Budget Eats In Washington D.C. for Under $10

If you're a foodie, or know how to appreciate a fine dining experience, then Washington D.C. is the place for you. We'll save the expensive meals for a later date, but if you're eating on a budget, these are the best places to go for meals under $10.

Legendary, affordable and absolutely delicious, Ben's Chili Bowl is a restaurant to put on your D.C. bucket list. The place has been a Washington D.C. staple since the 1950s, and has impressed guests of all walks of life. From die-hard chili fanatics to the President of the United States of America, Ben's Chili aims to impress. Not too spicy, and not bland either, Ben's famous chili contains no beans. Try it on top of fries, hotdogs or a burger. And if you really want to fit in with the D.C. crowd, order one of the "half smokes," a smoked sausage made with half beef and half pork. No matter when you visit the nation's capital, don't forget about Ben's Chili Bowl. With a delightful staff and quaint diner-like atmosphere, it's the place to go for cheap, scrumptious food under $10 a plate. Located at 1213 U Street NW. For more information, call 202-667-0909.

With a celebrity chef at the helm of the kitchen, how could Good Stuff Eatery be anything but great? Chef Spike, a former contestant of the hit Bravo series, Top Chef, runs this popular Washington D.C. eatery with his family. Opened on Capitol Hill in July 2008, the restaurant serves up classic handcrafted burgers, hand-cut fries, handspun milkshakes and farm fresh salads, all made with top-notch ingredients. The food is messy, but definitely worth every bite. Best of all, patrons can order an entree for under $10. Located at 303 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. For more information, 202-543-8222.

Calling all night owls, early risers and breakfast-at-anytime lovers. The Diner, located in Adams Morgan at 2453 18th Street NW, can make your bacon and eggs at 4 a.m. dream come true. Or maybe baby-back ribs with a pint of beer is more your style. Either way, this cozy joint with an attached bar can make it happen. Open 24 hours a day, The Diner features tantalizing daily specials including Pot Roast Monday, Fried Chicken Tuesday and Pecan Crusted Trout Friday. Stop in for an after-work appetizer or an after-hours burger and fries. Meal prices run $10 and below. For more information, call 202-232-8800.

We know a good Caribbean restaurant when we see one, and Andrene's Caribbean & Soul Food Carryout is among the best. If you're new to the Caribbean food scene, don't be afraid to ask for samples at this walk-up counter at 308 Kennedy Street NW. Andrene's features signature dishes like the curried goat and slow-cooked oxtail. Jerk chicken is a good standby, and the restaurant serves it up as a salad, sandwich or wings. Not feeling to adventurous. Try a side of their homemade mac and cheese or smoky-sweet BBQ ribs. Prices range from $1.25-$10. For more information, call 202-291-7007.

Need a quick, cheap Mexican fix? Visit Taqueria Distrito Federal in Columbia Heights. This authentic Mexican hangout is the place for excellent tacos, burritos and carnitas. One of the more interesting items on the menu is the milanesa de pollo torta. For $7, you can fill up with this breaded chicken sandwich served with avocado, beans, mayonnaise and cheese. The taqueria's menu items range from $2-$6. Smells from the street are free, but way too tempting. Located at 3463 14th Street NW. For more information, call 202-276-7331.