As more people, more businesses, and more money funnel into the greater Tampa Bay area, the prices at our coveted eateries tend to rise up. And look, we love treating ourselves to a heaping, overpriced cut of meat just as much as the next person. But sometimes, you need a meal on a light wallet that still does the job exceptionally well. Hence these three standout menu items that succeed every time, all for $10 or less.
Chicken Tamale & Taco Pastor | Loli’s Mexican Cravings, Tampa
The Buck: $9.49
The Bang: A supremely underrated tamale situation with an additional al pastor for fun times.
Roast Turkey Open Sandwich | Three Coins Diner, Tampa
The Buck: $9.50
The Bang: A downhome, oft-forgotten take on the ordinary sandwich at one of Tampa Bay’s greatest diners. Smother the hell out of this thing with gravy.
Oxtails/Rabo Special | Tropical Cuisine, Tampa
The Buck: $8.99
The Bang: Tropical Cuisine’s lunch specials are tailor made for this exercise (see: Large Beef Stew), but the oxtails are primo. If you have an extra 10-spot, grab an order of chicharrons.