Restaurant & American Restaurant & Food restaurant in Washington, D.C.

Unconventional Diner

Experience exceptional American dining in Washington, D.C. with a 4.6-star rating. Discover delicious dishes and a vibrant atmosphere. Visit today!

4.6(6,012 reviews)
$$
Restaurant · American Restaurant · Food
Unconventional Diner in washington-dc

Industrial-chic bistro and bar for upscale comfort fare, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails.

About Unconventional Diner

This popular spot in Washington, D.C. offers a delightful dining experience, consistently earning a 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 6,000 patrons. With a comfortable $$ price range, it's a go-to for those seeking well-executed American cuisine. Diners rave about the flavorful menu, with many suggesting you can't go wrong with any selection. Highlights include incredibly flavorful breakfast biscuits, top-notch pancakes, and a chocolate cake described as potentially the best ever tasted. The atmosphere is lively, and the restaurant is well-suited for groups, featuring outdoor seating and serving cocktails. It's a place where guests are encouraged to arrive hungry and leave thoroughly satisfied after a truly tasty meal.

📊

Restaurant Analysis

Restaurant Characteristics

Formula-Based Analysis

This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.

💰Price Range
Moderate
🕐Meal Time
dinner
👥Group Size
Groups Welcome
🎭Atmosphere
Outdoor
🍽️Dining Style
Flexible
Features & Amenities
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
+5 more

Set your restaurant preferences in your profile to see how well this restaurant matches your dining style.

Ready to Book Top Tours in Washington, D.C.?

Browse 6 curated tour categories with instant booking & best price guarantee.

Why Travelers Love Unconventional Diner

Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.

4.6 / 5.0(6,012 reviews)

Absolutely Delicious. What should you order: Anything! This place has delicious food across the whole menu. We ended up coming two day in a row as it was that tasty. The loaded breakfast biscuits were crazy flavorful. My wife loved the pancakes, which were top notch. The star of the show was the chocolate cake, which may be the best Chocolate cake I’ve ever eaten. Overall come here hungry and leave super happy! We had an awesome brunch at Unconventional Diner. The food was cooked perfectly and so tasty. I ordered the loaded breakfast biscuits, which reminded me a bit of a Hawaiian loco moco. The sausage on them was spicy, super flavorful, and clearly homemade or locally sourced, not the generic, pre-packaged stuff. Every bite was rich and satisfying. We also tried the crème brûlée French toast. It came as one thick slice of brioche with a layer of custardy crème brûlée and a crackly sugar topping. I expected it to be overwhelmingly sweet, so I was a little nervous at first, but it was actually perfectly balanced. The sweetness was just right and paired really well with the brioche, giving it a great mix of sweet and savory. On the side, the cheesy grits were fantastic, creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. Overall, I’d definitely go back and would happily recommend Unconventional Diner to any of my friends looking for a great brunch spot. It was a pleasant experience, the atmosphere was nice and welcoming. The host and waiters were super friendly, super nice. The restaurant was tidy and clean, unfortunately there was a dirty glass which they changed with a plastic cup, I'll give them 8/10 on that. Talking about the food: I ordered, ● Chiken & waffles: was below average, came really dry and flavorless, very sad. ● Greek Full dead salad with Salmon: was ok, the Salmon was a little over. ● French dip poutine: was good but really heavy. ● Cajun Srimp & Grits: was dilecious. ● Double cheese Burger & Frise: was ok, could be better. The fries are really good. ● Buttermilk pancakes: was to the dry side, but it was ok. The Srawbarry and Brownie cakes area really dilecious. Food quality was ok, survise was really good though. Thank you Carlos. Would I come back? Yes, I would.

Find the Restaurant

Where to Find Them

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Open Now
Monday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Promotion Score

Sign in to boost this restaurant with your daily points

Sign In to Promote

Instant Boost Packages

One-time purchase — points apply immediately to this restaurant

💡 Tip: Subscriptions are 90% cheaper per point!

Recent Reviews

Coach T.

October 27, 2025

Absolutely Delicious. What should you order: Anything! This place has delicious food across the whole menu. We ended up coming two day in a row as it was that tasty. The loaded breakfast biscuits were crazy flavorful. My wife loved the pancakes, which were top notch. The star of the show was the chocolate cake, which may be the best Chocolate cake I’ve ever eaten. Overall come here hungry and leave super happy!

Jeff P.

November 16, 2025

We had an awesome brunch at Unconventional Diner. The food was cooked perfectly and so tasty. I ordered the loaded breakfast biscuits, which reminded me a bit of a Hawaiian loco moco. The sausage on them was spicy, super flavorful, and clearly homemade or locally sourced, not the generic, pre-packaged stuff. Every bite was rich and satisfying. We also tried the crème brûlée French toast. It came as one thick slice of brioche with a layer of custardy crème brûlée and a crackly sugar topping. I expected it to be overwhelmingly sweet, so I was a little nervous at first, but it was actually perfectly balanced. The sweetness was just right and paired really well with the brioche, giving it a great mix of sweet and savory. On the side, the cheesy grits were fantastic, creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. Overall, I’d definitely go back and would happily recommend Unconventional Diner to any of my friends looking for a great brunch spot.

monear Q.

