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Business & Tech

Casual Dining, Low Tab, Good Food

Sometimes, you just don't want the fuss.You're hungry but you want to eat without dressing up and paying through the nose. Keep it casual. Right? Below you'll find a nice selection of easy-on-the-wallet eateries with no dress drama. And the food is good.

Sometimes, you just don't want the fuss.You're hungry but you want to eat without dressing up and paying through the nose. Keep it casual. Right? Below you'll find a nice selection of  easy-on-the-wallet eateries with no dress drama. And the food is good.

Einstein Bros Bagels

14402 Baltimore Ave

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Laurel, Md 20707

301-317-0058

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Everybody knows you’ve got a lot of breakfast choices when it comes to Einstein’s bagels. And you can get away for under $1 if you order it plain. For lunch and early morning, they offer at least 10 items for under $5 and several for less than $4. The turkey chili bowl is a great hunger quencher for $3.69 or the Turkey Wrap for $3.49. I saw lots of people ordering their tremendously popular bagel thin sandwiches and so I tried one. Tuna with lettuce and red onion was my choice. Scrumptious. They have rather small seating spaces inside and a couple of bistro tables out front.

Mon -  Fri 5:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sat 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sun 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

Bar-B-Que House

9990 N. Washington Blvd.

Laurel, MD 20723

301- 604–2333

It’s all about the pig at Bar-B-Que House. From breakfast time and beyond, they serve up everything from sausage pork ribs, barbequed of course. It’s a tiny place with several tables and a standing counter to place your order. The prices are enticing with a meat and egg sandwich priced at $3.29. Sausage gravy on biscuits is just $3.69. They serve an array of morning food choices for less than $5. If you want to steer clear of the budget busters, order one of their sandwiches – beef, pork, beef, brisket, ham, fried fish or chicken – which are priced between $5.50 - $6.50. Their sides – most under $2 -  are wonderful complements to the sandwiches. They also offer soups and chili daily for $3.50.

 Mon – Sat  8 a.m. – 9.p.m.

Silver Diner

14550 Baltimore Avenue

Laurel, MD 20707

301-470-6080

What do you crave? Scampi? Steak? Fish & Chips? Doesn’t matter, Silver Diner has it all and more. No kidding. Their menu offerings are massive. Well, let’s just say they have lots to eat. But the best way to keep your funds in tact is to stick with the appetizers, which come in hefty portions. Black bean quesadilla, filled with pepper, scallions, cheddar, cilantro and sour cream – is priced at $6.99. Ditto for the chicken skewers. If you’re in the mood for a health drink, such as pomegranate or low-fat mocha shake, they’re priced at $5.49. For less than $5 you can get a bowl of fresh strawberries and a banana. Another great save is the Choose any two for $7.99 - choice of soup, salad and a half sandwich. Atmosphere is casual and themed in 60's decor.

Sun-Thurs 7 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Fri & Sat 7 a.m. – 3 a.m.

Three Brothers Italian Restaurant

13600 Baltimore Avenue

Laurel, MD 20707

301-317-8888

The best buy for the buck is their pizza slice, literally. If you can get there between 2 and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, a cheese slice will set you back $1. Any other times, it’s $2.09 plus additional costs for each topping.  No fuss here. You can come as you are, shorts, flip flops....very casual. They offer some appetizer fillers like fried calamari – nice and crispy – for under $6. Try garlic bread and cheese, along with a side salad for around $5. Their hot and cold subs range from $5.50 - $7. A good buy and also filling is to mix two appetizers such as garlic bread for $1.69 and a side order of meatballs for $2.50. You’ve got a great lunch for $4.20.

Mon- Sat 11 a.m- 9:30 p.m.

Sun 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 Mediterranean Kabob House

10095 Washington Blvd

Laurel, MD 20723

301-498-5000

The eatery is under new management and now offers a buffet all you can eat lunch for under $10 and includes a fountain drink. Rice dishes are always a staple of the buffet but the menu varies daily and runs from noon until 3 p.m. If you’re looking to spend less, they offer kabobs starting at $7.25. The grilled meats are flavorful and tender. One treat is that they make their own bread on the premise. I love this place because the food is great and it offers a diversion from traditional run-of-the-mill lunch food. The restaurant is casual and immaculate with lots of elbow room to relax.

Mon – Sat 12 noon – 10 p.m.

Sundays - closed

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