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Orlando ABOUNDS in fantastic cheap eats and what follows is only a small handful of some of our favorite local dishes for under $10. If there are any you love that we should know about, send your cheap lunch nominations to dining@orlandoweekly.com.
Anh Hong
1124 E. Colonial Drive, 407-999-2656
Even within the tough competition of Mills 50, the Anh Hong special banh mí is a cut above: ham, pâté, sausage, pork, headcheese and pickled vegetables on buttered French bread for just $2.95 (if you’re squeamish about variety meats, choose the sunnyside-up egg sandwich for $3.50). Add a Vietnamese iced coffee for $2.75 and this is still the cheapest lunch of the bunch.
Photo via YelpMark’s Caribbean Cuisine
10034 University Blvd., 407-699-8800; healthyjamaicanfood.com
A big plate of love for $7.99: aromatic brown stew chicken served with rice and cabbage and a side of plantains. Don’t stint on the Scotch bonnet hot sauce.
Photo via YelpBlack Bean Deli
835 E. Colonial Drive, 407-203-0922
Their swanky new location in Mills 50 is a nice spot for a leisurely lunch (or a quick breakfast). Linger in the side room with their lunch special: a half Cuban sandwich and a cup of black beans for $6.
Photo via YelpThe Gnarly Barley
7431 S. Orange Ave., 407-854-4999; thegnarlybarley.com
Its more of a beer joint than a restaurant, but Gnarly Barleys chipotle brisket tacos with Tiger sauce ($3.50 each) give us reason to live. (What, we like it hot.) Just try to resist the vast craft brew menu if its a work day.
Photo via YelpJunior Colombian Burger
5389 S. Kirkman Road, 407-355-3506
One generally feels the craving for a messy Colombian-style burger late-night, post-bars, after inhibitions have loosened, but there’s no reason you can’t eat one in the middle of the day. Junior serves a double cheeseburger combo for $9.59 (because what the hell, might as well have fries too).
Photo via YelpMrs. Potato
4550 S. Kirkman Road, 407-290-0991; mrspotato.net
Mrs. Potato takes rösti (a Swiss dish that’s kind of like a mega-hash brown) in a Brazilian direction, stuffing the tender inside with various ingredients, from cheese and onions to chicken stroganoff. Three are priced at $9.99: baked beans, pulled chicken, and the aforementioned stroganoff. But if youre really seeking the cheap, get the your filling of choice on a baked potato instead for $3 less.
Photo via YelpBikkuri Sushi
1915 E. Colonial Drive, 407-894-4494
Known for some of the most reasonably priced sushi in Orlando, Bikkuri offers a lunch special that’s equally budget-conscious. From a list of about a dozen rolls, choose two for $7.99, or one roll plus two nigiri for $5.75.
Photo via YelpThe Coop
610 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 407-843-2667; asouthernaffair.com
Get a two-piece “plenty plate,” two pieces of fried chicken plus two “fixins” (collards, fried okra, creamed corn, mac & cheese or a dozen more choices) for $7.99, or go for the sideboard sampler – three of those Southern-fabulous sides and a slice of cornbread for $7.49.
Photo via YelpMamak Asian Street Food
1231 E. Colonial Drive, 407-270-4688
The menu of small plates makes for a great mix-and-match meal with friends, but for a quick cheap lunch, we choose the Malaysian asam kari: tamarind-infused coconut curry cooked with tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, onions and the protein of your choice shrimp, fish, squid, chicken beef or tofu over jasmine rice, for just $8.50. There will be leftovers.
Photo by Rob BartlettKappys
501 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, 407-647-9099; kappyssubs.com
One of the most authentic diners in the area has amazingly low prices: Get a Philly cheese steak with sliced sirloin, provolone and onions for $5.75 and a root beer float for $2.55.
Photo via YelpEden’s Fresh
Multiple locations including Winter Park, downtown, Thornton Park and Longwood
Eden’s Fresh offers one of the best deals around for health-conscious lunchers – their large salad (greens plus five toppings) is just $5.78; add Boar’s Head protein for another $2.10. (You could make it a wrap for the same price, but if you’re watching calories – don’t.)
