For native and local Washingtonians, it comes as no surprise that the Nation’s Capitol ranks among the country’s priciest dining cities. Neighborhood boroughs are stuffed with Michelin Star restaurants, fine-dining coastal tapas bars, and wood-fire pizza picked right from the streets of Italy and dropped in a city that brightly captures the soul of diverse cookery.
But true locals know, you don’t need to spend a ton to enjoy a noteworthy meal. The real secret? Best cheap eats Washington DC has to offer may be the key to discovering the heart of this amazing culinary city. Unfussy and budget-friendly options abound, offering a delicious glimpse into D.C.’s vibrant food scene without breaking the bank.
Colada Shop
- Address: multiple locations
- The Wharf: 10 Pearl St SW, Washington, DC 20024
- 14th Street: 1900 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Nearly every local food write-up mentions Colada Shop’s groovy atmosphere and fashionable Cuban delicacies. With two locations in DC (The Wharf and 14th Street), happy hour brings options like a $10 empanada trio or an all-day ‘breakfast sandwich’ for under that. Other sandwich and bowl mains are just a few dollars more, making it one of the best cheap lunches near me in DC.
P.S. Colada Shop has one of the best hot chocolates in D.C.
Chaia Tacos
- Address: multiple locations
- Georgetown: 13207 Grace Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
- Chinatown: 615 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Chais is Georgetown’s ‘unconventional taco shop’, ditching the al pastor pork and beef carne asada and serving up 100% vegetarian and gluten-free tacos. With multiple locations, including one in Chinatown, you can enjoy ‘sweet potato nachos,’ ‘farm tostadas,’ and cheesy quesadillas—all for under $10. The Chaia taco trio and enchiladas come in at $13 an order, making it a standout among cheap eats in the area.
More tacos in DC we love!
The Market Lunch
- Address: Inside The Eastern Market, 225 7th St. SE, Washington, D.C., 20003
Eastern Market is a Capitol Hill institution, withstanding over a century of consumable history. The north end of the famed building began seating locals in 1978 and has since become a weekend destination for casual comfort food.
Reasonably priced breakfast items are served until 1pm on weekends and lunch classics like fried chicken sandwiches and hamburgers grace the full-time assortment, making it one of the go-to local restaurants for satisfying meals in the area, making it one of the go-to local restaurants for satisfying meals in the area and a great spot for cheap eats.
A. Litteri
- Address: 517 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Red, white, and green signal Italian pride, gracing the front of this Union Market pantry. Not only can you grab bulk olive oil bottles, but the Italian delicatessen in the back sells $6 sandwiches with Italian meats and cheeses, meatballs, and chicken parmesan, along with a selection of small plates for a delightful taste of Italy.
Mangialardos
- Address: 1317 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
The outside is unassuming, but Mangialardos does stick-to-your-ribs subs the right way… on a hard or soft roll and with an optional oil and vinegar drizzle. The ‘“G” Man Sub’ was written up as one of Washington DC’s top 25 sandwiches, so the Italian ham, salami, and mortadella taste even better with a sub-ten dollar price tag. With such restaurant offers, it’s a must-try for any sandwich lover in the area.
La Casita Pupuseria
- Address: 1280 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
La Casita Pupuseria is part of Union Market’s sister food hall La Cosecha. Communal outdoor tables gesture to $4 pupusas and well-priced steak sandwiches from La Casita’s stall inside the colorful food atrium. Enjoy happy hour drinks and food items, too!
Pearl’s Bagels
- Address: 1017 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Revolutionizing the mighty bagel with a sourdough starter twist, Pearl’s Bagel’s sandwiches do not shortcut flavor even though all are $10 or less, making it a go-to spot for best cheap eats in DC. Classic egg and cheese, a Thanksgiving creation referred to as ‘The Tom’, and the ham, egg, and gruyere ‘Frenchie’ are justifiable proof.
Falafel Inc.
- Address: 1210 Potomac St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Falafel Inc. is turning heads all over The District with $4 falafel sandwiches that are nearly impossible to beat. But informed by an “Eat for Good” cause, Falafel Inc. just might push the stellar fried vegetarian chickpea balls over the top. All falafel orders support The World Food Program to feed refugees in need around the world. They won’t break the lunch budget either.
Los Hermanos
- Address: 1428 Park Rd NW, Washington, DC 20010
Slip into DC’s Columbia Heights corner for an epic Dominican luncheon spread at Los Hermanos. Two dollar empanadas and $10 Banderas (platters of rice, protein, and side) merge Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino flavors into one very satisfying and easygoing meal, making it a fantastic choice for cheap eats in the city and great happy hour items!
