Daily dispatches on the Washington, DC area's food, restaurant and dining scene.

Chew On This: What’s Your Favorite Dirt-Cheap Eat?

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We always give you our thoughts on eating around town, but we want to hear yours, too! Every week, we’ll ask you to weigh in on a question about the local dining scene.

By Kate Nerenberg   Published Tuesday, November 18, 2008

When our December issue hits the stands next week, you’ll be able to read about 61 of our favorite Dirt Cheap Eats in the Washington area—everything from fabulous streetcart pizza to a West Coast-worthy coffeehouse to crab cakes that are just as satisfying (and half as expensive) as the ones at Johnny’s Half Shell.

So we want to know: What’s your go-to spot for a meal for $15 or less? Give us your insider tips in the comments!

Related:
Chew on This: How Much Do You Tip?
Chew on This: Where Should Barack Obama Eat?
Dirt Cheap Eats 2007

Comments

Ella’s pizza! their small pizza’s are dinner plate sized and about $10-14. delicious thin crust!

Posted by: Sara, Nov 23, 2008 05:59:58 PM

Ben’s Chili Bowl: chili half-smoke!

Posted by: Darren, Nov 20, 2008 12:01:33 PM

El Pollo Rico (Arlington Location)!

Posted by: Nat, Nov 19, 2008 11:40:57 AM

Hiro Sushi in Rockville behind White Flint - We are addicted to the California Roll which is the best I have ever had! It is so cheap (2 rolls - 12 pieces for $5) that we can not believe that the Japanese owner has not raised the prices in years. The tempura ($5) is so cripsy we can not resist getting this too! 5268 Nicholson Lane #P Rockville, MD 301-230-9655

Posted by: Marylander, Nov 19, 2008 09:13:12 AM

The pizza at Cafe Pizzaiolo in Crystal city is straight out of Venice. A spectacular pie (The Neopolitan) is $14.95!

Posted by: Ann Marie, Nov 19, 2008 08:50:27 AM

Joe’s Noodle House in Rockville. Don’t miss the won-tons in red hot sauce!

Posted by: Nicole, Nov 19, 2008 08:03:15 AM

How could I forget Taqueria Distrito Federal in Columbia Heights? That place is key if you’re trying to save money but not willing to sacrifice quality in terms of your food.

Posted by: Alejandro (washingtonian.com), Nov 18, 2008 01:37:57 PM

Anna-I’m a vegetarian too and I totally know the look you mean when you request two salsas. You just have to push through the moon glare, stare them down, and be clear about what you want. Smiles help too. I usually ask the wrapper person to toss it before they roll it up (which I think is usually the salsa person-it varies every time). Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t, but it never hurts to ask.

Posted by: Isabella, Nov 18, 2008 01:08:47 PM

The Marinated Chicken Sandwich at Harrys’ Cafe in Silver Spring. And their crab cakes, burgers and ribs. Worth the trip.

Posted by: BdM, Nov 18, 2008 01:02:30 PM

Joe’s Burgers in McLean. Best ever!!!

Posted by: Diana, Nov 18, 2008 12:51:48 PM

Joe’s Burger’s in McLean. The best ever!

Posted by: Diana, Nov 18, 2008 12:51:13 PM

Cabrito burrito and tongue taco at El Charrito Caminante in Arlington (or the Salvadoran-style chicken sandwich there). Wonderful food for way under $15. Close runner up - Combo sandwich (with extra meat and peppers) at Banh Mi DC Sandwich in Falls Church.

Posted by: Doug Herbert, Nov 18, 2008 12:38:33 PM

Thai X-ing was my all-time favorite! It’s not only the cheapest, but the best Thai food in the city IMO. Is he still opening up a bigger location?

Posted by: Sara, Nov 18, 2008 11:29:41 AM

Ooohs and Aaahs on U Street. Best soul food to go anywhere in DC.

El Pollo Rico - most delicious chicken ever!

If I could combine El Pollo Rico chicken with Ooohs and Aaahs mac and cheese...that’s a great meal!

Posted by: Jess, Nov 18, 2008 10:45:39 AM

M&S Grill happy hours, pho (viet house in alexandria), chinatown express noodle soup

Posted by: hungry, Nov 18, 2008 10:38:07 AM

Two great vegetarian places won’t bust your budget: downtown, Java Green. In the burbs, Sunflower Vegetarian. I would starve without them.

