American City Diner

The American City Diner used to be a cool retro diner with decent food and a great jute box. Over the years they have changed the menu and expanded out to a "patio" section that is cold and ruins the retro look of the diner. Expectations weren't too high on the food. Good burgers. Thick shakes. Comfortable booths. Not a bad experience. But the wait staff seems irritated that we're bothering them. I have had to wait up to an hour for brunch. It's just not worth it. more

The diner has a deserved mixed reputation, but it's still a great place. Breakfast is first rate. The malteds -- God, the malteds! -- are fantastic as are all the ice cream sundae goodies with hot fudge and whipped cream; I'm salivating here. The grill stuff -- like grilled cheese and tomato -- can be hit or miss, usually miss on account of lousy tomatoes. The atmosphere is loud and 50s-ish (with an oldies juke box) and lots of fun quarter-sucking games and prize machines for the kid in all of us. Open 24 hours on weekends. The movie deck is terrific. The owner is a great character who once ran for mayor of the District and included in his platform was the legalization of prostitution. No doubt, someone to talk to for as short of amount of time as possible. more