Bites on a Budget: The Best Affordable Cheap Restaurants in Washington, DC | Washington D.C. (2023)

The district's culinary excellence extends to its plethora of fast-casual and affordable restaurants.

You don't have to shell out an entire salary to enjoy an unforgettable meal in Washington, DC. The nation's capital has spawned a string of successful fast-casual restaurants, from Sweetgreen to CAVA, and is also home to affordable eateries that have become virtual institutions in the city. Take a look at some of our favorite cheap and budget restaurants in the district.

01

Down a muffled chili smoke half at Ben's Chili Bowl

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Ben's Chili Bowlit is an integral part of the DC experience. Its iconic façade is a symbol ofNeighborhood Rua Uand the capital of the nation as a whole. No trip to the District is complete without dining at one of Ben's famous semi-smokers, which you can purchase for just $5.95.

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02

Eat at the local casual restaurant CAVA

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CAVÁoffers a Mediterranean mix adapted to your palate, and at an affordable price. Three friends started the company in the DC metro area and made it easy to put together a delicious bowl: You start with a base, add some delicious sauces and spreads, pile it on with a protein like roast beef or lamb, and then top it off. off. outside with crumbled feta, pita chips, cucumber salad... there's more, but we're too hungry to continue.

03

Feast on fast casual Italian cuisine at Stellina Pizzeria

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Just around the corner you will find some of the best pizza in the city of São Paulo.union marketNostar pizzeria, where DC veterans Antonio Matarazzo and Matteo Venini brought "neo-Neapolitan" tarts to life in a fast-casual setting. Stellina's menu also pays homage to coastal Italian cuisine (such as fried seafood served in paper bags, also known as "cuoppo"). Make sure Stellina, named after Matarazzo's daughter and meaning "little star" in Italian, is the star of your next trip to bustling Union Market.

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04

Find an Affordable Sandwich at Potbelly's

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belly sandwich shopIt has locations throughout the district and its delicious sandwiches, shakes, soups, and salads make it the perfect quick-casual stop when exploring the nation's capital. the store toooffered, if you need lunch for a large group.

05

Treat yourself to a healthy meal at Bistec de José Andrés

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José Andrés' ThinkFoodGroup joins the fast-casual gamethis plant based restaurantwhich has several stores in the district. Put together a colorful bowl filled with delicious vegetables that will fill you up too. You can also add grains, vegetables, fresh sauces, and slices of meat or protein. Like many of Andrés' restaurants, Beefsteak offers great seasonal ingredients and a comfortable dining experience.

06

Try some fortune buns

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In the market for bold flavors and toasty buns? Look no further than chef Alex McCoy's globally inspired sandwich shoplucky bread, offering a delicious gastronomic journey around the world until the wee hours of the morning. The former pop-up was so successful that McCoy gave it a permanent home on 18th Street in New York.adam morgan. The hot spot's tantalizing creations include a runny egg burger topped with gouda, pickled beets, and grilled onions and pineapple, grilled tandoori chicken sandwiches, and even a British breakfast burger made with sausage and bacon (we recommend pairing it). ) with bacon-XO- add jam).

07

Make the cake of your dreams at &pizza

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Founded in the county&PizzaIt is a pizza lover's dream. You get to choose your sauce, cheeses, and a variety of toppings (very light egg! Meatballs! Garlic sauce!) that go into store-bought organic batter, resulting in a custom cake that's fresh for the factor. ultimate surprise. Of course, you can also opt for one of the hits that will surely satisfy your craving.

08

Experience India in Rasa

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The vivid colors and flavors of India are on full display here.To feel, the fast-casual restaurant ofCapitol Riverfront Districtby budding restorers Sahil Rahman and Rahul Vinod. Guests can choose to build their own bowl with a variety of tempting, locally sourced ingredients or choose from Rasa's cleverly named creations – we're talking Tikka Chance on Me and Aloo Need is Love. Drizzle with a homemade juice or kombucha and you have a delicious meal.

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09

Head to Le Pain Quotidien for bread and baked goods.

