I'm going to D.C. at the end of October for a 3 day conference. It's been several years since I was there and I wanted to know if anyone had any dining recommendations? I'm a university student with a tiny travel budget but I want to go places locals like. I despise chain restaurants and would rather eat grass than Mcdonalds (no offense to anyone who works there or likes that place). I love trying authentic ethnic cuisines too...any suggestions?? please?

Georgia Brown's is considered "The Soul of Washington, D.C." Gracious service and Southern Hospitality. Georgia Brown’s offers a wide range of choices. Prices $16 to $30, Located Downtown
b/w I and K Streets. http://www.gbrowns.com/
One of my favorite places to eat, The Diner, although it can get a little crowded on weekends is located two doors down from Tryst at 2453 18th Street NW. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week the Diner features everything you expect in a diner, plus more! Tryst is more then just a coffeehouse. Sure they have great coffee and wonderful pastries, but they also serve up a full menu of food to fit the mood and time of the day! http://www.trystdc.com/
or if you want really cheap there's historic Ben's Chili Bowl, which has been a staple of DC since 1958. Ben's is located directly across the street from the U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro station on the Green Line (when exiting the station, use the 13th and U exit). http://www.benschilibowl.com/