Steak & Egg   

Located in the upscale neighborhood of Tenleytown/Friendship Heights, this guaranteed greasy spoon is as much of a novelty as a restaurant, but it does feature a 24-hour menu, which can be mighty appealing after a night of bar hopping. Though it has changed owners and names over the last 58 years, Steak 'n Egg hasn't changed its look since it was built in 1935, and this is what makes it so endearing to nostalgic-minded patrons. Anytime of day or night, you can slip into one of the swivel stools at the counter and watch a spatula-waving short order cook juggle a string of orders for steak and eggs, hash browns, hamburgers, pancakes and waffles. The atmosphere is exactly what you'd expect in an authentic diner such as this: loud, a little dingy, crowded with the looks of tough-minded men of the streets, but friendly all the same. And nothing here will set you back much: A plate of steak, eggs, hash browns and toast costs you less than $8. -- Jamy Bond