Yo! I’m a sucker for a good melt. This one EXCEEDED my expectations!! I expected the caramelized onions and the melty cheese and toasted or grilled bread. What I DIDNT expect was the perfectly seasoned juicy double burgers! their interesting take on Texas toast, nor the DELICIOUS HOUSE MADE SAUCE drizzled on! I may have just found my new favorite burger melt! It was OUTSTANDING.
The cauliflower says “berbere spiced” — it was perfect as well.
Don’t listen to some questionable reviews on here. You won’t be disappointed. Ain’t no way. Food and service (Ms. Kami the server and the bartender guy who greeted and seated me = A1!! awesome) was just right and beyond. ❤️❤️❤️🔥🤤
⭐☆☆☆☆
Without a doubt, this was one of the worst restaurant experiences I’ve had.
We ordered two espresso lattes, and both were served cold with a very unpleasant taste. Then we waited nearly 15 minutes for our waffles, which arrived looking carelessly prepared and far from appetizing. Nothing about the food matched the reputation this place seems to have.
The service was just as disappointing. Even getting a simple glass of sparkling water took far too long, and no one seemed to care about the delays or the quality of what was being served.
I’m visiting from Argentina, and I was told this was the place to enjoy amazing waffles. That recommendation couldn’t have been more wrong. The food was disappointing, the presentation was poor, and the customer service was even worse.
If anyone from Rosas Diner ever visits Argentina, feel free to contact me. I’ll gladly show you what real gastronomy, quality food, and professional customer service actually look like.
I definitely won’t be coming back, and based on my experience, I can’t recommend this place to anyone.
5
Absolutely delicious! We got the grilled cheese, the beet Reuben, and the chickpea sandwich and they all tasted incredible. The sandwiches all came with fries which were very flavorful and the perfect texture.
Contrary to what someone else wrote, the 20% gratuity was NOT included. You chose your tip just like at any other restaurant. Perhaps that was changed (I’m writing this in mid July of 2026).
I’ll definitely be returning to try more things on the menu!
4
That burger was delicious, omg. 🤤
SERVICE (3/5 stars):
They're still getting their sea legs steady in terms of service, as Rosa's diner is still in its first few weeks being open (I'm writing this on June 5th, 2026). I was met with friendliness, but was rarely checked on throughout my meal, despite the few other customers during dinner on a weekday.
When it came time for dessert, they'd completely forgotten. I'd flagged down my waitress twice, but it took another 20-25 mins for them to come out with my ice cream/waffle sundae. Overall, what could have been a 30 min dinner time ended up being about an hour and 15 mins. If I can suggest any feedback, I'd say to check on customers a bit more attentively, and to bring food out in a timely manner. Luckily, I wasn't in a rush, but if customers looking to dine quickly expect quick service, make sure to keep this in mind.
FOOD (5/5 stars):
That said, the "Diner Smash Burger Melt" was absolutely fantastic. Perfectly satsifying--the patties were juicy, and the toasted bun was really delicious. Very well-balanced and layered. The inluded fries, too, were amazing: lightly crispy and complementary. The "Stuffed Bubble Waffle Sundae" (when it finally arrived) was not my normal indulgence, but I admit it was definitely delicious. I'd recommend all of it. I'm definitely coming back for another of the burgers, because it was just that great.
ATMOSPHERE (4/5 stars):
The vibe inside was relaxed. I liked that there were outlets near most tables, as far as I noticed. I could charge my phone and, should anyone come here to work, people could plug in laptops.
Location was great. Downtown. Between Gallery Place/Chinatown & Mt Vernon Square, as well as Metro Center. Located on the corner of the block.
RESTROOMS (4.5/5 stars):
🚻 The restrooms (all-gender, lgbTQIA+🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈) are located upstairs and are shared with the main building. They contain full, floor-to-ceiling stalls along the perimeters and a communal sink area in the middle of the room. A+ on inclusivity and privacy 💫
PRICING (2/5 stars):
"A 20% gratuity will be automatically
added to your check for your convenience". This was on my receipt. I didn't realize this at first. When you pay, there's also everyone's favorite "Would you like to tip?" screen, followed by various percentages. Since I didn't realize there'd be automatic tipping, I tipped extra. Lucky them. I do feel somewhat cheated in this regard, not gonna lie. Keep this in mind if you decide to visit Rosa's Diner: 20% TIPPING IS INCLUDED IN YOUR PAYCHECK.
Burger ($22) + Sundae ($17) + 20% tip ($7.80) + tax ($2.34) + EXTRA TIP ($1.95) = TOTAL SPENT $51.09. So, a burger & fries + a sundae dessert: $51.09. A dinner for one person can, yes, be expensive here.
FINAL THOUGHTS (4/5 stars):
Overall, Rosa's Diner is still getting its flow settled into a rhythm, particularly in terms of service--and the menu IS on the pricier side--but the food is really fantastic. Despite service wait times and despite pricing, however, I do look forward to coming back for another burger dinner sometime down the road.
5
The steak frites and apple pie were both delicious. A huge shoutout to our server, Kami, who was incredibly friendly and gave our party excellent recommendations. We'll definitely be back to try the rest of the menu!
