Tastee Diner

I really loved this old-school diner. I loved my chocolate chip pancakes, as well as my home fires and sausage sides. However, the best part was definitely the service: Beth was super kind and I definitely got the feeling that this was an area institution.

Iconic diner slinging up the classics quick fast and in a hurry. This place is a staple so line can get long. Come after the rush and avoid the wait.

Old school diner which met my expectations. With all the trendy restaurants out there it’s good to know that there is a place that has kept its authenticity. I didn’t care for the hot cake too much. They should consider offering buttermilk pancakes which are a lot tastier. But that’s just my opinion

Tastee Diner has that old time diner feel. The service was great and the food was delicious. I had the hamburger steak with gravy. It was cooked perfectly, it was very thick and juicy. Just the way I like it

Cute little diner in the heart of Bethesda! It's been up and running since 1935. Their menu is very basic but delicious and very affordable. Everyone who works there is super nice and always with a big smile. We ordered the tuna melt sandwich which was so good. We also ordered the seafood platter with sides of coleslaw and onion rings. Their coleslaw was very delicious. Definitely check out this place if you are in the area! The experience will take you back in time!

I visited this diner for the first time on a Sunday. Unfortunately, it was a disappointing experience. The food was far from good. The pancakes were burned and didn't taste good. Waffles were not good either. How can any restaurant mess up something as basic as pancakes and waffles? This is Bethesda. There are plenty of excellent dining options in the area. Sadly, it’s unlikely I’ll be returning.

I love diners! Short-Order cooks always amazed me with their skill, and the gentleman today was fabulous! I always like sitting at the counter, near the grill! This diner is now a favorite, even though it is a bit of a drive & you have to pay a tiny amount to park. I enjoyed a great porkchop lunch and left a sizable tip! ❤️

Unfortunately, my experience at Tastee Diner was pretty subpar. I love that this place is still thriving after all these years—it’s important to support local businesses with rich histories—but the food was just not the best. I got the waffle with over easy eggs and bacon, as well as a side of grits. The waffle was average and I didn’t like their artificial syrup (6/10). The bacon (8/10) and grits were pretty normal, though I needed a lot of salt for the grits (6/10). Finally, the eggs: the whites weren’t fully cooked! When I took a bite, I got a film of raw egg white. I like my eggs over easy, but these were just a raw and unpleasant experience (2/10). The atmosphere is lived in and exciting, but I wouldn’t come here again for the food.

Sweet old diner, with little booths and juke boxes at the tables! Limited street metered parking, so leave time to find a spot! Friendly service and made-to-order food, served hot. Corned beef hash, scrambled eggs and a biscuit were delicious. I ordered side potatoes with added charge for sautéed onions. Also quite tasty! Coffee was good. No pressure to turn over the table. A local favorite spot.

OMG Betty I forgot how very good this place is!!! Okay, it has been many years since I have eaten at the Tastee Diner. I guess I got older, more sophisticated, more jaded - whatever - I stopped going and what a mistake that was. Last night, we needed a late night place for dinner and Tastee was the only place we could find. First, I got a parking place within 10 paces of the front door. IN BETHESDA!!! Second, the dining room is clean-ish. Honestly, there is nothing to complain about here (of course, just don't look too closely). Third, the meal was delicious! I got the Friday night special, chicken and dumplings and I loved them. Big hunks of real white meat chicken, some cut up and some torn from the original breast. Nice and juicy!!! Nice hunks of carrots, onions, etc. A thick peppery gravy that had beautiful robust flavor. The dumplings were large, disc shaped portions of biscuits that just-started to soak in the gravy. It really was stick to your ribs and I loved it! This dish came with 2 sides and I ordered green beans and a side salad. Both were good. My spouse got the open faced beef sandwich smothered in beef gravy. Okay, so it was not technically open faced - it was really a sandwich, cut in two, and separated by one of the best piles of mashed potatoes ever. Very nicely done! Those potatoes were just lumpy enough that we thought they were made from real potatoes. The waitress confirmed that the mashed potatoes are made in-house every morning from real potatoes. The waitress was friendly and talkative - like a real diner. She had worked at Tastee for 17 years. She was great too. I really liked the meal. There was no pretense, only good old fashioned, honest food. And, the best part, I got a parking spot within 10 paces of the front door!!! I probably won't go back every week but I will definitely put the Tastee Diner on my restaurant rotation. There is nothing to complain about here!!!

