Why go: Bakery, cafe, coffeehouse, lounge—this multipurpose Alexandria destination does it all well.
What to get: Breakfast brioche stuffed with bacon, egg, and cheese; pastrami panini with artisanal pork or herby cheese panini; pesto pasta salad with diced zucchini and pine nuts; Buzz cupcake and Farmhouse brownie, both of which fuse Illy espresso and chocolate.
Best for: Laptop toters seeking a wi-fi spot (you can have a satisfying breakfast, lunch, and dinner all in one place); parents looking to distract kids with the food-themed toys in the play area.
Insider tip: If you want to build your own sandwich with the Red Apron cured meats that Buzz uses, you can buy them at Planet Wine in Alexandria year-round or at the Penn Quarter, Ballston, and other area farmers markets in season.
Open daily for breakfast, 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.
