For three long years, us seniors have been forced to eat lunch within the confines of the school. Three long years of the same sandwiches, at the same benches, followed promptly by mundane hall laps for another twenty minutes before the bell rang. But now, with our lunch passes at hand, we are finally free to reach our full lunch-time potential. If you’re already bored of the dollar menu at McDonalds or tired of waiting in Georgetown Bagelry’s line, then check out these lesser known lunch spots that’ll leave you plenty of time to make it back before the bell:

Fish Taco Taqueria

This little known taco shop opened up back in August and has been serving up modern spins on the classics ever since. While it may not be the cheapest option out there, it’s certainly worth every penny if you feel like treating yourself to something a bit nicer than a Big Mac. Thirteen bucks buys you two fish tacos—served fried, blackened or grilled—with a delicious array of salsas, cabbage slaw and a heaping of rice and beans on the side. Also on the menu are other taco options, burritos, enchiladas and even grilled corn street style, topped with chili mayo and Mexican cheese.

Round Trip (driving): 16 minutes
Price: $$$
Location: 7945 MacArthur Blvd

Whole foods

The upscale organic food market has always been seen by the stingier set as largely out of their price range. But special daily deals make the market an attractive spot for hungry seniors at an actually affordable price. On Thursdays, the deal is hard to match: five dollars buys a massive sandwich with turkey, ham and Swiss piled high on a freshly baked French loaf with all the fixings. Not a fan of ham? Fear not, Whole Foods offers everything ranging from sushi to pizza to make-your-own-salads.

Round Trip (driving): 14 minutes
Price: $$
Location: 5269 River Rd

Yirasai

Good sushi never comes cheap and quite frankly, cheap sushi never is a fully enjoyable experience. Longtime local favorite, Yirasai, has been serving up quality sushi from its small shop next to Dominoes for years, and at prices that won’t necessarily empty your wallet either. Although frequented by regulars, finding a table is rarely an issue and the food is speedily prepared. Go for the house specialty rolls such as the Super Spicy Crazy Roll or try something simpler like a regular tuna maki. For the more adventurous foodies out there, opt for the Bulgogi Roll or platter, which offers deliciously marinated Korean style steak, thinly sliced and grilled to caramelized perfection.

Round Trip (driving): 12 minutes
Price: $$$
Location: 5110 Ridgefield Rd

Bethesda Country Store Barbeque

From two blocks down the road, the smell of slow smoked meat starts to drift through the car window. The culprit: some of the area’s cheapest and freshest BBQ at seven bucks a sandwich. This little food truck parked across from the NIH dishes out sandwiches and platters heaped high with classic southern fare—think spicy pulled pork, deliciously tender brisket and smoked ribs, not to mention great cheap sides like mac-n-cheese, baked beans and cornbread. Feeling rich? Fresh Maine Lobster Rolls are just 15 dollars.

Round Trip (driving): 22 minutes
Price: $$$
Location: Intersection of Old Georgetown Rd and South Dr