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Silver Diner

This local farm-based diner has always far exceeded one's concept of a traditional diner but the latest version of their voluminous menu goes even further, making "plant-based eating" a primary goal.  With a significant number of dishes marked for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free eaters there are enough choices here to return several times in order to try it all.  It's not just veggies, it's flavorings.  There is an Asian influence as well as Central American seasonings.  Prices range from reasonable to mid-range.  The menu lists dishes for under $10 and dishes which are less than 600 calories.  On my latest visit I got a brown rice bowl with Asian-inspired tofu and slaw, along with greens and radishes.  My companion got a green salad with was rich with dark greens and sauteed vegetables.  Both dishes exceeded expectations on flavor, with subtle and complex seasonings interplaying.  The one downside was the brussels sprouts, which were a tad overdone.  As this is a diner, I couldn't write a review without mentioning the shakes.  They are superb and old-school -- real ice cream mixed with full fat milk and served in a traditional glass with a tumbler on the side.  Although not on the menu, you can request a "malted" (do!).  On a personal level you may want to skip the whipped cream, which is yummy and seemingly homemade, but superfluous.  Do wear a sweater as the AC is often set fairly low, and do bring quarters for the jukebox options in each booth (and be prepared to wait for your song to come up).  A favorite place for me, where I can can choose something new every time and am rarely disappointed.

Table service diner with numerous plant-based options
Multiple locations in DC Metro, most in suburbs or exurbs
https://www.silverdiner.com/

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