Tastee Diner is a vintage diner with juke boxes at some of the tables. It's old and outdated, but a good ol' classic and nostalgic feeling. The food is classic diner favorites. We happened to go for breakfast, so we had the traditional bacon, eggs, and toast. Very good food, nothing fancy.

If you are looking for an old school diner experience then this is your place. Sunday Breakfast was hopping so be patient. It's worth the wait! I sat at the bar since it was just me. Cooks were slanging breakfast. Bacon was literally sizzling on my plate. Over Medium eggs cooked perfectly. When it died down some no breaks were taken. Cooks broke down the area and were cleaning. Coffee was HOT af but strong Great experience. Very satisfying. Thank you.

Apparently open since 1935, this traditional diner may seem slightly dingy, but the food and service were worth the experience. The pancakes were great and the grits were good as well. The food is made right in front of you on the grill.

Street parking can be really tough, but if you drive around enough you can find it. There are several garage nearby, a Bethesda city garage very close actually, but when I visited they were having issues because they have transitioned it to one that reads your license plate, instead of a ticket. You walk in and have the choice of turning right, left, or taking a seat at the grill. We chose a booth. The booth is old and has a slight rigid posture, and it was kind of uncomfortable. I had the steak and cheese and it was really good, so good that I forgot to take a picture. I am used to steak and cheese sandwich is being served on a submarine roll, we're only one side of it has been cut, this one both sides of the roll had been cut. That made it a little messier than I'm used to but with gooey cheese and good flavor, it was a great sandwich. With a side of fries and water to drink it came out to $20 with tip. You can also buy lottery tickets there if you want. All around just a great lunch spot.

Great old-fashioned style diner which is not too common in this area - have been here several times and really enjoy their omelets (I usually build-my-own). Service has been great ..taste & portion size are spot-on. There is a convenient parking garage nearby if you cant find street parking. Great spot for some comfort food - although there are salads, too!

Best lunch spot in downtown Bethesda:) Mr. Al is so friendly and makes every dish with love. I love the clam chowder on Fridays! Country fried steak with gravy, T bone steak with eggs, hamburger steak, omelettes, pancakes, anything you order will be delicious. Most places in the area are overpriced, but you get large portions and sides here at Tastee Diner. The staff are welcoming and will remember your name. Check out their dessert options too!

in town visiting for a family event and came across this diner next to where i was staying. this charming old establishment combines two of my favorite things: diner ambiance and breakfast food ;) the diner itself had the feel of a renovated old train box car. for me personally, the indicator of a good breakfast place is whether or not their corn beef hash is good or not. i'm happy to say, their corn beef hash was one of the BEST i've ever had. the service was good and the staff were polite. the only blemish was my interaction (or lack thereof) with the manager/owner(?). he didn't say one word to me when i paid the check and looked at me with what i can only classify as disdain and irritation.

I enjoyed breakfast yesterday, service was great and the food was VERY good. I will definitely return!

Unexceptional diner fair. I visited Tastee Diner on a Sunday night, and there were plenty of open seats. The seating consists of primarily a mix of stools and booths. I tried the clam strips platter with pickled beets and hushpuppies. The platter was served with two lemon slices, two packets of tarter sauce, and a small sealed container of cocktail sauce. The clam strips were bland as they come and could have really benefited from a creative sauce pairing. The pickled beets were delicious with a lovely blend of heat and pickling spice. The hushpuppies were as good as any, but there was no specialty dipping sauce or butter provided. Overall, Tastee Diner is an adequate diner but nothing more.

