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Chew on This: What’s Your Favorite Cheap Eat?

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By Kate Nerenberg   Published Tuesday, May 26, 2009

It’s almost June, which means it’s time for our annual Cheap Eats issue—on stands now!—in which we give you our 100 favorite places to find delicious food at bargain prices ($50 or less for two, to be exact). This year, nearly one-third of the list is new, and you’ll find spots for everything from pan-Indian small bites to Bosnian sausages to a drip-down-your-arm juicy burger. In these cash-strapped times, surely you’ve been visiting bargain restaurants, too. So tell us, where do you go for a tasty but cheap meal? For inspiration, check out our online-only Cheap Eats slideshow.

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Comments

In general, I trust that restaurants on your cheap eats lists will fall above the bar; that I can count on a great quality meal. So what is Al Carbon doing on this list?

I was excited to try the arepas. They were terrible. If you want a great arepa, go to Caracas Arepas Bar in NY. Here, the filling tasted like wet dog food. Literally. The guacamole was a bad, one-note app, overpowered by onion. The chips were freshly, but inexpertly fried, dripping with grease.

Quesadilla: bland, heavy. Terrible. Pabellon: stringy, bland. Terrible.

I spent 50 dollars at this "cheap eat," just trying to find something edible. No luck.

That places like Urban BBQ and Cava are out, and this in, is absolutely mind-boggling. I am so mad right now.

Posted by: Annie, Jun 01, 2009 06:19:54 AM

The bar happy hour menu at both Chef Geoff’s and Cafe Deluxe (absolute steals) and Surfside anytime.

Posted by: blt, May 27, 2009 01:13:45 PM

Are you kidding about wanting more reviews outside the beltway? The proportion of places represented inside the district is certainly much lower. I think that’s representative of the restaurant scene, but it’s unfortunate for those of us who actually live in Washington (shocking) and use public transit (even more so). Keep Todd, it’s DC’s problem. Fred’s an idiot who needs to be introduced to addresses and google maps.

Posted by: Barry, May 27, 2009 10:25:58 AM

#1 at Pho75 or banh mi and boba at Song Que

Posted by: Jan, May 27, 2009 09:08:12 AM

Some place outside the beltway! ht’s wrong Todd and crew afraid they will get lost if the venture beyond the beltway into NOVA.

I have been reading your mag for longer than Klimann has been on this planet and since he took over the quality of the restaurant reviews has gone downhill. Either more reviews outside the beltway
or my subscription ends.

Can Todd now!!!!

Posted by: Fred, May 26, 2009 06:27:16 PM

Three Silver Spring establishments:

Ghar E Kabob - Indian
Quarry House - extensive beer list and bar food
Parkway Deli

Posted by: jerrysdaughter, May 26, 2009 04:26:00 PM

Haven’t read the issue yet, but I’ll be upset if Super Pollo isn’t on there.

Posted by: Mike, May 26, 2009 02:27:30 PM

Mandu - great Bimbimbap in a stone bowl.

Posted by: Alex, May 26, 2009 01:36:12 PM

You got it right with 1 of your new additions - Cafe Assorti in Rosslyn

Posted by: Courtney, May 26, 2009 01:13:09 PM

Curry and Kebob at the Herndon Clock Tower Shopping Center--supposedly from the same kitchen as Minerva around the corner.

Posted by: Ken Holecko, May 26, 2009 12:48:52 PM

FireFlies Restaurant & Bar in Del Ray. The All-American Burger is out of this WORLD.. and on Monday nights, it’s only $5.
The homemade bun seals the deal!!

Posted by: M, May 26, 2009 12:48:46 PM

Crisp and Juicy chicken!

Posted by: Vicki, May 26, 2009 12:40:57 PM

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