Budget Travel: D.C. Dining on a Dime

by Evvie Meier

Thanks to a particularly exciting recent election, Washington D.C. has experienced a surge in tourism. D.C. is widely known as a relatively low-cost vacation, with many of its most important sites, including museums and monuments, available to visitors for free. A vacation in D.C. can add up, of course, as hotel rates, transportation costs, and good tabs start to add up. For those planning travel to D.C. with hopes of keeping costs low, skip the fancy sit-downs and head to these satisfying and cheap D.C. restaurants.


Ben’s Chili Bowl, U. Street
Established in 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl is a D.C. institution, attracting the likes of Barack Obama and Bill Cosby. Don’t expect a calm meal: Ben’s popularity creates a busy, noisy environment and a frequent wait for seating, but this fun, boisterous atmosphere is part of the chili joint’s draw. Ben’s serves up cheap, greasy, comfort food that hits the spot, and its signature plate is the chili dog. Meals run around $5.

Pizza Paradiso, Georgetown, Dupont Circle
Pizza Paradiso is a local favorite, offering a variety of pizza’s that can be shared for a cheap D.C. meal in both Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Although there is frequently a wait, the critically-acclaimed crust is worth the wait.

Julia’s Empanadas, Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle
This D.C. staple is a friendly, small eatery where the owner, Julia, still cooks her famous Empanadas regularly. Expect cheap and tasty empanadas based on recipes from several South American countries, with fillings ranging from beef, chicken, chorizo, spinach, and more. Perfect for a light snack or coupled with fried dough as a dessert, Julia’s Empanadas is open late and hits the spot late-night.

Amsterdam Falafelshop, Adams Morgan
Lovers of the falafel will not be disappointed with this cheap D.C. meal. Open until 4 a.m. on weekends, Amsterdam Falafel draws a strong late-night following, but their tasty pitas are delicious at any hour. The D.C. eatery serves only falafels, with a self-serve bar that allows patrons to load on the toppings of their choice.