Unconventional Diner

Name: Unconventional Diner
Address: 1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20001
Telephone: (202) 847-0122
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1615 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

Unconventional Diner serves inspired dishes that blend soulful comfort with haute technique. The menu is studded with imaginative delights that echo the restaurant's name, from French fries with "sexy sauce" to spring rolls with "Franch" dressing to a meatloaf "nothing like anyone's mom's.” Chef David Deshaies, a much-praised protege of Michel Richard, is the culinary force behind this highly acclaimed spot in Shaw. Craft beer and cocktails add to the alchemy for diners looking for an entertaining (and delicious) culinary experience.

For parties larger than six, please contact the restaurant at 202.847.0122.

Reservations are strongly encouraged and available up to 60 days prior to date of dining.

We encourage all complete parties arrive on time as we are only able to hold your reservation 15 minutes beyond your reserved time.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Brunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 847-0122
Website
http://www.unconventionaldiner.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
David Deshaies
Private party facilities
At this time we are not accepting inquiries for private events.

Location
1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Neighborhood
Mount Vernon Square
Cross street
Between M Street and N Street NW - Across from Blagden Alley
Parking details
There is only street parking in front of Unconventional Diner. The closest paid parking ramp is at the Cambria Hotel. The Cambria Hotel parking entrance is two blocks north between O and P streets.
Public transit
Mt. Vernon Square - Convention Center
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

