Why go: This high-concept fast-casual spot is like walking into a patio cookout—umbrellas, grill smoke, and all. And although the words “thrifty” and “locavore” don’t often go together, here they amount to a mission statement. Area purveyors supply the sausages, beef, even the ice cream; the sangría is made with Tempranillo and Triple Sec; and nothing tops $10.
What to get: Sangría; shrimp skewers with mango salsa and buttery, salt-sprinkled pita; sausage-and-pepper sub; burger with Gorgonzola on a glossy bun; sweet-and-sour cucumbers with dill; white-cheddar mac and cheese; Key-lime pie; an ice-cream sandwich with two chocolate sugar cookies and one of four rotating flavors of Gifford’s ice cream.
Best for: A break from shopping; a cheap alternative to lunch or dinner in downtown Annapolis.
Insider tip: Many of the meats are locally sourced, but the chicken sandwich and chicken skewers smack of fast food.
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.
