Originally Posted by cptlflyer
I've only lived in Bethesda for two years, but I don't know anyone who has actually tried Tastee Diner sober...
Then you're not hanging out with the right people...
My own opinions from having worked in downtown Bethesda for two years...
I third or fourth or whatever the Tastee Diner recommendation. It is cheap, greasy, and REALLY good.
Original Pancake House is a little more expensive (still very reasonable), low key and a little less of a greasy spoon, but still good. A bit harder to find, also.
La Madeline pretends to be more "refined". In my own experience, while it is more expensive, the food is no better tasting than at the Tastee Diner, and the employees have much less personality (and command of English) than at the Tastee Diner. Also, I'm guessing due to its proximity to the Metro and the outdoor patio, it attracts more than its share of wacky homeless people who sit outside and talk about the black helicopters that are coming to get them.
I am surprised no one has mentioned the Booeymonger on East-West Highway. If you are staying up by NIH it would be a little out of the way, although really no more so than La Madeline. It has good breakfast and even better sandwiches.