To Do: $1 Smoothies at Robeks Thursday

SMOOTHIES ARE EXPENSIVE. It's hard to get used to the idea of dropping up to $5 on the frosty concoctions when you can grab a tub of yogurt, a few ice cubes and a handful of fruit and make the same thing at home for a fraction of the price. It's the same dilemma as coffee, except smoothies aren't as addictive — maybe.

If you're reluctant to spend freely on smoothies, here's your chance to step out and enjoy one you won't feel guilty about buying. Robeks, a smoothie chain with about a dozen locations in the D.C. area, is selling smoothies for $1 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

If you decide to visit one of the two District Robeks locations on the way home from work, though, you might have a little trouble getting to the front of the line. One is at 1707 L St. NW, near Farragut Square. Expect health-conscious office workers to descend in droves on these cheap smoothies.

The other location is at 4523 Wisconsin Ave. in Tenleytown, a block away from Wilson Senior High School. Wilson students will probably jump at the offer — that is, if they aren't busy trying to buy beer and wine at Whole Foods, which is around the corner from Robeks.

Photo courtesy Robeks