We will be staying in Bethesda for a week near the NIH. Are there any recomended breakfast spots near-ish by? We want to find something other than the usual hotel cafes which will likely be overpriced and yucky. Thanks.

Tastee Diner
Close to NIH. Simple and ... tasty.

Original Pancake House in downtown Bethesda

Try Louisiana Express for great cajun breakfasts

Are you looking for something within easy walking distance? If so, it depends on where you're staying.

I'll presume you're staying on the Wisconsin Ave side of NIH, perhaps in the Holiday Inn, or whatever it is that the Governor's House is now. That's the one right next to NIH, on Wisconsin. Maybe it's a Clarion.

Louisiana Express is always a good choice, but it's more than a mile walk from NIH...and that's the Wisconsin Avenue side of NIH.

If you're staying at (the In-Towner oops, I guess it hasn't been called that in 25 years,) the American Inn, which is south a few blocks, you are less than a five minute walk from the Tastee.
The Pancake House, and La Madeleine are just another two or three minutes away. And Lousiana Express is about 5 minutes closer than it was.

If you're staying at the Pooks Hill Marriott, nothing is terribly close.

My choice is always the Tastee. Can't beat the price. And they move a lot of breakfast, so everything is fresh.

I second this recommendation.

I've never been to Tastee but will definitely give it a whirl. The kids are unfortunately obsessed with Silver Diner.

I don't know how old your children are, but most I know love the Tastee at first bite. One reason is the atmosphere: It's teeny, and almost every booth gives a good look at the action on the grill and kitchen. Obviously the view is better at the counter.

And speaking of whirling....I'll understand if you don't want to let them up on those stools at the counter - - - I used to drive my parents crazy by spinning around and around and around and around. That was more than 40 years ago, but I can still remember that dizzy feeling.
Of course, 40 years ago there were only two or three places in bethesda where you could sit down and eat when the movies let out after 9. The Tastee was one, of course. What a contrast to today.

The OP may find more places at bethesda backfence.
http://www.backfence.com/home/index.cfm?mycomm=BE

(edited to add link)

I agree with the Original House of Pancakes, La Madeleine and Tastee Diner recommendations. La Madeleine is a chain, but it's a great place for a good and quick and not too expensive breakfast -- you order food at the counter, your coffee and croissants will be given to you there, but any warm entrees will be brought to you at your table.

There's also a breakfast/lunch place called Old Georgetown Grille on the corner of Old Georgetown Rd and St. Elmo (if memory serves me correctly); I myself have never been there, but I often see people waiting to get a table on Saturday mornings.

If it's chain coffee store you're after for just a cup of joe and a muffin, there's plenty of those in Bethesda -- I can think of three Starbucks in downtown Bethesda, as well as a Caribou Coffee (which I personally prefer) on the corner of Old Georgetown and Woodmont. If you want to pick up some snacks to keep in the hotel room, then there is a Safeway grocery store on Old Georgetown Rd (next to La Madeleine, basically between Woodmont and Wisconsin Ave).

All of these, however, are a fair distance from NIH itself. But if you're at a hotel in the downtown Bethesda area, you're in luck, as Bethesda has dozens and dozens of restaurants.

I've only lived in Bethesda for two years, but I don't know anyone who has actually tried Tastee Diner sober...

What a shame. On both counts.

Seriously, give it a try. There's nothing to be scared of.

And, it's too bad you didn't know bethesda before it was all chrome and steel.

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.