Photo via YelpWhitewood Mediterranean Grill
1 S. Orange Ave., 407-999-8959; whitewoodgrill.com
The traditional gyro sandwich is just that, at $7.50; but for $1.49 more, get it “Dubai Style” with extra meat, feta and seasoned fries – rolled up inside the filled-to-bursting pita.
Photo by Jessica Bryce YoungArtisan’s Table22 E. Pine St., 407-730-7499, artisanstableorlando.com
22 E. Pine St., 407-730-7499, artisanstableorlando.comThe Pork-belly BLT pictured here (crispy pork belly, tomato and arugula, with dill remoulade on toasted Pullman bread) is exactly $10; if you’re on a budget go for the grille gorgonzola (with tomato, bacon, and caramelized onions; $8) or the curried egg salad wrap with mango chutney ($6). Whichever sandwich you choose, though, side it with the city’s best pasta salad, a buttery-shalloty Israeli couscous that has everyone at the Weekly addicted.
Photo via YelpGringos Locos
22 E. Washington St., 407-841-5626, and 2406 E. Robinson St., 407-896-5626; gringoslocos.net
Their tasty “street tacos” (soft corn tortillas filled with your choice of chicken, beef or roasted pork, topped with onion, cilantro and lime) are two for $5.49 or three for $7.49.
Photo via YelpInfusion Tea
1600 Edgewater Drive, 407-999-5255
Nothing on the lunch menu reaches the $10 mark, so go HAM. Among the mostly vegetarian meals, were partial to the seasonal cauliflower-chickpea tacos ($8), served with with crispy kale slaw, cilantro guacamole and sour cream.
Photo via YelpBeefy King
424 N. Bumby Ave., 407-894-2241
An Orlando classic. Get a sandwich platter – any Beefy King sandwich plus Beefy Spuds (tater tots), coleslaw and a kosher dill pickle for $7.30 – and have enough of your ten left over for a small milkshake ($2.25).
Photo via YelpKing Cajun Crawfish
914 N. Mills Ave., 407-704-8863
Not just a bargain-basement spot to get your crawfish on, this tiny Mills 50 joint also offers a substantial lunch special: a shrimp or oyster (or chicken, if you’re chicken) po’ boy plus fries and a drink for $8.95.
Photo via YelpOlea Mezze Grill
400 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, 407-335-4958; oleagrill.com
It’s one of those “Chipotle-style” joints: pick your grain base (basmati rice or couscous) and top with your choice of protein, spreads (like hummus or tzatziki) and toppings, plus a dressing if you want it, for $8.29.
Photo via YelpMediterranean Blue
435 E. Michigan St., 407-422-2583 mediterraneanblue.net
It may seem counterintuitive to order the “Provence sandwich” in a Greek restaurant, but trust us: the sliced ham, Brie, herbes de Provence-infused butter and dijon mustard on “artisan bread” served hot ($6.70) is the right idea. Or just do what these people did and go for a gyro (also $6.70) and Greek feta fries ($2.50).
Photo via YelpTheo’s Kitchen
2952 Curry Ford Road, 407-849-0810
Theo’s Greek restaurant has been an Orlando fixture for more than two decades, and they’re rightfully known for their gyros and shawerma. But it’s an open secret that they also fry up some succulent, crispy Southern-style chicken; a three-piece box (with roll and two sides) is just $6.99.
Photo via theoskitchen.comVietnam Cuisine
1224 E. Colonial Drive, 407-228-7053
The banh cuon made our Nosh Pit column last year, and for good reason: The pork and mushroom-filled rolled rice crepes (found on the specials menu for $7.95) are a perfect midday umami blast.
Photo by Jessica Bryce YoungPig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa
1326 N. Mills. Ave., 407-203-0866; facebook.com/pigfloyds
The butter chicken taco ($2.95 each; one is perfectly satisfying; two would be plenty) is juicy chopped chicken and jasmine rice topped with creamy orange tikka masala sauce, pickled jalapeños, roasted pumpkin seeds and cilantro, drizzled with yogurt “crema” and served on a flour tortilla. Aaahhh.
