You don’t need a ton of cash to dine like a king in Orlando. These restaurants are as famous for their incredible food as they are for their low prices. From specialty sandwiches at legendary mom-and-pop stands to authentic international faire from nearly every continent, you’ll find Central Florida is a hot plate of delicious, cheap eats.
Kappy’s Subs
501 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, 407-647-9099
Kappy’s prepares their subs the “old fashioned way.” Here you can get the all-American diner experience. Order the famous cheesesteak, burgers, and hand-dipped milkshakes to experience the Kappy way.
Photo via Kappy’s/FacebookKappy’s Subs
501 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, 407-647-9099
Kappy’s prepares their subs the “old fashioned way.” Here you can get the all-American diner experience. Order the famous cheesesteak, burgers, and hand-dipped milkshakes to experience the Kappy way.
Photo via Kappy’s/FacebookMrs. Potato
4550 S. Kirkman Road, 407-290-0991
Save your money while still filling up your stomach. Mrs. Potato started out as a small potato shack and has grown into a place locals rave about. Stop by for the loaded fries or try something more flavorful and traditional from their menu.
Photo via Mrs Potato/FacebookCredit:Photo via Mrs Potato/FacebookHot Dog Heaven
5355 E. Colonial Drive, 407-282-5746
While the setting may not be pretty, the Hot Dog Heaven is worthy of a visit the next time you need a frankfurter fix. Hotdog Heaven is a real Chicago hot dog place, Vienna Beef and all! They also whip up some tall milkshakes with pumpkin and vanilla ice cream, or fudge swirl with cookies and cream.
Photo via Google MapsHot Dog Heaven
5355 E. Colonial Drive, 407-282-5746
While the setting may not be pretty, the Hot Dog Heaven is worthy of a visit the next time you need a frankfurter fix. Hotdog Heaven is a real Chicago hot dog place, Vienna Beef and all! They also whip up some tall milkshakes with pumpkin and vanilla ice cream, or fudge swirl with cookies and cream.
Photo via Tiara Aracama/UnsplashBlaze Fast Fire’d Pizza
4100 N Alafaya Trail, 407-318-9127
501 Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL, 32789, 407-318-9129
Build your own pizza just the way you like it. Blaze is the perfect place for college kids to munch on quality slices fresh out of the oven. Choose any topping, dough, sauces, meats and veggies at just one price: $8.
Photo viaBlaze Fast Fire’d Pizza
4100 N Alafaya Trail, 407-318-9127
501 Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL, 32789, 407-318-9129
Build your own pizza just the way you like it. Blaze is the perfect place for college kids to munch on quality slices fresh out of the oven. Choose any topping, dough, sauces, meats and veggies at just one price: $8.
Photo via Blaze Pizza/FacebookGolden Krust
5510 W. Colonial Drive, 407-298-0543
Caribbean fast-food chains are somewhat singular entities, and foodies unfamiliar with the cuisine will find this spacious bakery and grill a proper initiation to island fare. Golden Krust takes great pride in their signature patties, offering nine different varieties from traditional spicy beef to soy.
Photo via Golden Krust/InstagramGolden Krust
5510 W Colonial Drive, 407-298-0543
Caribbean fast-food chains are somewhat singular entities, and foodies unfamiliar with the cuisine will find this spacious bakery and grill a proper initiation to island fare. Golden Krust takes great pride in their signature patties, offering nine different varieties from traditional spicy beef to soy.
Photo via Golden Krust/InstagramBubbalou’s
1471 Lee Road, Winter Park, 407-628-1212
Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que seduces you before you even lay eyes on it, which is just what good barbecue ought to do. The siren smell of smoky, sweet meats is in the air outside this new location, just north of Universal Studios Florida. Even from the parking lot, Bubbalou’s is alluring, with that bold, unblushing name lit up in neon, flanked by three hot-pink piglets tip-toeing over flames.
Photo viaBubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que
1471 Lee Road, Winter Park, 407-628-1212
Order the pork sandwich special for $3.00 or try the spare ribs for $9.49
Photo viaEden’s Fresh
1330 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, 407-647-3336
201 S Orange Ave., 407-826-1524
2305 Edgewater Drive, 407-377-5570
There are 11 different salads from which to choose, and if none tickles your fancy, create your own from Eden’s 37 available “tossings” and 12 dressings. It should be noted that the items above, though ordered “small,” are enormous portions, but really – eating too much salad is like taking too many naps; how bad for you could it possibly be?
