D.C. Institution Steak ‘n Egg Diner Is on the Market | Eater DC

"An iconic upper Northwest greasy spoon, opened in 1993 and long patronized by American University students after last call, neighborhood regulars, politicians, and Hollywood celebrities alike, is officially on the market at 4700 Wisconsin Avenue NW. Developer Constandinos Economides tells Eater that “labor costs” induced by Initiative 82 — an under-debate D.C. law in effect since 2023 that requires businesses to gradually pay tipped staff more — is one reason cited for the closing, and he also cites taxes as a cause for pulling the plug; a new lease listing for the 2,340-square-foot space shows availability as soon as July 31, though Economides says “we’re continuing to operate” with no set closing date. The retro-styled diner expanded on-site in recent years to include a 50-seat patio, room for 92 inside, and modernized touches like a dish-toting robot. Once a 24/7 operation with quite the late-night crowd, it is now only open until 8:45 p.m. The Tenleytown corner’s diner roots date back to 1931 as the now-defunct Toddle House; a Steak ‘n Egg Kitchen franchise took over decades later before a locally owned operation slid in the same year President Bill Clinton took office." - Tierney Plumb