Bob & Edith's is a family-owned greasy spoon with tasty and affordable food. Photo courtesy of Bob & Edith's Diner

What Are the Best Cheap Places to Eat in DC for Kids & Families?

1. Bob & Edith's Diner — Various Locations in Alexandria, Arlington, Manassas, & Springfield, VA

This family-owned greasy spoon has eight locations in Northern Virginia, including the original one on Columbia Pike in Arlington (open since 1969). My family loves to come here for breakfast, but we hear it has great lunch and dinner as well (some locations are open 24 hours). You can also order breakfast any time of day! Some of the most kid-friendly options on the menu are under or right around $10, including hot cakes, waffles, and burgers or grilled cheese with fries—and that's not even from a kids menu! It's good, reliable comfort food.

1. Ben's Chili Bowl — Various Locations in DC & in Reagan National Airport

There's a reason this iconic spot that opened on U Street in 1958 is still going strong. Now with several additional DC locations, Ben's serves up delicious jumbo half-smokes and hot dogs, burgers, and large chili bowls all for under $10. Add a $2 slice of cornbread or split a side of fries and you've got yourself a cheap and satisfying meal thats quintessentially DC and kid-approved. Note: Prices will be higher at the locations in the DC Convention Center, Reagan National Airport, and Nationals Park (as well as the spot soon to open at Dulles Airport).

Note: As of January 2026 the U Street location was closed for repairs, but a pop-up location across the street was open.

3. Tony's NY Pizza — Fairfax & Oakton, VA

OK, hear me out: As a born-and-raised New Yorker, I'm a complete pizza snob and never really found a slice spot I loved since moving to the DC area in 2011. But then Tony's opened its third Northern Virginia location close to my house (in Fairfax) and it quickly became my family's go-to place to eat after my sons' sporting events. Is it New York good? No, but it's pretty dang close, and it's great to be able to go in and order various types of pizza by the slice—all for $5 or less. I've liked all the ones I tried other than the Sicilian slice (too doughy).

4. Taco Bamba — Various Locations in DC, MD, & VA

Born and raised in Los Angeles, my husband judges Mexican food the way I judge pizza. He's a big fan of this fast-casual spot with over a dozen locations in the DC area. Our kids and I love it, too! Though prices differ slightly by location, several of the tacos on the menu cost around $4—two of those and a side of chips will land you right around $10. We also love the hearty chicken quesadilla and the loaded nachos, both of which will fill you up for under $10. Some locations have more seating than others, so check before you go!

5. The Sandwich Shop — Vienna, VA

I learned about this spot from a fellow mom, who described it as "amazing—my fave!" A quick online search told me she is certainly not alone. The sandwiches (both hot and cold options) are hearty, and many of them are $10 or under—try egg, chicken, or tuna salad on toasted brioche, turkey and brie on toasted ciabatta, fried chicken breast onn a toasted semolina bun, and more. Everything on the kids menu, from a PB+J to chicken tenders, is $8 or less. Note: The Sandwich Shop is closed on Mondays.

Great fresh, healthy food for less at Falafel Inc. Photo courtesy of Falafel Inc Instagram

6. Falafel Inc. — Various Locations in DC, MD, & VA

Think you can't get a healthy meal in DC for under $10? Think again! Falafel Inc. serves up authentic (and yummy) falafels, hummus, bowls, and sides for cheap—most are under $10! And you can feel good while you eat well, because Falafel Inc. donates a portion of its earnings to help refugees through the World Food Programme. There are a dozen locations in the DC area, and there's even one in Los Angeles now!

7. Bullfrog Bagels — Various Locations in DC

Again, New Yorker here, so take it from me when I say how truly satisfying a bagel sandwich for breakfast or lunch can be. And while I have't tried many bagel spots in the DC area, I've done the research, and it tells me that Bullfrog Bagels is a solid choice for bagel sandwiches in DC. You can get a classic egg and cheese with bacon or sausage for under $10. If eggs-for-lunch is not your thing, you can get a BLT on a bagel, a tuna melt on a bialy, and several other options for less than $10 as well.

Note: Seating is very limited at some locations and non-existent in others, so go as early as you can to try to snag a table, or expect to take the food out to eat elsewhere. You should also expect to wait in line on weekends and peak morning times. It's popular!

8. Eden Center — Falls Church, VA

Eden Center is the largest Vietnamese shopping center on the East Coast, home to over 120 restaurants, supermarkets, and shops. In it, you'll find food stalls with plenty of authentic Vietnamese dishes for under or a little over $10. I'm talking pork and rice combos, noodle soups, vermicelli bowls, and more. Everyone can order what they want and then sit down to enjoy it at an indoor or outdoor table. People come from all over the DC area and beyond to eat here!

Which Cheap Local Spots Are Hidden Gems (and Worth the Trip)?

