Times change, tastes change, but bills remain a constant.

As we’ve done before, we’d like to share some of our favorite places to eat when the ends don’t seem to meet. These cheap Orlando restaurants don’t skimp on quality, providing hearty meals and excellent flavors. From Middle Eastern delicacies to taco specials (and oh so many hotdogs), these are are the best Orlando area restaurants to hit up when you’re broke. 

Chicago Dog & Co.1113 W State Rd 436, Altamonte SpringsThere’s nothing wrong with a classic, cheap hot dog. However, Chicago Dog & Co. takes the traditional Chicago dog to the next level with a menu complete with any and all toppings you could imagine. With a plain hot dog starting at $3.50, let your imagination and hunger run wild with all the options at Chicago Dog & Co. Credit: Chicago Hot Dog & Co./Facebook
Cilantro’s Taqueria1427 S Bumby AveFresh, authentic and affordable. What more can you ask for? Cilantro’s antojitos, or “little cravings”, are deliciously inspired by Mexico City’s street food vendors and crafted with fresh ingredients. Credit: Cilantro's Taqueria/Facebook
Cuban Sandwiches To Go1605 Lee RdThis walk-up restaurant is a perennial Best of Orlando winner for its traditional Cuban cuisine and unique efficiency. Even tourists know what’s up. This small, standalone restaurant has Cuban sandwiches that TripAdvisor users are frequently claiming as the best Orlando has to offer. Credit: Cuban Sandwiches To Go/Facebook
Cupid’s Hot Dogs1515 Lee RdIt’s time to fall in love all over again with Cupid’s Hot Dogs – a cheap yet tasty treat in the Orlando area. With an array of decorated dogs and a fun assortment of side dishes to choose from (corn roll tamale anyone?), this is a must-stop next time you want to save some dough and get struck by Cupid’s arrow. Credit: Cupid's Hot Dog's/Facebook
Europol Polish Deli3090 Aloma Ave, Winter ParkExperience traditional Polish cuisine with the delectable (and cheap!) dishes at Europol Deli. Many Facebook reviews have complemented the deli’s selection of Polish specialties, specifically the homemade pierogis. Credit: Europol Polish Deli/Facebook
Grattin Dog1006 E Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs, (407) 951-7267 This is not your typical hot dog and hamburger joint. Grattin Dog brings its Colombian culture to the forefront in a deliciously cheesy way – literally. Everything is topped with cheese. The 100% fresh menu consists of various burgers, Colombian sausages and empanadas that are sure to have you longing to come back for more. Credit: Grattin Dog/Facebook
Jalapeño’s Mexican Eats681 N Orlando Ave, Maitland,( 321) 972-4086 Jalapeño’s is the intersection of authenticity and affordability. With tacos starting at just $2.75 as part of this vast yet curated menu of mouth-watering flavor, this is one stop you’re not going to want to miss. You can even get 15% off by showing your Yelp review at the counter when you order. Credit: Jalapeños Mexican Eats/Facebook

Best Traditional Pizza


Winner: Lazy Moon
Finalists: Antica Wood Fired Pizzeria and Market, John and John’s A Pizza Shop Credit: Photo via Lazy Moon/Facebook
Portillo’s7715 Palm PkwyPortillo’s classic Chicago-style cuisine is enough to get your mouth-watering by just looking at it. Not only do they have some especially tasty meal options on their menu, their dessert is what makes this location a notable stop, specifically the chocolate cake. And if you’re looking for a step up from the traditional fast food milkshake, try one of Portillo’s cake shakes, basically a two-in-one dessert special. Credit: Portillo's/Facebook
Serious Sandwiches1265 S Semoran BlvdLet’s be serious – we have no idea how to choose from all the yummy options on this menu. Serious Sandwiches is a family-owned restaurant that specializes in American cuisine with an international twist. This location is a bit of a local secret as it’s hidden among the buildings surrounding Full Sail University, but it’s absolutely worth seeking out. Credit: Serious Sandwiches/Facebook
Shiraz Market188 S US Hwy 17 92, LongwoodThis Middle-Eastern market has a selection of grocery items as well as traditional Mediterranean treats. Yelp reviewers have raved about Shiraz’s falafel, Turkish delights, and baklava among many, many other things. Credit: Shiraz Market/Facebook
Shish. Co118 Lake Ave, MaitlandThis Mediterranean street food restaurant is a gem of the Maitland area. With an expansive menu and different deals for each day of the week, Shish.Co is not a place to sit out. Some deals include Monday’s BOGO falafel pita with the purchase of a combo or Tuesday’s half-off appetizers. Credit: Shish Co/Facebook
Taco Kat11 S Court Ave, (407) 745-0730This taqueria’s Sonora, Mexico-inspired dishes include tacos, quesadillas, burritos and desserts that are sure to satisfy any craving. Plus, rumor has it that there’s a secret bar hidden within. Make sure to take an extra long look at any drink coolers you may see inside. Credit: Taco Kat/Instagram
The Neighborhood Eatery231 N Magnolia AveProviding the Orlando-area with a series of tasty Korean-American dishes, the Neighborhood Eatery is a must. With a uniquely-crafted menu complete with items like “insanity fries” and a sandwich names after Mills 50, there’s quite a selection of special treats to choose from at this affordable yet appetizing location. Credit: The Neighborhood Eatery/Facebook
Chubby’s Hot Dogs9400 Hwy 17, MaitlandAnother Chicago-inspired spot to rock your socks off, Chubby’s is home to a variety of dogs and a variety of specialty condiments. They put it best on their menu: why settle for a weenie when you can have a Chubby? Credit: Google Maps
Credit: Google Maps

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