Cheap Washington DC Restaurants

The American City Diner is exactly what it sounds like. A classic diner with burgers, milkshakes, salads and breakfast served all day. 2 eggs, homefries, and toast costs just $6.75. If you're looking for dinner it starts at 11am.

It may have the word tofu in it's name, but don't let that confuse you, whether you eat meat or vegetables you can enjoy a meal here. They make crepes, bubble tea, and you can even buy the tofu by the slab in various flavors. They serve cafeteria style, so grab a tray and eat up.

Do you like potatoes? This restaurant literally only makes baked potatoes with an almost endless possibility of toppings. Start with the basic butter and sour cream or get some chicken, mango, fried onions, cheddar, or garlic mayo. Get a new variation every time you go.

Takeout is why you see a big line at Luzmila's. Saltena's are traditional Bolivian pastries filled with spiced chicken or beef plus hard-boiled egg, peas, and potatoes. They also make sweet corn tamales.

The soups here are fresh made and full of flavor. They make a roasted veggie sandwich and make a gourmet egg salad (Which is made with free range eggs, sweet peppers and horseradish mustard). Their cookies are big and delicious, and they are made fresh every day.

Teaism incorporates tea into all different aspects of their food. Try the tea cured salmon, or their green tea soup. They have Bento boxes, soups and sandwiches (weekdays only). The oat cookies ($1.95) are very popular at this cheap Washington DC restaurant. There are lots of choices for tea iced or hot.

Healthy is on the menu at the Juice Joint Cafe. Smoothies, salads, juices, even hot and cold sandwiches ($4.50) are available. Get fresh wheatgrass ($2.50), spirulina ($1.25), or another fresh juice item. They have an extensive menu, so make sure you know what you want when you get to the counter.

All 5 locations of Sweetgreen have fresh ingredients to mix up into salads. You can create your own salads for as little as $6. There are lots of additions for your salads like avocado, grapes, grilled chicken or chick peas.

Greek food is served in big portions here, especially with their "Famous Gyro". There is falafel ($7.50), moussaka ($9.50), and spanakopita ($9.50), and they go great with orzo or bread. Have some Baklava for dessert it is sweet and flaky.

Get two curries at this Indian bistro for $6.99. Their tea is tasty and there are 4 location is DC. The chefs use 25 different spices to make the food, and it is made in a traditional North Indian style. The food is always fresh and they have quick takeout.

This is a popular spot for pizza and boardgames. Pizza is the reason people stop by, but they also have sandwiches, salads and classic Italian food. If this all sounds heavy, try a panini or a light pasta dish.

This isn't the Ramen that you lived on in college. Ren's serves fresh noodles with an assortment of flavor. Try some pork belly meat, and extras to it like corn or a boiled egg. Have some fresh miso with seaweed for a healthy meal.

Coffee is made fresh here so stop in for a delicious cup. Try one of the sandwiches (starting at $5). There's a garden at the cafe, and they also use local produce from the DC farmers market. Open til 6pm on the weekends.

This restaurant has won multiple local awards. Many of the daily specials start at $6.50. They bake their bread to order in house. Try some, it's great with any entree. All the meat is cooked fresh, right in front of you, on skewers over hot coals. Try either of their two locations in the DC area.

Try one of the popular lunch specials for $8 ($10 with soup). This place specializes in authentic street food from all over Asia rolled into one restaurant. Try the handmade dumplings which are also called "small bundles of joy".