Photo by gerdaindc.
By DCist Contributor Travis Mitchell
Dinner dates don’t—and shouldn’t—have to end with Valentine’s Day. All the talk of multi-course menus and wine pairings can make planning an affordable dinner out for two in D.C. seem daunting. But hope exists for budget-conscious couples looking for ideas beyond the typical fast-casual options. Here just a few of the many budget-friendly options for dinner dates that can be found around D.C.
ZENEBECH INJERA: Ethiopian food is popular fare in D.C., and this Shaw spot is no exception. The kitchen can be slow to turn out food on busier days, but that leaves more time to linger over the selection of $4 Ethiopian beers. Entree prices hover around a budget-friendly $10, and the tasty and spicy $14 Mehaberawi combo platter is a showcase of meat and vegetable dishes and well-sized for a couple to share.
Zenebech Injera is located at 608 T Street NW.
DENIZENS BREWING CO: Head to Silver Spring and load up on BBQ and a fresh pint of beer. Food is provided by BBQ Bus with sandwiches costing between $11 and $13 and a two-meat “picnic plate” running a reasonable $15. You can also order individual orders as well as meat by the pound. Beer selections include southside rye, third party belgian-style tripel, and others.
Denizens Brewing Co is located at 1115 East-West Highway in Silver Spring Md.
CHEF GEOFF’S: Schedule your date in the early evening and take advantage of Chef Geoff’s sunset special. From 4 to 6:30 p.m. daily, diners can get a three-course meal for $23.95 a person. The deal features items off the regular menu and main courses include options like pizzas, salmon, burgers, curry chicken, and a variety of pastas. You also get any soup or salad and any dessert.
Cheff Geoff’s has four locations in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, though the sunset special is not available at the downtown D.C. location.
Chef Geoff’s has multiple locations in the D.C. area.
CHING CHING CHA: This tea house is relatively hidden gem among the bustle of Georgetown. In addition to a selection of teas, there is a menu of snacks like dumplings and rolls for $5. For a more substantial meal, try the $14 tea meal, which comes with vegetables, rice, a bowl of soup and a featured dish such as curry chicken or miso salmon.
Ching Ching Cha is located at 1063 Wisconsin Avenue NW.
TAQUERIA HABANERO: Low-maintenance dates craving comfort Mexican food will appreciate this small family operation. Diners are raving about the $2.50 tacos here, which are made with homemade corn tortillas. The restaurant also serves tortas, quesadillas, and huaraches—a traditional Mexican dish served on top of a fried masa base.
Taqueria Habanero is located at 3710 14th Street NW.
DONBURI: The craveable rice bowls at this Adams Morgan spot are hardly more expensive than a Chipotle burrito. Toppings include everything from fried chicken to salmon sashimi to barbecued eel. (The lack of a liquor license will also help keep your tab low.) This small and lively counter-only spot is not the place to settle in for an evening of long conversation, but it’s a good option for a cheap dinner that breaks from ordinary.
Donburi is located at 2438 18th Street NW.
Where’s your favorite place for a cheap date? Tell us in the comments.
