Silver Diner — Restaurant in Virginia

I had a really bad experience at the Merrifield Silver Diner location, and haven’t been back since. My entree was served with yellow, bitter, floppy, overcooked asparagus. It was disgusting. I alerted my server to the issue and asked them to remake the asparagus. She said the kitchen would probably just make it the same way again because the guy cooking the asparagus that day wasn’t very good at it. Ok, so I asked her to replace it with farro (a grain, like rice). The server replaced it, no problem.

When the bill came I was being charged extra for the faro. That didn’t make sense to me since it was specifically a replacement. To make a long story short they wouldn’t take the charge off the bill even though I hadn’t eaten the asparagus. I pointed out that the asparagus was still on the table and if they’d walk over to the table with me they could see for themselves that the asparagus was all still there uneaten, and pretty gross looking.

The assistant manager said she didn’t care, she didn’t want to see the asparagus and wasn’t removing the charge. I went over her head and was calmly, quietly, and politely, discussing the issue with the manager. I was explaining why I didn’t think it was fair to charge me for an extra side, when I only ordered because of their mess up. The assistant manager lacked customer service skills, and asked the manager if she should call the cops. The manager told her very clearly that she should NOT call the cops because I was being calm and respectful in the conversation, so it wouldn’t be appropriate. She went behind the manager’s back and called anyway. I hope she got fired.

As for me, they lost my business forever over a $5 side. A real shame because even though they lacked consistency, they had certain food items I liked. I ate at Silver diner at least twice per month prior to this incident. I also tell everyone this story as an example of how poorly run Silver Diner is. Poor decision...

I had a meal at the Falls Church/Merrifield Silver Diner 6/6/25. I have eaten there for 20+ years. With their menu change years ago, there are healthy options which I've always enjoyed. I ordered the Lemony Hummus Greek Salad with hummus and cauliflower pita $16.99, which I've had dozen's of times over the years. I asked one time prior for some extra hummus and was given some. This time there was was not enough for the remaining 3 pieces of pita bread on my plate. The server said there may be an up charge of $1, which was a surprise because before there was no charge. He checked with one of the managers and came back saying there was a $2 up charge. I asked to speak to a manger, who came to my table. He told me they have to follow/measure a certain amount and have to charge for more. He did nothing to try and resolve the matter, he kept repeating their measuring of hummus which was not enough for the slices of pita on the plate. He did not acknowledge the amount of hummus served was not enough for the remaining pita on my plate, nor did he have anything else to say, he just looked at me, staring blankly. Begs the question, how would a customer know if they were served the "correct amount" based on manager's reply. Maybe I got less than was supposed to be served, unless the manager made my plate?

I don't look it, but I am a senior and did not use the senior discount of 10% they offer. I know other seniors may need the discount more than me. My discount would have been about $4. I'm trying to be thoughtful for other seniors and the restaurant to save money and they could not give me 2 tablespoons of extra hummus without charging me charging $2 (ridiculous). This shows me they care more about the $$ than the customer. I've always supported Silver Diner and enjoyed their meals/customer service. Not this time. Next time we'll go 5 min away and enjoy a meal at Sweetwater (Great American Restaurants) whose top priority is...

The silver diner has been a favorite of mine for a long time, Although I haven’t had a meal here in the past year or so. I was happy to see that they were still open at 11:30 PM. Especially since I hadn’t had dinner earlier. I was even more thrilled to have a bright, young lady as my server. Despite the late hour; Cindy was friendly, attentive and she spoke brilliantly, as we were kibitzing. After she served the entree, I asked for a roll or some bread. She offered their biscuits. Which was just as delicious as everything else. When she placed the plated biscuit on the table, she kindly said;, “ We don’t use a lot of salt in our biscuits, so I brought you some “salted” butter…”what server thinks like this and then reacts accordingly. Along with thanking her for this attention to detail; I asked if she liked her job. She quickly responded that she did. She enjoys serving others, along with meeting so many different people who dine here. Our conversation progressed. She answered every question I had for her, even those having nothing to do with the food I ordered. She told me what she was studying for and what her ultimate goal was following graduation. All my years of dining out with the exception of a couple four and five star restaurants, have I EVER HAD SUCH A COMPETENT AND ATTENTIVE SERVER- She even knew how they prepared the roasted tomatoes that accompanied my broiled Alaskan cod. Cindy, I not only did I enjoy the food and new menu items - which are always “stellar”- this visit it was your brilliant ability to listen, relate and converse; that will be the catalyst for planning my next visit to be sooner, than later. Thanks for taking the time and for your...