Tastee Diner

On Friday 1÷29÷16 I went to TASTEE diner for breakfast. I had been there once before with no issues (so I think) so I wanted to go back for the convenience of it being next to my business. I order my food and then I observe not only my waitress is touching everything including her face but then she goes to get a customers food, grabs the bacon with no gloves and puts it on their plate, and then wipes her hands on her clothes. She then gives the plate to the customer and I am in complete shock of what she just did. I then get my food which was two bacon and egg sandwiches on white toasted bread. I eat one in my car because I am starving due to me being 5 months pregnant. I then eat the next one at my office and a piece of bacon had dropped off my sandwich onto my plate. So I lift my bread up to place the bacon back onto the sandwich to find that both sides of my bread is molded through out!!! In complete disgust I began to vomit. I take my sandwich back to the TASTEE diner and demand to speak to the manager. I showed her all the mold through out my sandwich and not once did she even look surprised nor did she apologize. Because of her reaction I asked to speak to someone higher then her. Her general manager came out and I had still not received an apology for receiving mold sandwiches. Not only is this completely unacceptable because I am pregnant but it should never happen to anyone!!! The manager only wanted to refund me for the «sandwich» I brought back to her which was $ 4 instead of my entire bill which was $ 16 because she wasn’t sure if the other sandwich had mold in it. I began to yell at her saying I’m more than positive they did not grab my sandwich bread from two different loafs of bread. Her general manager then walked back over and insisted she refund me the whole amount. Again at this point in time I never received an apology (not like it would change the fact that I just at 1 ½ sandwich of mold) but the sympathy would have been nice. There is no way the cook did NOT see the mold on both top and bottom of the bread while either grabbing my bread or toasting it! It was so noticeable and there was big multiple spots through both sides of the bread. It seemed as if the cook tried to hide it because how ironic was it that the mold was NOT on the out side of my sandwich but all of it was tucked in my sandwich. That place looks disgusting and unsanitary. Everyone must be careful eating at that place. From mold to waitresses/​cooks handling the food with no gloves! Worst experience in my life!
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I was very very pleased with my Diner experience.
It was a busy day in the diner since the snow closed down schools and the fed gov but I noticed they were seating people efficiently. But me, I opted for the bar. I wanted to people watch so I sat near the corner where I could see both diner and resturant.
The service — again was efficient. I sat and within a minute was greeted with a menu, asked for coffee while I decided and she was back, again within a minute. (I didn’t get her name but she was the brown skinned, bout 5’5 with slim build one– they’ll know)
I ordered the waffle and eggs, side of bacon. It came out fast, waffle was warm and soft inside, eggs and bacon were delightful as well. My server returned a few times to refill my coffee while I ate and read. The vibe was «no rush, take your time, enjoy your reading, enjoy your meal, I’m here if you need me.»
Much appreciated!
All kinds of people visit this diner which is great if you enjoy taking in people… from construction workers to seniors to families with children.
So why not 5 stars?!? well it’s just an old diner and a little busy with the lottery machine and things that’s all.
Thanks

Bargain eats in a great location in downtown Silver Spring. The food isn’t remarkable but it’s solid. You go here more from the atmosphere than the food though. I love the classic styling of the place. It feels like you’re going back in time when step in the front door.

A true throwback where the food is a safe bet and the prices are reasonable.
Opened in 1946, this railroad diner car was all the rage for a time. It had the enviable moniker of being «the most famous restaurant» in Montgomery County, Maryland by The Washington Post. The original Tastee however was not able to survive the first modernization plan of Silver Spring. The dining cab was purchased and moved, and then incorporated into the current, larger location by a second owner in 2000. Its décor is stuck in past, but, hey, if you want to get a bite to eat and not break the bank, Tastee does an alright job. There are worse options, believe me.
I confess that I am partial to this old school spot that has an interesting array of wait staff and customers, and never closes (open ²⁴⁄₇).
My go-​tos:
–Most burgers/​sandwiches on the menu; cole slaw; fries.
–Mozzarella sticks.
–Chicken tenders.
–Monday night prime rib special is fairly respectable.
–Shakes are just my speed. They’re classic style; made with real ice cream and milk. Customers get a thick shake in a glass along with the old-​timey blender cup used to make the shake with the overage in it.
A substantial breakfast menu is served all day/​night. Kids eat free some evenings. There are 3 Tastee Diners in the DMV, but this is the only one I’ve gone to. I’m pretty loyal when I like a place and been a patron here for years.

