Florida Avenue Grill

"Florida Avenue Grill has been a DC institution since 1944. It’s an old-school diner, so think tattered vinyl booths and bar seats that have withstood the test of time, with customers that range from longtime regulars to the occasional tourist. Their world-famous hot cakes, served with butter, cinnamon, and powdered sugar, are the stuff of dreams—they’re light, fluffy, buttery, and sweet. Things take time here and the service can be slow, but as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait." - omnia saed, mekita rivas, tess shiras

"Florida Avenue Grill has been a DC institution since 1944. It’s an old-school diner, so think tattered vinyl booths and bar seats that have withstood the test of time, with customers that range from longtime regulars to the occasional tourist. Their world-famous hot cakes, served with butter, cinnamon, and powdered sugar, are the stuff of dreams—they’re light, fluffy, buttery, and sweet. Things take time here and the service can be slow, but as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait." - omnia saed, tristiana hinton

"“That's a DC staple right there. Florida Avenue Grill has been around for probably 70 years. Obviously we know everybody in there. And everybody used to go to the Grill, which is what we all call it. I think I met Charlie Rose in the Florida Avenue Grill. So we always run into those types of people, as well as the people that used to come see us back in the early eighties. When I'm there, I'll eat just eggs, bacon, grits, toast, and iced tea. Every time I go there, that's what I get, and it's always good.”" - tristiana hinton

"The oldest Black-owned American restaurant in the city requires some planning if you want to taste their famous hot cakes, served with butter, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. After more than 70 years serving the city, the Shaw spot only opens Friday through Sunday from 9am-2pm. That makes it perfect if you’re in town for the weekend, but block out a couple hours for your meal because things take time here. But as they say, good things come to those who wait, and it’s worth it to try dishes like the cajun fried catfish that have been perfected over the decades." - tristiana hinton

"Sometimes restaurants are time capsules that embody a city’s culture and legacy. Florida Avenue Grill is a DC institution that has served residents since 1944, and is also the city’s oldest Black-owned restaurant. It’s an old-school diner, so think tattered vinyl booths and bar seats that have withstood the test of time, and serves dishes like BBQ pork spare ribs and chitterlings to customers that range from longtime regulars to the occasional tourist. For breakfast, their world-famous hot cakes, served with butter, cinnamon, and powdered sugar, is the stuff of dreams. They're light and fluffy, buttery and sweet. Things take time here and the service can be slow, but like the saying goes, good things come to those who wait." - tristiana hinton, omnia saed