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    Unconventional Diner

    4.4 (3.5k reviews)
    Open • 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    UNCONVENTIONAL DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
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    Turkey panini
    Anita W.

    Walking in, I realized it was connected to a hotel. It was really nice and elegant inside. For Sunday brunch, we was able to walk right in to a table. Friendly service and attentive. I got the turkey panini, love the sauce on the sandwich with a side of spring mix salad. My sister got the ham eggs bennys. Great portions, good flavor

    Loaded Breakfast Biscuits.
    Jessica A.

    Fresh off an early morning flight to DCA, I met a friend for breakfast before work. We had a reservation, but we could've walked in and been seated. Breakfast was fantastic! She had the crème brûlée French toast and bacon. I had the loaded breakfast biscuits without the fried eggs. It was delicious! Server was friendly and attentive, it's a cute place! Easy to get to via metro, too.

    Shrimp and Grits
    Nisha B.

    $20 Resy deposit for reservation. You will need to cancel atl east 30 mins prior to your reservation time, so you won't get charged. Less than 5 minute walk from the Convention Center Metro I had the Lox and a side of grits. Both were very good. The Lox looks small, but it was very filling and comes with an egg underneath the salmon Sparkling water is enough for 2 people

    Nneka M.

    Brunch at Unconventional Diner is a DC must! The service is impeccable and friendly, and the menu has a nice variety of culinary options, though, I don't feel like there's much of hearty vegetarian options or substitutions. Outdoor seating is nice and quaint, and covered. And plenty of street parking is available. Overall, I highly recommend!

    Mark N.

    High quality elevated diner food at a reasonable price in DC. Brunch is an option every day before 3:45PM. Recommend the corned beef hash. Big chunks of meat, potato with roasted onions and celery, all with a black pepper gravy. Comes with two sunny-side eggs. You will be stuffed. Biscuits are great too. Coffee is solid. Reservations by Resy. Online ordering here https://order.online/store/unconventional-diner-washington-295238

    Garlic naan
    Aarti B.

    True to its name, Unconventional Diner is not your average brunch spot - it delivers on fun and unique dishes (available until 3:45pm). The Tikka dish with fried egg was tasty, but wish paneer or larger protein option was built-in (not an upcharge)! The creamy red Tikka curry sauce, caramelized onions, crispy brussel sprouts, and fried ere tasty and paired well, the dish felt incomplete and something was missing, maybe some paneer or naan? I paid $5 for a side of zesty naan topped with different spices and really wish it came with the dish just came with it. While I was tempted to order the falafel, I couldn't justify shelling out another $5 for another upcharge and spend $10 on them for a total of $26 for just an entree - when these 2 upcharges should have been included in the entree by default. Wish there were more fun vegetarian dishes on the menu. Might come back for drinks and to explore the menu!

    Buttermilk Pancakes - short stack
    Pete F.

    I had a nice conventional brunch at the Unconventional Diner. Well maybe the fried egg on top of roasted artichoke is unconventional. But I also had the fluffy buttermilk pancakes, which I had to try since it seemed every other person sitting at the bar was enjoying. Overall I had a very enjoyable meal. The food was delicious. Service was friendly. Food was delivered very promptly. I highly recommend the diner with the unconventional name.

    Brunch menu
    Karen H.

    Very busy breakfast/brunch spot in DC. I had a few hours to kill before my flight and after an early Amtrak arrival into Union station. This place was worth switching metro lines from Union station (and kept me out of the rain!). I had the chicken and waffles. Delicious with a kick! The coffee is excellent and strong but not nearly as strong as the cinnamon toast old-fashioned! All of it was delicious. Since I didn't have a reservation, I sat at the bar, where the service was as good as I imagine sitting at a table would have been. Would love to come back and try other tempting menu items.

    Chicken & Waffles.
    Esther A.

    The good: the restaurant is definitely clean and our food came out quickly. The chicken and waffles were really good! I enjoyed the cornbread waffles and the sauces they game with. The meh: they didn't have space for strollers or have high chairs. They only offered a booster that doesn't have straps. My baby is a wiggler and high chairs are a must when we go out to eat

    Sweet potato shakshuka
    Chelle M.