Photo via Eden’s Fresh/FacebookEden’s Fresh
1330 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, 407-647-3336
201 S Orange Ave., 407-826-1524
2305 Edgewater Drive, 407-377-5570
There are 11 different salads from which to choose, and if none tickles your fancy, create your own from Eden’s 37 available “tossings” and 12 dressings. It should be noted that the items above, though ordered “small,” are enormous portions, but really – eating too much salad is like taking too many naps; how bad for you could it possibly be?
Photo via Eden’s Fresh/FacebookGringos Locos
multiple locations
Downtown taqueria is a boon for late-night revelers, offering standard tacos, burritos, chimis and quesadillas. The sizable girth of the chimi and “1 Night Slam” burrito make them ideal alcohol sponges, and crisp, flaky empanadas are great grab-and-go items. Skip bland guacamole and overdone fish tacos.
Photo via Gringos Locos/WebsiteGringos Locos
multiple locations
Downtown taqueria is a boon for late-night revelers, offering standard tacos, burritos, chimis and quesadillas. The sizable girth of the chimi and “1 Night Slam” burrito make them ideal alcohol sponges, and crisp, flaky empanadas are great grab-and-go items. Skip bland guacamole and overdone fish tacos.
Photo via Gringos Locos/InstagramJJ’s Fusion Grille
2950 Curry Ford Road, 407-802-2947
Ready for some Mexican and Mediterranean fusion? Try their fresh baked tortilla or pita chips with their fresh made guacamole. Pretty much everything on the menu makes for an affordable dinner date.
Photo via JJ’s Fusion Grille/WebsiteJJ’s Fusion Grille
2950 Curry Ford Road, 407-802-2947
Ready for some Mexican and Mediterranean fusion? Try their fresh baked tortilla or pita chips with their fresh made guacamole. Pretty much everything on the menu makes for an affordable dinner date.
Photo via JJ’s Fusion Grille/InstagramJunior Colombian Burger
5389 S. Kirkman Road, 407-355-3506
Weighty, messy, exotic burgers draw a diverse patronage to this cramped Kirkman Road joint. Hot dogs, beef skewers, arepas and other South American fare are offered, but it’s the burgers — hand-formed patties piled high with lettuce, tomato, white cheese, onion, and a mix of potato chips, pineapple sauce, pink sauce and Garcia’s delectable secret garlic sauce — that rule.
Photo via Junior Colombian Burger/FacebookJunior Colombian Burger
5389 S. Kirkman Road, 407-355-3506
Weighty, messy, exotic burgers draw a diverse patronage to this cramped Kirkman Road joint. Hot dogs, beef skewers, arepas and other South American fare are offered, but it’s the burgers — hand-formed patties piled high with lettuce, tomato, white cheese, onion, and a mix of potato chips, pineapple sauce, pink sauce and Garcia’s delectable secret garlic sauce — that rule.
Photo via Junior Colombian Burger/FacebookKing Bao
710 N. Mills Ave., 407-237-0013
Bao, those steamed sugar dough buns stuffed with all matter of crispy, fatty, meaty and crunchy fillings, are the new draw, but so is the low price. While the buns themselves aren’t fresh (they’re bought frozen, sorry), the meats they cradle, be it kimchi fried chicken, Korean short rib, or braised pork belly, satiate. Vegan and vegetarian options are also offered (try the bao filled with a sweet potato croquette).
Photo viaKing Bao
710 N. Mills Ave., 407-237-0013
Bao, those steamed sugar dough buns stuffed with all matter of crispy, fatty, meaty and crunchy fillings, are the new draw, but so is the low price. While the buns themselves aren’t fresh (they’re bought frozen, sorry), the meats they cradle, be it kimchi fried chicken, Korean short rib, or braised pork belly, satiate. Vegan and vegetarian options are also offered (try the bao filled with a sweet potato croquette).
Photo via King Bao/InstagramLa Granja
490 N. Semoran Blvd., Winter Park, 407-677-0001
7699 S Orange Blossom Trail, 407-857-6080
There’s a drive-through window, but go inside to see what people are packing away: large plates of spit-roasted chicken, grilled steak and pork accompanied by large helpings of white rice, black or red beans and french fries. The standard “Family meal #1” ($26) includes half a chicken, half a pound each of pork and steak, large rice and beans, large french fries and four sodas. Call it Latin American comfort food (or call it a carbohydrate curse), but the meat is the star of the meal, with its “secret” Peruvian spicing permeated by the flavor of cumin (which is the main ingredient in chili powders).
