Affordable eats in DC?

Question

My family of 5 is visiting DC for a long weekend. I usually make food to take with us to avoid spending too much money on only moderately satisfying dinners. But I was hoping that someone could give me some well-kept dining secrets, so that we're not living off the McDonald's $1 menu the whole weekend.

Answer 1

Tough to answer not knowing where you are staying or where you will be hanging out.  I suggest the Union Station (near the Capitol) if you are in that area of the city.  There are a number of "food court" type offerings, along with a few reasonable restaurant offerings.  America is one restaurant that features cuisine from all 50 states.  It's one of my regular stops and is in the open area of the station.  It a fun and different place to go.  Georgetown is an ok, but pricey alternative.  If you are in the Core Museum area...you have few choices beyond McD's and the dog carts.  There is, a lovely cafeteria in the underground area of the National Gallery of Art.  They have more upscale cafeteria fare...but worthy none-the-less of a late afternoon stop for some Gelotto.

The Ronald Reagan Building is also another "food court" option.  Check out the link below to the Washingtonian Magazine.  They published their "Cheap Eats" section this month.  Find your location and give it a go!

Answer 2

If you like Chinese food, Chinatown offers cheap eats. Check out some of the smaller mom & pop restaurants rather than the fancy ones.  

Answer 3

just dont go to any of the food stands, they overcharge everything.

Answer 4

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Chinatown(Gallery Place)-all the places have 3.95-5.95 lunch specials.You get an entree, fried rice and spring roll w/ hot tea and fortune cookies. The dinner menu's are inexpensive also.

Ledo's pizza/Italian food-good pizza and other items. It's family friendly Georgia Ave near Silver Spring/ and there's one in Georgetown

Ben's Chili bowl it's a legend--chili halfsmokes, chili cheese fries

I also like Bucca DePeppe (Dupont) Italian which they serve

things family style so the portions are large to share. You can reserve

a booth in the kitchen and you and your family can watch meals being prepared.

www.bucadibeppo.com

There are other small places in downtown DC that are sandwich shops

(Potbelly, Subway, Fuddruckers, etc)

Also California Tortilla is a good option.

Booeymonger is also good (Friendship Heights)Sandwiches/Salads

Union Station's food court (basement) supplies a lot of options also

Answer 5

Morton's or Sam and Harry's.

Answer 6

The China Cafe's  around DC

Many food places in the Crystal City Underground Food Court

The small eatries in Georgetown

The small food shops around AMU

Answer 7

Go to Georgetown in DC they have a lot of places to eat at. I was there just about a month ago there's a variety of restaurants.

Answer 8

One of my favorite cheap eats in DC is Bistrot du Coin. It's very relaxed and casual and you feel like you're in a Parisian cafe.

For more options, visit this website:

http://www.washingtonian.com/packages/di...