    Yep. If you're reading this, you should just make that reservation and go... and yes, I would recommend a reservation because this place is pop-u-lar, and I see why. The space itself is bright and airy and a bit on the noisy side. But the service was very good, and the food was served quite quickly. I've been on a shakshuka kick lately, so I opted for the the Sweet Potato Shakshuka, which is described as: Sweet Potato Curry, with Chickpeas and Sunny Eggs with a the chicken add-on - gotta get that protein in, after all. This was one of the most unique shakshukas I'd ever had... It literally tasted like a curry dish you might get at your local Indian restaurant, with a bit of a brunch flair to it. The curry itself had a wee bit of spice and was a bit sweet - but that could have been from the sweet potatoes. The chicken was served in a bowl on the side, which felt a bit... odd... I would've expected it to be incorporated into the main dish. It was kind of bland and a bit lukewarm, so I don't know that I'd order that again... but I would definitely order this again!

    Miso Salmon $40 ($28 + mandatory service charge of 20% plus tax) 6/20/2026
    Jaewoo S.

    Made reservation for a Saturday early dinner as reviews said to make one if not willing to wait. Got to the restaurant on time, seemed to be a slow Saturday early evening as I saw a lot of empty tables. Maybe they were all reserved? Not sure. We were greeted by the staffs and shown to the table. Smooth and fast. All the menu looked tempting so had hard time choosing which one to go with. Went with meatloaf and miso salmon. Meatloaf was really good! Flavorful with tender/juicy meat combined with onions, bell peppers etc. Miso salmon was also good! Okra and broccoli were adding more taste to the dish itself. No complaints at all! The prices were on the higher side though. Menu says each are $28. However, there was mandatory service charge of 20% and tax was calculated after the service charge, which end up being approximately $40 per menu item we got - miso salmon and meatloaf. Wish the menu price would just include service charges so prices would not be misleading with all the charges after. Not sure if this is because of World Cup 2026, but too bad they had to hit their customers with extra fees after enjoying the meals which could have ended happily rather than leaving a bad taste in the mouth.

    Renee B.

    We had a Monday dinner reservation during summer restaurant week. Greeted and seated by front desk. More space than I expected but sounds are probably my amplified by the tile floors. Before others arrived I met our waiter, Mauricio, who asked if I wanted a cocktail while I waited for the other ladies to arrive. We all had looked up the menu and was excited to try all of the entrees. I ordered the shrimp and grits which I thought I knew what it would taste like. Boy, was I wrong! It was so "unconventional " and in an absolutely delicious way. Chicken sausage, large shrimp, okra, peppers and more, laid on a bed of grits that are so emulsified, I forgot they were grits (really). Lastly, I ordered a non-alcoholic drink, top top chop salad (don't be afraid of the kale) and carrot cake for a small sweet ending. All of the items came out quickly.

    Brussel Sprouts & Fried Eggs.
    Shawn G.

    Cool spot for brunch/breakfast. We were staying at a nearby hotel and wanted to grab a bite to eat. We had a big party and thought the wait would be over an hour but they were able to accommodate us in less than 30 minutes. Service was great. Food came out fast and everything was tasty. My only complaint is they do not have Any espresso based drinks. They have an iced latte but they admitted it was made with cold brew. I just wanted a good espresso with my breakfast. But other than that everything was excellent.

    Double Cheeseburger & Fries.

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    Page 4 of 88

    Unconventional Diner Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Unconventional Diner

    Can I make reservations?

    Yes. You can reserve using Resy.

    Can you order brunch all day long and if not what time does it stop?

    Believe it stops at 4

    Is there parking nearby for brunch?

    Eh. There is street parking (if you're lucky to find). However, the Mt. Vernon/Convention Metro Center is less than a block away from the restaurant.

    Do they have milkshakes? Didn't see it on the menu.

    Yes, they do offer them.

    Where can I make a reservation? The website doesn't let me?

    Pretty sure it's Upper Right Corner. Resy.

    Is this a safe option for someone with soy, tree nut, gluten, and peanut allergies? To be clear, true food allergies-epi pen and all. Just trying to locate safe restaurants.

    Hi Jennifer! I also have a severe nut and soy allergy, Epi pen and all. The menu shifts regularly,… 

    Is there a dress code for this location?

    Hi Linda, Thank you very much for the question! We do not have a dress code for Unconventional… 

    My wife is on a walker so, what are the handicapped parking options?

