<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SILVER DINER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES, FOR THE FORTY WEEKS
ENDED OCTOBER 8, 2000, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> OCT-08-2000
<CASH> 581,201
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 0
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 152,720
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,034,598
<PP&E> 23,542,678
<DEPRECIATION> 6,797,476
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 20,312,195
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 2,325,654
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 8,585
<OTHER-SE> 15,562,427
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 20,312,195
<SALES> 24,044,141
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 24,044,141
<CGS> 6,411,339
<TOTAL-COSTS> 6,411,339
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 16,556,289
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 56,837
<INCOME-PRETAX> (1,795,246)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 0
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (1,795,246)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.15)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.15)
</TABLE>