For students and staff, school days often feel longer than they should be, and they end their day craving a bite on their way home from school. With $20 in hand, a short lunch break, and a craving for something new, where can you get something to eat near Roosevelt without a car? Opting out of the fan favorite Wendys, I set out on a local travel adventure, taking no more than a 20 minute walk to find four local restaurants that are easily accessible and at a great value, and provide a satisfying experience for students and teachers alike. Whether you’re a hungry teacher during their lunch break, or a group of students wanting to eat something after school, these four local Greenbelt restaurants prove you don’t need to go far—or spend much—to enjoy a fulfilling meal. In no particular order, here are my four local picks.
New Deal Cafe
Classic American Flavors with a Greenbelt Charm.
A Greenbelt fan favorite, New Deal Cafe, located in the Roosevelt Center, serves American food by day and live music and arts at night, opening its doors to both Greenbelt and non greenbelt natives. At my visit, I got the burger overload — a classic American burger with tater tots. With a drink, it totalled to about $21.47.
The quality of the food stood out the most: the vegetables were crisp and fresh, the patty was juicy, unlike dry patties you’d find in fast food burgers. The tater tots were crispy and salty, bringing the meal together. I think you can’t really go wrong with a classic burger in general, let alone classic American food. New Deal Cafe proves that right. It was slightly over the $20 budget I set, but considering the quality of the food, friendly staff, cozy atmosphere that is elevated through live performances, it’s worth your extra dollar. New Deal Cafe’s focus on fresh, American flavors makes it worth visiting if you’re looking for a taste of Greenbelt’s classics at a low price.
Pollo Cabana
Bold Peruvian flavors, big portions, budget friendly prices.
Opening its doors in 2011, Pollo Cabana, located in Greenway Center, brings a taste of Peru to the Greenbelt community. Its most popular dish is its Peruvian charbroiled chicken (pollo a la brasa) which is a standout. I tried the ¼ white chicken which includes two sides of your choice. I opted for arroz chaufa (fried rice) and plantains, all for $13.50. A bottled drink brought my final total to $18.30.
Considering the size of this meal, I can say its enough to feed two people, which is impressive for the price. The chicken was heavily seasoned, with garlicky, earthy components that complemented the sweetness of the plantains and the saltiness of the fried rice. Together, the components flowed effortlessly with each other, creating for a flavorful meal that satisfies one’s cravings. Taking into consideration the authentic Peruvian flavors at a reasonable price, and the generous portions, Pollo Cabana is the place to visit if you’re on a budget and feeling inspired to try something you may not already know of.
Osaka
A taste of Japan’s finest delights just a short walk away.
Located right across NASA, Osaka Restaurant has been a Greenbelt staple for many years, serving a variety of Japanese cuisine such as sushi, noodles, and Japanese dishes alongside select Korean plates. I tried one of their many sushi plates, the sushi combo, which includes a 6 piece cucumber roll, 6 pieces of nigiri, and a miso soup on the side. My total for this order was $17.65.
My biggest takeaway from Osaka is the quality of the food, specifically the sushi, which brought a cool and refreshing taste from the cucumber roll. The richness of umami from the pieces of salmon, maguro, and ika nigiri balanced well with the meaty flavor from the shrimp and crab stick nigiri. While some may not be open to trying raw fish, I would recommend it as it’s something new you may find yourself liking, but their menu has plenty of cooked options if you want to go that route. Overall, Osaka’s calm ambiance, diverse menu, at such a short distance from Roosevelt is what makes Osaka worth visiting.
Bb.q Chicken
Filling Korean comfort food that doesn’t break the bank.
A popular chain in Korea, Bb.q Chicken, located in Greenway Center, is the newest addition from the list, serving authentic Korean fried chicken and dishes. I tried the rose tteokbokki, a creamy take on a classic Korean street food, which is described as “less spicy, more creamy” made from “rice cakes and fish cakes in a sweet and spicy chilli reduction.” The dish includes rice cakes, fish cakes, and a boiled egg in a sweet and spicy chili sauce, all for $13.95. The main star of the dish, the rice cakes, are extremly chewy and soft, which combine well with the creaminess of the sauce and the salty, moist fish cakes. The hearty boiled egg is what brings everything together for this filling comfort food. The unique korean flavors at such an economic price make Bbq. Chicken worth visiting, no matter what you’re craving.
Feeling hungry yet? Whether you’ve visited these restaurants before or are just discovering them, it’s worth taking the time to satisfy your cravings and support your local businesses. Next time you’re in the area and aren’t sure what to eat, bring a friend or two – or go solo – and give these spots a try.
