If you have kids or have borrowed your sister’s tykes for the day, the lunch buffet at Shar-e-Punjab is a good mid-day choice. The place has dingy carpets, pink decor and, as one would expect from a buffet, decent but not exceptional food. But heck, kids under seven get half off of the already affordable all-you-can eat lunch price of $6.95, which makes this the perfect place to refuel on a budget. The buffet’s selection is fairly good, including two types of rice, a few chicken dishes and several vegetarian choices, plus dessert and naan. The only catch at Shar-e-Punjab is your fellow buffet patrons, who you’ll undoubtedly witness reach for an item, decide against and put back. If you’re skittish about a stranger molesting your tandoori chicken, this probably isn’t the place for you.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Freda Moon