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Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)

We found 82 burger joints, street carts, taquerias, and dinner-worthy happy hours where a delicious meal won't cost you more than $15.

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A & J Restaurant - Annandale

Rating:
Best Breakfasts 2012 Cheap Eats 2012 Cheap Eats 2011 Cheap Eats 2010 Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 4316-B Markham St., Annandale, VA
Neighborhood(s): Annandale
T: 703.813.8181
Cuisines: Breakfast, Chinese, Cantonese, Dim Sum
Price Range: Inexpensive
Kid Friendly: Yes
Other: Kid Friendly
Description: Not your everyday Northern Chinese dim sum.

Reviews:

A & J Restaurant: Best of Breakfast and Brunch 2012 Cheap Eats 2011: A&J Restaurant Annandale Cheap Eats 2010: A & J Restaurant— Annandale Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: A & J Restaurant Cheap Eats 2009: A & J Restaurant - Annandale

Andrene's Caribbean & Soul Food Carryout

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 308 Kennedy Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011
Neighborhood(s): Petworth
T: 202-291-7007
Cuisines: Soul Food, American, Caribbean
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Don't know much about Caribbean food? Visit this Petworth counter, where the owner offers samples of nearly everything.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Andrene's Caribbean & Soul Food Carryout

Batik

Cheap Eats 2011 Cheap Eats 2010 Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 200 Main St., Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Neighborhood(s): Gaithersburg
T: 301-869-8661
Cuisines: Thai, Tapas/Small Plates, Pan-Asian, Malaysian/Indonesian
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: A stylish Kentlands spot for Asian street food.

Reviews:

Cheap Eats 2011: Batik Cheap Eats 2010: Batik Dining on a Shoestring: Pan-Asian to Savor Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Batik

Big Bear Cafe

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 1700 First Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Neighborhood(s): U Street/Shaw
T: 202-470-5543
Cuisines: Deli/Quick Bites, American, Breakfast
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: A coffeehouse with simple, fresh salads and sandwiches.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Big Bear Cafe Dirt Cheap Eats 2008: Big Bear Cafe

Bread and Brew

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 1247 20th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Neighborhood(s): Dupont Circle, Downtown
T: 202-466-2676
Cuisines: Breakfast, American, Deli/Quick Bites
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: A cozy coffeehouse/bar/lunch spot with made-from-scratch cooking.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Bread and Brew

Cafe Pizzaiolo

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 507 S. 23rd St., Arlington, VA 22202
Neighborhood(s): Arlington, Crystal City/Pentagon City, Arlington
T: 703-894-2250
Cuisines: Pizza, Italian, Breakfast
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Tasty pies in both New York and Neapolitan styles.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Cafe Pizzaiolo Cheap Eats 2008: Cafe Pizzaiolo

China Bistro

Rating:
Cheap Eats 2012 Cheap Eats 2011 Cheap Eats 2010 Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 755 Hungerford Dr., Rockville, MD 20850
Neighborhood(s): Rockville
T: 301-294-0808
Cuisines: Chinese
Price Range: Inexpensive
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Kid Friendly: Yes
Other: Wheelchair Accessible, Kid Friendly
Description: Terrific dumplings by the dozen.

Reviews:

Cheap Eats 2012: China Bistro Cheap Eats 2011: China Bistro Cheap Eats 2010: China Bistro Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: China Bistro The Needle: China Bistro

China Jade

Rating:
Cheap Eats 2012 Cheap Eats 2011 Cheap Eats 2010 Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 16805 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville, MD 20855
Neighborhood(s): Rockville
T: 301-963-1570
Cuisines: Szechuan, Cantonese, Chinese
Price Range: Inexpensive
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Kid Friendly: Yes
Other: Wheelchair Accessible, Kid Friendly
Description: A long and varied menu that will tempt you to keep eating long after you're full.

