The best Orlando restaurants when you're broke AF

Chicago Dog & Co.

1113 W State Rd 436, Altamonte Springs

There’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.

Cilantro's Taqueria

1427 S Bumby Ave

Fresh, 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.

Cuban Sandwiches To Go

1605 Lee Rd

This 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.

Cupid's Hot Dogs

1515 Lee Rd

It’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.

Europol Polish Deli

3090 Aloma Ave, Winter Park

Experience 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.

Grattin Dog

1006 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.

Jalapeño’s Mexican Eats

681 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.

Lazy Moon

Various

Lazy Moon takes “just a slice” to the next level. Seriously, have you seen these things? While this popular restaurant is already a pretty affordable spot, the “Boxcar Willy” deal is an extra something special - for under $5 you can treat yourself to a full slice of Lazy Moon pizza (but let’s be real, this is probably two full slices from any other pizza place) and a pint of PBR.

Portillo's

7715 Palm Pkwy

Portillo’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.

Serious Sandwiches

1265 S Semoran Blvd

Let’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.

Shiraz Market

188 S US Hwy 17 92, Longwood

This 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.

Shish. Co

118 Lake Ave, Maitland

This 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.

Taco Kat

11 S Court Ave, (407) 745-0730

This 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.

The Neighborhood Eatery

231 N Magnolia Ave

Providing 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.

Chubby's Hot Dogs

9400 Hwy 17, Maitland

Another 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?