Best Of Winner: Plato's Diner Wins Inaugural Patch Poll

When Michelle Akaras' son learned Thursday night that the family restaurant was leading a vote for best breakfast in College Park, he couldn't contain himself.

“My ten-year-old was jumping up and down. He was so excited," Akaras said.

Her family owns and operates Plato's Diner, which ended up winning the Best of College Park Breakfast, closed out at 9 a.m. Friday.

In addition to earning half of the 40 votes, Plato's Diner has also won a few hearts out there, too:

"Plato's Diner. Not sure why this is even a contest," .

The Washington Post named Plato's Diner one of the best establishments of its kind in the Washington metro area in 2003.

The community home base offers breakfast, lunch and dinner that include American classics and Greek and ethnic specials.

Akaras said that her husband, Tony, inspired by his Greek heritage and matching the entrepreneurship he saw in his own father, started up the diner in College Park in 1994. Michelle Akaras, who began helping with operations a couple years later, said it's been neat to become a part of the College Park community.

“Over time we’ve come to build a nice base of customers," Akaras said. “I’ve watched children to grow up and have their own children.”

If you find yourself hungry at 2 a.m. for one of Plato's "French Shorty" or "Huevos Mexicana", know that Plato's Diner is open 24 hours a day on Friday and Saturday. The venue operates from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Another diner up U.S. Route 1 earned some love in the poll, too: "[ is the best. Plato's rocks too but if you want good old-fashioned greasy spoon. CP Is the one to beat for breakfast," a commenter wrote.

But College Park Diner came in third place with six votes, behind runner-up , which had eight votes.

All three were ahead of the chain establishments in the poll: , ,  and  .

Visit Patch on Monday morning for the next round of Best Of, when you’ll get to weigh in on the best area workout locations. If there's a spot you think should be included in the poll, email me at Shannon.Hoffman@Patch.com.