Things We Take For Granted: Pete’s Diner and Carryout

Washington, DC is justly criticized for lacking the lunch places and corner delis of other major American cities. Blame it on the growth of the Federal Government (among about a zillion other reasons).

As the gov’met grew, they tore down rows and rows of hash slinging dives, restaurants, chop suey palaces, and so on; in short all the kinds of places a harried office worker could grab a quick breakfast or lunch. They were replaced, if that is the word, by the ubiquitous government cafeteria. Federal Triangle once hosted Center Market, a thriving (and seedy) district that made Eastern Market look like the relatively neighborhood market it is. Southwest DC had some of the oldest establishments in the City, torn down for the Brutalist parade of crappy buildings. And here on the Hill, where once Ptomaine Row lay in all its greasy glory, now stands the Madison Building of the Library of Congress, whose workers can dine in sterility in their 6th floor cafeteria.

Fortunately relics of the past survive, including one just across 2nd Street from the Madison Building: Pete’s Diner. Pete’s is a place for regulars; for the skylarking Library of Congress employees milking a few minutes longer at their lunch break, the career Hill staffer that’s ditched the three inch heels and has no need to be a Chef Spike groupie, the neighbors the need lunch and not a foodie experience. A tourist family may wander in from time to time, but this is a local haunt.

For all that Pete produces a workmanlike board of standard diner fare, between their grilled cheeses and tuna melts lies an eclectic selection of Chinese, Korean, Southeast Asian and less definable options. Bulgoky (not a misspelling), Kung Pao Chicken, and Asparagus Bacon Roll with Mango and Kim Chee salad all find their place in the specials. If your tastes run that way, and I’m not judging (weirdo!) Pete’s has a robust selection of vegetarian options. I swear by the eggplant parmesan.

Despite their sometimes exotic choices, Pete’s is a no-frills kind of place. Shakes come in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla; nothing funky here. Most menu options come in at the $5 – $6 range, a refreshing change of place as we welcome so many pricier new options on the Hill.

Pete himself is long gone, maybe some of the old timers here can share their stories of the glory days. The current staff is relentlessly cheerful, with a real aversion to letting a coffee cup empty all the way. Let them try one of their specials out on you.

Pete’s Diner and Carryout is located at 212 2nd ST SE. They are open M-F from 6 am to 3 pm and from 7 am to 3 pm on the weekends. Don’t even think about using a credit card.