After dancing until midnight at the Fillmore, my friends and I were searching for someplace that still served food. Unilocal led us here and we got a solid late night meal. Nothing fancy, but it hit the spot, was affordable, and the service was good.
Luckily we arrived at the beginning of the crowd coming from the concert, so we were seated and our order was taken pretty quickly. We overheard a couple other patrons in a different section complaining that they had to wait a while for their order to be taken. The staff did look a bit dazed at the amount of people bum rushing the place at 1:00am, but they handled it in stride. I think the manager was taking orders too. It probably didn’t help that half of us were dressed in 80s/​90s fashion. Did I mention it was a flashback dance party? Despite the odd looks, my side ponytail looked totally rad, okay!
Our waiter was no Chatty Cathy but he was polite and efficient. He got our orders correct, checked on us for refills, and was even thoughtful enough to bring an extra bottle of steak sauce to the table because he realized the first might be empty.
My jalapeño jack burger was good and cooked correctly. It’s not the best burger I ever ate, but it did the trick. Also I ordered onion rings to replace the fries with my burger. But, bonus, I got both! And double bonus, the onion rings were nice and crispy! I was pleasantly surprised at that.
The décor of this place looked unchanged for decades and there was a weird computer-​generated horse racing betting game showing on one of the TVs (CNN was on another). Clearly they cater to their regulars, who were probably already middle aged in the 80s. But that’s ok, because I still got a good late night meal. And that was like, totally the point. Cowabunga dude.

Coffee was good-​just waited over an hour for basic breakfast food on a Tuesday @ 11:30 to 12:39-waitress/server needed help on menu items and perhaps in need of a 12 step program.

Great late night spot. I liked the crab cake platter. Staff not too bad. Convenient to my hotel. Prices are good. Reminds me of an old school ihop or something. Definitely would come again

I really enjoyed eating at the diner! It’s not sure fancy but it’s just right for a diner! I got the potato and bacon soup! so freakin good! Right portion of everything! I also got a grilled chicken sandwich w/​fries. The sandwich was great. Gh fires were lukewarm so not the best but still tasty. Device was great and the waitress was very attentive. If I’m in the area, I would surely come back!

Looking for a classic diner for breakfast? This is the place. Great breakfast food. Service was fast and attentive. Great value in an area that can be pricy.

While the food and price were decent, about what I expect from a diner, the staff was mostly terrible. I went in on a weekday afternoon for a late lunch. The people at the front ignored me until I managed to wave one down to ask if I should just sit anywhere. I was told «Yes» then a few seconds later, «No.» Then she had to call over someone else, asking them to seat me. This person seemed entirely annoyed to have to seat me and basically just gestured to a seat and threw down a menu. He then spent the rest of the time circling the diner and staring at people. Creepy!
The waitress was a bit better, not super friendly or talkative, but quick and did her job. She did offer refills, not just filling up my coffee without checking first (I hate when they don’t ask and mess up my coffee to sugar ratio).
My food was ok, though put on my plate rather carelessly, so one of my sides leaked on to my main dish.
The diner was clean and looked nice. But it was a bit noisy as some staff members were yelling at each other, and yelling across the diner to one another. The woman at the cash register was very nice and polite, a positive end to an otherwise disappointing visit.
Based on the food, the price, and the look, I want to love this place. But the staff makes it hard. Hopefully next time the staff will be in a better mood.