Photo via YelpThe Brass Tap
1632 N. Mills Ave., 407- 270-9538; brasstapbeerbar.com
It may be tough to stay under your $10 budget when confronted with Brass Tap’s beer menu, with its concise descriptions of more than a hundred brews on tap. But stay the course and order the pepperoni and peppadew pizza, a spicy 7-inch pie on a salty pretzel crust for $7.99. It’s petite but powerful.
Photo via YelpWhich ‘Wich
multiple locations, whichwich.com
Which ‘Wich offers the ultimate in personalized service – you can fine-tune the details of your ‘wich down to every last detail. That much choice makes our head spin, though, so we went with one of the sandwich chain’s pre-sets: the chipotle avocado BLT ($7.50).
Photo via YelpEthos Vegan Kitchen
601 S. New York Ave., Winter Park, 407-228-3899; ethosvegankitchen.com
Doesn’t matter if you’re vegan or not, everybody loves Ethos’ coconut curry wrap ($8.95): grilled tofu chunks slathered in curried vegan mayo and tossed with celery, raisins, raw walnuts, shredded coconut and mixed greens, then wrapped in a spinach tortilla.
Photo via YelpSuper Rico Colombian Bistro
57 W. Central Blvd., 407-426-7007; superricocolombia.com
The “Spicy Perro” ($5) is a Nathan’s all-beef frank anointed with various “signature sauces,” topped with jalapeno relish, crumbled bacon and fried shoestring potatoes, and sprinkled with queso blanco. This dog’s got a bite.
Photo via YelpIl Pescatore
651 N. Primrose Drive, 407-896-6763; ilpescatoreonline.com
Sometimes it’s a good thing to sit down to a nice hot meal instead of scoffing a sandwich on the run. Treat yo’self to a plate of baked manicotti or cannelloni (with garlic bread and a salad, $8.25) and feel like an actual grown-up.
Photo via YelpLa Femme du Fromage
3201 Corrine Drive, 407-571-9947, lafemmedufromage.com
Tonda Corrente’s cheese stall at East End Market is capable not only of launching a killer cheese plate, but also serves up a dreamy grilled cheese sandwich were talking a serious four-cheese blend on Olde Hearth bread, not some Kraft Singles-on-Wonder mess and from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, theyre just $3 for a half or $6 for a whole (which is why this year we gave it a Best of Orlando Writers’ Pick for “Best Excuse for a Late Lunch”).
Photo via YelpLazy Moon Pizza
11551 University Blvd., 407-658-2396; lazymoonpizza.com
UCF-area pizza joint Lazy Moon has some of the best meal deals around – because college kids, I guess? You can’t beat the Boxcar Willy special: a gigantic slice and a pint of PBR for $4.75.
Photo via YelpFreshii
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., 407-203-8856
Eating lunch at Freshii is not just doing your wallet a favor; your arteries will thank you as well. Steep yourself in nutrients with one of their bowls, which run from $5.99 to $7.99 – we like the Mediterranean with quinoa, field greens, tons of veggies, feta, almonds and red pepper sauce.
Photo by Rob BartlettMellow Mushroom
multiple locations, mellowmushroom.com
The “Righteous Portobello Reuben” hoagie ($6.49 for a half) is a huge, “meaty” sandwich stuffed with grilled portobello mushrooms, Swiss cheese, Bavarian-style sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on a crunchy rye roll. You may need a nap.
Photo via YelpPom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria
67 N. Bumby Ave., 407-894-0865
Before there was Tako Cheena, there was Pom Pom’s – Pom Moongauklang’s gift to Orlando’s 24-hour hungry. Pressed sandwiches range from $6 to $9, and Mama Ling Ling’s Thanksgiving is justifiably famous, smashing an entire Turkey Day dinner (cranberries, stuffing, mashed potatoes and all) between two slices for just eight bucks.
Photo via YelpQuickly Boba & Snow
3214 E. Colonial Drive, 407-270-4570; facebook.com/quicklyorlando
Sure, it’s a boba and slush spot, but they’ve got the savory goods, too. Grab a basket of Taiwanese-style popcorn chicken ($4.50) for spicy crunch and a side of summer rolls for some fresh veg ($3.99). Or just have macarons for lunch ($2 each); it’s your life.
