Chef David Deshaies encourages guests to get messy as they tackle the pile of bread, avocado, confit egg yolk, pickled fresno chiles, lime, and cilantro. Deshaies similarly puts his own creative spin on think-you-know it diner entrees, like chicken and waffles with habanero butter or Caribbean-style shrimp and grits with Pineapple-Habanero Sauce. The crowd is a cross between business travelers drawn to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Instagrammers, who know that a selfie in front of Unconventional Diner's murals will rack up the likes.

Yes, Unconventional Diner's dishes are as comforting and inviting as the plates you'd find at any greasy spoon and the portions are huge—but they're leagues more interesting and satisfying. Each dish that leaves the kitchen includes fresh ingredients and surprising flavors, which elevate each one to heavenly heights. Nosh on Caribbean Shrimp and Grits, breakfast biscuits loaded with housemade sausage, bacon jam, fried eggs and hashbrowns or fried eggs with brussels sprouts and tikka masala.

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.

While there is no quintessential avocado toast, as each customer tends to put their own spin on the plate, Unconventional Diner, in D.C.’s Mt. Vernon Square, is the perfect place to indulge in the award-winning Upscale Brunch of the Year. Using other ingredients from south of the border including limes and fresno chilies, the avocado toast at Unconventional Diner pairs well with their other modern comfort foods.

With its white walls and seafoam-green booths, this “diner” may look like the classic American translation, but is in fact a far cry from your tuna-melt standby. Instead, this kitchen ramps up known classics by riffing on tradition. Look no further than the kale nachos or meatloaf elevated with a hint of sriracha and morel mushroom gravy.

Located inside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Unconventional Diner draws crowds for both its modern comfort food and its colorful, Instagram-worthy pop art. Brunch is served seven days a week, with twists on classic diner fare like a cheddar-chive cornbread waffle with habanero butter and "granny gravy," fried eggs with Brussels sprouts, and Lebanese fried rice with lentils, two fried eggs, yogurt, and almonds. Vegans and vegetarians will find plenty of options here, as will those following gluten-free diets.

If you follow Deshaies on social media, you may think her claim to fame is her role as a Zumba instructor. But that is only one of her many talents: Peruvian-born Deshaies and her husband launched Unconventional Diner by D.C.’s convention center in 2017, and she is also an award-wining pastry chef. As pastry chef, she’s known for her delightful confections, which include a Smith Island-style carrot cake, a Spanish-style cheesecake and the chocolatiest chocolate cake in town.

Food critic Tom Sietsema of The Washington Post describes the Unconventional Diner eating experience as ‘comfort food with flair’ and this perfectly encapsulates the food and ambience at this 9th street gem. The decor inside is modern and edgy, with playful food that is both exciting and satisfying. The menu is very allergy-friendly, with easy to identify abbreviations that indicate gluten-free options, vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free options.

With temperatures flirting with the 70s and 80s, it’s finally warm enough to enjoy the covered patio at Unconventional Diner, where American fare rises to a whole new level. In a location central to the Convention Center and other popular restaurants downtown, diners can sample newer dishes and drinks along with tried-and-true, Michelin Bib Gourmand-vetted classics. Walk-ins can request a patio seat or folks can reserve their outside spot.

Brunch is served every day of the week until 3:45 at this eclectic Shaw spot. David Deshaies’s menu is grounded in American flavors—avocado toast, a riff on an everything bagel with lox, a double cheeseburger, and fried chicken and waffles are top-notch—but flies off in plenty of other directions. Warming sweet-potato shakshuka nods to North Africa, while shrimp and grits gets a pineappley Caribbean spin.

Address: 1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001Phone:+1 (202) 847-0122Website:unconventionaldiner.comDetails: $$, Restaurant. Located in Washington DC, Unconventional Diner is an exceptional neighborhood spot that offers a unique and exciting dining experience. The staff at Unconventional Diner receives high praise for their friendly and attentive service, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

1207 9th Street, NWWhat else to expect from an establishment with “unconventional” in its name than the Stay at Home Supper Club?. Unconventional Diner has condensed its menu into six comfort food dinner options—think fried chicken, meatloaf, and chicken parmesan—that’s perfect for two people. Place an order for pickup between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM or choose delivery through Postmates.

