The Best Affordable Dining Options in the D.C. Area

It’s a roundup of trusted eateries — serving everything from spicy hot pots to tacos and reliable happy hour specials that cost less than a Starbucks latte — that satisfy without draining the wallet. Here are some cheap dining bets in and around the District. Don’t see a personal favorite on the list?

Post in the comments or shoot us an email (dc@eater.com). D.C.’s is an expensive city to live in, and expense account-driven restaurants and tasting menu-only establishments that dot the local landscape certainly don’t help. Fortunately, D.C. is also home to lots of budget-friendly options covering all kinds of cuisines.

This list looks beyond pricey Michelin spots and review-laden heavy hitters. It’s a roundup of trusted eateries — serving everything from spicy hot pots to tacos and reliable happy hour specials that cost less than a Starbucks latte — that satisfy without draining the wallet. Here are some cheap dining bets in and around the District.

Don’t see a personal favorite on the list? Post in the comments or shoot us an email (dc@eater.com).

Pupuseria La Familiar (Multiple locations)

This Salvadoran pupuseria with two Maryland locations and another in Falls Church, Virginia is one of the region’s cheapest options for masa stuffed with cheese and other ingredients for under $3. There are traditional pupusas, like revuelta, as well as offbeat options like a ham and cheese pupusa.

The spot also has a huge menu of other affordable options, from soups to grilled platters. For more affordable pupuserias, go here.

Quarry House Tavern

This is one of Silver Spring’s oldest bars, and it keeps prices low to inflation-proof levels.

The bar focuses on Maryland craft beer and $3 PBRs daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Bar snacks like tots, pulled pork sliders, and onion rings are around $5 and up.

Live music is big here, and shows are free (or under $20).

Julia’s Empanadas

This global bakery in Brightwood, Adams Morgan, and now back in Dupont specializes in baked hand pies (starting under $4 each) served throughout the day.

Favorites include a Jamaican-style, curried beef-filled offering, the stewed chicken-packed saltena, and a vegetarian option.

Henry’s Soul Cafe

Founded in 1968 by the “King of Soul Food” Henry E.

Smith, U Street’s historic greasy spoon known for its sweet potato pie continues to send out fabulous fried chicken and Southern staples. Plates of fried whiting and meatloaf that easily feed two come in at under $12.

An additional location sits in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

A. Litteri

In addition to offering the best Italian wine selection outside of Italy, this iconic Northeast market/deli serves delicious (and affordable) subs and hot sandwiches like classic Italian and chicken Parm for around $7. A.

Litteri also serves lasagna, pasta, and soups.

The Well Dressed Burrito

Despite its hidden placement behind a nondescript metal door in an alleyway, the decades-old Well Dressed Burrito does a ton of business. Assorted variations of the namesake dish at this Dupont Circle grab-and-go standby start under $9 a pop.

Falafel Inc

The DMV-wide chain offers a $5-and-under menu featuring falafel, hummus, bowls, za’atar fries, and sides made daily. Billed as the first “fast-casual food social enterprise franchise,” customers help feed a refugee in need with every purchase.

Chef Geoff's (Multiple locations)

For a reliable happy hour in a bistro-like setting, Chef Geoff’s has daily deals that can’t be beat. Enormous mugs of beer and giant glasses of wine are $12, and a smash burger, tacos, and Italian dogs are just $6 a pop.

Happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (and all day Monday). A second location is adjacent to American University.

Chinatown Express

Customers and passersby often stop to look at the noodles being made by hand at this long-standing Chinatown spot.

The steamed buns, dumplings, and fresh soups, starting at $4.50 are the move here.

Pho 75

This Arlington standby serves among the region’s best pho.

What Pho75 may lack in atmosphere and service it more than makes up for in generous bowls of steaming rice noodle soup, with flavorful broth and fresh toppings.

Bayou Bakery

Pastry chef-turned-restaurateur David Guas has been serving cooked-to-order beignets for almost a decade at his Arlington restaurant and cafe, and the price is a very reasonable $5 for a trio of sugar-dusted, New Orleans-style fritters.

This bake shop also serves solid, affordable sandwiches for around $10 and gumbo for $7.

Banh Mi DC Sandwich

Around since 2004, the traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches at this cherished Falls Church eatery are equal parts affordable and fantastic. The extensive sandwich menu averages about $7.25 each.