    Street parking. They don't have a parking lot.

    Is the outdoor seating heated in the winter?

    They have heat lamps but it's still going to be chilly

    Are there any vegan options?

    Yes there are a few during brunch

    Is this brunch all day?

    Only available until 4PM, according to their website.

    Do you have gluten-free food?

    Yes they do!

    Are dogs allowed for outdoor dining?

    Yes, they are allowed at outside tables.

    Do you all do bottomless brunch on weekends?

    I have gone for brunch. It was not bottomless. But it was good.

    Is the chicken with the chicken and waffles boneless or bone in?

    Mine was boneless.

    Is this place still open? Called Sunday and straight to voicemail

    Hi Dan, we are open. If your call went straight to voicemail, I am sure it was because all of our lines were occupied at the same time.… 

    Do they accept walk-ins?

    They do, but this place is usually busy, so you might have to wait.

    Is this by reservation only?

    Maybe a good idea

    Hi! Is there a kid's menu?

    There isn't a kid's menu per se, but I'm sure kids would still enjoy the food at unconventional diner. Lol.

    Do they do bottomless brunch or any sort of brunch drink specials?

    They don't do bottomless but they have fantastic drink options.

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    North Hall - Photo by Nessa K Photography

    North Hall

    4.6(8 reviews)
    2.0 mi•Eastern Market, Capitol Hill

    North Hall is a fantastic venue that is located in the heart of D.C., only blocks away from the…read moreU.S. Capitol Building. The brick exterior coupled with the large white-walled interior provided the perfect "blank canvas" to backdrop our event. We hosted nearly 100 people and had plenty of room for a live band and bar. The reason this review earned three stars was because of venue management. An important aspect of North Hall is that they will not let you do any setup prior to the event unless you pay per hour. As an example: our event started at 5pm and we had to pay 500$ more to start setup at 3pm. The real issue arose when we were informed that we could not leave anything in a closet or kitchen in order to make the "day-of" prep easier. Management allowed absolutely nothing from entering or remaining in the space despite there being no event prior to our reception. On a positive note, the two hour setup window provided a testament to how amazing our vendors were; they created a beautiful space with no help from North Hall. The management induced plenty of undue stress by being unclear of what permits were needed for the event. They went on to remind us with little time to prepare. This issue manifested itself one week prior to our wedding day, where our wedding coordinator, my wife, and myself scrambled to get permits for food, alcohol, etc. Overall, North Hall is truly lovely, but future customers should be aware that this venue is fortified by the bureaucracy of Washington D.C. Much like your local trip to the DMV, illogical policies and the lack of regard for the individual reign supreme. Weddings are stressful and emotional, no one should have to deal with the inefficiencies of government and the shortcomings of bureaucrats on their special day.

    We had the absolute best time at our wedding reception in the North Hall. We hosted about 100…read morepeople and it was a perfect space for us. Nicole and the other staff are super helpful. Such a memorable and perfect day!

    Photos
    North Hall - Photo by Nessa K Photography

    Photo by Nessa K Photography

    North Hall - Decorated by Joy and Company Events (wonderful to work with!!!) Photo's by Paola Nazati photography

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    North Hall - BOOTH-O-RAMA / My Deejay Anniversary Party     *Photo by Eli Turner

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    THROW Social - Try out a tropical drink! we have a full menu of specialty cocktails at our full bar- don't forget about happy hour!

    THROW Social

    3.7(375 reviews)
    2.2 mi•Ivy City
    •$$

    I came here with friends for the Latin Coffee event. I had a great time - shoutout to the dj and la…read moregrecacoffeex. The space was huge and there was outdoor space with a bar, seating and games. The servers were gorgeous and super friendly even with how busy they were. The dance space was spacious and perfect for all the dancing. My only note is there was no AC! It was sooooooooo hot in there and there was only one fan. I'm sure it was a last minute issue but they need fans in there as a back up. Especially with events with that many people.

    Now I'm only giving them this low score is because of the situation me and my partner ran into on…read morethis past Sunday (July 10th). Online the place looks great and interesting so we decided to hit it up around 9pm because it doesn't close until 2am. So when we walked in the place was pitch black and the vibe was really off. We had to pay $20 a person to enter which at first I was confused because I thought this place was games, bars, music, and vibes...not at all. So we were walking around and the crowd I'll just say wasn't the type I wanted to be around. Only one bar was open and the music was weird. So we decided to leave and when I asked the person who was taking the money what was going on tonight they said an event. Now, this event was not posted anywhere on their website or social media. So I would caution going at night or call beforehand because I don't think I would want to come back because it was nothing like it is portrayed online.

