Dirt Cheap Eats 2007: Crisp & Juicy Arlington

By: Todd Kliman, Ann Limpert, Cynthia Hacinli, sara levine, Erin Zimmer

Chicken

Peruvian chicken spots are nearly as ubiquitous in the suburbs as burger stops and ice-cream shops. This chicken joint turns out one of the tastiest birds around.

A whole chicken ($9.35), charcoal-grilled and encrusted with spices, will feed three hearty eaters, but it’s available in halves ($5.55) and quarters ($3.80) as well. The flavorful, smoke-infused meat is also good cold and makes a great leftover hash. Too bad the sides—save for properly caramelized plantains—are forgettable.