Less than two miles from Garfield lies a land of free-for-all acceptance, flashing lights, and epicurean delights. That’s right, it’s Broadway, the animated drag not too far from Seattle Community Center. What’s so great about this place? Many Garfield students “grew up there.” And only one of those great things is the food. For cheap buys and fast eats, Broadway is the place to be. Here are some carefully researched favorites.

Dick’s Drive In
115 Broadway Ave E.

Dick’s isn’t what you’d call spectacular cuisine, but it is a great place to stop and get a cheap burger and fries. You can always find loads of hungry people lining up behind the counter for some old fashioned American food. See issue 1 for our ice cream review of Dick’s.

Cost: You can find a whole meal for under $5

Tacos Guaymas
213 Broadway Ave E.

A colorful Mexican delight, Guaymas offers south-of-the-border treats for relatively inexpensive prices. Serving only the freshest food, just about anybody can find something they love here.

Cost: A soft taco with your choice of meat is only $2.25

Pagliacci Pizza
426 Broadway Ave E.

This pizza joint has a completely laidback but intriguing atmosphere, and serves different types of pizza daily. Not sure what to get? The Quattro Primo (four cheeses) is an appetizing favorite. Cheap, fresh, and delicious, Pagliacci Pizza is a well-loved resident of Broadway.

Cost: Usually around $2 a slice, whole pizzas start at $11.49

India Express
510 Broadway Ave E.

With mirror-lined walls and an unusual mixture of Indian music in the background, India Express is tantalizing to begin with, but its appeal more than doubles the moment you receive your food. Delectable and cheap, Express’ dishes, like the Chicken Pakora, are exquisite and a long-awaited treat.

Cost: Dishes range from $2.95 to $13.95, $5.95 for the lunch buffet

Than Brothers Restaurant
516 Broadway Ave E.

It’s a cold and rainy day in Seattle, and you’re looking for some food that will warm you to the bone. Head to Than Brothers, where you’ll be served a hearty portion of Pho Ga, or rice noodle soup (vegetarian-style or with chicken or beef). The sweet rice noodles intermingle in perfect balance with the meat, vegetables, and herbs in the stew. The service isn’t great, but the food makes up for it.

Cost: Prices range from $3.85 for a small bowl to $5.95 for an extra-large