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Cheap places to eat near Hilton National Mall

Hi,

We are a family of 5 (adults and teenagers) who are staying at the Hilton National Mall. I am looking for cheap ($25 per person for dinner excluding drinks and tips) places to eat dinner. I have read that there isnt much near our hotel, so we will happily head to the Wharf or anywhere else within 15/20 minutes walk.

Thanks in advance!

Staying at the Hilton National Mall puts you in a convenient spot for walking to many attractions, but the immediate area around the hotel has limited casual dining options. Fortunately, there are several nearby neighborhoods, like Penn Quarter and the Wharf, that offer affordable and family-friendly dinner choices within a 15-20 minute walk or a short ride.

Here are some options near the hotel:

  • Shake Shack (Penn Quarter): Casual American fare with burgers, fries, and shakes. Most meals are under $20 per person.
  • &pizza (Penn Quarter): Custom personal pizzas at reasonable prices. Great for teens who like creative toppings.
  • Good Stuff Eatery: Located near the National Mall, offers burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Portions are generous, and prices are budget-friendly.
  • District Taco: Fast-casual Mexican food, affordable and filling. Tacos, burritos, and bowls are under $15 each.
  • We, The Pizza: A small pizza shop with personal pizzas under $15 and casual seating.

If you’re willing to head slightly farther toward the Wharf, you’ll find a mix of casual seafood and global cuisines that are still reasonably priced:

  • Hank’s Oyster Bar: Casual seafood with some entrees under $25, perfect for family-style dining.
  • Mi Vida at the Wharf: Mexican-inspired dishes; lunch or casual dinner plates can be around $20 per person.
  • Shake Shack at the Wharf: If you prefer the waterfront location, same menu as Penn Quarter.

Tips:

  • Early dinner times (around 5-6pm) can help avoid lines at popular casual spots.
  • Check if any restaurants have outdoor seating—it’s often quicker and more casual for families.
  • Consider ordering family-style plates or sharing larger items to stay under budget while sampling more dishes.

Overall, you’ll have a good mix of burgers, pizza, Mexican, and casual seafood within a comfortable walking distance, keeping most meals under $25 per person.

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