Family Dinette — Restaurant in Washington

Family Dinette looks terrifying on the outside. The run-down building, with a somewhat scruffy door canopy, looks like a place that's one step away from collapsing under the weight of its health inspection violations. DO NOT BE DETERRED! Your adventurousness will soon be rewarded.

People come to Family Dinette for the food and for the warm personality of the owner. Regular patrons earn "Honey" status and an enthusiastic greeting when they come through the door. Even for strangers, the woman at the counter makes the process of giving an order and receiving your food as fun as it can be.

Food here is good--not amazing, but a solid win. I have only been here for lunch, but there is an extensive breakfast menu, and I get the impression that's the busiest time for this place, which opens at 6 or 6:30 in the morning. Lunch options range from the ubiquitous (burger, cheese steak sub) to the more unusual (bulgogi, stir-fried vegetables, bulgogi-marinated burger). Portions are large, and the lunch combos are a particularly good value.

The inside ambiance is minimal at best (this is a carry-out restaurant, after all), but you have a clear view of the busy grill/griddle.

DC once had dozens of little carry-out places like this, but they've become an endangered species due to rampant gentrification. Family Dinette proudly carries on this old tradition, and I hope they're able to stick around for a long...

Terrible customer service. I called multiple times to place an order for breakfast between 9 am and 10 am. Because there was no answer, I walked to the establishment. There was a sign on the door stating that they were closed and would be back open at 11 am. I called at 11:20 and still did not receive an answer. I waited 20 mins, called back, and finally someone picked up but said I could only place an order for lunch and started talking to someone else, so I hung up. I called back several times again between 1:20 and 1:35 and the phone kept hanging up and going to voicemail. I decided to walk back again. They were opened. I explained what happened and the owner apologized. I accepted. I gave my order, which was a turkey burger. The owner informed me, that the cook told her that the only thing they has was cheesesteak left. I don't eat beef or pork so I asked for fries only. Then I was told that the cook said that they didn't have any fries left either. I then left the...

This is a small takeout shop, but it's a very special place. The owner is friendly, and the chef prepares everything fresh upon order with speedy service. They even tell you the best way to enjoy your meal, making it a delightful experience. I highly recommend the bulgogi.

After picking up my food, I passed through a security checkpoint, and the security staff commented on how amazing the smell was and asked detailed questions about the restaurant, saying they wanted to go there, too. The food smelled and tasted so good that I didn't get a chance to take pictures. I'll update you with photos on...