museums and for what seems like a family run business. We asked for water, thinking it was just going to be in a cup and were brought 2 bottles, we said no thanks we'll take just a cup and they said no that's all they had and it's a $1 each. The waffle is large for the plate but thin, not much for flavor and not worth $9. The omelet was fine but not worth $15. One of the employees started going around asking if anyone wanted a fruit cup but didn't say there was a cost or how much just tried to hand it out as if it was 'free' and we knew because of the water, it was not. I would also really like to know the health-score here. read more

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I want to update my original review a I went back every morning and lived each meal and friendly service. Additional photos included read more

Lincoln's Waffle Shop - Pancakes, 2 eggs & sausage - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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So if you're looking for fancy, upscale, modern than this place is not for you. If you're looking for that quintessential old school diner experience then this is the place for you. Pancakes were fluffy, bacon had just the right amount of crispy, and the waffles were delicious. These are not your fancy thick Belgian waffles but your normal (not thin) everyday diner waffles. These food came out quickly and the service was friendly. Like I said, this is the best version of a "greasy spoon" and I'm glad I came. read more

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I've come here for breakfast multiple times and taken different friends, always a hit! Quoc Ngo is so charming and attentive. There's so much on the menu, lots of ways to customize, and everything tastes perfect. A gem of D.C. read more

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You pretty much get what you expect here. It isn't necessarily the cleanest place you've ever been to but the service is friendly enough and the food is okay but nothing special. My waffle was solid but a little thin and the grits were good but a little heavy on the butter, be sure to add a little salt and pepper. Coffee was solid but nothing special, but they're quick on the refills which is a plus. This place can be pretty empty or full of tourists from a tour bus, it's total luck of the draw and they're only open 6am-2pm daily. They do take credit cards now so it's no longer cash only. Keep in mind if you order water they don't have tap water, only bottled water at $1 a bottle. Not worth making a special trip to come here but it's okay for a quick breakfast. read more

Lincoln's Waffle Shop - Menu as of Oct 2025 - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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If you're looking for an upscale breakfast spot, you're in the wrong place. Now if you want a Waffle House/diner experience, this is the place for you. Service was very friendly. Honestly, the inside does not look the cleanest but the food was pretty decent. I ordered the chicken(drummette) and waffles. The waffle was large but thin and the wings were crispy and hot but could have definitely used more seasoning. Overall a pretty good breakfast for a day of museum hopping. read more

Lincoln's Waffle Shop - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The setting of the waffle shop could use some upgrade, with the inside using a bit of fixing up. The hostess are very friendly and let you choose seating. You get plastic water bottles which is a different take and your food comes out quite fast. The quality of my food was suspect feeling store bought and just ok. I got the Waffles with eggs and ham. For having waffles in the name I had higher expectations of the taste and presentation which was just meh. The service is great and looking for a quick meal while exploring DC I would recommend. If you are looking for a "high" quality restaurant you should probably look someplace else. read more

Lincoln's Waffle Shop - The waffles - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I don't think President Lincoln ate here. I don't think he ate a waffle here. To be fair, no one is saying that. This is a very no frills diner that offers waffles among other breakfast items. The menu is pretty confusing and repeats itself. This was one of the only places that was open early. It has its own low low key charm. read more

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An oldie, but very goodie. Among the truest of diners in DC with a history of match the typical decor. 4 star for consistently delivering exactly what they're supposed to. A wide range of standards on the menu. A Ma-Betty, distant cousin, or Uncle Joe type at the counter to pour you a hot coffee and pass the sugar caddy with a smize. Regulars that will be there indefinitely. City relic. American classic. Enjoy. read more

This place, reminds me of the coffee shop you see in a movie. Nothing fancy. But clean. Numerous seats around the bar and table options. Friendly staff. Good menu selection. Pricing is on the mid-higher range. I got a coffee, waffle, side of bacon, and it was $20. Either way the food was good. Coffee was good however I was never offered a refill. Food was good and arrived very quickly. read more

I'm in DC for a couple of days and I asked some locals where is a place to get a great breakfast. They recommend this establishment. It is located less than a minute walk from where president died and also across the street from Fords theater. The establishment has maybe 8 tables but a lot of counter seats. I was greeted and seated as soon as I walked in. I ordered the waffle 2 eggs (scrambled) bacon 3 pieces meal. Also a side order of home fries and orange juice. Everything was cooked perfectly. The bacon the right balance between chewy and firm. A great portion size for the cost. The bill was $20 and worth every penny read more

