Michelin-Star Prices, Cafeteria Vibes: Tai Lopez Reviews Unconventional Diner in Washington, D.C.
TL Team Aug 18, 2025
"Unconventional" in Name Only? Tai Lopez Dishes on a D.C. Foodie Favorite That Missed the Mark

Let's be honest—when Tai Lopez was planning his culinary tour through Washington, D.C., Unconventional Diner was at the top of the list. It was everywhere: Eater articles, foodie TikToks, Instagram reels—this place had buzz. It even made the Michelin Guide. So, fresh off an elevated, delightfully Parisian pregame at Le Diplomate (see that full review), Tai left a table he was hesitant to walk away from to see what the hype was about.

“I was expecting something wild. Like truffle milkshakes or Wagyu pancakes,” Tai laughed. “Instead, it felt like a cafeteria with dim lighting and higher-than-average Yelp expectations.”

Foodie City Check-In: D.C.'s Culinary Evolution

Washington, D.C. isn’t just about monuments and political drama anymore. Over the last decade, it’s quietly become one of America’s best food cities. Chefs from all over the world have opened restaurants here, and neighborhoods like Shaw, Adams Morgan, and H Street buzz with innovative menus. If you’re a foodie, D.C. is no longer optional—it’s a must-visit.

The Backstory: Michelin-Approved Elevated Comfort Food

Opened by Chef David Deshaies, Unconventional Diner aims to reinvent classic comfort food with upscale ingredients and techniques. Chef Deshaies—who once worked under Michelin-starred chef Michel Richard—brought a refined culinary background into this space. Since opening, the diner has earned spots on the MICHELIN Guide and various “Best Of D.C.” lists.

The concept is clever: diner food, reimagined. The execution? Well, it depends who you ask.

The Vibe: Cafeteria Chic... Minus the Chic

Unconventional Diner is located at the edge of the Mount Vernon Triangle, adjacent to Logan Circle and not far from the Penn Quarter. The area itself is in transition: some luxury apartment buildings, a few great bars and coffee spots, but it doesn’t yet hum with the same culinary energy as Dupont Circle or Shaw.

Inside, the space is modern and sleek—but not exactly warm. Think sterile tile floors, industrial seating, and the opposite of the comfy booth vibes you'd expect from a “diner.”

“There’s something about diner culture—you expect some sass from the waitstaff or a grandmotherly server who calls you ‘hon’,” Tai said. “This was...not that.”

Service with a Side of "Meh"

The staff at Unconventional Diner was pleasant, if not memorable. Silverware had to be asked for, and while no one was rude, no one stood out either. For a restaurant in the Michelin universe, you expect a bit more polish.

“The service was nice. Not rude. But also not doting. And not fast. Which is weird when you're paying $30 for a sandwich,” Tai said.







What Tai Ordered
  • Miso Salmon (served with okra and broccolini): Beautiful plating, but taste-wise? "Fine. Nothing bad, nothing revolutionary," Tai noted.
  • Fried Chicken Sandwich & Fries: This was the standout. Crispy, flavorful, satisfying. But as Tai put it, “Not something I couldn’t get in Nashville or even at Chick-fil-A on a good day.”
  • Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts with Tikka Masala & Caramelized Onion: A swing and a miss. "They might’ve been better without the sauce. It overpowered everything."
  • Dirty Martini: Because Tai was still riding high from the French cocktails at Le Dip.






Menu Highlights (For Those Who Order Better)

The diner’s meatloaf gets a lot of love, as does their full fried chicken entrée. Breakfast is particularly well-reviewed, and desserts are frequently mentioned in top D.C. lists. Their lemon meringue pie and cheesecake in particular have a strong fan base. It’s possible Tai simply zigged when he should’ve zagged.

Tai's Ratings
  • Food: 6.5/10 – "Good, but not groundbreaking. Fried chicken sandwich saved the score."
  • Service: 6/10 – "Polite but forgettable. Had to ask for basics."
  • Ambiance: 5.5/10 – "Felt like a startup cafeteria."
  • Location: 6/10 – "Not far from action, but not in it."
  • Value: 5/10 – "Diner food, fine dining price."
  • Overall Experience: 6/10 – "Should’ve stayed at Le Dip."
Tips for Visiting
  • Book a reservation—this spot gets busy.
  • Try the brunch or breakfast menu if you're going to give it a shot.
  • Dessert might be worth saving room for.
  • Don’t expect classic diner charm—this is more polished, but less cozy.
Perfect For
  • Business lunches near the convention center (especially if it’s being expensed)
  • Brunch with friends looking to check off a Michelin Guide spot
  • Visitors looking for something “safe” and Instagrammable
Nearby Itinerary Ideas
  • Grab a coffee at La Colombe: Just a short walk away, it’s a perfect spot to caffeinate and reset before or after your meal.
  • Take a stroll through Logan Circle: This historic neighborhood offers beautiful architecture and a laid-back park to help digest your meal.
  • Drinks at The Dabney Cellar: Located in Shaw, just 10 minutes away, this cozy wine bar delivers ambiance and craft beverages that Unconventional Diner didn’t quite hit.
D.C. Travel Tips
  • Stay in Logan Circle, Shaw, or Dupont Circle for the best access to food and nightlife.
  • Metro is convenient, but rideshare is easier after dark.
  • Book popular restaurants well in advance—D.C. is a reservation town.
  • Don’t wear your best suit to Ben’s Chili Bowl—unless you want to wear it twice.
  • Make sure to check out Tai’s other D.C. restaurant reviews for more hits, misses, and hidden gems.
Tai’s Final Thoughts

Unconventional Diner promises to flip the diner experience on its head. But for Tai Lopez, it felt more like style over substance. The food was fine, the setting sterile, and the service just okay. It wasn’t bad—it just wasn’t special. In a city full of culinary stars, this one felt dim by comparison.“If you want real diner comfort with a little D.C. story to it, just order Ben’s Chili Bowl to your hotel like I did (check out that review),” Tai smirked. “Now that’s unconventional.”

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