Reviews:

Cheap Eats 2012: China Jade Cheap Eats 2011: China Jade Cheap Eats 2010: China Jade Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: China Jade

Cornucopia

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 8012 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814
Neighborhood(s): Bethesda/Glen Echo
T: 301-652-1625
Cuisines: Italian, Grocery Store/Market, Deli/Quick Bites
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: A salumeria and gourmet shop with an array of hard-to-find provisions.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Cornucopia Great Takeout: Cornucopia Cornucopia

Cowgirl Creamery

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 919 F St., NW, Washington, DC 20004
Neighborhood(s): Penn Quarter/Chinatown
T: 202-393-6880
Cuisines: Grocery Store/Market, Deli/Quick Bites, American, Breakfast
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Myriad cheeses and terrific sandwiches.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Cowgirl Creamery Great Takeout: Cowgirl Creamery

Don Churro Cafe

Cheap Eats 2010 Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 13905-B Metrotech Dr., Chantilly, VA 20151
Neighborhood(s): Chantilly/Centreville/Clifton
T: 703-378-1211
Cuisines: South American, Peruvian, Argentinian
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: A warm dining room with a sprawling pan-Latin menu.

Reviews:

Cheap Eats 2010: Don Churro Café Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Don Churro Cafe

Earl's

Rating:
Best Breakfasts 2012 Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 2605 Wilson Blvd. , Arlington, VA 22201
Neighborhood(s): Arlington, Clarendon/Courthouse
T: 703-248-0150
Cuisines: Grocery Store/Market, Breakfast, American, Deli/Quick Bites
Price Range: Inexpensive
Kid Friendly: Yes
Other: Kid Friendly
Description: A tiny breakfast/lunch counter with oversized sandwiches.

Reviews:

Earl’s: Best of Breakfast and Brunch 2012 Best of Arlington: Earl's Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Earl's

Food Factory 2

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 8145 Baltimore Ave., College Park, MD 20740
Neighborhood(s): College Park
T: 301-345-8888
Cuisines: Middle Eastern, Afghan
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: These chicken kebabs are worth the wait.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Food Factory Dirt Cheap Eats 2008: Food Factory Dirt Cheap Eats 2007: Food Factory - College Park Food Factory

G Street Food

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 1706 G St., NW, Washington, DC 20006
Neighborhood(s): Downtown
T: 202-408-7474
Cuisines: Breakfast, American, Deli/Quick Bites
Price Range: Inexpensive

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: G Street Food

Greek Deli

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 1120 19th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036
Neighborhood(s): Dupont Circle
T: 202-296-2111
Cuisines: Greek/Mediterranean, Breakfast
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Love the homey Greek fare served here? Get in line.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Greek Deli Dirt Cheap Eats 2008: Greek Deli Greek Deli

Greek Spot

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 2017 11th St., NW, Washington, DC 20001
Neighborhood(s): U Street/Shaw
T: 202-265-3118
Cuisines: Vegetarian/Vegan, Greek/Mediterranean
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: The vegetarian options here are the most rewarding.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: The Greek Spot Great Takeout: The Greek Spot

Haydee's - Mount Pleasant

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 3102 Mt. Pleasant St., NW, Washington, DC 20010
Neighborhood(s): Mt. Pleasant/Columbia Heights
T: 202-821-7943
Cuisines: Mexican, Salvadoran
Price Range: Inexpensive

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Haydee's Haydee's

Haydee's - Petworth/Takoma

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 6303 Georgia Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20011
Neighborhood(s): Petworth, Georgia Ave./Petworth/Takoma DC
T: 202-829-6647
Cuisines: Salvadoran, Mexican
Price Range: Inexpensive

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Haydee's

Irene's Restaurant

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009) Cheap Eats 2010 Cheap Eats 2011
Address: 601 Second St., Laurel, MD 20707
Neighborhood(s): Laurel
T: 301-362-3371
Cuisines: South American
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: The excellent baliadas are some of the best dining values in the area.

