ECONOMICAL EATS AND CHEAP HAPPY HOURS

1. The hand-written sign above the register in Ben's Chili Bowl says that loyal supporter Bill Cosby is the only customer who can eat for free. But you can still eat for cheap at this city staple, where the famous chili half smoke is just $5.20.
2. Head over to Julia's Empanadas, where a variety of hand-made, freshly-baked empanadas are served for less than $5.
3. Need to grab a bite but don't have time for a sit-down meal? Stop by "On the Fly," a fleet of eco-friendly SmartKarts serving reasonably priced food from restaurants throughout the city. Pulled chicken sandwiches start at just $5.
4. PS 7's doesn't cut corners when it comes to after-work specials. The fine dining restaurant offers its beer of the day for $3, its red, white and sparkling wine of the day for just $4/glass and many small plates in the lounge for under $10.
5. The 100% wind-powered Austin Grill is a family-favorite offering Tex-Mex "grub" in a fun atmosphere. Kids eat for free on Tuesdays, and there’s a different special every Monday.
6. Eat organic at Johnny's Half Shell, where James Beard award-winning chef Ann Cashion's mini-burgers and mini Asian tuna sandwiches are just $2.50 and her fried oysters and gumbo are $6 each during happy hour.
7. Watch the chef make noodles in the window of Chinatown Express before ordering a big bowl for yourself for under $5.
8. Less than $10 will get you falafel and twice-fried fries until 4am on weekends at Amsterdam Falafelshop. They even offer a choice of wheat or white pitas, and they don't use spoons, forks or plates in an effort to reduce waste.
9. Catch the newest trend in street dining with Sâuçá, a traveling food cart that serves up gourmet cuisine all day. Menu items are inspired by street vendors from India, Europe and South America. Try a Mediterranean veggie wrap for just $6.50 or Vietnamese Fish Bahn Mi for just $7.50.
10. Even sushi has a happy hour in DC. Try Café Asia, where Nigiri is $1/piece and maki rolls are discounted. Also try Lotus Lounge, where beer, wine, sushi rolls and dumplings are just $5 during happy hour Tuesday through Saturday.