Unconventional Diner

I ordered the chicken and waffles with a cinnamon old fashioned. The food was great- though the chicken was a tad bit dry (to be expected with all white meat which I was told it would be). Comes with a small side of spicy butter and served on top a cheddar cornbread waffle. The presentation is very nice and it’s great that the waitress knows to ask if I’d like more syrup (because it’s needed). The waffle was okay, a little on the dry side but the makes sense as it’s cornbread-based. Wasn’t a fan of the gravy it was served with and the chicken could’ve been seasoned a bit more. Service was excellent and the drink was great. Food comes quick, I did bar seating on a Sunday. The ambiance is nice.

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 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.

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.

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.

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. --- 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.