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bread of every dayliterally translates to "daily bread," so expect fresh sandwiches, hearty helpings of organic bread, and fancy cakes (you can also order a salad). The restaurant's community table concept makes sitting down and having fun with friends a must. Many DC locations make it easy to find a place to do it.

10

Enjoy chili, cheeseburgers and wings at Clyde's

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Clyde's first location has openedgeorgetownin 1963 (and still bustling today), and the restaurant group has since expanded its reach into Virginia and Maryland. You can always expect delicious cheeseburgers, wings, and crab cakes on the menu. The decoration of each place also has its own theme, with the two floorsgallery locationHall used to show sports (appropriately, as it is right next to the Capital One Arena).

11

Enjoy two oyster happy hours at the Old Ebbitt Grill

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Enjoy delicious food for less atAlter Ebbitt-Parrilla, the oldest restaurant in DC. There, guests can enjoy 50% off raw produce during Oyster Happy Hour daily from 3:00 p.m. m. to 5:00 p.m. m. and from 22:00 to 00:00, from Sunday to Thursday and from 23:00 to 01:00, Friday and Saturday.

12

Experience the wonder of Spike Mendelsohn at Good Stuff Eatery

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DC chef Spike Mendelsohn rose to famesenior Chiefand runs this burger joint with his family. He uses only fresh, seasonal ingredients and meat from the farm,restaurant good thingsPrepare delicious burgers and shakes that will keep you coming back for more. VisitCapitologeorgetownfor the good things.

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13

Get your veggies from the sweet salad chain to go

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Yes, these current salad masters hail from DC.whisperingled the locavore revolution, sourcing all the ingredients from nearby farmers for an unforgettable fresh taste (you'll get it super fast, too). You can create your own salad or try one of their unique creations. You'll have no trouble finding one - salad specialists are scattered throughout the county.

14

Make Taco Tuesday every day at District Taco

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Another local gem isTaco District, where the taste buds are dazzled daily. What started as a food truck is now a DC sensation, with multiple locations serving up quality Yucatan-style Mexican food. Grab three tacos for $8 and don't forget the chips and salsa! Brave spice lovers beware: you don't have to ask for the habanero sauce for nothing.

15

Enjoy Authentic Rocklands BBQ

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Chicken ribs. Pork sandwiches. Brisket steak. Cornbread, baked beans, coleslaw.Rocklands-barbacoaat Glover Park has all the essential ingredients for a great taco experience that will leave you gasping and sticky-fingered. Be sure to visit the Wall of Fire, where you can unlock even more flavors through an incredible variety of hot sauces.

sixteen

Find out why everyone loves buckwheat pancakes at Market Lunch

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For one of DC's most popular breakfasts, check outlunch at the marketwithineastern market. Buckwheat and blueberry pancakes have brightened mornings for years, so order yours and find out what all the fuss is about. Market Lunch is closed on Mondays and closes at 3:00 p.m. m. or every other day before, so make room in your schedule for this treat.

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17

See hummus in a whole new light at Little Sesame

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OHummus-focused fan favoriteChange everything you thought you knew about the popular chickpea spread. We're talking seasonal mix-ins like sweet corn, grilled onions, and pickled Fresno pepper hummus, or summer greens, mint pesto, and pimento oil hummus. EITHERcity ​​centerFast Casual Spot offers a seasonal menu split between hummus bowls and pita sandwiches, all for around $10 ($15 if you add the dairy-free vanilla tahini soft serve).

18

Embrace your inner flower

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With locations throughout much of the western United States, thishealthy fast-casual chaindebuted in the district to much fanfare. Flower Child is the brainchild of James Beard Award nominee Sam Fox and was created to provide affordable, made-from-scratch meals suitable for any diet. So yes, you can bring your vegetarian, vegan and paleo friends here for everything from creative salads and small plates to organic cereal bowls and wraps.

19

Feed your sweet tooth

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district donutawaits you with its freshly baked gourmet donuts (you will be surprised by the variety of flavors) andice jubileeit's DC's home for treats and a great summer stop before or after a Washington Nationals game.

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