Photo via La Granja /FacebookLa Granja
490 N. Semoran Blvd., Winter Park, 407-677-0001
7699 S Orange Blossom Trail, 407-857-6080
There’s a drive-through window, but go inside to see what people are packing away: large plates of spit-roasted chicken, grilled steak and pork accompanied by large helpings of white rice, black or red beans and french fries. The standard “Family meal #1” ($26) includes half a chicken, half a pound each of pork and steak, large rice and beans, large french fries and four sodas. Call it Latin American comfort food (or call it a carbohydrate curse), but the meat is the star of the meal, with its “secret” Peruvian spicing permeated by the flavor of cumin (which is the main ingredient in chili powders).
Photo via La Granja /FacebookLaSpada’s Original Cheesesteaks and Hoagies
1010 Lee Road, 407-539-0067
Take one look at the decor in LaSpada’s cafeteria-style eatery, and you’d probably guess they sell cheese steak and hoagies even if you didn’t read the full name. Posters of the Rocky films, Phillies memorabilia, New York Yankees hate speech — the kitschy charm doesn’t make a great sandwich, but it helps while you wait for one. The 6-inch steak supreme ($5.75) crams chopped steak, onions, green peppers, mushrooms and white American cheese into a tiny roll, making it a seasoned, cheesy mess that’s worth grabbing a fork for. On the cold side, a 6-inch LaSpada’s Famous ($5.95) stacks five different meats, including prosciutto and capicola, provolone cheese and vegetables, creating a sandwich that’s tasty but challenging thanks to the super-salty cold cuts.
Photo via LaSpada’s/FacebookLaSpada’s Original Cheesesteaks and Hoagies
1010 Lee Road, 407-539-0067
Take one look at the decor in LaSpada’s cafeteria-style eatery, and you’d probably guess they sell cheese steak and hoagies even if you didn’t read the full name. Posters of the Rocky films, Phillies memorabilia, New York Yankees hate speech — the kitschy charm doesn’t make a great sandwich, but it helps while you wait for one. The 6-inch steak supreme ($5.75) crams chopped steak, onions, green peppers, mushrooms and white American cheese into a tiny roll, making it a seasoned, cheesy mess that’s worth grabbing a fork for. On the cold side, a 6-inch LaSpada’s Famous ($5.95) stacks five different meats, including prosciutto and capicola, provolone cheese and vegetables, creating a sandwich that’s tasty but challenging thanks to the super-salty cold cuts.
Photo via LaSpada’s/FacebookLatin Square
250 S. Orange Ave., 407-608-4181
Serving only breakfast and lunch with the fresh flavors of Latin America and traditional Hispanic dishes that won’t put a hurting on your wallet, this casual food joint is great for a quick bite.
Photo via Latin Square/FacebookLatin Square
250 S. Orange Ave., 407-608-4181
Serving only breakfast and lunch with the fresh flavors of Latin America and traditional Hispanic dishes that won’t put a hurting on your wallet, this casual food joint is great for a quick bite.
Photo via Latin Square/FacebookLinda’s Winter Park Diner
1700 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, 407-644-2343
A true diner serving the classics: chili omelets, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, bottomless cups of coffee. Service is on point and you can’t beat the location — the perfect place to get a jump on your weekend errands.
Photo via Linda’s Winter Park Diner/FacebookThe Local Bar and Grill
3231 Edgewater Drive, 407-900-9005
The restaurant features classic pub grub like burgers, sandwiches, and beers on tap, along with a decently sized cocktail selection.
Photo via The Local Bar and Grill/Google Street ViewThe Local Bar and Grill
3231 Edgewater Drive, 407-900-9005
The restaurant features classic pub grub like burgers, sandwiches, and beers on tap, along with a decently sized cocktail selection.
Photo via The Local Bar and Grill/FacebookLoving Hut
2101 E. Colonial Drive, 407-894-5673
‘Be veg. Go green. Save the planet.’ These words appear everywhere you turn at the Loving Hut, the tiny temple of veganism on Colonial Drive. While taking in the teachings of the Supreme Leader on the multiple screens, contemplate the frustratingly uninformative menu and try to decide between Jolly Rice and Saintly Stir-fry.