Your average no frills diner and our waitress was no nonsense, knew exactly what you wanted and made it happen. Food takes care of business when you are hungry. Nothing fancy but straight to the point. Definitely have the banana pudding, it is delicious!!! Would come here again.

It's a great greasy spoon diner. Reminds me of diners in NJ. Quick service. I'd go back again.

Tastee diner was the perfect breakfast spot! Affordable prices and good diner food. $45 for three of us to completely fill our bellies for the morning/day!! We honestly could've ordered less food and had plenty left over. The biscuits were my favorite... flaky and delicious!!! The cheese eggs were also great too. I won't lie I am a coffee snob and I thought the coffee was good with a little bit of Splenda! The sweet waitress never stopped topping it off either. It wasn't busy at 930AM, they even have early bird prices if you eat before 9 but not sure if it's more or less crowded then. It was great and would definitely go back over a similar priced Starbucks breakfast for 3 it was so much better.

Nice people/staff, my hubby LOVES the burgers!! Not to much for me vegetarian/borderline vegan. However the french fries are amazing...no...outstanding.....no..... the best fries I have had since moving to Maryland!!!!!! Get The Fries!!!!!

The absolute WORST home fries I ever tasted in my life!! If this place can't serve better quality food they should quietly fade away. I mean, it was awful! ZERO stars

classic diner in Bethesda w/ many menu options. Had to get the strawberry milkshake and it was delicious and the burger was tasty as well. The booths also had jukeboxes which was really cool. Staff was friendly and I enjoyed our conversations

Absolutely recommend this place! Great diner breakfast. Very pleasant service. Right across the street from a large Starbuckys...but these guys have great tasting coffee of their own! Not a specialty brew or anything, but not that normal burnt briny taste that you get in some places. Nothing but good stuff to say here, folks! Hope you can find a good parking space, but just keep looking...this diner is worth the wait!

Friendly service in this rail car turned diner. The booths in the first area are very tight, so if there are 2 normal to large people, try the booths in the back, a bit more spacious. The menu is the standard fare, breakfast served all day and the such. Pancakes were fluffy, corned beef has was unfortunately from a can. There is a lot of construction in the area right now so you will see workers coming in to grab a bite, so stay away from the seats near the door, they open and close often. Glad to see this historical establishment survive Covid and the local construction.

I love the Tastee. I stop in every once in a while for a club sandwich and fries. You don't have to wait long and its always solid. Ive also had breakfast there many times. It's classic dinner food done well with good service.

Customer Service: 5/5 Food: 3.5/5 Price: 5/5 As a preface, I'm not that fond of breakfast foods, but I go here after my morning hikes on Sunday since it's one of the few restaurants open. I find it fascinating that they write out their checks by hand instead of using the computer to calculate the orders. Once you are handed the check, you pay at front. They serve both breakfast food and lunch food. I normally order the corned beef hash with two over-easy eggs and a biscuit on the side. It's quite a hearty meal and worth the price. If you prefer a more crispy corned beef hash, I recommend that you inform them to flatten the corned beef hash and cook it for a little longer. The over-easy eggs were perfect with a runny center. The service is friendly and the waitress notes that a few people had quit due to COVID-19, so they are low on staff. It's a local diner that has been open for several decades, so I hope they don't close due to COVID-19!