Posted by: DC Grrl, Nov 18, 2008 10:36:57 AM

Amma. Rasam + Masala Dosa + Lassi = $12

Or small frites/wheat/nectar at Amsterdam Falafel.

Isabella, inquiring burrito-philes want to know--how do you get Chipotle to mix the ingredients for you? They look at me like I’m asking for the moon if I get two salsas. But seriously, at what stage of the burrito-assembly line? What do they use (I’m veg and if they just toss it together with the spoon that is in the chicken, I’d probably get squeamish). My least favorite thing about Chipotle is the "layers"!

Posted by: A N N A, Nov 18, 2008 10:34:43 AM

I’m with Catherine on the grilled cheese at Toledo Lounge... delicious!!

Posted by: Sonia, Nov 18, 2008 10:26:41 AM

Chinatown Express! If I go with a friend we get fried noodles and steamed dumplings. A satisfying dinner for two for just over $12.

Posted by: Dina, Nov 18, 2008 10:26:15 AM

El Pollo Rico 1/4 or 1/2 chicken (Arlington location).

Banh mi combo sandwich at Banh Mi DC Sandwich on 50 & Graham Road in Falls Church

Posted by: Mony, Nov 18, 2008 09:59:07 AM

Tortilla Cafe across from (currently next to) Eastern Market. Pupusas, tamales, refried beans, plantains, drool on my keyboard.

Posted by: Lori, Nov 18, 2008 09:55:10 AM

Florida Avenue Grill!

Posted by: Berg, Nov 18, 2008 09:48:13 AM

Ditto on Pete’s Apizza. That place is GLORIOUS and the happy hour deal is great. Lately, I’ve found myself eating there at least once every week.

Posted by: Alejandro (washingtonian.com), Nov 18, 2008 09:24:44 AM

Creme has this Friday night happy hour where you can get a burger for $5, or fries, or a hot dog - all amazing. And good drinks for just $5, too.

And I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the Wednesday night $3 grilled cheese at Toledo Lounge is the best in the city.

Posted by: Catherine, Nov 18, 2008 09:13:36 AM

Nooshi! You can have two sushi rolls and a happy-hour special mojito under $15.

Luna’s also great; finally a restaurant with all-day breakfast!

Posted by: Veronica, Nov 18, 2008 09:06:21 AM

And butternut squash soup from ABP-Claudia, I know you are with me on this one.

Posted by: Bekah, Nov 18, 2008 08:57:24 AM

Old City Cafe in Adams Morgan. Amazing Israeli falafel place with tons of yummy toppings.

Posted by: Bekah, Nov 18, 2008 08:56:20 AM

Chipotle Burritos. I never cared about them until there were no good burritos anywhere near my college campus. Always ask the burrito-makers to mix the ingredients though, its not as good when everything is in layers.

Posted by: Isabella, Nov 18, 2008 08:54:31 AM

Order a steak and cheese with everything on it from George’s House of Falafel in Georgetown. Best in DC. Their shish-tawook platter is also delightful. ($7-$11)

Posted by: Matt, Nov 18, 2008 08:50:30 AM

I can never resist soup and a breadstick at Au Bon Pain. can you say "under $6"??

Posted by: Ashley, Nov 18, 2008 08:47:50 AM

Pho 75 in Arlington. You can eat your body weight in Pho for about $8.

Although judging by the number of Washingtonian awards on their otherwise bare walls...this is no great secret.

Posted by: J. Tom , Nov 18, 2008 08:46:28 AM

Kenny’s BBQ Smokehouse on 7th and Maryland, NE. Massive portions and you can get it as spicy as you want. Totally yummy!

Posted by: Biz, Nov 18, 2008 08:44:35 AM

Wings Over Washington!!!!! You have to get the boneless honey mustard wings with blue cheese dipping sauce. http://www.wingsover.com/

Posted by: Marissa, Nov 18, 2008 08:42:38 AM

Pete’s Apizza is the best, most satisfying meal for under $15!

Posted by: Logan Circle, Nov 18, 2008 08:36:41 AM

Extra large pizza from Pizza Boli with three toppings is like $14. And there’s enough for dinner and lunch the next day. Woooooooooooo!

Posted by: Emily, Nov 18, 2008 08:29:32 AM

Hands down, Julia’s Empanadas!

Posted by: Lacey, Nov 18, 2008 08:21:00 AM

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