Batik in Gaithersburg offers a menu inspired by the street carts of Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. Satays—such as this barbecue-pork version—are standouts.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by Scott Suchman
From the sesame-seed-topped bun to the hormone-free, aged prime beef, the burger at BGR Burger Joint aims high.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by Stacy Zarin-Goldberg
The chicken- mozzarella-and-pesto sandwich at Big Bear Cafe in DC’s Bloomingdale gives off a lovely aroma of fresh basil.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by TK
It’s tough to pick a favorite among Josh Short’s retro-cute cupcakes at Alexandria’s Buzz. Our latest pick? The chocolatey espresso cupcake topped with airy, mousse-like icing.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by TK
Enzo Fargione has given new life to K Street dining room Teatro Goldoni. Most prices reach the expense-account stratosphere, which makes the $13.95 bar lunch—an entrée from a special menu and a glass of wine—served weekdays from 11:30 to 2 that much more
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by TK
The Fojol Bros. of Merlindia, a traveling street cart in DC, dishes out Indian stews with a side of zany theatricality.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by Matthew Worden
At G Street Food in downtown DC, bread guru Mark Furstenberg crafts airy Roman-style squares of pizza topped with tomatoes.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by Scott Suchman
One of the best reasons to visit Hank’s Tavern in Hyattsville is the crispy-fish burrito with avocado and grilled peppers.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by TK
This artful asparagus soup is one of the draws at the Majestic in Old Town. Another is the “royal pick” special—$12 for an entrée and an iced tea or soda—served between 11:30 and 2:30 weekdays at the bar.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by Stacy Zarin-Goldberg
Alexandria Afghan restaurant Maizbon puts a vibrant twist on a tomato salad, with mozzarella, feta, roasted peppers, and herbs.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by Scott Suchman
At Rockville’s Saint Michele Bakery, French native Bertrand Houlier turns out stone-oven-baked white and wheat baguettes every day. Don’t miss the pastries, such as a raisin-studded breakfast twirl and excellent almond- and chocolate-stuffed croissants.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by Matthew Worden
Pho 14 in DC’s Columbia Heights serves its anise-scented Vietnamese soup with a variety of meats, such as brisket, flank steak, and tripe.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by Scott Suchman
Baltimore’s Pitango Gelato has recently opened outposts in Reston and DC’s Logan Circle.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by TK
The Quarry House in Silver Spring might look like your everyday dive bar, but the food rises above everyday pub grub.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by TK
Need an afternoon pick-me-up? You can’t do much better than the red-velvet cupcakes served at Red Velvet Cupcakery in DC’s Penn Quarter.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by TK
Former Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn runs Capitol Hill burger joint Good Stuff Eatery. Weekdays from 11:30 to 2:30, a cheeseburger, hand-cut fries, and a soda are packed into the $10 “lunch bag” special.
Dirt Cheap Eats 2009 Photograph by TK