Lincoln's Waffle Shop - Bacon, scrambled eggs, home fries , waffle , orange juice - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Good food, quick service and a diner feel ... in/out spot. Friendly staff and attentive read more

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Not a great experience. The place itself is very dirty and the food is not great. They have breakfast some lunch options like fried chicken (which could be breakfast!) I would not be back based solely on the filthy bathrooms and dining room. read more

Lincoln's Waffle Shop - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This place is a must! If you're looking for a cozy and hearty breakfast with an old school diner feel then this is the place to go. Danny was so great and hospitable - he sat us down immediately and made sure our food came hot and quick. read more

Lincoln's Waffle Shop - Western omelet, banana pancakes, waffle, home fries, bacon - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It is actually ridiculous how little I expect from diners in general. When I walked in I thought I was in for another mediocre meal, boy was I wrong. This might be the best one letter I've had in DC. It was DELICIOUS. so much so that I was considering getting another one. This place looks like a casual diner, but the food is great. The service is quick, and they were playing Bad Bunny in the background. I will definitely be returning. My only gripe is that in normal diner standard, nothing was marked gluten free and there were not many gluten free options. read more

Lincoln's Waffle Shop - Ham and cheese omelette - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Place I used to go to when I first moved to DC in 2007 is still very good. Enjoyed the coffee and food. I ordered a waffle with chicken wings and scrambled eggs. The service was fast and the ambiance was like a greasy spoon diner which I like. Two critiques - they should have tap water for free and they didn't offer that if they did. When I asked for water they offered a bottle for a dollar also the chicken wings really had no flavor at all sadly. read more

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Lincoln's Waffle Shop is on a historic block being located across the street from the Ford Theatre where Lincoln was assassinated. So it has that going for it. The Waffle shop is a mixture of (Waffle House) for those from the south or (George Webb's) for those from Wisconsin. The place is older and worn. The service was very good and the food was just rather meh.... When you have the word waffle in your name I was expecting a darn good waffle, but alas it was meh... A typical breakfast place. Reasonably priced but just kind of an average experience. read more

Lincoln's Waffle Shop - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Food was good and the service was friendly. Prices are reasonable with decent portion size. Will return again when visiting DC area.

I was feeling extra hungry this morning so I finally decided to try this breakfast spot that I always pass by. This is the very definition of a hole in the wall diner. Ran by a friendly mom and pop, I got their signature breakfast that came with a waffle, eggs and a meat of your choice (I had to go scrapple). Is this the best food I have ever had? No, but this definitely hits the spot for that diner craving. Great and friendly service as well! read more

Lincoln's Waffle Shop - Waffle with Scrambled Eggs and Scrapple - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It's been a decade since my last dine-in experience at Lincoln's Waffle Shop and of no surprise it has not changed. If you are on this side of town it is an ok option for comfort food, especially American breakfast favorites like pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, home fries, eggs, and of course chicken and waffles. For what it's worth, the restaurant is ok for a no-judgment, quick bite, however the quality is limited. I've enjoyed the chicken and waffles on previous visits albeit soaked in hot sauce and syrup respectively, however, I've wanted more from the pancakes and some other staples there including the breakfast sandwiches. I like the customer service and it is obvious the servers put on their best face for the tourists, however, the interior, seating, cutlery, etc. are sorely outdated. read more

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Restaurant dirty, doubles for storage. Service poor. No ice water served. Bottle water sold. Omelette basic with charges for cheese, onions, tomatoes. No spinach or mushrooms available. $50 for two omelettes, orange juice and water. Waiter hassled us for his tip. Hard Pass! read more

Service is friendly and quick. Coffee is delicious and food was spot on. Lincoln's Waffle shop is very much a local diner type joint, so the ambiance is quite basic. read more

Dive style restaurant, but fast service! Waffle was a little bland, but bacon and over medium eggs were good.

