The best cheap eats in Miami for a budget-friendly meal out

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jessica Pollet (@heartofgreen__)

What is it? Part convenience store, part roti shop, B & M is a 79th Street institution that’s made fans of both locals and visitors (Anthony Bourdain was a happy customer) for its flavorful and authentic fare.

Why we love it: From jerk chicken to oxtail, you’ll find some of the best West Indian food in Miami inside this colorfully painted bodega (also home to its own bodega cat). For a quick, handheld and cheap meal, order the Chicken Roti, a jerk-spiced number that might make you break a sweat.

Time Out tip: Wash it down with sorrel, a sweet and gingery Jamaican hibiscus drink. 

Address: 219 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 11am–7pm; Thu 9am–7pm; Fri, Sat 11am–8pm

Expect to pay: $9

What is it? Miami’s undisputed champion of hand-rolled bagels serves up delicious cream cheese layered and egg-stuffed sandwiches, any number of which I find myself craving on a random Tuesday.

Why we love it: The EB Original with thick-cut maple bacon, scallion cream cheese and zippy roasted jalapeños is my go-to order whether I’m having a slow morning or fueling up for my afternoon farmer’s market haul.

Time Out tip: Order ahead to avoid the lines, which can be quite long, especially on weekends.

Address: 6910 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138; 3015 Grand Ave #122, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Opening hours: Wed–Mon 8am–2pm

Expect to pay: $10

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by El Mago de las Fritas (@elmagodelasfritas)

What is it? What do President Obama and Guy Fieri have in common besides a silvery head of hair? They have both tried (and given a hearty thumbs up to) this famous frita. 

Why we love it: Ortelio Cardenas, aka El Mago, serves a ground-beef patty on a Cuban roll and piles it with onions and shoestring fries sliced so thin, they clump together and become a crunchy potato hash when fried.

Time Out tip: Order the Frita Tradicional and make it a double for $3 more—this hearty Cuban-style burger still clocks in under $10. A side of tostones will set you back $4.

Address: 5828 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33144

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10:30am–8pm

Expect to pay: $9.50

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by StarChefs (@starchefs)

What is it? From its spot within the Citadel food hall, United States Burger Service (USBS for short) delivers top-quality ingredients, unique combinations and names you can’t help but giggle at.

Why we love it: These are among our favorite smash burgers in the city, with the crispiest lace edges, gooey cheese and special sauce all nestled between two pillowy potato buns. The 2-Day double patty is a great value at $10.

Time Out tip: Add Insurance (house-cut fries) for $3.50.

Address: 8300 NE 2nd Ave, Suite 102, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 11:30am–10pm; Fri–Sat 11:30am–11pm; Sun 11:30am–9:30pm

Expect to pay: $10

What is it? The plate is exactly what any hungry Miami chef would want before a shift: three eggs, herbs and white rice, all spiced with Sazon Completa, just like everyone’s abuela used to do.

Why we love it: The fact that the city’s best diner has a dish that’ll cost you just 10 bucks is downright shocking. The fact that it’s also one of the best breakfast plates in town, well that’s revolutionary.

Time Out tip: Tucked in the same courtyard is the new Chuggie’s, a fast-casual burger joint from the Chug’s team with a very approachably priced menu and quaint outdoor seating.

Address: 3444 Main Hwy, Suite 21, Miami, FL 33133

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 7:30am–3pm; Thu–Sat 7:30am–10pm; Sun 7:30am–7pm

Expect to pay: $10

What is it? A classy pizza joint and cocktail bar that doubles as a bottle shop and gourmet market. This Little River gem is where local foodies converge to graze on Italian small plates, excellent pies and charcuterie in a relaxed indoor-outdoor space.

Why we love it: Pizza by the slice is the best value here. There are typically a couple of options to choose from—whatever’s on special that day—and each slice is massive enough to double-cut and share.

Time Out tip: The calabrese pepper sauce on your table is very spicy, and very delicious.

