By Jim Carchidi
April 21, 2026
Everyone loves dining out but picking up the check can burden the bank account. Fortunately, the variety of local restaurants ensures something for every taste and budget. And shallow price points don’t mean you have to sacrifice good food or a good time.
The Orlando Real has compiled a list of cheap eats that don’t skimp on flavor or character. And if we missed your favorites, let us know. We’ll be posting a follow-up.
Beefy King
424 N. Bumby Ave.
Roast beef sandwiches and spuds (tater tots) have fueled Beefy King’s popularity for 58 years. So much that Southern Living named Beefy King "one of the south's best roast beef sandwiches." The menu also includes pastrami, turkey breast, and BBQ beef and pork sandwiches with side choices ranging from coleslaw and onion rings to chili. Sandwich sizes – junior, regular, and x-large – start at $4.50. Meal deals include spuds and a drink and start at $9 with two-meat combo sandwiches also starting at $9.
Kappy’s Subs
501 N. Orlando Ave.
Another local icon nearing the 60-year mark, Kappy’s serves up a simple but beloved menu of subs, cheesesteaks, burgers and dogs from a walk-up counter. And local support was strong enough to save the business from a possible closure in 2024. Prices range from a $2.75 corn dog to the $16.90 Padre’s Creation with ground chuck and sliced steak. Sides and desserts make it a meal with a friendly, neighborhood vibe.
Hot Dog Heaven
5355 E. Colonial Dr.
This famously no-frills dining spot also leans into classic food stand culture with a menu of about 20 hot dogs. Sides range from fries (plain or with cheese and/or chili), coleslaw, mac salad, baked beans, and “Pizza Puffs” stuffed with cheese and sauce. Ice cream cones, milkshakes and floats are also available. The Great Chicago Fire Dog (spicy Vienna beef dog on a steamed poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle and hot peppers) goes for about $6.80. Their Reuben Dog (yes, the classic sandwich with a hot dog for good measure) is $6.90, and the Chili, Cheese & Slaw Dog is priced at $8.05.
TaKo Cheena
948 N. Mills Ave.
Since opening in 2010, Tako Cheena has earned a faithful following with adventurous dishes that blend Asian and Latin American flavors. “Takos” come in packs of two or three starting at $9.98 with a premium menu starting at $6.04. A selection of ½ lb. burritos includes the Korean Burrito ($12) with diced beef bulgogi, kimchi fried rice with egg and mixed vegetables. Arepas, Asian-inspired hot dogs, and sides including fries, spuds, yuca fries, sweet plantains, and house-made salsas round out the selection.
Tortas el Rey
6127 S. Orange Blossom Trl.
Tortas el Rey fills a former Checkers drive-thru with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Tacos, tostadas, tortas, and tamales are just a few of the authentic Mexican dishes. Prices start at $1.54 for a hard-shell taco with a selection of $10.81 tortas, $12.35 for a burrito and a drink, and $13.75 for the Nachos con Carne.
Over the Border Taqueria
Pop-up locations
Chef Samuel Aguilar’s Tijuana-style pop-up features a tent, tables, a grill, and authentic recipes including carne asada, al pastor and chorizo. The lack of a brick-and-mortar location hasn’t held back his legion of social media followers from showing up at whatever location he’s announcing. Price points are between $4.75 and $10.00.
Lazy Moon Pizza
11551 University Blvd.
1011 E. Colonial Dr.
441 S. Orlando Ave.
Lazy Moon’s legendary New York-style slices are about 15 inches long and cut from 30-inch pies made with 72-hour aged dough. Lunch combos start at $8.00 for a cheese slice and a drink and specialty slices range from $7.50 to $11. The menu also includes calzones, wings, soup and chili. Whole pies can range from $30 for a cheese to $49.75 for a four-meat speciality, but the 20-inch size will feed a few people with leftovers.
Poke Hana
5845 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. #150
1225A E. Colonial Dr.
Poke Hana offers a taste of Hawaii with a fresh menu of poke bowls featuring salmon, chicken or ahi tuna, averaging about $15 each. Pork and chicken sliders are $12 with an additional $2 for shrimp, and rice plates are available for the same prices. Seven varieties of tacos go for $4.50 each or two with a drink for $10. The signature sweet treat is haupia pie: three coconut pudding-filled pastry rolls topped with shaved coconut, priced at $4.05.
What's your favorite affordable dining spot in the Orlando-area? Let us know for our next cheap eats post.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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