I don't remember if I've had a meal at Carnation with its current menu; I do remember starting out many DL trips with breakfast there. Especially after the Sunkist House (I presume) was replaced. Breakfast at the Carnation was a pleasant way to start the day - mostly egg dishes though, which my wife couldn't stand. (It was the eggs, not the way they were prepared.) Coffee seemed better than the grab-n-go stuff.
Robert, have you tried the Cheddar roast beef sandwich at jolly holliday or fidler fifer at DCA? Its really delicious and one of my favorite things to eat for lunch there. They're both really good but the one at DCA is even a little better imo, I think the meat is thinner sliced.