Reviews:

Cheap Eats 2011: Irene's Restaurant Cheap Eats 2010: Irene's Restaurant Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Irene's Restaurant

JamDown

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 3303 Georgia Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20010
Neighborhood(s): Petworth
T: 202-450-2408
Cuisines: Caribbean
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Bob Marley blares at this Jamaican joint.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: JamDown

Juice Joint Cafe

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20005
Neighborhood(s): Downtown
T: 202-347-6783
Cuisines: Deli/Quick Bites, American
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Fresh smoothies, salads, and sandwiches.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Juice Joint Cafe Dirt Cheap Eats 2008: Juice Joint

Jungle Grille

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 8145-B Baltimore Ave., College Park, MD 20740
Neighborhood(s): College Park
T: 301-441-3321
Cuisines: American
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Best homemade potato chips around.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Jungle Grille

Kasha's Kitchen (Kennedy 's Natural Foods)

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 1053 W. Broad St., Falls Church, VA 22046
Neighborhood(s): Falls Church
T: 703-533-8484
Cuisines: Deli/Quick Bites, American
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: A tiny, health-conscious lunch counter behind Kennedy's Natural Foods.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Kasha's Kitchen

La Bottega

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 9020 Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton, VA 22079
T: 571-642-0605
Cuisines: Italian, Grocery Store/Market, Deli/Quick Bites
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: A tiny Italian deli from the owners of Pane e Vino.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: La Bottega

Lebanese Butcher & Restaurant

Cheap Eats 2010 Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 150 Hillwood Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046
Neighborhood(s): Falls Church
T: 703-533-2903
Cuisines: Middle Eastern, Lebanese, Grocery Store/Market
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Go for anything lamb at this hybrid butcher shop/restaurant.

Reviews:

Cheap Eats 2010: Lebanese Butcher & Restaurant Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Lebanese Butcher & Restaurant Cheap Eats 2009: Lebanese Butcher & Restaurant Dirt Cheap Eats 2008: Lebanese Butcher & Restaurant Cheap Eats 2008: Lebanese Butcher

Luzmila's Cuisine

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 809 W. Broad St., Falls Church, VA 22046
Neighborhood(s): Falls Church
T: 703-237-0047
Cuisines: South American
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: You can make a meal of the saltenas here.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Luzmila's Cuisine Luzmila's Cuisine

Meaza

Rating:
Cheap Eats 2012 Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 5700 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22941
Neighborhood(s): Falls Church
T: 703-820-2870
Cuisines: Ethiopian
Price Range: Inexpensive
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Kid Friendly: Yes
Other: Wheelchair Accessible, Kid Friendly
Description: A sprawling, multi-level Ethiopian restaurant.

Reviews:

Cheap Eats 2012: Meaza Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Meaza

Pho 14

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 1436 Park Rd., NW, Washington, DC 20010
Neighborhood(s): Mt. Pleasant/Columbia Heights
T: 202-986-2326
Cuisines: Vietnamese
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: The soups at this Columbia Heights restaurant have a lot going for them.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Pho 14 Dining on a Shoestring: Pho 14

Potenza Bakery

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 1430 H St., NW, Washington, DC 20005
Neighborhood(s): Downtown
T: 202-638-4444
Cuisines: Italian, Breakfast, Deli/Quick Bites
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: This Italian style bread/dessert shop is an offshoot of neighboring restaurant Potenza.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Potenza Bakery

Spice Express Indian Bistro - 19th Street

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 1020 19th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036
Neighborhood(s): Foggy Bottom/West End, Downtown
T: 202-331-9888
Cuisines: Indian
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Want a good, cheap Indian lunch? Get in line.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Spice Express Indian Bistro

Spice Express Indian Bistro - Vermont Avenue

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20005
Neighborhood(s): Downtown
T: 202-347-7700
Cuisines: Indian
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Want a good, cheap Indian lunch? Get in line.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Spice Express Indian Bistro

