Unconventional Diner

"Chef David Deshaies takes diner fare up a notch with European flair. Daily brunch (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) includes Caribbean shrimp and grits, Lebanese fried rice, Georgia French toasts with peaches and ice cream, and an everything lox bagel." - Tierney Plumb

"Planning brunch for a big group with kids and multiple dietary restrictions may seem like mission impossible, but Unconventional Diner is up to the challenge. In the middle of Mt. Vernon Square, this industrial-modern space is centrally located to everything in downtown DC. We usually can’t pick between the chicken and waffles or the buttermilk pancakes topped with blueberry lavender sauce and mascarpone cream—getting both is obviously the way to go. Dessert devotees will dream about the carrot cake for years to come." - mekita rivas, omnia saed, tristiana hinton

"Make girl’s night game night at Unconventional Diner’s drag bingo event. On Thursday, February 13, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., your $50 ticket includes games, drag performances, a buffet dinner (think meatloaf, miso salmon, “dirty Caesar,” and cookies) and tableside cocktails. Of course, prizes are awarded to the winners. Doors open at 5:30; performances and games begin at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased via Resy." - Vinciane Ngomsi

"Situated right next to the convention center since 2017, chef David Deshaies continues raise eyebrows by applying classic French technique to American-style diner food. Think a haute take on meatloaf, or mini-pot pie poppers that explode with flavor. Regardless of the day or time, there’s always something to on the menu from happy hour menu or daily brunch (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), including popular offerings like chicken and waffles and blueberry-lavender pancakes, Caribbean shrimp and grits, Lebanese fried rice, Georgia French toasts with peaches and ice cream, and an everything lox bagel." - Tierney Plumb, Emily Venezky

"Shaw comfort food spot with discounted hot apple cider." - Tierney Plumb