With the economy a wilder ride than most roller coasters these days, everyone’s looking for reliable bargains. So it's not surprising that there have been a flurry of budget-friendly openings in recent months, including Ray’s Hell Burgers, Tap & Vine and Nando’s Peri-Peri. But if you’re looking for something a little more tried-and-true, here are the top five Best Bangs for Your Buck, courtesy of the 2009 Washington, DC/Baltimore Restaurants guide:
2425 18th St. NW; 202-234-1969
“After a night of excess”, head to this “no-frills” “late-night institution” in Adams Morgan, where the “hip” “young crowds” know the drill: “pile your falafel high” with “mouthwatering” toppings from an “extensive” self-serve bar (an “amazing” “rainbow of flavors and textures”); “bargain prices” help make it the Top Bang for the Buck in the DC Survey, and the “minimalist menu” is bolstered by “super crunchy fries” and fudgy brownies; N.B. no credit cards.
For “humongous”, “finger-lickin’” burgers so “full of beefy goodness” they “leak grease through their wrappers” plus “mountains” of “fantastic” “fresh-cut fries”, this “über-franchising” “phenomenon” is “the best deal in town” (it’s the Top Bang for the Buck in the Baltimore Survey); legions of loyalists also give “a high five” to the “terrific fixin’s” and “free roasted peanuts”, so who cares about “zero atmosphere” and “fast-food” service?
1213 U St. NW; 202-667-0909
“Line up with everybody from Dupont hipsters to cabdrivers” to “the mayor” (past and present) at this “legendary” U Street “perfect dive” for “stand-up-and-slap-your-mama” eats; the “friendly, not too chatty” staff delivers “giant” half-smokes [spicy hot dogs] and “chili-cheese fries that are not on the USDA food plan” – but this is one “late-night DC” “greasefest” “worth the year of your life it might cost you”; P.S. it “caters to vegetarians” too.
730 Seventh St. NW; 202-347-3225
1300 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-327-2255
A “salad isn’t just a salad, it’s a meal and a half” at these “cheery”, “healthy” fast-food outlets now sprouting around town; a Manhattan-grown concept involving “endless combos” of “fresh”, “choose-your-own” fixings that the counterfolk “slice and dice” with double-bladed knives, it’s “not cheap”, but it makes the cut with lunchtime “masses”; P.S. “the only thing longer than the ingredient list is the line.”
3229 14th St. NW; 202-745-0078
Hailed as the “Latin KFC”, these Central American “fast-food joints” are a “muy bueno” “alternative” for “addictive fried chicken” prepared with special seasonings to provide “a little kick” and backed by “unusual” sides; a few cynics “don’t see what the brouhaha is all about”, but amigos advise “bring your Spanish dictionary” and enjoy.