9 Deliciously Cheap Breakfast Spots In Florida That Locals Swear By
Florida mornings are more than sunshine and palm trees – they’re about starting the day with a plate of comfort food that doesn’t cost a fortune.
From Cuban sandwiches in Orlando to retro diners in St. Pete, the Sunshine State is packed with hidden gems where locals fuel up without breaking the bank.
After tasting my way from coast to coast, I’ve rounded up nine breakfast spots that prove flavor and value go hand in hand – and that the best mornings in Florida often start with a cheap but unforgettable meal.
1. Christo’s Café: Orlando’s Best-Kept Breakfast Secret
Holy hash browns! The first time I tasted Christo’s home fries, I nearly proposed to the cook. This unassuming College Park institution has been serving Orlando locals since 1969, and the recipes seem untouched by time – in the best possible way.
Morning crowds pack into the no-frills dining room where servers know regulars by name and coffee cups never reach empty. Their Greek-influenced breakfast menu features my personal addiction: the gyro omelet with feta cheese that costs less than most fancy avocado toasts.
Grab a seat at the counter for the full experience – watching short-order cooks perform their morning magic is better than any cooking show. Weekend warriors beware: this place fills up faster than a kiddie pool in July!
2. Shakers American Café: Quirky Vibes And Quiches
Remember that time I dragged myself out of bed after a late night only to discover breakfast paradise? Shakers’ funky salt-and-pepper-shaker collection (hence the name) lines every available shelf in this eclectic College Park eatery, giving you plenty to gawk at while waiting for your food.
The menu reads like a love letter to morning indulgence without the hefty price tag. Their quiche selection changes daily, but if you’re lucky enough to catch the spinach bacon version, order it immediately – no regrets!
Locals guard tables like treasure on weekend mornings, sipping unlimited coffee refills while debating which pancake flavor reigns supreme. Pro tip: their homemade banana bread makes an excellent to-go snack for later, assuming it survives the car ride home.
3. Papi’s Burritos: Sunrise Burritos That’ll Make You Weep
“You haven’t lived until you’ve had a breakfast burrito at 7 AM while watching surfers wipe out,” my friend insisted before dragging me to Papi’s. Turns out, she wasn’t exaggerating. This hole-in-the-wall near Cocoa Beach serves breakfast burritos the size of my forearm for less than $8.
The tiny kitchen somehow produces massive flavor bombs wrapped in warm tortillas. My go-to order – the Hangover Helper with eggs, chorizo, potatoes, and green chile sauce – has literally cured what ailed me on more occasions than I care to admit.
Don’t expect fancy ambiance – just a counter, a few outdoor tables, and the sound of waves in the distance. Cash only and worth every penny, especially when you’re fueling up for a day at the beach without breaking the bank.
4. Dixie Belle Cafe: Where Pancakes Are Bigger Than Your Plate
I stumbled upon this Kissimmee treasure after a night of questionable karaoke decisions and a desperate need for comfort food. Dixie Belle Cafe doesn’t mess around with their portions – their pancakes practically hang off the edge of the plate!
The walls are covered in vintage Florida memorabilia, creating a homey atmosphere that feels like breakfast at grandma’s house (if grandma could cook for an army). Their country breakfast with eggs, grits, and homemade biscuits costs less than a fancy coffee shop latte.
Early birds catch more than worms here – they get the freshest batch of their famous cinnamon rolls, which sell out faster than concert tickets. Cash only, so hit the ATM before you arrive!
5. Black Bean Deli: Cuban Breakfast That’ll Transport You To Havana
The first time I bit into Black Bean Deli’s Cuban breakfast sandwich, I swear I heard salsa music playing in my head! This Orlando gem brings Havana mornings to Central Florida without the airfare or passport requirements.
Steam rises from cafe con leche served in no-nonsense paper cups, strong enough to wake even the most determined sleepyhead. Their pressed breakfast sandwiches – stuffed with eggs, ham, cheese and pressed until crispy – cost just $6.50 and keep me full until dinner.
The tiny space fills with Spanish conversation and the smell of freshly baked Cuban bread each morning. Arrive before 9 AM to avoid the line that inevitably forms down the sidewalk. Bonus points: their guava pastries make an excellent dessert-for-breakfast option that I refuse to feel guilty about!
6. Maple Street Biscuit Company: Southern Comfort Without Southern Prices
Y’all, I nearly fainted when I first tried the Five and Dime biscuit at Maple Street! Picture this: a flaky, buttery biscuit topped with fried chicken, pecanwood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and sausage gravy – all for under $10.
The Jacksonville-born chain has spread across Florida faster than gossip at a family reunion, but somehow maintains quality and affordability. Each location has communal tables where I’ve struck up conversations with everyone from business folks to beach bums, all united by biscuit appreciation.
Instead of numbers, they call out creative questions when your order’s ready. “Who’s your favorite superhero?” the cashier might ask, leading to amusing morning debates while waiting for that gravy-smothered goodness. Get the Maple Vanilla Latte too – it’s basically dessert in a cup!
7. Vanessa’s Coffee Shop: The Peninsula’s Hidden Morning Treasure
“You look like you could use some of Vanessa’s home fries,” my Airbnb host said after noticing my post-road-trip zombie state. That afternoon, I became a convert to this St. Petersburg breakfast institution where $7.99 gets you the breakfast special that could feed a small family.
The no-frills diner sits in a strip mall you’d drive past without a second glance, but locals know better. Vanessa herself often works the grill, flipping perfect eggs while keeping up conversations with regulars who’ve been coming for decades.
Their Greek-influenced breakfast menu includes a gyro omelet that haunts my dreams, and the coffee comes in those brown diner mugs that somehow make everything taste better. Fair warning: they close at 2 PM and don’t take cards, so bring cash and arrive with plenty of morning to spare!
8. 16th Avenue Diner: Retro Vibes And Prices To Match
Walking into 16th Avenue Diner is like stepping into a time machine set to 1955 – complete with checkerboard floors, vinyl booths, and prices that seem equally retro! During my cross-state road trip last year, I stopped here on a whim and ended up staying for a second cup of coffee just to soak in the atmosphere.
The St. Petersburg institution serves breakfast all day, with specials rarely exceeding $8. Their country-fried steak with eggs and grits has saved me from many a hangover, and somehow tastes exactly like my grandmother’s (sorry, Nana).
Waitresses call everyone “honey” regardless of age or gender, and your coffee cup never reaches empty before a refill appears. The jukebox in the corner still works – drop in a quarter and select some oldies to complete the time-travel experience!
9. The Chattaway: Breakfast Burgers That Break All The Rules
“Burgers for breakfast?” I questioned when my Tampa friend suggested The Chattaway at 8 AM. “Just trust me,” she winked. This quirky St. Petersburg landmark with its garden of mismatched lawn ornaments and Christmas lights (year-round) serves their famous burgers from opening until close.
The breakfast burger topped with a fried egg and served with a side of home fries costs less than most drive-thru meals but delivers approximately 1000% more satisfaction. The eclectic outdoor seating area feels like dining in your eccentric aunt’s backyard – in the best possible way.
Locals bring visitors here to show off Florida’s weird and wonderful side. Cash only, but there’s an ATM on-site that charges a fee that’s worth paying for these morning masterpieces. Bonus: their breakfast bloody marys are garnished with enough vegetables to count as a side salad!