Absolutely amazing. A local legend! It is so great to drop into the Tastee Diner, which kinda makes you feel like you are stepping back in time to the classic era of Diners, which were often made of old train rail cars. The food here is ALWAYS hot and fresh. It is clean, yet shop worn. That is the AUTHENTIC part. It is a REAL diner that has been around for almost 100 YEARS, folks! Nothing better than a late night plate of corned beef hash, toasted rye bread, and two golden sunny side up liquid gold melting eggs to sop up with toast! Play some old classics on your personal jukebox for a mere quarter--Patsy Cline is my personal favorite, though it is a fun mix of oldies of all kinds--Motown, Country and Western, 50's Doo Wop and even some 90's hits! The serving staff and chefs work VERY hard. The prices of the food is so reasonable for large portions, and they STILL manage to be polite. Some of the brainwashed types seem to love getting their digs in against this wonderful and beloved local gem, simply because some of the staff have the nerve to occasionally express their own political or ethical views when chatting with their regular customers, who are like family. Considering the staff is very diverse, I sincerely doubt there is any "isms" here. All people are treated the same here. Politely, but right to the point. There is no kissing up to anyone. Come to Tastee Diner if you can take a joke without being offended, want large portions of TASTY food, enjoy interacting with the boisterous crowd OR prefer sitting on the quiet side enjoying a booth to yourself, to enjoy a meal with a novel, the paper, or just quiet time to reflect. This is not a silly wannabe gimmick "diner" like the Silver Diner. It is Old School, Classic, and AWESOME. People visiting from all over the world stop here when visiting DC to continue the legend. It was a cool experience to walk in one night alone for a hot meal and overhear some elderly Japanese businessmen speaking Japanese together and selecting a very old country song from their jukebox! Surreal and brings to mind that classic painting of the Hollywood legends sitting lonely in a diner. This place is warm and friendly, though! Comforting. All I can wish for now is the waitress to tuck a pen behind her ear, chew gum, and call me "hon," when she takes my order! Enjoy!

First time here. All were good. Salad was just salad and a bit overpriced for what it is. The rest were good. My steak omelet was soo cheesy. The marinara sauce was tasty with the mozarella sticks. Waffle can use a little more than so it is crispier (preference). Lemon meringue pie was delicious.

The Bethesda location is a very good restaurant. The ambiance, food, and the service are outstanding! This is my new "good eating" spot since the Silver Spring location has closed.

ARROGANCE NOW AVAILABLE IN FULL VIEW surpassing the SEINFELD 'soup Nazi'. Having been a loyal & happy diner, mostly in Bethesda for the last 50 years, I told a client/now close friend to drop off some business matters at the diner today at 1pm. I was going to have a uneventful meal with my service dog Beagle as I have done a number of times in the last 5 years. Well, of course it was packed on a very nice Sunday in Bethesda in late July. So, what happened you ask?? Late last December I had a suite for a few days at the landmark Bethesda Marriott, and having an open house event for my company for friends and a few client's. Went to Tastee & had an encounter with an older hostess, who said to me that my pup 'needed to have a special harness to indicate that it was a service dog. Having studied this same matter extensively since the dog was certified, and spoken directly to the County Executive & his staff in 2020 and 2022, informed the hostess that it was a misconception of many, including the Health Dept, that no dog needs to be wearing such a harness under ADA regulations. She said that her boss (the owner) has a standing opinion that NO DOG is permitted there without a harness that states service dog. I showed her the proper ID & said to have another convo with her boss. Today since there was a big crowd when I walked in, it made sense to me to simply sit at the counter to the right by the entrance. My dog simply sat on the stool ledge out of the way. The same hostess came over to me (the boss was cooking away in front of me). With this intrusive behavior, I again said that it was NOT the law, had been though this issue before with you and said I have the credentials with me. Over hearing all this the BOSS took offense and asked me to leave the premises. When I said NO, he immediately snarked back and said, you will not be served and to leave. I refused and suggested he call the police which they did. It was heated for sure on both sides. The owner simply laughed in my face and said that I was BANNED now from the premises. A younger tough guy patron even threatened to meet me outside to fight him as the owner ramped it up any more. Worse, the police, after meeting me waiting outside, actually 'sided' with the owner and said that I should choose another spot in the future, and one officer even smirked in my face while talking. There is an on line County Zoom presentation coming up to set the record straight to avoid these same issues, but I doubt that these players will watch or take anything to heart. Total set up with these arrogant people.

The food came out so quick!!! I'm full and satisfied & outside of my toast being a little burnt I throughly enjoyed this cute classic diner. Definitely a spot for breakfast with the kids as the French toast, waffles, and hot cakes are amazing. I'm also happy they listened about my eggs. I like them scrambled hard and they did not disappoint. The service was fast and efficient. I'll definitely be back for more!

