Five (Low-Key) Restaurants to Try This Weekend

This week's edition of "Five Restaurants to Try" focuses on no-frills and quick-service restaurants, since most traditional places will be booked solid due to Valentine's Day celebrations.

Quick Friday Night Dinner: Beefsteak

[Photo: R. Lopez]

Start the weekend off on a virtuous note by making a trip to Beefsteak, José Andrés' vegetable-centric fast casual restaurant. Beefsteak is an especially good option for no-fuss pre-theater dining near the Kennedy Center.

Friday night drinks: Galaxy Hut

Galaxy Hut [Photo: Facebook]

Galaxy Hut (and Falls Church sister bar Spacebar) is a great Northern Virginia option for a solid beer selection, low key atmosphere and — most importantly — totchos. Remember: dive bars don't discriminate on Valentine's Day weekend.

Saturday Breakfast: Market Lunch

Market Lunch [Photo: Official]

Get into the spirit of Eater Breakfast Week, kicking off this Monday, by heading to Eastern Market's historic lunch counter. Try their famous blueberry buckwheat pancakes (those who gravitate more towards lunch items at brunch can go for the crab cakes).

Saturday Quick Lunch: Beef 'N Bread

Beef 'N Bread [Photo: Facebook]

Not interested in fighting the Eastern Market bustle? Head instead to Beef 'N Bread, the new sandwich spot from the Wiseguy Pizza team. Roast beef sandwiches are a specialty.

Sunday half smoke: Meats & Foods

Meats & Foods [Photo: Official]

Ben's Chili Bowl may get all the fame for D.C.'s iconic half-smoke, but there are actually several other, more artisan versions out there at places like Straw Stick & Brick Delicatessen and DC-3. Find one of the best at this lunch counter.