Photo via Loving Hut/Google Street ViewLoving Hut
2101 E. Colonial Drive, 407-894-5673
‘Be veg. Go green. Save the planet.’ These words appear everywhere you turn at the Loving Hut, the tiny temple of veganism on Colonial Drive. While taking in the teachings of the Supreme Leader on the multiple screens, contemplate the frustratingly uninformative menu and try to decide between Jolly Rice and Saintly Stir-fry.
Photo via Loving Hut/FacebookMecato’s
857 Woodbury Road, 407-601-3961
Order hot Colombian baked goodies such as bread, croissants, cookies and cheese. Get fresh brewed coffee or sip on a macchiato, espresso or americano. Try not to drool over the dessert section, filled with cakes and pastries, puddings and fruit.
Photo via Mecato’s/FacebookMecato’s Bakery & Cafe
857 Woodbury Road, 407-601-3961
Order hot Colombian baked goodies such as bread, croissants, cookies and cheese. Get fresh brewed coffee or sip on a macchiato, espresso or americano. Try not to drool over the dessert section, filled with cakes and pastries, puddings and fruit.
Photo via Mecato’s Bakery & Cafe/FacebookMoroccan Breeze Restaurant
9404 S Orange Blossom Trail, 407-730-4698
Known for having amazing couscous and Berber tajine, here you can taste the spices of Morocco and enjoy the taste of home-cooked traditional dishes.
Photo via Moroccan Breeze Restaurant/Google Street ViewMoroccan Breeze Restaurant
9404 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-730-4698
Known for having amazing couscous and Berber tajine, here you can taste the spices of Morocco and enjoy the taste of home-cooked traditional dishes.
Photo via Moroccan Breeze Restaurant/FacebookNumero Uno Cuban
2499 S. Orange Ave., 407-841-3840
This Cuban restaurant serves a mix of flavors and meats including seafood, and customers rave about their authentic favorites. Of course they serve classic meals with rice and beans, but their menu is not limited to only a few options.
Photo via Numero Uno/WebsiteNumero Uno Cuban
2499 S. Orange Ave., 407-841-3840
This Cuban restaurant serves a mix of flavors and meats including seafood, and customers rave about their authentic favorites. Of course they serve classic meals with rice and beans, but their menu is not limited to only a few options.
Photo via Numero Uno/WebsiteCindy’s Cafe
2512 N. Orange Ave., 407-898-6878
This cozy kitchen serves Latin, Cuban and Caribbean breakfast and lunch items. Cuban coffee is a must – you can get a large for $4.95 – and Cindy’s Cafe is also known for its juicy, fall-off-the-bone pulled pork.
Photo via Cindy’s Cafe/Google Street ViewCindy’s Cafe
2512 N. Orange Ave, 407-898-6878
This cozy kitchen serves Latin, Cuban and Caribbean breakfast and lunch items. Cuban coffee is a must – you can get a large for $4.95 – and Cindy’s Cafe is also known for its juicy, fall-off-the-bone pulled pork.
Photo via Cindy’s Cafe/FacebookOh Que Bueno
1125 S. Semoran Blvd., 407-447-5026
The “bandeja campesina” ($9.95) is a “farmers meal” that’s half dinner, half breakfast. White rice, savory red beans, a thick link sausage and a large slice of fried pork skin (more like thick bacon than the crunchy snacks) join a typical morning repast of steak, fried eggs and corn cake. There’s enough food to last most of the day, and each bit tasted as authentic as the presentation. And I tell a slight lie — there was green in the form of a creamy slice of avocado.
Photo via Oh Que Bueno/FacebookOh Que Bueno
1125 S. Semoran Blvd., 407-447-5026
The “bandeja campesina” ($9.95) is a “farmers meal” that’s half dinner, half breakfast. White rice, savory red beans, a thick link sausage and a large slice of fried pork skin (more like thick bacon than the crunchy snacks) join a typical morning repast of steak, fried eggs and corn cake. There’s enough food to last most of the day, and each bit tasted as authentic as the presentation. And I tell a slight lie — there was green in the form of a creamy slice of avocado.
Photo via Oh Que Bueno/FacebookSingh’s Roti Shop
5244 Old Winter Garden Road, 407-253-2900
This popular hangout is worth a try, no matter what time of day, but it offers a most satisfying cheap lunch: the chana roti, just $6, could feed a family of four (well, two people anyway). Those with less ambitious appetites could pick up a few doubles ($1.50 each) and a tamarind-sauced saheena fritter ($2).