Neighborhood friendly diner. Great place for breakfast and never a long wait. I enjoy bellying up to the counter for a great conversation with strangers that soon become friends. Say hello to John. He would be the one cooking your breakfast.

This place really lives up to the name! Food is incredible, especially the corned beef hash & beef gravy!! Yum. Staff is so friendly, feels like home.

Classic diner and style of food not often found. Staff is polite and plenty of regulars talking to each other. The food is made to order and comes out quickly. The menu is filled with plenty of choices. Serving portion is large and doubt you'll leave hungry. Tried. Corned beef has and a breakfast sandwich. Both were good. Plenty of street parking if you don't get one of the few spots out front.

First of all, the restaurant is way cool. Good ambiance, quaint, comfortable, and inviting. Perhaps even nostalgic? The food was amazing! Waffles, eggs, and bacon. Beef stew and rice for my wife. Comfort food!! And comfort food made right! Friendly staff very accommodating and attentive. It was a great spot to relax after a busy two weeks in Texas, and a flight to DC. Will return again since we are in DC until next Thursday. If you haven't been there yet check it out and if you have been there before, whatcha waiting waiting for? Get back in there!!

Let's just say racism is very much alive!!!! Do NOT patronize this location!!! First time I was charged an extra $15 and when I brought it to the cashier's attention let's just say somehow it was my fault ‍ Second time, I stand in line and get overlooked not once, not twice but THREE TIMES and was told I could pick up my own to go order from the other counter and get the ticket! REALLY??'!!!!

Haven't been here since pre-covid- and NOTHING has changed. Still perfect diner food- Turkey Club, Grilled Cheese and fries. As expected and well priced.

I have been going here for almost 45 years, since I was a child. It is amazing. I am surprised by the low ratings. Delicious diner food!!

A classic diner in Bethesda, MD. Juke boxes on each table, typical menu with all-meal all-times fare.My sister and I chose this location for our sister-brunch. We didn't receive H2) as soon as everybody else. While we didn't get immediate service, when it did arrive - She was very pleasant and receptive. This made up for our predictable orders (Sister: 2eggs; scrambled, turkey links(?? day after T.Giving!); myself; 2 eggs , poached and rye toast. We both opted for a half grapefruit for a side, which was a very generous cut and very fresh. A great and affordable stop for comfort food to be served to you when you don't want to make it for yourself.

I would give zero stars if I can. The servers are extremely rude with undertones of racism. They would not seat us even though there weee empty tables.

Went here for the first time in maybe thirty years have frequented Silver Spring location often and been very pleased . This visit however since the sudden closing of the SS location required me to leave this review . The place smelled terrible upon entry and my friend and I just thought it was due to age and musty floors . But as we sat and ordered my friend went to the restroom and remarked the stench permieating the dining area was coming from the rest room I thought I might get Ill . The food came and I ordered cornbeef hash and eggs the potatoes were like two days old and not done I'm sorry the food was unappetizing The entire expierince was unsettling Will not be returning .B

It is the best place you could go for dinner I got chicken tenders a burger and fries they were all so good I love that place and it's a classic for me!

Step back in time place just oozes history food service it top shelf . Whether your flying into Regan at 11:00 PM or 7:00 hit the tasty for friendly chat tasty coffee eggs homefries and awsum blueberry pancakes

This is our second visit to this charming place. It is like stepping back in time to your favorite greasy diner. If that is not your thing then do not bother to come!!! The coffee is good and the food is amazing. The atmosphere really makes the place. Old, bustling, and loud. The grill is right behind the counter so you get to watch the action. Just a warning, they are busy! But oh so worth it.

Best corn beef hash. Great coffee with refills. Service was efficient. Old fashioned diner. Great atmosphere. Dripping nostalgia. Don't change it.