Address: 7220 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33150

Opening hours: Sun, Wed noon–10pm; Thu–Sat noon–10:30pm

Expect to pay: $8

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sunday Sammies (@sundaysandwichseries)

What is it? A longstanding Cuban diner and ventanita (walk-up window) in Edgewater serving one of our favorite Cuban sandwiches in the city, along with potent cafecito and all the classics.

Why we love it: I’m tempted to simply recommend the entire menu at Enriqueta's, where the most expensive item (a $17.75 platter of meat, rice, beans and salad) could feed a pack of truck drivers. But if forced to pick just one thing, let’s go with the Media Noche, essentially a Cubano that subs in a soft, sweet bread for added depth of flavor. 

Time Out tip: No time for a post-meal siesta? A $3 Cafe con Leche should put the pep right back into your step.

Address: 186 NE 29th St, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 7am–3pm; Sat 7am–2pm

Expect to pay: $10.25

What is it? Slightly drunk at 2am? Already starving by noon? Sandwicherie is the place to fill up on the cheap at all hours. 

Why we love it: Most of its regular subs clock in around $10, including the stellar combo of thick deli-cut turkey and gooey brie, dressed up however you want it. At La Sandwicherie, that includes just about any veggie you can imagine, right down to gherkin pickles.

Time Out tip: Ask for extra ramekins of their addictive vinaigrette sauce if you’re carrying out, or claim a squeeze bottle of the liquid gold to anoint each bite of your sandwich at the counter.

Address: 229 14th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139; 169 NW 23rd St Unit 102, Miami, FL 33127; 60 SW 10th St, Miami, FL 33130; 7349 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141; 17008 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

Opening hours: Times vary by location

Expect to pay: $10.80

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tinta Y Cafe (@tintaycafe)

What is it? A charming Cuban cafe and sandwich shop lined with books and filled with cozy furniture that invites guests to linger a while.

Why we love it: Tinta is a laid-back spot where you can grab a legit Cuban coffee during the lunch rush without having to fight several elderly gentlemen, as well as delicious sandwiches that put a new spin on classics. The menu is full of affordable items, but the best value is the still-satisfying “mini” options. My favorite is the Mini Capri, neatly layered with mozzarella, tomato, basil, tomato jam and basil oil.

Time Out tip: This is not the place to treat as your satellite office; there’s no wifi, and laptops are politely declined. This is, however, the perfect place to catch up with an old friend or take a break from the hustle.

Address: 1315 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, FL 33134; 9840 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33138

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm; Sat, Sun 8am–4pm

Expect to pay: $10

What is it? Sanguich’s emphasis on fresh, house-made ingredients has earned this Little Havana spot a well-deserved reputation as the creator of some of this city’s tastiest sandwiches—so much so that it has expanded to locations all around Miami.

Why we love it: The Cubano is a fairly humble sandwich as it is, but the version at Sanguich is undeniably fancier than others around Miami. In the Jamón y Queso, the simple combination of lightly cured city ham, Swiss cheese and mayo on Cuban bread allows the flavors and quality of the ingredients to really shine. The bread-to-fillings ratios are just right—and so is the price.

Time Out tip: During breakfast, score this sammie for just $7.25. Breakfast at Sanguich is also a great time to try cheap eats, like the Pan con Croqueta for $6.79 or the Ham, Egg & Cheese for $7.86.

Address: 2057 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135; 111 Palermo Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134; 401 Biscayne Blvd. S116, Miami, FL 33132; 6500 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Daily 10am–6pm (Little Havana); Daily 11am–10pm (Bayside); Daily 11am–7pm (Little Haiti); Mon–Sat 7am–9pm, Sun 7am–8pm (Coral Gables)

Expect to pay: $9.59

What is it? A proper Chicago dog on Biscayne Boulevard? It exists! And it’s a delicious compromise if you don’t feel like wolfing down one of Dogma’s foot-long beef dogs (also well under $10). 

Why we love it: Yellow mustard, neon relish, chopped onions and tomatoes, sport peppers, dill pickle spear, celery salt—all of the requisite ingredients are here, lovingly arranged on a fluffy poppy seed bun. I like to pair mine with a refreshing 312 Wheat Ale and pretend I’m actually in the Windy City for the approximate three minutes it takes to scarf it all down.