I used to go here a lot when I lived in Silver Spring. The food has never been outstanding, but always, certainly, acceptable. And on a recent visit the same was true. One thing that seems to have improved is portion size; they used to be rather skimpy, but yesterday I had an order of chicken marsala from the «senior» portion of the menu (which often means «reduced in size» as well as in price) and was pleasantly surprised by the size of the portion.
This used to be a very low-​price restaurant. It isn’t any more, but still reasonable in its price range.
It’s hardly a gourmet place, and certainly not worth a special trip out of one’s way, but it’s really better than a lot of places I’ve given 3 stars to, though not quite up to 4 in my estimation.

Server was super helpful with getting my husband and I our preferred seating (half booth, half table) even if it put us further back from the rest of the restaurant (we love privacy).
Food was great hearty typical diner food. I demolished my pancakes and pancakes. The country ham, while expensive, was divine and I was saddened that I had to share (haha). Everything we tried was good, no empty plates at the end.
Normally I would give this four stars, but something really bothered me on the way out. The ceiling of the back part of the restaurant was covered in fruit flies. Like 30 – 50 of them. I am very thankful none of them harassed us while we eat because that has happened in the past and it is NOT a pleasant experience.
If I have business in the area I’d probably go back, though.

We love this diner. When we lived closer to it we ate there at least once a week. Many times more than that. Anyone who has seen us more than once remembers us, no matter how long it’s been since we’ve been there. The worst thing that’s ever happened is that once our biscuits weren’t fully cooked. My eggs always come out as ordered. The potatoes are awesome (Get them with onions!). Even the veggie burger is good.
One final note: don’t bother with the other locations. This is the one to go to.

We stopped by after a concert. The décor is dated but cute. The servers are friendly. The food is okay. It is a good alternative to fast food. We may visit again.

One of the few places left in the city to get a «True Diner Experience»…of decent eats and on the cheap!
Located in the revitalized and ever-​changing landscape of Silver Spring, MD; near the DC borders is Tastee Diner. This place has stood the test of time, change and holds true to giving you that nostalgic diner experience of the days long gone… at least as far as I can recollect or attest too… because I was not born in those times. But, I can feel it within the vibe of this place because of the regulars and seniors I often see eating here.
Some folks I’ve learned have been coming to this place for over 50 years or more… weekly… and in some cases as daily regulars! And, the die-​hard patrons of this place are serious and got a «whole-​lotta-​love» for Tastee Diner. Do not dare sit in their favorite booth or stool at the counter because, they have no shame in letting you know to move it… albeit by cane, walker, or no assistance at all! LOL
No but seriously, I can really dig this place. In the true fashion of a Diner, this place serves everything under the sun. The menu spread is roughly six (6) pages of comfort food, country-​style dishes, and home cooked meals! I’m talking from… Breakfast Items Galore… Hot Griddle Pancakes… Homemade Pot Roast… In-​House Baked Pies/Cakes…Hand-spun Ice Cream Floats… to Grilled Steaks and Prime Rib! You name it… they serve it! Nothing fancy, nothing over the top in presentation… just simple, good down-​home food.
So if you are looking for molecular-​gastronomy, twigs on a plate, foam, or an amuse-bouche…This is not your kind of place and eating will require use of hands & fingers.
Overall, 3 Stars! A 1 Star ++ increase for the Customer Service and Corned-​Beef Hash cooked just how I like it every time… Crispy and «Slap your Grand Ma’» Good!
I am a fan! You get a true sense of friendly service and things customary to how it should be… when paying your hard earned money for food and service. The employees take a lot of pride in seeing you enjoy your diner experience. They make it a point to remember names and faces. Something rare and… something you will definitely not find in a McDonald’s.
Who knows… One day, I may just be one of those 50+ plus year patrons that make this my dining hall (God willing) because the food is just that good and they definitely take care of their customers.

Always taste good but always service is not that good. That is why I can’t give 5 stars.
But it is so delicious that I always visit here.
Especially, I recommend crab soup!

Late night diner that is open to satisfy those cravings after going out. I came here with friends after a fun night at the Fillmore.
I was craving pancakes and we went here since it was close. We got there around 2am and it was packed. Our waiter worked really hard to make sure we had water and took our orders.
One hour later, our pancakes, bacon & eggs finally arrived. He said there was a large party ahead of us and there were only 3 people in the kitchen.
Other than the long wait, the food was good.