Photo via YelpSapporo Ramen
5080 W. Colonial Drive, 407-203-6777
Sapporo recently raised prices, bringing a bowl of their shio, miso, shoyu or pork tonkotsu ramen up to $9. That’s still amazingly low for a bowl of killer broth swimming with chewy noodles, pork slices, bamboo shoots and naruto-maki.
Photo by Rob BartlettSpice Burgr
165 S. Orange Ave., 407-650-9134; spiceburgr.com
There are a lot of fancy specialty burgers here, all of them under $10 (unless you really go nuts with the add-ons), but for our money, it’s the traditional burger ($6.45) that sings: an organic grass-fed beef patty on a buttered toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickle, fried onions and cheese – plus a heap of the tastiest fries we’ve had all year.
Photo via YelpSe7en Bites Bake Shop
207 N. Primrose Drive, 407-203-0727
If you only think of Se7en Bites for sweet treats, you’re making a mistake – their savory menu is tight. The grilled pimento and bacon sandwich ($8.50) is manna from a Deep South heaven.
Photo via YelpSloppy Taco Palace
4892 S. Kirkman Road, 407- 574-6474; stporlando.com
2 Sloppy Taco Basket
A two-“Sloppy Taco” basket comprises a pair of lightly fried, flaky flour tortilla shells stuffed with chicken, steak, pork or ground beef, plus pico de gallo, plus queso sauce, plus black beans and rice, plus OMG you’re gonna need a post-lunch nap ($7.95).
Photo via YelpSmashburger
3162 E. Colonial Drive, 407-286-3390; smashburger.com
It’s a chain, but each location has a local specialty. Here it’s the Central Florida burger, with pimiento cheese spread, spicy brown mustard and fried green tomatoes for $6.29. Add Smashfries (tossed in olive oil, rosemary and garlic) for $1.99.
Photo via YelpStardust Video & Coffee
1842 E. Winter Park Road, 407-623-3393; stardustie.com
The venerable coffee and cocktail joint has been serving up a mean selection of sandwiches and snacks (mostly named for movies, in tribute to their video-store origins) for at least a decade, but it’s the “5 Easy Pieces” we keep coming back to: buffalo mozzarella, sliced tomato and eggplant, roasted red peppers and pesto, pressed ’til it’s crispy, yours for nine bucks and change.
Photo via YelpSus Hi Eat Station
4498 N. Alafaya Trail, 407-826-1682
Make your own roll, bowl or wrap at this UCF hotspot; prices range from $6 to $10, based on format and special ingredients. Try a rice bowl with spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber, sweet potato, scallion, mango, coconut, tempura flakes and ponzu, which adds up to just $7.50.
Photo via YelpToasted Crafted Grilled Cheese
1945 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, 407-960-3922
Try the Big Cheese: four cheeses (cheddar, Jack, Muenster, Swiss) plus arugula on locally sourced levain bread, $5.75 – add truffle-rosemary fries for $2.50. This place is seriously vegan-friendly, too — your dairy-free friend can get basically the same sandwich as you. The Truffle Melt is house-made vegan cheese plus truffle oil, arugula and cracked black pepper for $6.25.
Photo via YelpBeth’s Burger Bar
24 E. Washington St., 407-650-4950, and 5145 S. Orange Ave., 407-888-1190; bethsburgerbar.com
A single burger is just $3.49; add a slice of Swiss (99 cents), some grilled onions and some mushrooms (75 cents) and you’ve still got enough of your 10-spot left for a side of frickles ($3.49).
Photo via YelpCarmel Kitchen Wine Bar
140 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-513-4912; carmel-kitchen.com
We tried the grilled lemon chicken and artichoke flatbread (with fontina, arugula, lemon and basil; $8.99) as part of their Bite 30 menu, and we can vouch: legit.
Photo via YelpHot Krust Panini Kitchen
8015 Turkey Lake Road, 407-355-7768
The sandwiches at this Sand Lake mainstay have legions of loyal fans; we’re partial to the Gobble Gobble Turkey ($5.99): roasted turkey, bacon, red onions, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, spinach and cranberry sauce on crusty bread.
Photo via Yelp