What 1,615 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.7

4.7 based on all time ratings

4.7Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

1,615 Reviews

k
kgindc
Washington DC
158 reviews
vip
5.0
158 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely superb. Great food, great service, great adherence to social distancing and cleanliness requirements.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 13, 2020
overall4food3service5ambience3
Server was great. Black male (didn’t get his name). Food was alright and the cost was much higher than I’d expected
Is this helpful?
LL
LeticiaL
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 13, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
By some reason our reservation was cancelled a couple of minutes before we arrived. Beside that, our experience was great! The cauliflower salad is amazing!
Is this helpful?
RS
RoslynS
Washington DC
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food, service and noise level was excellent!
Is this helpful?
AB
AlexB
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2020
overall5food5service3ambience4
Good brunch
Is this helpful?
DC
DCDiner
Washington DC
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
Presentation of the food was wonderful! The place lived up to his name, everything was Unconventional in great way.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The dining experience and service was great in spite of the pandemic. The food was delicious. I’m looking forward to going back again soon.
Is this helpful?
m
macattack
Washington DC
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2020
overall5food3service5ambience5
Staff was so nice to my dogs. Thank you!!
Is this helpful?
S
Silver
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
LOVED Unconventional Diner! The waiters were so accomodating and checked on us often. The food was beautiful and so good - I had the french toast and side of fries (highly recommend)!
Is this helpful?
SB
SB15
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Server was great!
Is this helpful?
KL
KenL
Washington DC
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Mezze ever, the Pappardelle French Dip was a big step above great Stroganoff and the Baked Brie appetizer was the most incredible ever
Is this helpful?
DC
DCGuy
Washington DC
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and really prepared for serving during the pandemic.
Is this helpful?
J
Juanfmeneses
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. The cheeseburger was superb
Is this helpful?
SJ
SteveJ
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience3
The best Shrimp & Grits I've ever had. The host was very stressed and not particularly friendly. Our waitress Ashley was very nice. We sat outside and it was fine.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great Covid protocols and outdoor dining was comfortably in the shade during AM. Food was excellent. Our Server, Ashley, was wonderful. Can’t wait to go back.
Is this helpful?
B
Breezey
Cleveland
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience4
Tasty twists on some traditional and not so traditional brunch items. We would go back !
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The atmosphere was great. The food was amazing. The service was impeccable.
Is this helpful?
MF
MissFord
Chicago
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience5
The food was truly unconventional, I seen pleasant of interesting dishes exit the kitchen. Only thing I would say I didn’t approve of is my dirty Caesar salad which had iceberg as it base green. However the squid ink croutons, what can I say unconventional and delicious. I would definitely go again.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was cute inside! They have plexy glass around the tables to ensure the safety measures. 11/10
Is this helpful?
d
ddda
Washington DC
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service was awesome! I went for brunch and everything was great!!
Is this helpful?
BE
BostonEats
Greater Boston
8 reviews
vip
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2020
overall3food3service5ambience4
Very attentive service. Everyone was was warm and make sure I had everything I needed. My water glass was always refilled. The food was fine. The crab hushpuppies were too dense and not crisp enough. The chicken parm was fine. The spaghetti on the side needed something. It was too bland.
Is this helpful?
JH
JesseH
San Francisco
33 reviews
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fun and delicious food. Service was very good and friendly, too.
Is this helpful?
a
ajz14
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
My waiter was Kyle. He was awesome! He was very cool to talk to and was super nice. The food was outstanding. I definitely recommend the brussel sprouts; either the brunch or dinner option. Definitely coming back here again!
Is this helpful?
LC
LuciaC
Atlantic City
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place great food and great service
Is this helpful?
k
km18
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 30, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
The service was slightly slow, but the food was amazing and the ambiance was great! I would highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
S
Skim88
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
UD is doing a fantastic job keeping everything really clean and safe feeling with COVID. The food was as well done and creative as usual! Will definitely be back.
Is this helpful?
M
Martin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
You must try the Lebanese Fried Rice and the Brussel Sprout Eggs!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food and service. I will be back
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience4
We went to this restaurant with a few friends and the staff were very courteous and kept their eye on our needs throughout the entire meal. The food was well made and tasted good as well. I’d recommend this restaurant as a chill night out kinda place with friends.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible food! Cute atmosphere accommodated outside seating. Service was attentive. Cocktails were original and delicious. We came for restaurant week but this will easily become a new favorite!
Is this helpful?
VM
VeronicaM
Washington DC
28 reviews
vip
2.0
28 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2020
overall2food1service4ambience2
I dont know if the cook was off but the food wasnt great. I ordered the crab hush puppies and they were cold in the middle. I also got the chessburger and there was so much black pepper on the meat I could barely finish it. I couldnt taste anything but pepper. the dessert was the only upside
Is this helpful?
m
monicab
Detroit
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a fabulous experience Sunday night and all had the restaurant week menu. We went for the chicken parm and it did not disappoint. What a great selection of dishes for restaurant week too! Excellent service, food AND cocktails to be had at Unconventional Diner. And comfortable outdoor seating and all Covid rules being followed.
Is this helpful?
NC
NamesCharlie
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first time dining out since the pandemic hit and we felt extremely safe here. We opted for outside seating for personal comfort reasons. Not only were many safety measures taken but the level of service remained top notch. James and Dino really made sure were taken care of and support staff did a great job as well. Thank you for making it a special night and for putting us at ease.
Is this helpful?
JP
JadePlant
Washington DC
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brunch was so delicious. Server was so great and other staff did a great job! I love the new plexiglass panels between the tables... I hope they leave them up always!
Is this helpful?
SF
SoulFoodie
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience4
To me, Restaurant Week is about trying new places and even though I'd been to Unconventional Diner right before the pandemic broke out, all of the mayhem deleted it from my memory. So my family and I cautiously ventured and were happy to see the measures UD has taken to protect its staff and guests (including plastic partitions, which allowed me to actually relax and enjoy the experience). The double cheeseburger is a national treasure and the crab hush puppies are little balls of joy on a plate. Also, the chocolate cake is delightful. Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best breakfasts I’ve had in a very long time.
Is this helpful?
SG
StaciaG
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our meal inside was terrific, service was great and social distancing measures were clearly in place. We felt very safe and also had a really enjoyable dinner. The dining room noise levels were well below pre-COVID, and honestly we prefer the quieter experience.
Is this helpful?
LJ
LisberthJ
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything on this menue is good. Literally.
Is this helpful?
ND
NiaD
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2020
overall4food5service4ambience4
Delicious food, Varied options, good serving size, friendly and helpful staff.
Is this helpful?
RG
RicardoG
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brought my sister in from out of town and she loved it as much as I do.
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Unconventional Diner offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 847-0122.

Unconventional Diner is rated 4.7 stars by 1615 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Additional information

Cross street
Between M Street and N Street NW - Across from Blagden Alley
Neighborhood
Mount Vernon Square
Hours of operation
Brunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
There is only street parking in front of Unconventional Diner. The closest paid parking ramp is at the Cambria Hotel. The Cambria Hotel parking entrance is two blocks north between O and P streets.
Public transit
Mt. Vernon Square - Convention Center
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
David Deshaies
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.unconventionaldiner.com/
Phone number
(202) 847-0122
Private party facilities
At this time we are not accepting inquiries for private events.

Featured in

100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Unconventional Diner

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Menu

What 1,615 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Unconventional Diner offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Unconventional Diner restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day