This post was written by Hatchet Reporter Hannah Traverse.

Dining off-campus frequently loses its appeal when considering prices and walking distances. Fortunately, Nando’s Peri-Peri offers affordable, ample portions of deliciously spicy Portuguese cuisine just a few blocks away.

Nando’s Peri-Peri has elements of a fast food restaurant, but it still maintains the class and comfort of a more sophisticated sit-down restaurant. Upon arriving, a host directs you to a table and leaves you with menus, but diners are responsible for placing their own orders at the cash registers on the first floor. Just behind the cash registers is all the action of the kitchen, but there is no need to hang around and watch the food get prepared; a waiter brings your meal to your table as soon as it’s ready. Diners are also responsible, however, for getting their own silverware, napkins, drinks and condiments.

Nando’s specializes in flame-grilled chicken, but when ordering a sandwich, pita or wrap, the chicken can be substituted for steak or vegetables. All of the chicken is marinated for 24 hours prior to cooking. The marinades range in spiciness from a sweet lemon and herb sauce to an extra-hot basting suggested for “daredevils only!” If a quarter chicken or a steak sandwich sounds a little heavy, Nando’s also offers numerous meal-sized salads.

Depending on which option you choose, up to two side dishes are included in the price of your meal. The side dishes, including mashed potatoes, rice, garlic bread and corn on the cob, are all generously portioned and definitely make it worthwhile to pay a little extra for the meal option.

The atmosphere at Nando’s says anything but “fast food.” It suggests a foreign aesthetic; not surprising, considering the chain has restaurants in more than 30 countries. The high ceilings are covered in old-fashioned aluminum paneling, and the brick walls are decorated with original paintings and lined with hundreds of wine bottles. The lighting is tastefully dim. Latin music plays in the background. On the ground floor, the seating is upholstered in brown leather. Even the bathroom sinks are chic and modern. This is clearly no McDonald’s.

The ambiance at Nando’s might suggest an expensive menu, but don’t be fooled. Just twelve dollars can buy a half chicken with two sides. None of the salads are more than ten dollars, even with the chicken included. The dessert prices might leave you expecting a larger portion, but the cheesecake options are numerous, and you certainly get your money’s worth with the Dulce Duleche variety.

Nando’s Peri-Peri is certainly casual enough for a night with your friends, but it’s also a place you might bring your family for a quick, informal dinner. If you plan on bringing a crowd, there are long tables and a private dining room. Plan on eating in? No problem – Nando’s offers take-out, too. In more than one sense, Nando’s Peri-Peri fits the bill.

Nando’s Peri-Peri is located at 1210 18th St. and is open from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (202) 621-8603