The Best Cheap Eats In Miami 2014 | Tasting Table MIA
It's no secret that Miamians love a good deal. From real-deal barbecue to customizable ceviche, here are our favorite cheap eats across Dade Country.
① 100 Montaditos in Midtown, South Miami, Kendall, Brickell and South Beach
It's no surprise that this Spanish sandwich shop has been opening new locations all over town—every Wednesday, each of the bite-sized sandwiches cost only $1 each. Load up on jamón Serrano, manchego and chistorra (pork sausage) montaditos.
② My Ceviche in South Beach, Brickell and South Miami
We give chef Sam Gorenstein props for making the ceviche bowl ($9.95) one of the best deals in town. Choose your seafood (fresh shrimp, octopus or locally caught fish), your sauce (zesty aji amarillo, chile-laced rocoto or traditional with avocado, jalapeño and more), and your base (fluffy quinoa, jasmine rice or mixed greens), then get to work.
③ Shorty's Bar-B-Q in South Miami and Doral
Even a devastating fire at the original location couldn't bring this iconic barbecue institution down. The secret is in the sauce, which coats the slow-smoked baby back ribs in a tangy glaze. Try them in the lunch special ($7.29), which also includes fries, coleslaw and a piece of garlic-slathered bread.
④ Lime Fresh Mexican Grill in South Beach, Midtown and Dadeland
We were a little nervous when restaurateur John Kunkel (Yardbird, Swine, Khong River House) sold this beloved Mexican grill franchise to Ruby Tuesday, but fear not: the Surfer fish tacos (three for $7.99, grilled or fried) are still refreshing; the extra-large Cali burrito ($7.25), stuffed with of chicken or ground beef, cilantro-lime rice, guacamole, salsa asada, black bean corn salsa, tortilla strips, cheese and sour cream still hugely satisfying.
⑤ Sakaya Kitchen in Downtown and Midtown
Richard Hales, a.k.a., "the Ninja of Flavortown," has graced Miami with some of the best Asian fusion in the nation. By now the "Chunk'd" cheesy tater tots ($8), piled high with Korean-style kalbi beef and Sriracha hot sauce, and the steamed banh mi buns with sous-vide pork belly, head cheese, crunchy carrot kimchi and quick pickle ($9) should be on your go-to comfort food hit list.
⑥ Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop in Wynwood
You won't find a more satisfying meal for under $10 anywhere in the city. Make it before 11 a.m. for the Desayuno Especial ($4.99), compiled of two eggs, ham, bacon or sausage, a latte and fresh OJ or, head over later for a hearty bistec platter ($6.75).
⑦ Daily Bread Marketplace in Coconut Grove and Pinecrest
Out of tahini? Hosting a Middle Eastern potluck? Whatever your excuse, it's always worth visiting Daily Bread to pick up one of their lunch combos, heavy with hummus, tabouli, pita bread and salad tossed in a refreshing lemon-mint dressing. Try the juicy lamb kafta kabob ($8.95) or expertly-seasoned beef shawarma ($8.99).
⑧ El Palacio De Los Jugos in Coral Way, Flagler, Calle Ocho and Hialeah
Want to show an out-of-towner a real Miami experience? Take them to El Palacio to buy Cuban food by the pound and treat them to a glass of freshly squeezed jugo de caña (sugarcane), mango or maracuya ($2). Try the pork lechon or arroz con mariscos as a lunch platter ($10), and you're all but guaranteed to have leftovers for dinner.
⑨ La Sandwicherie in South Beach and Brickell
This late-night sandwich staple serves some of the tastiest cheap eats in town. The Napoli ($9.40), stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella, is a classic, but we like to feed our inner Francophile by adding Camembert ($1.50) to the Pâté sandwich ($7.90), too. Make sure to get an extra side of the house vinaigrette and ask nicely for extra cornichons. Voilá!