Montgomery County Restaurants

1. Café 1894

This little counter-service café, named in honor of Kensington's christening, is also a full-service 70-seat restaurant with a charming courtyard linking the two. The egg soufflés, quiches, and pancakes are popular for breakfast, while a variety of wraps and salads are on the lunch menu. Café 1894's signature dish is turkey meat loaf with homemade mashed potatoes and fresh steamed vegetables. An ice-cream counter offers fresh berry toppings, homemade whipped topping, and specialty cones. The chef's emphasis is on organic and fair-trade products.

2. California Tortilla

Friendly, quick service helps make this counter-service restaurant—which describes itself as "darned spunky"—a local favorite. The blackened chicken Caesar burrito is one of the top three sellers in the joint. Add spice to your meal with a dash or two from 75 hot sauces lined up on the wall, and grab a seat inside or out. On Monday nights, spin the Mystery Prize Burrito Wheel for discounts and freebies. Patrons can also subscribe to the restaurant's "Taco Talk" newsletter, which is read worldwide.

3. California Tortilla

4. Tara Thai

Blue walls and paintings of sea life reflect the owner's childhood home in Thailand; so does the extensive menu at this branch of a busy chain, whose many seafood dishes include fresh flounder and rockfish. Favorites include the mild and traditional pad thai, the spicy goong phuket (grilled black tiger shrimp topped with crabmeat and chicken sauce), and chicken satay. Service is quick and friendly, making Tara Thai an excellent place to stop and rest while shopping in nearby stores.

5. Tara Thai

6. Tastee Diner

The Tastees are part of the culinary past in the Washington area, with a handful still left in Silver Spring, Laurel, and Bethesda, the flagship location. These 24-hour diners are sentimental favorites among many area residents, who value them for their hand-formed hamburgers, the tastiness of which is subjective. Students and others on low budgets (or little sleep) ignore the dust and relish the coffee, which flows endlessly. Breakfast is served around the clock.