By DCist contributor Elisabeth Grant

D.C. can be an expensive place to eat lunch. A meal from Cosi will set you back $8, any sit-down place is at least twice as much that, and even if you’re just going for coffee, a grande pumpkin spice latte (the most delicious beverage on the planet) will put you out over $4. While many of the folks who work on or around the Hill, like those with expense accounts, may not mind shelling out double digits in cash for lunch, there are plenty of us looking for a good deal. Whether you’re a Hill staffer, a non-profit lobbyist, or a Senator who is saving all your money for a legal defense fund, check out the places below to live the dream of eating out for $5 or less on Capitol Hill.

Eastern Market – 306 7th Street, SE
Eastern Market is still undergoing renovations to repair the major damage caused by a fire on April 30, 2007. However, vendors have been able continue to serve their customers in a temporary facility located across the street. Venture inside and you’ll find multiple inexpensive places to eat:

The Market Lunch
The Market Lunch is a neighborhood favorite for brunch on the weekends, drawing crowds who know the wait (sometimes up to an hour) is worth it. Luckily, it never gets as crowded on weekdays, when you can get a hamburger for $3.95, a bacon cheeseburger for $4.75, or a hot ham & cheese for $4.95. There are a number of other sandwiches in the $4.50 range, but you’ll have to get them on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday; the Market Lunch is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Photo of the pre-fire Market Lunch from Hoffman.