An End of an Era Looms for Steak ‘n Egg in Tenleytown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A beloved late-night staple in Tenleytown may finally be closing its doors for good. The iconic Steak ‘n Egg Diner, located at 4702-4704 Wisconsin Ave NW, is once again at the center of closure rumors — but this time, it appears to be real.

A property listing flyer shared by a community member named Noa has reignited concerns that the end is near for this long-standing neighborhood favorite. Despite the buzz, the diner is still open for now, and loyal customers are encouraged to stop by and enjoy a final meal before it’s too late.

What’s Behind the Potential Closure?

According to a report by EaterDC, developer Constandinos Economides cited two key reasons for the possible shutdown:

Increased labor costs due to Initiative 82, a D.C. law enacted in 2023 that phases out the tipped minimum wage, requiring employers to pay full minimum wage to tipped employees.
Rising taxes, which continue to place financial strain on small business owners across the city.

Combined, these factors appear to have made the long-term operation of the 24/7 diner unsustainable.

A Community Icon at Risk

Steak ‘n Egg has long been more than just a diner — it’s a neighborhood institution. Popular with college students, late-night snackers, and longtime locals, the no-frills eatery is known for its greasy-spoon charm and around-the-clock service.

While the restaurant has faced closure threats in the past, those fears were always eventually quelled. This time, however, the presence of an official listing for the property is a strong signal that the end may truly be near.

Still Open — For Now

Despite the looming uncertainty, Steak ‘n Egg continues to serve up burgers, pancakes, and eggs at all hours. Regulars and newcomers alike are being urged to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy one more nostalgic visit before any final announcement is made.

“Get some while you still can.”

What’s Next?

At this point, no official closing date has been announced. However, with the property now actively listed, the fate of Steak ‘n Egg could be sealed soon.

Whether this marks the end of an era or just another chapter in the diner’s resilient story, the message is clear: now is the time to go.