Title: The Must-Try Budget Eats Around Georgetown

This story is a part of the Student Life Blog, a blog written by Georgetown students about their experiences and life at Georgetown.

Justin Higgins (C’28), originally from Albany, New York, is a first-year in the College of Arts & Sciences and a Georgetown Storyteller. He plans to study government with a minor in journalism.

As a first-year student at Georgetown, I have the luxury of the All Access Meal Plan. While I’ve had my fair share of Epi’s cheese quesadillas and cinnamon sugar bagels from Einstein’s, I’ve compiled a list of cheap local eats for when you need a break from the dining halls. 

Falafel Inc

Location: 1424 Wisconsin Ave NW

My Order: $4 Falafel Sandwich, Extra Invisible and White Sauce 

When I asked my friends for their favorite off-campus eateries, the majority of them responded with Falafel Inc – and for good reasons. Voted #1 New Restaurant in DC according to BuzzFeed, Falafel Inc prides itself on using all-natural, fresh and locally sourced ingredients. You also won’t find anything on their menu that costs more than $6, which is why I love grabbing a falafel sandwich for lunch on Fridays after class!

Georgetown Pizza and Grill

Location: 3208 O St NW 

My Order: $8 Pepperoni Slice

Don’t let the price fool you. The slices here are massive, equivalent to a quarter of a whole pizza. Open until 2 am daily, Georgetown Pizza and Grill is a great place for a midnight snack after a late night at Lau or in the city. Pro tip: Don’t ask for raspberry sauce with your mozzarella sticks – apparently that’s only a thing back home in Upstate New York.

Wingo’s

Location: 3207 O St NW

My Order: $14.99 Any sweet flavor of boneless wings

Also near the intersection of O St. and Wisconsin is Wingo’s, which boasts over 27 different wing flavors. I love the outdoor seating which offers an aesthetic view of Compass Coffee’s neon Georgetown sign at night. For the spice aficionados, I dare you to try their 3 hottest flavors: “Bite Me,” “Suicidal” and “Nuclear.” 

Insomnia Cookies

Location: 3204 O St NW

My Order: $3.20 One Double Chocolate Mint Cookie 

Right across the street from Wingo’s and Georgetown Pizza you’ll find Insomnia Cookies, my friend group’s go-to for a sweet treat. In addition to cookies, Insomnia also offers ice cream and “Cookie’wiches.” I’ve been a huge fan of the double chocolate mint cookie lately because it reminds me of mint cookie crumble ice cream from a local convenience store and ice cream chain called Stewart’s back home in New York (if you know, you know).

7th Street Burger

Location: 1424 Wisconsin Ave NW

My Order: $7.67 Cheeseburger 

7th Street Burger is a fast-casual restaurant offering classic smash burgers and fries just minutes from Georgetown’s front gates. The small menu features single or double-pattied burgers served with American cheese, grilled onions, pickles and house sauce on a Martin’s potato bun. 

First Bake at Founding Farmers

Location: 3000 K St NW

My Order: $5.99 Breakfast Burrito with Bucky’s Hot Sauce

If you’re ever up before 10:30 am on a weekday, walk down to K Street to grab breakfast to-go at Founding Farmers. While I prefer the “Eggs on The Go” section of the menu, I recommend the $2 glazed donuts for anyone who wants to start the morning with a pastry.

Curry ‘N Pie

Location: 1204 34th St NW

My Order: $12 Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza

I’ve noticed that many clubs at Georgetown cater their gatherings with Curry ‘N Pie, and for a good reason. Offering a unique fusion of Indian and Italian cuisine, Curry ‘N Pie is the ultimate compromise for friend groups who can never agree on where to eat.