9. The Chicken Place — Falls Church, VA

A dad I know says this is his family's favorite spot in the area for rotisserie chicken, and when I saw the prices, my jaw hit the floor. You can get a 1/4 chicken with a house salad and a side of fries, yuca, or rice for less than $8 (make it a 1/2 chicken and you're still under $10), a burger and fries for under $7, or a gyro platter for around $9. And those aren't even the only cheap options!

10. Ixtapalapa Taqueria — Gaithersburg, MD

Locals call this place a true hidden gem, with authentic, flavorful, and cheap Mexican street food. Burritos with meat are less than $7, burrito bowls are $8, enchiladas are $9, and quesadillas—that classic kid favorite—are only $6. Children can also order the kids quesadilla or chicken. fingers for under $5. And tacos cost as little as $3 each. That means parents can splurge on a margarita without feeling guilty (just saying)!

11. Chit Chaat Cafe — Vienna, VA

You can't get more hidden than Chit Chaat Cafe—it's inside a Mobil gas station! But despite its odd location, this place is legit. Chit Chaat serves up classic Indian street food made from scratch. Several kid-friendly items are under $10, like butter chicken and chicken tikka masala. Kids might also enjoy the $2 samosas and the $7 masala fries. One mom called Chit Chaat "one of my faves—it's soooo good!" Anything that calls for that many "o's" is worth the trip! Seating is extremely limited, so plan to take out the food and picnic on the Town Green (a 2-minute walk) if it's nice out, or bring it back home.

The food trucks lining the National Mall serve a variety of foods. Photo by Roman Babakin via canva.com

Are There Any Cheap Family Restaurants in DC Near Major Attractions?

12. National Mall and Memorial Parks (DC) — Food Trucks

All along 14th Street (near the Washington Monument) and 7th Street (near the museums), you'll find a plethora of food trucks lined up daily with a huge range of offerings at affordable prices, from pizza and hot dogs to burritos and gyros. You'll even find sweet treats like ice cream. Pick what you like, then plop down on a bench or the grass for a picnic. The food trucks are the easiest and most affordable option on our list of family-friendly places to eat near the National Mall.

13. US Capitol and Library of Congress (DC) — Pete's Diner

This Capitol Hill neighborhood favorite is just steps away from the US Capitol and the Library of Congress, both of which have interesting exhibits and are free to visit. This laid-back diner is known for its generous portions of breakfast and comfort foods at ;affordable prices. Burgers and sandwiches that come with fries and a drink cost a little more than $10. You can also get pancakes, waffles, or French toast for under $10, and a cheese omelette with home fries and toast for only around $11. There is both indoor and outdoor seating.

What Should Families Order to Stay Under $10?

While the above spots all have menu items under $10, there are ways you can eat for the same amount at other restaurants. Here are a few money-saving strategies when ordering at a restaurant:

• Try the kids menu: Even if your child is really hungry, kids menu portions are often almost as much as—and sometime even the same size as—adult portions! If you're in a quick-service restaurant, you might even want to order off the kids menu for yourself if you're not super hungry.
• Stick with water: Sometimes, even a soft drink can be half the price of a meal!
• Share entrees or sides: Many restaurants have huge portions, and sharing food will still give you plenty to eat.
• Look for lunch specials: If you're dining during lunch hours, many restaurants have lunch specials that are cheaper than the regular entrees.

Insider Tips for Eating Out Cheap with Kids

• Go early: Many restaurants have early-bird or happy hour specials on both food and drinks.
• Take advantage of kids-eat-free nights: Check out our list of DC restaurants where kids eat free. You can also check restaurant's websites or call to ask whether they have a kids-eat-free night
• Eat at food markets: Not only do they often have affordable prices, but have variety so everyone can eat what they want.
• Follow local restaurants on social media: They often post specials or flash deals!
• Bring refillable water bottles: If you're eating at a grab-and-go place, you don't want to get stuck having to pay for bottled water.

Cheap Food in DC FAQ

Q: What are the best cheap restaurants in DC for families?
A: Local favorites like Ben's Chili Bowl, Bob & Edith's Diner, and Bullfrog Bagels serve great food for under $10 per person — all kid-approved.

Q: Where can kids eat free or cheap in DC?
A: Many casual diners and local, family-owned spots have menu items under $10, offer low-cost kids’ meals or weekday specials, or have kids-eat-free-nights. Check the locations' websites or call for more info.

Q: What kind of food can families get for under $10 in DC?
A: Pizza, tacos, sandwiches, and noodle bowls, and breakfast plates are some of the most common meals you can find for under $10 in the DC area.

Q: Are there good cheap restaurants near the National Mall?
A: Yes! There are tons of of food trucks all along 14th Street and 7th Street where you can grab a quick, affordable bite.

Q: How can families save money eating out in DC?
A: Eat at lunchtime, share entrees, try food trucks, and skip touristy restaurants that jack up prices.