I come here all the time. At all hours. I’m becoming a regular. It’s a great place. A classic. The sort of place every town has. A local institution. Part of the landscape. Great thing about them besides the old-​school feel, is that it’s open 24 hrs, which really works for me since I work odd hours and am a nite owl. So I’m here quite a bit, late night often. I get the steak and egg, which they raised the price of, from $ 9.99 to $ 12.99. That sucks. Probably because of me… The ham steak is now $ 9.99 and I’ve chosen that. Overall the food is alright and comes out quickly when there are fewer customers. It’s diner food. The servers keep me, at least, full with refills of coffee and plenty of it plus buttered toast, which I always have as a side.
Overall this is a great place. A special place for the area and what it is. Five Stars for this landmark spot.
+ The Florintine Chicken is great !

Well this is the second time I’ve been to this location and the third time over all to this Maryland chain; the other time being at the Laural location.
My experiences go as follows.
4 star experience my first time at Laural — I went late night on my way to the Maryland live casino and of course was looking on Unilocal for something to eat that wasn’t as gross as Denny’s. I’m all about local business and this place screamed «eat here!» The cook is what made my experience, he was a cool dude who was real talkative and made my food with what tasted like crack powder. so yummy! They lost a star for the lady who ran the front desk, she was a little odd and allowed a few wild patrons to come in and be loud and talk about drugs and crime… it appeared she knew them too? If my food sucked and the cook was mean this review would have been way different… I’ll be sharing this same review on their Unilocal page too.
My second time was a 3 star experience, at the Silver Springs location. I was pretty excited to see that this was the same business as the one in Laural because I just moved down the street a few weeks ago. Being new to Maryland and the east coast for that matter, it was a nice feeling to think this could be my local home town diner! My waitress was a very quiet but a sweet lady who was attentive to my water and coffee levels. She was 4 stars, the food was 2.5 stars; edible but not fantastic.
This last time today was a 1.5 star experience (I’ll be giving the Laural location a 3 star only because of the awesome late might cook). My waitress was a senior citizen woman who I couldn’t quite figure out why she was still working. She didn’t appear chipper or happy and following taking my order and dropping off my food, she didn’t say a single word to me for about 15 minutes. My food this time was cooked terribly — my eggs tasted like box eggs you might get a 2 star hotel that offers free breakfast. My steak ham was cold and 40% of my hash-​browns over cooked and hard. The best part of my meal was my rye bread and coffee.
After about 5 minutes of looking out in the restaurant for my waitress to identify that I stopped eating and something must be wrong (and my water and coffee where empty) I finally flagged down what appeared to be a manager. At this point I had lost my appetite and I no longer cared for a re cook. The manager said they do use real eggs so I’m guessing that the cook today was just real bad. He offered to re-​cook or take it off my bill. The manager was super nice and my waitress came over and apologized for the bad food after too.
The fact that they owned up to the bad food and took care of it with a smile on their face is awesome and the only reason why I will come back here one more time looking for at least a 3 star experience. I will update after my next visit.

I came here on a Friday night because of the Silver Spring Games Club of Maryland Group, and we had a few friends we were going to meet here. If you’re super into board games, there is a small group of serious board gamers who meet in the left-​hand corner of the diner from 7pm-​12am weekly to play non-​mainstream «Euro-​style» strategy games (no Monopoly here, people). The group organizer brings several games, but visitors are also welcome to bring their own games they wish to play and share with others.
So while all the board gamers are gaming, you can order food from the one waiter who manages that section. I ordered the cheeseburger platter that came with two sides. I picked the house salad and french fries. Pretty standard diner food, nothing remarkable. It was cool to see a lot of locals come in and grab their quick bite at the counter or one of the booths.
Besides the generic diner food, I think the gamers club really made this place special as people were able to order food and hang out with others to play games. In a way, Tastee Diner has become a cool no-​pressure social spot to just hang out, eat, and play games with new and old friends. I would say that is pretty special place the the neighborhood.