From: Far Out City

Washington, DC isn’t exactly known for its cuisine.  I spent five years in the District, half of them not knowing where in the world to eat a decent meal. But, there are hidden gems tucked into its brick alleyways and indoor markets. If you’re willing to stray from Downtown and Penn Quarter, that is.

Here are my picks for cheap eats in our nation’s capital.

Good Stuff Eatery – Multiple Locations: Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and Crystal City

We affectionately call this place “Spike’s” after Spike Mendellsohn, its perpetual fedora wearing and Top Chef alumnus owner. This place was an overnight success in Capitol Hill, and deservedly so. It borrows heavily from the Shake Shack model (milk shakes and cheeseburgers), but I’m going to go out on a limb and say Good Stuff one-upped its inspiration.

The cheeseburgers are juicy and delicious. The ‘Shroom Burger – two portabella mushrooms, stuffed with Muenster and Cheddar cheese, and fried (basically Shake Shacks’s ‘Shroom Burger) – somehow manages to be tastier and more heart-clogging than its bovine colleagues. The wall of mayo options is brilliant, a perfect excuse to dunk French fries into mayonnaise without feeling like a total glutton (I mean, you need to taste them all, right?).  Once you’ve tasted the Toasted Marshmallow milkshake, which tastes like an icy creme brulee, you’ll never want another milk shake again.