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 d