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    Flight Club D.C - At Flight Club Social Darts, cutting-edge tech meets an elevated menu of shareable snacks, cocktails, and curated beers.

    Flight Club D.C

    4.5(60 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    •$$
    Free WiFi
    Vegetarian friendly

    I booked reservations on line for two people Saturday 1:30 which was $15pp. the time slots after…read morethat were $17pp. We took a little longer then expected to find a parking spot so we arrived 10 mins late to our booking time. The staff was so nice they slid our time slot by 15 mins so we could keep to the 90min total duration. We were quickly taken to our bay and was provided instructions on logging in to the system and selecting the games etc. the games were sooo fun! It really showed our competitive spirit! There were lines on the ground denoting your level of expertise so it's customizable to your skill level. We order a few drinks which were delivered quickly and tasted fantastic! The decor and vibe was so awesome!! There was so much to see and surprises at every turn. No spoilers but check it out! Of course we will be back!!

    We only popped in for a quick drink. I had the snapdragon and it was very good, a little on the…read moresweet side (I think due to the lychee) if you prefer sweeter tasting drinks. Really cute ambiance as well. Everyone was so nice and accommodating whilst in the middle of prepping for a private event.

    Photos
    Flight Club D.C - Flight Club is a high-energy, upscale spot where tech-powered, fast-paced darts meet elevated small plates, craft beer, and a...

    Flight Club is a high-energy, upscale spot where tech-powered, fast-paced darts meet elevated small plates, craft beer, and a...

    Flight Club D.C - Flight Club Social Darts is a chic hangout offering immersive, technology-driven dart games alongside upgraded pub bites and ...

    Flight Club Social Darts is a chic hangout offering immersive, technology-driven dart games alongside upgraded pub bites and ...

    Flight Club D.C - Flight Club Social Darts is a nightlife destination.

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    Flight Club Social Darts is a nightlife destination.

    Studio 52 - Cowgirl tings

    Studio 52

    5.0(25 reviews)
    2.3 mi•Ivy City

    There aren't enough words to describe the high level of customer service, professionalism and…read moresatisfaction I experienced from start to finish. Chelsea, one of the venue owners, took her time with me and answered all 5.391 questions I had with a smile. Every email was returned promptly and the entire process was seamless. Studio 52 is the perfect venue for any event and celebrating my 50th birthday there was the absolute best decision I ever made. The bar and event staff were lit!!! They served those drinks and kept my guests with a cup in their hand all night!! What I loved most was the free will to decorate the blank palette any way I liked. You can transform this place into a nightlife scene, a baby shower, business event or holiday party. You can easily use your imagination in this place and that's exactly what I did!! If you're searching for the perfect venue for ANY event, look no further than Studio 52!!! This deserves 10 stars.

    It was an amazing experience transforming this venue into the Yellowstone Barbie Ranch for my…read moreMuthaf'n Buuurday!! The owner Chelsea is an absolute delight to work with. I mean who can so no once she starts batting those hypnotic eyes, then brings in her husband with the fun Cancer personality so it's hard to say no to putting down a deposit! Lol. Ok ok take my whole wallet dang! Lol. The whole process was seamless, they even went above & beyond to make sure I can fit in my mechanical bull. This was the real deciding factor! There was no way I can have a Yellowstone party without a bull. Lol. Forgive me I'm extra & I want what I want* evil grin*. The staff was super detail oriented and fun to work with for the theme. Tati the bar manager is a Rockstar with a bubbly personality. I can't thank these guys enough for making sure I had the most puuurfect Ranch experience. And yes I came fully equipped with my horses as well. Can't be a cowgirl if you're not ride'n! Lol This venue is #BarbieApproved

    Photos
    Studio 52 - Dj Mighty

    Dj Mighty

    Studio 52 - Line dancing with Donita

    Line dancing with Donita

    Studio 52 - Say hi to Houston my date for the night

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    Unconventional Diner - breakfast_brunch - Updated September 2026

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