D.C. Metro area:

Expensive (at least to me): Mike's American Grill in Springfield, VA. Every single thing on the menu is superb, bar none. Great jambalya, unbeatable steak and prime rib. Whatever you get, it's good. I guarantee it. The white chocolate cheesecake is unbelievable. They have a neon sign on the wall that say's "Be nice or get out." I like that.

Moderately expensive: House of Dynasty, Kingstowne, VA. Noted as "Washington's best kept secret." Outstanding Chinese food. The crispy springrolls with home made plum sauce are amazing. Great soups, deeeliscious entre's, and impeccable service complete with hot linen towel after the meal.

Cheap: (Guests eat free) My Place (my humble abode, that is). Best Tex-Mex anywhere. At least all my friends say so. I do everything from scratch, including the tortillas. No store-bought sauces or mixes. My music won't make me a millionaire, but my salsa, marinated mesquite chicken tacos, enchilladas with home made red chili sauce, taquitos, quesadillas, and carne asada might.