
Lately, it feels like D.C. is getting a new trending restaurant every week. Whether your Instagram feed has been filled with napkin-throwing at Balos, the glimmering ceilings of La Grande Boucherie, or Osteria Mozza’s marble-topped tables, we know it can be hard hit all the buzzy new spots without breaking the bank.
However, several affordable dining options are tucked inside D.C.’s streets if you know where to look! For those who want to enjoy a no-frills dining experience, and stay on a budget, we’ve rounded up some of the best cheap D.C. eats for under $10.
1. So’s Your Mom
This cash-only bagel joint and deli has been running in Adams Morgan for over 45 years. While you won’t find any seats inside, you’ll discover countless affordable sandwiches under $10, such as their bacon, egg, and cheese bagels, $7.50 BLTs, and $9.50 roast beef sandwiches. Want to skip the line? Call ahead for an easy pickup!
📍 Adams Morgan: 1831 Columbia Rd NW
2. Bagels Etc.
In a world where lox feels like a luxury lately, Bagels Etc. is making all of our bagel dreams come true. Whether you want to enjoy a plain cream cheese bagel ($2.69) or level things up with lox ($5.99), the Dupont Circle bagel joint has plenty of affordable options for you to choose from. If you’re not feeling a bagel, try their pancakes, eggs, and breakfast meat special for just $6.99.
📍 Dupont Circle: 2122 P St NW #100
3. Ivy and Coney
Ivy and Coney’s slogan, “cheap food, cheap beer, even cheaper company,” says all you need to know about the pricing on their menu. The Shaw sports bar serves up “Coney Dogs” and Chicago-style hot dogs for only $6. Want to level things up while keeping your order under $10? Add nacho cheese to your Coney Dog for an extra $2.
📍 Shaw: 1537 7th St NW
4. 7th Street Burger
7th Street Burger has made a name for itself with its mouthwatering smash burgers and a straightforward menu that’s easy to love. You can’t go wrong with their classic cheeseburger for just $7.67, served with American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and house sauce on a potato bun. For the vegetarians in the room, an Impossible burger runs you under $10 as well. Plus, they’re open until 3 am for those late-night cravings.
📍 Georgetown: 1424 Wisconsin Ave NW
5. Joia Burger
A recent addition to Mount Pleasant, Joia Burger is serving up wagyu smash burgers and fries with a Filipino flare. You can get a single patty burger for $9, which comes with American cheese, and Chef Patrice Cleary’s special sauce mixed with diced lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. Other eats under $10 include the loaded Joia fries ($7), ube soft serve ($6), and bacon pasta salad ($6). Another location is set to open in Glover Park shortly.
📍Mount Pleasant: 3213 Mt Pleasant St NW
6. Meats and Foods
As their no-nonsense name suggests, Meats and Foods has a compact, affordable menu filled with items like $5 sloppy joes and $7.25 all-beef chili. You can also grab a $5.45 “Chillito,” which consists of beef chili and cheddar cheese wrapped in a handmade flour tortilla. Along with its prepared food, the Florida Ave storefront has a handful of pantry staples, including sausage links, bacon, and tortillas.
📍 Bloomingdale: 247 Florida Ave NW
7. Falafel Inc.
A beloved local restaurant, Falafel Inc. may have some of the cheapest food options in the city. With pita sandwiches starting at $4 and bowls starting at $5, the fast-casual restaurant is both affordable and convenient. Add on $4 zaatar fries and your order will likely still stay under $10!
Falafel Inc. has partnered with the World Food Programme and has donated over 200,000 meals to refugees around the world.
📍 Foggy Bottom: 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
📍 Georgetown: 1210 Potomac St NW
📍 The Wharf: 1140 Maine Ave SW
8. A. Litteri
A. Litteri is a great place to enjoy authentic Italian provisions without breaking the bank. With an expansive selection of imported meats, cheeses, olives, and more, the unassuming shop has become a local hotspot. From chicken parm sandwiches ($6.99) to meatball subs ($6.99), the old-school grocery store in Union Market is one of the best spots in D.C. to grab an affordable bite to eat.
📍 Union Market: 517 Morse St NE
9. Byblos Deli
Steps from the Cleveland Park Metro, Byblos Deli is serving up quick Mediterranean bites, from pita sandwiches to platters. Grab a chicken shawarma pita for just $9.75, or enjoy a falafel platter for $9.95. The deli is also conveniently located near the National Zoo, making for a great lunch spot if you’re visiting the Giant Pandas and other incredible species at the zoo.
📍 Cleveland Park: 3414 Connecticut Ave NW
10. Arepa Zone
Arepa Zone is making waves in numerous corners of the city, offering delicious arepas starting at $7. Fillings under $10 include ham and queso fresco ($8), shredded beef ($9), and black beans, sweet plantains, and avocado ($9). The $8 tequeños de queso are also unmissable! On top of its three indoor D.C. locations, Arepa Zone can be found at Audi Field and Nats Park.
Where:
📍 Downtown: 1121 14th St NW
📍 Foggy Bottom: 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Unit 11
📍 Union Market, Mosaico by Arepa Zone: 1280 4th St NE
⚽ Audi Field: Section 125
⚾ Nats Park: Section 304
11. Julia’s Empanadas
Established in 1993 in Adams Morgan, Julia’s Empanadas is a great option for cheap eats in D.C. Handmade and “baked with love,” the $6 empanadas contain an array of flavorful fillings like Jamaican beef, chorizo, and spinach and cheese. Craving something sweet? Try their dessert empanadas!
📍Adams Morgan: 2452 18th St NW
📍 Dupont Circle: 1221 Connecticut Ave NW
📍 Brightwood: 6235 Georgia Ave NW