Photo via Singh’s Roti Shop/Google Street ViewSingh’s Roti Shop
5244 Old Winter Garden Road, 407-253-2900
This popular hangout is worth a try, no matter what time of day, but it offers a most satisfying cheap lunch: the chana roti, just $6, could feed a family of four (well, two people anyway). Those with less ambitious appetites could pick up a few doubles ($1.50 each) and a tamarind-sauced saheena fritter ($2).
Photo via Singh’s Roti Shop/FacebookTako Cheena
948 N. Mills Ave., 407-757-0626
An eclectic offering of Latin-Asian tacos and burritos sets this taqueria apart from the rest – that, and the really loud music. Empanadas are a must to start, then dive right into the sublime panko-crusted cod taco. Burritos are substantial, and sauces – especially habanero-jackfruit and sweet chili with smoked ghost pepper – are tantalizing.
Photo via Tako Cheena/InstagramTako Cheena
948 N. Mills Ave., 407-757-0626
An eclectic offering of Latin-Asian tacos and burritos sets this taqueria apart from the rest – that, and the really loud music. Empanadas are a must to start, then dive right into the sublime panko-crusted cod taco. Burritos are substantial, and sauces – especially habanero-jackfruit and sweet chili with smoked ghost pepper – are tantalizing.
Photo via Tako Cheena/InstagramTheo’s Kitchen
2952 Curry Ford Road, 407-849-0810
Theo’s Kitchen is another family-owned restaurant that serves a variety of home cooked Mediterranean cuisine. Their soups are less than $5 and most meals will cost you less than $10. They also have an entire menu dedicated just to fried chicken, offering family portions and larger packs for better prices.
Photo via Theo’s Kitchen/Google Street ViewTheo’s Kitchen
2952 Curry Ford Road, 407-849-0810
Theo’s Kitchen is another family-owned restaurant that serves a variety of home cooked Mediterranean cuisine. Their soups are less than $5 and most meals will cost you less than $10. They also have an entire menu dedicated just to fried chicken, offering family portions and larger packs for better prices.
Photo via Theo’s Kitchen/FacebookTin & Taco
multiple locations
Tin & Tacos offers tacos (duh) and canned craft beers and sodas, as well as Stubborn Soda on fountain tap. (Items on the taco menu can actually be ordered as wraps, bowls, burritos or salads, à la Chipotle.)
Photo viaTin & Taco
multiple locations
Tin & Tacos offers tacos (duh) and canned craft beers and sodas, as well as Stubborn Soda on fountain tap. (Items on the taco menu can actually be ordered as wraps, bowls, burritos or salads, à la Chipotle.)
Photo via Tin & Taco/WebsitVeggie Garden
1216 E. Colonial Drive, 407-228-1740
Order rice paper veggie rolls ($3), noodle and vegetable soups ($8), or garden combo plates ($9). This healthy alternative green stop shop is perfect for all herbivores and vegan sushi lovers
Photo viaVeggie Garden
1216 E. Colonial Drive, 407-228-1740
Order rice paper veggie rolls ($3), noodle and vegetable soups ($8), or garden combo plates ($9). This healthy alternative green stop shop is perfect for all herbivores and vegan sushi lovers
Photo viaZaza New Cuban Diner
Multiple locations, 407-228-0060
Zaza serves affordable, bountiful dinner plates, perfect Cuban toast and some of the finest café con leche north of Key West. Flaky, buttery homemade guava-and-cream cheese pastries make a sweet finish.
Photo via Zaza New Cuban Diner/WebsiteZaza New Cuban Diner
Multiple locations, 407-228-0060
Zaza serves affordable, bountiful dinner plates, perfect Cuban toast and some of the finest café con leche north of Key West. Flaky, buttery homemade guava-and-cream cheese pastries make a sweet finish.
Photo via Zaza New Cuban Diner/FacebookBeth’s Burger Bar
multiple locations
This hometown fave serves the classic peanut butter burger and frickles, and loads each meal with a variety of ingredients that you’ll have open you mouth as wide as it goes just to fit it all in one bite.
Photo via Beth’s Burger Bar/WebsiteBeth’s Burger Bar
multiple locations
This hometown fave serves the classic peanut butter burger and frickles, and loads each meal with a variety of ingredients that you’ll have open you mouth as wide as it goes just to fit it all in one bite.
Photo via Beth’s Burger Bar/Website
