Washington, DC a Bargain Travel Guide

 Welcome to Washington, DC - The nation's capital is a city with public museums and monuments galore, but also hidden treasures that should not be overlooked. Whether you're in Georgetown, downtown, or even in Northern Virginia, and whether you're alone, hanging out in with friends, or planning a romantic date, we offer suggestions for restaurants, bars and activities that will suit your needs - all on a limited budget.

For starters we list restaurants that offer a great value to go with exceptional food. Then there are some bars with good specials that you'd be crazy not to try out. We share some activities that go beyond just visiting the capitol building. We also combine some of our favorite ideas to create a "cheap date" guide that will make you look anything but; ideas that will help you impress you girl (or boy) friend without emptying your wallet.

Restaurants

Miss Saigon (3057 M St NW, Georgetown) - This Vietnamese restaurant is nestled among a few others like it - but none quite as good - right as you enter Georgetown. Look around the menu and you can find a filling portion of meat, veggies and rice for between $10 and $12. Our favorite is the Caramel Chicken with Ginger in a Clay Pot, but if you want to peruse the entire menu, you can check it out here thanks to DC Menus!

Tom Sarris' New Orleans House (1213 Wilson Blvd, Arlington) - Hop off the Metro at the Rosslyn stop and walk a block south for the best prime rib in town. Dinner entrees cost between $10-$15, depending on how much meat you want, but you also get unlimited trips to the salad bar, and it's no ordinary salad bar. The Steamboat-shaped bar has over 30 salad toppings, 7 dressings and piles of warm bread. Be careful or you won't be hungry when your slate of prime rib arrives. You'd really miss out on a great value for an excellent cut of meat. The atmosphere is certainly memorable as well. Inside there are no windows, which allows the ornate decor to lead you to believe you are actually on Bourbon Street in New Orleans!

Bangkok Bistro (3251 Prospect St NW, Georgetown) - Find all the classic Thai foods at this hip Georgetown joint. Start with a Thai Iced Tea for a sweeter and creamier version of the traditional (they add half 'n' half). Then you can choose one of multiple dinner entrees for under $10 - and they all begin with a salad and your choice of tangerine vinaigrette, peanut, or creamy garlic dressing (I suggest the peanut - you are in a Thai restaurant). If you are in the mood to splurge, try sharing the Sweet Surrender (fried coconut Shrimp). Want something that's not too crazy? The Thai BBQ Chicken has received rave reviews. And of course if you just don't know what to pick, you can't go wrong with the Pad Thai.

Ollie's Trolley (12th and E St NW, Downtown) - If you're downtown and craving greasy goodness, Ollie's is the place to go. Easy to pick out by the bright red and yellow décor on the windows and happy chef cutout welcoming you in, the atmosphere on the inside is just as laid-back and fun. The famous "Olliefries," French fries with Ollie's secret seasoning, are a sure crowd pleaser. Match them with a beefy burger and a thick milkshake, all for under $8.

Drink Specials

Rock Bottom (4238 Wilson Blvd, Ballston Mall, Arlington) - Sure it's a chain, but their selection of microbrews and nightly specials make it quite the local hangout. Get there early on Wednesday nights to take advantage of $1 pints! But be prepared, because by 6pm, the bar will be packed. Four "usuals" and four specials provide enough selection for everyone's palate, from the light to dark drinkers and all those in between. And odd as it may seem to drink at the mall, we can't complain - it just makes it that much easier to get to! You can park in the Ballston Mall garage or take the metro to Ballston exit, which leads you directly into the mall.

Tom-Tom (The strip in Adams Morgan) - Adams Morgan can offer some great deals during the week, and Group Therapy is one of the best around. This Thursday night special offers four beers and four (small) shots for only $10! As an added bonus, this bar boasts several old school Nintendos and Super Nintendos for those who want to recapture a bit of their youth.

Tombs (Prospect and 36th Sts NW, Georgetown) - Located in the basement below 1789, this pub, popular with the Georgetown University crowd, offers relatively cheap beer and some great deals on food. Busch light is always $1.60 for a mug, and $7.00 for a pitcher. The drink prices rise from there. For those with more sophisticated tastes, come to Tombs on Sunday nights for half priced bottles of wine. (This special is also available at Clyde's on M street in Georgetown, which is under the same management.) If you're hungry, stop by from 3-5pm or after 10pm for a variety of cheap food including burgers, sandwiches, chicken fingers, and appetizers.

Morton's (3251 Prospect St NW, Georgetown and 1050 Connecticut Ave, Downtown) - Believe it or not, everyone can afford to drink at Morton's, if you go on the right day! Every Monday is "Mortini Night" at this world-famous steakhouse. While this place would normally blow the budget, stop by the bar from 5-7pm for $4 martinis and complimentary (but small) filet mignon sandwiches. Call (202) 342-6258 (Georgetown) or (202) 955-5997 (Downtown) for more information.