Washington may be a quick train ride from New York, but it doesn’t mean the New York pizza abounds. For the next best thing, dive into Wise Guy. Sure, you could go traditional with the supreme or margherita, but why not indulge with some carb-on-carb love and order a slice loaded up with creamy, tomato-y pasta? Slices from the 20-inch pies cost a very reasonable $2.99-$3.99, making this filling lunch very pennywise.

The handcrafted blue door, the rainbow-colored strings zigzagging above that recall a Renwick Gallery exhibit and bright pillows stuffed into hanging swings are your first clue that this is no ordinary fast-casual joint. Located in the shadow of Nationals Park, this homegrown business invites hungry masses to either go the DIY route or try one of the signature options, like the one loaded up with chicken tikka, tomato-garlic sauce and mint-cilantro chutney, among other things, for $9.32.

There are several well-worn food laments for Washingtonians —no spots for good bagels, New York pizza, etc. But when it comes to barbecue, one taste of Sloppy Mama’s chopped pork sandwich will banish all Texas yearnings. It’s smoky, savory, sweet and satisfying. Order it on a bun at the Union Market stall for $10, and maybe add a side of baked beans for $3 more, or go for a “meat and two” platter for $15.

What started years ago as a single shop in Adams Morgan quickly became a D.C. institution when locals discovered they could satisfy after-bar hunger with golden-fried falafel balls in pita with unlimited (and free!) toppings that include baba ganoush, Turkish salad and house-pickled beets. The Amsterdam-inspired shop now has three locations around town, plus outposts in Boston and Texas. In D.C., a small pita (three falafel balls) goes for $7.50, and a large (five falafel balls) is priced at $8.75. Don’t even consider skipping the twice-fried frieten, which run $3.95 for small and $4.95 for large.