Wiseguy Pizza
- Address: multiple locations
- Chinatown: 300 Massachusetts Ave NW #1, Washington, DC 20001
- DuPont Circle: 1205 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
- Navy Yard: 202 M St SE Washington, DC 20003
Snag two slices of one of the best pizza from Wiseguy for under $10, even for specialty slices. With multiple locations spread out around the city—ensure a convenient pizza pit-stop, no matter where the midday hunger pangs strike.
More pizza spots to check in this guide to the best pizza in DC.
Roaming Rooster
- Address: multiple locations
- Woodridge: 3176 Bladensburg Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018
- U-Street: 1301 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Tenleytown: 4600 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Roaming Rooster takes fried chicken city-wide with multiple locations, including three brick-and-mortar spots and a ‘Roaming Rooster’ food truck. All fried chicken sandwiches and combos are under $10 and come with a customizable heat barometer.
Good Stuff Eatery
- Address: 3291 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20007
Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelson introduced this ritzy fast-casual burger joint to Capitol Hill years ago, and the persisting long lines are a strong indicator of local burger-obsession. Nearly all burger options are under $10 and French fries or their infamous milkshakes can be added for just a bit more.
GW Delicatessen
- Address: 2133 G St NW, Washington, DC 20037
Early morning sidewalk strollers can smell wafting bacon from GW Delicatessen blocks away. But by around 11:30, local high schoolers and GW students pack into the small store for hot and cold sandwiches and thrillingly refreshing drinks. The prices keep broke college students in mind, making it one of the best spots for cheap eats—an extra order of bacon won’t break the bank.
Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana
- Address: 3714 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Mezcalero takes inspiration from road-side Mexican kitchens and native Mexico City flavors to the streets of northwest’s Columbia Heights. Enjoy happy hour with affordable bites, as most quesadillas, tortas, and huaraches come in around $10 and three chicken Tinga tacos or two Gorditas add up to about the same. Enjoy a sip of Mezcal Margaritas, too!
Open Crumb
Address: 1243 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, DC 20020
Family run and Black owned, Anacostia’s Open Crumb is introducing this DC corner to familiar interpretations of stellar West African flavors. All sandwiches clock in under $10 and traditional West African sides star jollof rice, fried plantains, and wakye (Ghanaian rice and black eyed peas).
The Well Dressed Burrito
- Address:1220 19th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20036
Inexpensive burritos are hard to come by in this Metropolitan city, but The Well Dressed Burrito is breaking tradition with three options that barely push $8. Quesadillas, Chimichangas, taco duos, and enchiladas reinforce the Tex-Mex menu, all with exceptionally reasonable prices, making it a prime example of what restaurants offer for budget-conscious diners.
Bub and Pop’s
- Address: 1815 M St NW Washington DC 20036
The Italian Hoagie from Bub and Pop’s garnered Washington Post sandwich praise earlier this year, but almost all of the South Philly-born sandwich menu can be made affordable with a $10 half sub…which is a plenty hearty lunch for most of us.
The Neopol Smokery
- Address: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
The Neopol Smokery at Union Market pays tribute to all things smoked fish. All deli-style sandwiches, gravlax crostini, and smoked salmon crepes come in at $10 or less—which is a rare deal for prime salmon and seafood products.
Salumeria
- Address: 33 N St NE, Washington, DC 20002
With an excellent and wallet friendly lunch deli menu, Salumeria is dishing out Italian-American classics like Chicken Parm, Eggplant Parm, and lasagna by the pound. Every pound serving is $10 each and can feed up to two people, so it’s either an extraordinary deal or will leave you with an exceptionally full belly.
I Egg You
- Address: 517 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Limited availability only makes I Egg You’s well-priced breakfast and brunch items more irresistible. A weekend-only extension of CHIKO’s daily grub, the breakfast sandwiches (available until 1 PM on Saturday and Sunday) feature bacon, sausage, Nutella, and, of course, eggs. For added fun, check out their “Birds, Bubbles, and Bourbon” happy hour, held from 4-7 PM on select Fridays, where you can enjoy delicious chicken dishes, bourbon cocktails, and live jazz.
Pay a Little Extra… (Just above $10)
Federalist Pig
- Address: 1654 Columbia Rd, Washington, DC 20009
Barbecue gets a sandwich make-over steeped with crispy pork, melted cheese, and barbecue sauce. Enjoy this affordable lunch spot in Adams Morgan!
Shouk
- Address: 655 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
Vegan pitas and bowls highlight beautifully manipulated veggie creations (like mushroom shawarma) for just over $10.
Yellow The Cafe
- Address: multiple locations
- Georgetown: 1524 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
- Union Market: 417 morse street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
To get one of the best coffee in Washington, DC, arrive just before noon to snag the ‘breakfast pita sandwich’ or ‘Za’atar croissant sandwich for under $10. Yellow also offers lunch items that are worth a few extra dollars.
