Delicious Dishes Under $15 In Washington, D.C.

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Drunken falafel is the quintessential D.C. experience, but it’s also pretty delightful to eat while sober. The fast-casual joint welcomes hoards of locals eager to receive its freshly cooked falafel and lets customers add their own toppings at the self-serve topping bar. The falafel is crisped to perfection, and is of better quality than most upscale restaurants in the area. The original location is nestled in an iconic bar strip, and the line is typically out the door past 2 a.m.

The customizable ramen bowl at this full-service restaurant will far surpass your expectations. Select your spice level on a scale of 1-8, pick your broth (pork, chicken or vegetarian), and add toppings. Who knew cheap noodles could taste like a gourmet dish when you add just the right spices?

Perry’s tuna tartare is life changing, and that’s only a slight exaggeration. The decadently rich, perfectly raw meat melts on your tongue, and the stellar presentation will leave you dreaming about dead fish for months to come. The dish is accompanied with light, perfectly salted rice cakes to add balance and a crispier texture.

D.C.’s own taco chain offers a delectable and healthy breakfast taco. Fill your taco with egg whites, potatoes, tomatoes, and sprinkle on a little extra at the toppings bar. There are optional proteins like bacon, chorizo or cane asada, for those who prefer a meaty start to the day.

This neighborhood Jewish bakery offers an assortment of breads and pastries, and they all taste like heaven. Signs around the bakery prohibit laptop and cellphone use and instead urge you to have a conversation with someone nearby. The policy works, because the freshly baked English muffins and cinnamon chocolate monkey bread will leave you singing praises to anyone who will listen.

Dupont Circle’s local bagery is the quintessential hole in the wall spot for unbelievable food. The quaint eatery offers some of the freshest bagels available in the city for not-so-D.C. prices. Bagels Etc is a narrow, easy to miss spot on a busy street, but the friendly-family staff and loyal cliental keep the business thriving. Order a super bagel for $5 and you’ll get plain cream cheese, sprouts, tomato, onion and optional avocado.