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Peter Chang
Peter Chang
R. Lopez

Eight Plate Lunches Under $10

One order and one meal for very little money

by Ross Perkins
View as Map
Peter Chang
| R. Lopez
by Ross Perkins

Being in a hurry for a quick, affordable meal and waiting in line for 20 minutes for an overpriced bowl of vegetables are two very different things. There are lunchtime deals to be had at many of the region's ethnic restaurants, and these deals combine lots of food for one low price. From the heart of the city to the region's suburbs, here are eight places that offer cheap plate lunches. For those looking for specifically Latin American plate lunches (most of which are super affordable), check out this map.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Bob & Edith's Diner

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At one of the most iconic diners in the region, hungry eaters can order the hamburger steak with two sides for $7.89.[Photo: Facebook]

2310 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204
(703) 920-6103
(703) 920-6103

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Donburi

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Not a plate lunch per se, but more like a bowl lunch. While getting some pushback for some recent price increases, this casual Japanese spot on 18th Street still has quick and delicious deals. The Oyakadon has sous vide chicken thigh for only $10. Or diners can build their own donburi bowls and save even more money depending on the toppings.[Photo: Facebook]

2438 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 629-1047
(202) 629-1047

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El Rinconcito Cafe

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The Salvadoran specialty chicharrones fritos (fried pork) comes with white rice, vegetables, refried beans and two tortillas for $10.95. There are two locations to choose from – one in Mt. Vernon and one in Columbia Heights.[Photo: Facebook]

1129 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 789-4110
(202) 789-4110

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Gharer Khabar

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This is homestyle Bengali food, so expect plenty of affordable curries and samosas. One of the house specialties is the beef curry for only $6.[Photo: Facebook]

5151 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 973-2432
(703) 973-2432

Joe's Noodle House

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On Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., there are 24 chicken, pork or tofu dishes that are $6.75. All the meals come with a vegetable spring roll or soup.[Photo: Facebook]

1488 Rockville Pike Ste C, Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 881-5518
(301) 881-5518

Kabob Palace

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Kabob Palace in Crystal City has a weekday special for $8.95. Sometimes it's chicken curry. Sometimes it's lamb curry. But it's always plenty of food.[Photo: Yelp / Ian O.]

2315 S Eads St, Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 486-3535
(703) 486-3535

Peter Chang

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The weekday lunch menu is where all the deals are at this Arlington favorite. Starting at $9 on Mondays through Fridays until 3 p.m., diners can choose from 16 different Szechuan meals.[Photo: Yelp / Quaker W.]

2503E N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 538-6688
(703) 538-6688

Also featured in:

Zenebech Injera

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Ethiopian cuisine is certainly one of D.C.'s culinary strong suits. Despite rumors this restaurant could possibly close, it's still offering an incredible deal for Shaw eaters. For $10, diners can have classic doro wat (stewed chicken) for lunch or dinner with injera (or brown rice for the gluten-free crowd). (UPDATED)[Photo: Facebook]

608 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 667-4700
(202) 667-4700

Also featured in:

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Bob & Edith's Diner

2310 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204

At one of the most iconic diners in the region, hungry eaters can order the hamburger steak with two sides for $7.89.[Photo: Facebook]

2310 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204
(703) 920-6103
(703) 920-6103

Donburi

2438 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Not a plate lunch per se, but more like a bowl lunch. While getting some pushback for some recent price increases, this casual Japanese spot on 18th Street still has quick and delicious deals. The Oyakadon has sous vide chicken thigh for only $10. Or diners can build their own donburi bowls and save even more money depending on the toppings.[Photo: Facebook]

2438 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 629-1047
(202) 629-1047

El Rinconcito Cafe

1129 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

The Salvadoran specialty chicharrones fritos (fried pork) comes with white rice, vegetables, refried beans and two tortillas for $10.95. There are two locations to choose from – one in Mt. Vernon and one in Columbia Heights.[Photo: Facebook]

1129 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 789-4110
(202) 789-4110

Gharer Khabar

5151 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207

This is homestyle Bengali food, so expect plenty of affordable curries and samosas. One of the house specialties is the beef curry for only $6.[Photo: Facebook]

5151 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 973-2432
(703) 973-2432

Joe's Noodle House

1488 Rockville Pike Ste C, Rockville, MD 20852

On Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., there are 24 chicken, pork or tofu dishes that are $6.75. All the meals come with a vegetable spring roll or soup.[Photo: Facebook]

1488 Rockville Pike Ste C, Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 881-5518
(301) 881-5518

Kabob Palace

2315 S Eads St, Arlington, VA 22202

Kabob Palace in Crystal City has a weekday special for $8.95. Sometimes it's chicken curry. Sometimes it's lamb curry. But it's always plenty of food.[Photo: Yelp / Ian O.]

2315 S Eads St, Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 486-3535
(703) 486-3535

Peter Chang

2503E N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207

The weekday lunch menu is where all the deals are at this Arlington favorite. Starting at $9 on Mondays through Fridays until 3 p.m., diners can choose from 16 different Szechuan meals.[Photo: Yelp / Quaker W.]

2503E N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 538-6688
(703) 538-6688

Zenebech Injera

608 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Ethiopian cuisine is certainly one of D.C.'s culinary strong suits. Despite rumors this restaurant could possibly close, it's still offering an incredible deal for Shaw eaters. For $10, diners can have classic doro wat (stewed chicken) for lunch or dinner with injera (or brown rice for the gluten-free crowd). (UPDATED)[Photo: Facebook]

608 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 667-4700
(202) 667-4700

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