Time Out tip: Dogma is a walk-up window with outdoor-only seating. Though it’s shaded with umbrellas, you’ll want to keep this in mind during the hot summer months.

Address: 7030 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11am–10pm; Sun noon–9pm

Expect to pay: $5.95

What is it? Few places feel more Miami than El Palacio, a mini-chain you’ll find around Dade where various food vendors come together to offer mostly traditional Cuban dishes.

Why we love it: Most everything here won’t cost you much, but I’m a fan of the Mini Lechon. It’s a daintier (and still plenty filling) version of the classic Pan Con Lechon, stuffed with juicy, shredded, marinated pork and topped with crispy papitas.

Time Out tip: Round out your order with a coconut water (served with a straw in the actual coconut) and fresh crackling chicharrones (pork rinds), some of the best in town.

Address: 2038 NW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33142

Opening hours: Daily 6am–9pm

Expect to pay: $8.63

What is it? This delightful North Beach taco shack serves street-style tacos in homemade blue masa corn tortillas. 

Why we love it: Though fillings can be a tad pared down, the quality never disappoints. Our favorite is the Al Pastor, made with achiote-marinated pork, chiles and warm spices. The breezy beachfront views at this casual spot don’t hurt either. Or pack your tacos to-go and enjoy them right on the sand.

Time Out tip: If you can spare an additional $12, complete your order with a side of hot, fluffy totopos and guac. We could stuff a mattress full of them and sleep peacefully forever.

Address: 7450 Ocean Terrace, North Beach, FL 33141

Opening hours: Tue–Sun noon–10pm

Expect to pay: $10 for two

What is it? The dim sum stand inside the 1-800-LUCKY food hall has a whole lot of items worthy of this list, namely BBQ pork buns and chocolate wontons. But no single item says lazy Sunday dim sum quite like the soup dumplings, which come four to an order for just nine bucks. Yes, you’ll try to wait, you’ll poke a hole and let the steam seep out, but you will still annihilate your mouth in the most delicious way.

Why we love it: These delicate steamed dumplings are filled with flavorful pork and rich, savory broth to rival the best in NYC or even Shanghai.

Time Out tip: This Wynwood food hall gets pretty lively. For a calmer atmosphere, try visiting YIP in Aventura, Doral or Fort Lauderdale—or order your dumplings for home.

Address: 143 NW 23rd St, Suite 3, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–11:30pm; Fri–Sun noon–2am

Expect to pay: $9

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Corner (@thecornermiami)

What is it? Smack in between Club Space and E11even, The Corner is a fancy-ish dive bar open till an ungodly hour at the epicenter of Miami’s Downtown debauchery.

Why we love it: The late-night conversations and people-watching at this Miami institution are unparalleled, in part fueled by an impressive menu of stiff cocktails, craft beers and natty wines. But don’t sleep on the selection of snacks and light bites, which includes a surprisingly elevated grilled cheese with a side of crisps.

Time Out tip: Make your simple sammie a more robust meal by adding tomato for $1 and ham for $2. Pair it was an excellent $9 Old Fashioned cocktail during happy hour (Daily 4–8pm).

Address: 1035 N Miami Ave #101, Miami, FL 33136

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 4pm–5am; Sat, Sun 4pm–7am

Expect to pay: $7

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Smashbros.co (@smashbros.co)

What is it? At a time when smash burgers are everywhere, including fancy sit-down restaurants, this Edgewater spot distinguishes itself with never-frozen grass-fed beef patties. This is a damn good burger for under eight bucks. 

Why we love it: Beyond the freshness, Smash Bros skips the seed oils and cooks with wagyu beef tallow, which imparts a richer flavor. It all adds up to a beefier burger dressed simply with onion, pickles, American cheese and their signature Smash Sauce.

Time Out tip: Ball out on a budget and order the Truffle Wagyu, which includes a single patty, truffle mayo, sauteed onion, American cheese and wagyu beef. The single goes for just $10.99 and a side of Tallow Fries will set you back another $3.99. (Worth it.)

Address: 2925 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 11am–11pm; Fri, Sat 11am–midnight

Expect to pay: $7.99