Sweetgreen - Bethesda

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 4831 Bethesda Ave. , Bethesda, MD 20814
Neighborhood(s): Bethesda/Glen Echo
T: 301-654-7336
Cuisines: American, Deli/Quick Bites
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Create-your-own salads and terrific fro-yo.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Sweetgreen Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen - Dupont Circle

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 1512 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036
Neighborhood(s): Dupont Circle, Downtown
T: 202-387-9338
Cuisines: Deli/Quick Bites, American
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Create-your-own salads and terrific fro-yo.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Sweetgreen Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen - Georgetown

Rating:
Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 3333 M St., NW, Washington, DC 20007
Neighborhood(s): Georgetown
T: 202-337-9338
Cuisines: American, Deli/Quick Bites
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Create-your-own salads and terrific fro-yo.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Sweetgreen Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen - Logan Circle

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 1471 P St., NW, Washington, DC 20005
Neighborhood(s): Logan Circle
T: 202-234-7336
Cuisines: American, Deli/Quick Bites
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Create-your-own salads and terrific fro-yo.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Sweetgreen

Teaism - Lafayette Square

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 800 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006
Neighborhood(s): Downtown, Downtown
T: 202-835-2233
Cuisines: Japanese, Breakfast
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: A popular urban teahouse and cafe.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Teaism Neighborhood Eats: Teaism Teaism - Lafayette

Thai Flavor

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 8650 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring/Takoma Park, MD 20910
Neighborhood(s): Silver Spring/Takoma Park
T: 301-495-1234
Cuisines: Thai
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: A fiery antidote to Silver Spring's chain fare.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Thai Flavor Dining on a Shoestring: Thai Flavor

Thanh Son Tofu

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 6793A Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, VA 22044
Neighborhood(s): Falls Church
T: 703-534-1202
Cuisines: Vietnamese, Vegetarian/Vegan
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: A vegetarian-friendly refuge in the Eden Center.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Thanh Son Tofu Dirt Cheap Eats 2008: Thanh Son Tofu Dirt Cheap Eats 2007: Thanh Son Tofu

The Butcher's Block

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 1600 King St. , Alexandria, VA 22314
Neighborhood(s): Alexandria, Alexandria, Old Town
T: 703-894-5253
Cuisines: Deli/Quick Bites, American
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Robert Wiedmaier's sandwich counter and gourmet shop.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: The Butcher's Block

Vit Goel ToFu (Lighthouse Tofu and BBQ) - Rockville

Rating:
Cheap Eats 2012 Cheap Eats 2011 Cheap Eats 2010 Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 12710 Twinbrook Pkwy. , Rockville, MD 20852
Neighborhood(s): Rockville
T: 301-881-1178
Cuisines: Korean
Price Range: Inexpensive
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Kid Friendly: Yes
Other: Wheelchair Accessible, Kid Friendly
Description: The soondubu is a meal in itself.

Reviews:

Cheap Eats 2011: Vit Goel ToFu (Lighthouse Tofu) - Rockville Cheap Eats 2010: Vit Goel ToFu (Lighthouse Tofu) - Rockville Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Lighthouse Tofu

Windy City Red Hots - Ashburn

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 19413 Smith Cir. , Ashburn, VA 20147
Neighborhood(s): Ashburn
T: 703-505-6934
Cuisines: American, Deli/Quick Bites
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Chicago natives will rejoice.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Windy City Red Hots

Z Burger - Glover Park

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009)
Address: 2414 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20007
Neighborhood(s): Glover Park
T: 202-965-7777
Cuisines: American, Deli/Quick Bites
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Big, sloppy, well-seasoned burgers.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Z Burger

Z Burger - Tenleytown

Dirt Cheap Eats (2009) Happy Hour
Address: 4321 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016
Neighborhood(s): Upper Northwest
T: 202-966-1999
Cuisines: Deli/Quick Bites, American
Price Range: Inexpensive
Description: Big, sloppy, well-seasoned burgers.

Reviews:

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Z Burger
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