“Washington, D.C. - Best Budget Restaurants”

by Carlton Smith, Travel Editor

Address: 1751 Pennsylvania Ave NW, between 17th and 18th Sts, Washington, DC 20006

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10Best Description: Bread Line offers exactly what the name states on two counts: you get great bread, but you'll probably have to wait in line. Still, with the city's best baguettes, freshest bagels, tastiest muffins, and most flavorful scones, the place promises food that's certainly worth the wait. The decor is ... More info »

Address: 713 H St NW, Washington, DC 20004

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10Best Description: Matchbox is famous for their mini burgers served on toasted brioche and topped with piles of curly onions. Order three, six, or nine. The pizzas, hand-tossed and cooked in a wood-burning oven, are to die for too.

Address: 1835 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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10Best Description: Lauriol Plaza sits right at the juncture of the Adams-Morgan and Dupont Circle neighborhoods. A rather nondescript facade belies the restaurant's lively, welcoming interior, which features a window wall and brightly colored murals. Guests relax at linen-covered tables and enjoy tangy ... More info »

Address: 707 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20006

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10Best Description: This Texas-style barbecue shack sits right in the middle of Chinatown, yet the beef brisket is as good as anything you’ll find in the Lone Star State.

Address: 1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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10Best Description: Although you can get wonderful chili (including vegetarian) at this family-run restaurant and have it served with just about any dish, you'll also find true Southern breakfasts and other tasty items. The Chili Half-Smoke is reported to be a favorite of Bill Cosby's, and you're likely to see other ... More info »

Address: 2453 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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10Best Description: Housed in a former auto shop, this 24-hour eatery has been spruced up with fresh yellow paint and sporty red booths. A wide variety of menu choices ranging from omelets to meatloaf to pasta keeps hungry patrons filing in all night long. The spicy carrot cake topped with rich cream cheese icing wins ... More info »

Address: 3715 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC 20016

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10Best Description: This pizzeria stays busy, but don't let that keep you away. While 2 Amys' wood-fired pies are topped with everything from eggplant confit to cockles, their authentic Neapolitan pizzas steal the show. Recognized by the Italian government as Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC), Neapolitan ... More info »

Address: 1070 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007

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10Best Description: Order a Moby's Combo platter, and prepare to dig into some of the best kebabs you've ever tasted. This restaurant specializes in Persian food on a skewer. The meat is juicy and tender, and everything comes at a bargain price. Freshly baked bread and tasty hummus accompany the kebabs for even more ... More info »

Address: 400 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

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10Best Description: This wonderful teahouse is a welcome departure from standard fare. Asian-tinged cuisine includes bento box lunches and kicky sandwiches, but flavor-filled, homestyle desserts are Continental classics. While you enjoy the abundant (and exotic) tea menu, don't forget to sample excellent cookies, ... More info »

Address: 575 7th St, Washington, DC 20004

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10Best Description: From the striped carpet to the red woven seats to the mosaic tiles, a rich color scheme and strong geometric patterns dominate the amazing three-level interior of this Mexican restaurant. Its best-known drink, the pomegranate margarita, is the perfect accompaniment to guacamole, which is prepared ... More info »

Address: 401 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

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10Best Description: Check out Jose Andres newest restaurant for smaller Mexican dishes and a wider range of flavors. Order several dishes, and share them. Our favorites include tuna ceviche, Vera Cruz-style red snapper, and Tamales Verdes. Jose's other eateries in Penn Quarter include Cafe Atlantica/minibar (Nuevo ... More info »

Address: 405 8th St NW, between D and E Sts, Washington, DC 20004-2102

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10Best Description: This visually stunning café features fiery red walls, black and white tiling, and a winding black staircase, creating the ideal backdrop for dramatic works by Latin American artists. Highly recommended dishes include Ecuadorian seared scallops over crispy rice cooked in coconut oil, quail prepared ... More info »

Address: 405 8th St NW, Café Atlántico, 2nd floor, Washington, DC

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10Best Description: Call at least a month a head to hold a space at this six-person bar, where guests savor the tasting menu's fabulous Latin-inspired eats with intriguing flights of wine. Prix fixe $120/person. METRO: Archives/Naval Memorial

Address: 5037 Connecticut Ave, Washington, DC 20008

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10Best Description: Clever decor, from ping-pong topped dining tables to oversized white balls illuminating the space, gives this outstanding pizza joint an appealing rec room theme.

Address: 2459 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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10Best Description: Tryst bills itself as coffeehouse, bar, and lounge. It's a trendy sort of place that attracts a diverse crowd. Enjoy a steaming cup of coffee, a light meal, or a favorite cocktail from the bar. Espresso drinks, coffees, and teas abound, and an array of tempting desserts appears as well. Try a ... More info »

Address: 3282 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

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10Best Description: Without exception, everyone raves about this fabulous place and its incredible pies. Pizzas baked in a wood-burning oven come with thin, hearty crusts and authentic ingredients. Without even sampling one, you can judge food quality by the lines outside the door. The small dining room provides more ... More info »