29 Diner

The 29 Diner in Fairfax has changed management numerous times since it opened in 1947, but it’s still serving family recipes and diner classics to this day. The diner was registered as a Virginia Historic Landmark by the Virginia Board of Historic Resources in 1992 because it was deemed a “rare survivor among once-numerous streamlined modern diners.” The current owner, Fairfax native John Wood, took over in 2014 and put an emphasis on hickory smoked barbecue, made in a smoker right outside the front door of the diner. The staff serves everything, from pulled pork and ribs to pit beef and chicken. The burger game is strong as well, with two monsters on the menu: the fried egg and bacon burger with sausage gravy and the mac and cheese bacon burger. In addition to the food and history, Wood has built a robust giving program at the diner. They host regular fundraisers to support teachers, local sports teams, veterans, homeless shelter visitors, the police force and more. The diner operates 24 hours a day Tuesday through Sunday and is home to a 1958 Seeburg jukebox.