This 1940s-style diner, not to be confused with Metro 29 Diner, was established in 1947 and is open 24 hours, except Monday, when it was closed. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, the diner offers brown gravy fries, meatloaf, barbecue and traditional breakfast items. The kids menu has pancakes, French toast, spaghetti and grilled cheese, and includes a drink.

If you are searching for the best french toast in DC, the Unconventional Diner should be the first place you start. Their motto is that they serve modern comfort food, and how yummy does that sound. They have all your favorites but with a fun modern twist, like a dirty Ceaser salad, what they call a “seggy sandwich”, and even vegan options like sweet potato shakshuka.

One of Chef David Deshaies’ first solo restaurants, Unconventional Diner is located in a building connected to the massive Washington DC convention center. The food is playful American with traditional offerings (an incredible double cheeseburger) as well as creative ones (like the tasty Moroccan Taquitos). For convention goers they also offer daily brunch.

If you’re searching for a diner in D.C., you do not want Unconventional Diner. If you want cutting-edge food in a somewhat odd location (the building is technically part of the Convention Center), you want Unconventional Diner. They also offer brunch every day of the week (which ranks as slightly unconventional).

If you’re in the mood for American classics with a modern twist, Unconventional Diner is the best spot to try. This trendy restaurant in Washington, DC, offers a diverse menu of elevated comfort food that is sure to satisfy your cravings. This lunch spot is one of the best places when it comes to variety.

Chef David Deshaies reimagines diner food at this bright Mount Vernon Triangle spot. Think meatloaf punched up with harissa, and French toast stuffed with coconut cream and mango. The open kitchen, sleek banquettes, and curated wine list set it apart from greasy-spoon peers, yet prices stay approachable.

There’s crunch and cheese and dried tomatoes and crouton dust and a little bit of romaine lettuce sorcery in this downtown dish. Really, all of Unconventional Diner’s menu is imaginative and exciting twists on diner food. But no matter where the main course takes you, a dirty Caesar is a must.

The unconventional diner is the first Yelp and TripAdvisor result for “best blueberry pancakes in Washington DC” for a good reason. This must-visit diner will undoubtedly leave you happy, thanks to their as-fluffy-as-a-cloud, delicious, and bursting-with-flavor blueberry pancakes.

It’s funny that they use the word diner because it’s anything but a diner. It’s actually more like an upscale comfort food vibe. What I actually like most about this place is that they’re one of the few and rare places in DC that offer brunch every day, not just the weekend.

We understand that exploring a huge city like DC is hard work. But why not take a break and grab some amazing brunch at Unconventional Diner?. Located inside the Water E. Washington Convention Center, this bistro serves modern comfort food in a colorful setting.

Unconventional Diner is a classic American diner elevated to the extreme. It’s a refined experience with the comfort of a quintessentially American menu. Deliciously decadent dishes are supplemented by a lively atmosphere and great service.

Unconventional DinerWhat could make buttermilk pancakes even better?. At Unconventional Diner, it’s a blueberry-lavender sauce and mascarpone cream. Pair the pancakes with Unconventional’s draft cold brew and enjoy the funky, fun interior.

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by Unconventional Diner | DC (@unconventionaldiner). This restaurant tells you everything you need to know upfront and in its name: Unconventional.

Unconventional Diner ⭐️ – This hip bistro and bar makes upscale dining easy for special diet diners. They label dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options right on their menu. They also indicate which items contain nuts or seafood.

I took myself on a solo breakfast date to Unconventional Diner. I was tickled by their name as they’re a few steps away from the Convention Center in DC. Truly, Unconventional Diner is an unconventional diner.

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001Phone: 202-847-0122 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Unconventional Diner | DC (@unconventionaldiner)