If you want diner food, you found it. I wanted diner food and I wasn't disappointed. Diner food is exactly what you want sometimes. Four stars for diner food. Oh, hell, I feel terrible for almost forgetting, four stars underlined and in bold for booth-side jukeboxes that takes quarters. I will return.

Such a nostalgic place service is great food is amazing. This place has brought back many memories of when I was younger and I also love this place because it is like a retro diner, it's decorated and the atmosphere is really calm

Great spot for all day breakfast. It's a local favorite and has been in business since the "30s. Real old time diner. Prices are reasonable and portions are normal (for a change). Very busy with downtown workers. Friendly and experienced wit staff. Ran out of biscuits so get there early. Kind of loud at times but it was fun for us out of towers.

It'd be a lot better without the MAGA cook spouting off non-stop. No wonder it's nowhere near as busy as it used to be.

Classic American diner (which is harder to find these days). Friendly staff, diverse menu.

After being closed since March, we finally got to return to our favorite neighborhood diner. They are only open 6am to 10pm daily now and they are serving from a limited paper menu but our favorite two eggs with corned beef hash and tuna melt sandwich are both on it. I have to say: this 'greasy spoon' felt exceptionally polished and clean today. They have limited capacity and made sure their tables are separated by 6ft or more. The staff are all wearing masks and are adhering closely to the guidelines. I felt very comfortable there considering the circumstances. The food was exceptionally good today... better than we remember it. We talked to the staff for a bit about how its been. Its not been an easy road for them and the outlook is grim. I hope others will patronize so we can keep this 85 yr old Bethesda legend alive for the next 85! Thank you Tastee!

Walked in with a party of four, maybe 6pm or so on a Thursday. Was barely greeted at the door by a dismissive, old guy. Then got scolded by a surly, old lady about a section being closed off (the old guy told us to sit where we wanted, never you mind). Also, there were some serious "Get Out" vibes going on in there- think about that when you see the reviewers mention "I've been coming here for 40 years..." or whatever. Have lived in Bethesda for about 5 years and nowhere around here ever feels like that; it seriously felt like we were in a rural area, and not in a charming way. Needless to say, we left.

Best breakfast around under $15 per meal. Love my steak and eggs. Servers and cooks are quick.

Always the best. Hot, fresh. Highly recommend the corned beef hash! Efficient kitchen and rustic charm.

If you pull up Google Street View on your desktop, find the interesection of Norfolk and Woodmont, and push the history back to 2008, you'll get a sense of what Bethesda looked like before the current boom. You'll also see Tastee Diner, a throwback to a different era for both that interection and restaurant culture at large. It's a long narrow railroad-car type space with a wood-panel decor straight from the seventies and a menu to match. Burgers, sandwiches (I second the Reuben mentioned in other reviews as a good choice), and pancakes. Service is as not chic or youthful as in all the surrounding places that have opened in the past decade, but it is friendly and welcoming--especially so in the wee hours, when every other eatery in the neighborhood has gone dark. Expect a mixed clientele of late night partiers making a noisy last stop for breakfast and the occasional older solo diner getting a cup of coffee and a sandwich (that might be me). In other words, step right into the NIghthawks without the glass wall or the Boulevard of Broken Dreams parody. The coffee is old-school in that it's hot but not particularly strong, but it is refilled on demand with a smile instead of an additional charge. Prices for food are reasonable, but as others here have noted, it's all a-la-carte. The facility shows its age in the corners, but everything I ordered came off a hot grille and was served promptly. (If they offered, say, ceviche, I would pass on it). The stools by the grille will get you friendly attention from the cook and a show of skill as the various patties, bacon strips, eggs, and potatoes all sputter on the smooth plane of hot stainless. The pototoes deserve special mention: they do not start as frozen little toothpick shards taken from the freezer, but instead are the the old-fashioned big chunks with skin on, sauteed with butter. Tastee is a remarkable contrast to the fine and modern places that have sprung up all around it. As such it's a nice change of pace and worth a stop when you aren't in the mood for sushi or gourmet steak with pommes frites, or just if you're hungry at midnight.