Who isn’t looking to eat great food cheap? A full tummy of gourmet cooking at the right price makes my day a deal. But alas, quality food doesn’t come low-priced that often, especially in the city. The question then becomes, how to fill up the tank without breaking the bank!

The answer falls on the rapidly revitalizing 9th Street, in Shaw, NW. Here, there are an abundance of great meal options, friendly folks, and inexpensive prices. In just a few blocks stretch, one can dine on Ethiopian, Southern Soul Food, or Vegan. You don’t have to cringe when the bill comes either. Splurge at the following restaurants without worry!

Etete-An Ethiopian Restaurant sure to make you forget all about going out for Chinese. Small serving dishes of spicy seasoned chicken, stewed vegetables, lentils and sides containing exotic red pepper and spices are eaten with pieces of injera, a spongy bread. The food varieties are healthy, well proportioned, and delicious. Spice smells, excited voices, and African music all happily swirl into your sensory psyche. Serving lunch, dinner, and with a full bar, Etete is located at 1942 9th St., NW. 202.232.7600.

Taste of Carolina- The food here will bring a smile to your face. Comfort food at it’s best and the sizes are as big as Thanksgiving. Go for Savannah River Trout, Spartanburg barbeque ribs, or fried chicken that is gloriously crisp! A full service bar, late night dancing, and fun friendly patrons are the mood. Eat, stay late, and don’t worry about signing a tab you can’t afford--because you can! Located at 1930 9th St., NW. Call 202.232.3566 for reservations and catering.

Vegetate-You don’t have to be a closet wealthy hipster--cooler than cool--to enjoy the live DJ music, gastronomic delights, and trendy setting Vegetate provides. Bites include chilled carrot and avocado soup, corn grit with lima bean tart, or pickled kohlrabi and radish salad. The food is just as good as the vibes pulsing from it. Located at 1414 9th St., NW. Visit www.vegetatedc.com or call 202.323.4585.

Queen of Sheba- Another Ethiopian treasure, it has a spacious dining space, long bar for chatting over drinks with friends, and is near the Mount Vernon Metro. Try fatira, a large pancake fried, with a layer of egg, and eaten with honey. Another specialty is Ajibo Behmilti, spinach with ricotta cheese cooked in spiced butter. And a dinner for two costs the same price as a bottle of wine elsewhere. Stop by at 1503 9th St., NW. 202.232.7272.

And if dining out to you means, going out, grabbing food, and bringing it back to a sweet abode, then order from these two 9th Street gems. They both are quick, quality, and quaint. Dan the Man’s Teriyaki and Subs (1936 9th St. NW./ 202.797.0090) and Habesha Market and Carry-Out (1919 9th St. NW./202.232.1919).

Katie Prevost is on the staff of Capital Community News. Got any tasty gossip? Contact her at 202.543.8300 ext.20