October 25, 2025

It was a pleasant experience, the atmosphere was nice and welcoming. The host and waiters were super friendly, super nice. The restaurant was tidy and clean, unfortunately there was a dirty glass which they changed with a plastic cup, I'll give them 8/10 on that. Talking about the food: I ordered, ● Chiken & waffles: was below average, came really dry and flavorless, very sad. ● Greek Full dead salad with Salmon: was ok, the Salmon was a little over. ● French dip poutine: was good but really heavy. ● Cajun Srimp & Grits: was dilecious. ● Double cheese Burger & Frise: was ok, could be better. The fries are really good. ● Buttermilk pancakes: was to the dry side, but it was ok. The Srawbarry and Brownie cakes area really dilecious. Food quality was ok, survise was really good though. Thank you Carlos. Would I come back? Yes, I would.

Alison J.

September 25, 2025

Fantastic experience at the Unconventional Diner! The menu lives up to the name with tons of different cuisines represented in the dishes (very unconventional… I’ve never eaten at a restaurant with this much variety). Everything we had was delicious. I loved the Lebanese fried rice and the meatloaf is the best meatloaf I’ve ever tried. The chicken pot pie poppers were also quite tasty. Our server was very nice and brought out a fun birthday surprise for me (thankfully no singing!). I would absolutely eat here again… highly recommend!

Alex P.

October 19, 2025

What a great brunch's spot. Love the vibes, gives old fashioned diner with modern twist. Their plates even look like paper plates, but they're ceramic. The service was fabulous. It took a little while to get hot coffee but that is my only negative. We ordered the blueberry lavender pancakes, sexy sandwich, and the loaded biscuits. The pancakes were delicious. My favorite savory option was the sexy sandwich, the sexy sauce is delicious. Will absolutely be back again!

What to Expect

Features and amenities that make Unconventional Diner special

Outdoor Seating

Cocktails

Beer

Wine

Coffee

Family Friendly

Dog Friendly

Groups Welcome

Reservations

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before you visit

Payment Options

Credit Cards
Debit Cards
NFC/Contactless

Parking

Free Street Parking
Paid Street Parking

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Make It a Full-Day Experience in Washington, D.C.

Pair your reservation at Unconventional Diner with unforgettable tours in Washington, D.C.. From sunset sails to culinary adventures, our AI curates the best ways to explore the island like a local.

Other Popular Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Build your own culinary trail—save these spots for future nights out in Washington, D.C..

Seven Reasons

Leafy, brick-clad eatery offering Latin American plates & chef's tastings, plus cocktails & wines.

View Restaurant

La Grande Boucherie DC

View Restaurant

Stan's DC Restaurant

Low-key, basement-level Downtown spot offers signature wings with "mumbo" sauce & strong drinks.

View Restaurant

Le Diplomate

Old-fashioned restaurant with outdoor seating, serving familiar French fare, brunch staples, and drinks.

View Restaurant

The Capital Burger

Steakhouse branded venue for burgers and fried chicken, plus boozy shakes, wine, beer, and happy hour deals.

View Restaurant

Old Ebbitt Grill

Iconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs.

View Restaurant

The Pembroke

Classic French fare in the Dupont Circle Hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows plus a patio.

View Restaurant

The Capital Grille

Outpost of the upscale steakhouse chain offers classic American fare & a clubby, refined setting.

View Restaurant

Filomena Ristorante

Pasta made in-house plus hearty Italian classics in an upscale restaurant with over-the-top decor.

View Restaurant

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

American surf 'n' turf restaurant serving upmarket fare & cocktails in a lavish space.

View Restaurant

The Dabney

Chef Jeremiah Langhorne serves Mid-Atlantic cuisine at this rustic spot set in a former row house.

View Restaurant

The Hamilton

Hip American eatery with late hours, plus plenty of room in a live music space downstairs.

View Restaurant

Zaytinya

Chef José Andrés' light, airy mainstay offers Eastern Mediterranean small plates & regional wines.

View Restaurant

Ted's Bulletin - 14th Street

Bustling eatery for breakfast any time & American fare, plus a large menu of boozy milkshakes.

View Restaurant

Fiola Mare

Sophisticated Italian seafood, plus wine & cocktails, in a luxe, modern setting with river views.

View Restaurant

SUCCOTASH

Chef Edward Lee's classy eatery melds Dixie & Asian flavors in an inventive menu.

View Restaurant

Founding Farmers DC

Cooperative-grower-owned spot serving farm-to-table-themed American fare in rustic digs.

View Restaurant

Grazie Nonna

View Restaurant

VUE Rooftop

Chic rooftop lounge drawing a hip crowd with stylish decor, seasonal cocktails & city views.

View Restaurant

View All Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Explore every curated dining spot we recommend across the island.

Browse the list

Ready to Explore Washington, D.C.?

Discover the best tours, activities, and restaurant picks with AI-powered recommendations tailored just for you.

Plan Your Washington, D.C. Trip

From transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Washington, D.C..

Transportation Tips

Excellent public transportation with Metro rail and buses. Walking is perfect for exploring the National Mall, and ride-sharing services are widely available.

Car Rental Deals in Washington, D.C.

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Washington, D.C. adventure. From luxury beachfront resorts to boutique hideaways, we highlight the best basecamps for food lovers.

Best Hotel Deals in Washington, D.C.

Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Expedia USA.

Guided Experiences

Popular Tours in Washington, D.C.

Pair dinner at Unconventional Diner with these top-rated experiences in Washington, D.C..