We were visiting and are here for breakfast several times. Is it the fanciest or nicest restaurant in town, no. Is the food good, service good & affordable, yes. We enjoyed everything we ate. Would definitely go again and recommend it as well. read more

Going into Lincoin's waffle shop, I didn't have high hopes..the outside looked unappealing to say the least. In the restaurant it was not much better. Very dirty. I was traumatized by the bathroom. The food was alright I guess. Kinda flavorless. No different than Waffle House. Our waiter was nice but the service was nothing special. I would definitely not go here again. read more

It is what it is - come for a no fuss relatively cheap breakfast. Cafeteria style tables and a counter surround the grills. Owners are nice. They take credit. Orders are ready quickly. The homefries are pretty dry and flavorless, so expect to load up on ketchup/hot sauce/etc. Eggs are cooked well, breakfast sausage is tasty and fried up to order with a nice crust. read more

This is the best places in dc. The best cheesesteak amazing fries best waffles and pancakes. Incredible service the waiter was super friendly. And the ambiance is incredible super cool. Amazing exterior and interior. If you are in dc I 100 percent recommend this place. If you are in dc I 100% recommend this place if you are wondering what the best restaurant is in dc. read more

Stopped in on a Summery morning; line out the door. Imagine a Waffle House in the city, more greasy spoon that roadside diner, not as cool and hip as Waffle House but the same food. I had the waffle (of course) but not the chicken. Eggs, sausage, and two biscuits. It was pretty average affair, nothing about the breakfast jumped out at me, but it was cheaper than going to Denny's. read more

Asian owned business. This place is a dump. It's not a greasy spoon dive diner with good home cooked style food. It really is a dump. Prices are high for what is offered. Interior had filthy ceiling tiles. Ripped seats. Eggs were runny and undercooked. Food was not good. Service was friendly and quick. Across the street from Ford's Theatre. read more

Love this place. Simple old fashioned food. Most drinks are in bottle or can. Service was great and the food was great. You are in the middle of Abe Lincoln area, so there are a lot of field trips on all the sidewalks. I can not wait to come back. read more

I forgot to take pictures of our food, but everything was delicious! The restaurant is the same as it was 50 years ago. It gave a very homey feeling. The service was fast and friendly! Would definitely recommend! read more

Live, laugh, love, Lincoln's Waffles. This is a simple diner with nice/quick service and a fun bit of television history. There is ample seating, but the restaurant itself is a bit older and not 100% clean. I would say this is basically a Waffle House. I enjoyed this simple breakfast, but our main reason to visit was because of its reference from "Parks & Rec." read more

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If you're looking for a simple, traditional American breakfast in Penn Quarter, this is the place for you. The restaurant seems so out of place in this area - most of the fare is upscale or fusion or some other variation, which isn't a bad thing, of course. But sometimes I don't want a fancy croissant or a breakfast burrito, I just want want a bowl of grits. Walking through the front door, you feel like you've been transported back in time by about 40-50 years, because it doesn't look like the interior has been updated since then. On day and time that I visited it wasn't terribly busy, but on other days I passed by it was bustling. It's clear that this place is popular with locals and tourists alike. The breakfast menu is detailed, not because there are a lot of food choices but because they pretty much lay out all the possible permutations. I opted for the eggs, grits, and sausage combo, though in retrospect I kinda wish I had gone for the scrapple instead. Anyways, the food came out quickly and I enjoyed a leisurely meal. One annoyance, however, is that they don't serve tap water. If you want to drink water, you have to buy a bottle. Other than that, prices are good - certainly a lot cheaper than what I would have paid for a similar meal at my hotel. Overall it was a very good experience, and I can imagine Abraham Lincoln having a meal here before heading across the street to the theatre. I do wonder how history might have changed had he chosen to go to the Hard Rock Cafe next door instead of taking in a show at Ford's Theatre. read more

Lincoln's Waffle Shop - Simple but delicious - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A cleaning crew! Dust hanging from the ceiling, the filthy rag the women used to wipe our table was disgusting. Floor is dirty. I don't know how this place stays open. read more

Just a little hole-in-the-wall place, but the food was good and server was very friendly! Quick service too. Will definitely return again if I have the chance. read more

Lincoln's Waffle Shop - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The absolute quintessential greasy spoon diner, that will absolutely have what you want! Walking here and you might as well be walking into the diner that's downtown in the smallest town you know. The food is delicious, it comes out fast and the guys working here are super friendly. It's refreshing to go to a spot For the atmosphere is super relaxed and you can have a conversation with the folks next to you at the counter. It's amazing who you meet in a sort of place like this. It's also a great spot to pop into you're waiting in line across the street at Ford's theater and needquick, pick me up! Go here if you have a chance! read more

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