Why go: High-quality meats at low prices—the lamb is superb. How do they do it? Khader Rabbabeh owns a slaughterhouse in Warrenton in addition to the butcher shop that adjoins this tiny cafe.
What to get: Baba ghanoush; fried nuggets of kibbeh filled with minced lamb, bulgur wheat, and pine nuts; lamb fateh—layers of fried pita chips, tender lamb, and tangy yogurt.
Best for: Filling feasts, on the premises or off. If you’re eating in, swing by the butcher shop for cut-to-order meat for the week. The staff also does catering.
Insider tip: The ayah maza is a great deal: ten appetizers—including three dips, two kinds of sausage, and an order of falafel—for $19.95. It’s large enough for two or three to share as a meal.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
>> See all 2009 Cheap Eats restaurants here
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
