9 Budget‑Friendly Fast‑Food Spots In Florida

Florida’s food scene doesn’t have to drain your wallet!

I’ve spent years hunting down the tastiest budget-friendly spots across the Sunshine State.

From Cuban sandwiches that transport you straight to Havana to empanadas that’ll make your taste buds dance, Florida offers incredible flavors without the hefty price tag.

Join me as I share my absolute favorite wallet-friendly fast-food gems that prove delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.

1. Mickey’s Subs (Tampa)

Holy meatballs! The first time I stumbled into Mickey’s Subs, I thought I’d been teleported straight to a New Jersey deli. Their Italian sub nearly brought tears to my eyes—perfectly crusty bread cradling layers of thinly sliced meats and provolone cheese for just $7.99.

Family-owned since 1992, Mickey’s doesn’t mess around with fancy gimmicks or trendy ingredients. The owner once told me their secret is simple: quality ingredients without the markup.

My go-to order? The Mickey Special with extra hot peppers. Pro tip: arrive before noon to beat the lunch rush, and don’t forget to grab a homemade cannoli for dessert. Cash only, but there’s an ATM nearby if you forget.

2. Tacos 19 (Miami)

Authentic street tacos that won’t break the bank? Count me in! Tacos 19 sits unassumingly in a Miami strip mall, but locals line up for their $1.99 Taco Tuesday special. My cousin dragged me here during a family reunion, and I’ve been obsessed ever since.

Handmade corn tortillas cradle perfectly seasoned meats topped with fresh cilantro and onion. The green salsa has a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds faster than a Cuban coffee.

Order at least three tacos al pastor and a horchata to wash it down. The owner, Miguel, often works the counter and remembers regulars by name and order. Seating is limited to a few plastic tables, but the flavor more than makes up for the no-frills atmosphere.

3. Tampa Bay Empanadas

Crispy, flaky pockets of heaven for under $3 each? You better believe it! Tampa Bay Empanadas became my Friday tradition during a three-month work assignment in Florida. The owner, Rosa, greets everyone with a smile that could melt butter.

Each empanada is handcrafted daily and fried to golden perfection. My stomach still growls thinking about their beef picadillo empanada with perfectly seasoned ground beef, olives, and a hint of cinnamon.

For the best experience, grab a mix-and-match half dozen for $15 and sample different flavors. The guava and cheese dessert empanada changed my life! Parking can be tricky during lunch hours, but trust me—circle the block a few times if necessary. These flavor bombs are worth the extra effort.

4. Mediterranean Deli (Orlando)

Falafel so good I actually tried (and failed) to recreate it at home! Mediterranean Deli saved my sanity during a chaotic Orlando convention week when I couldn’t stomach another overpriced theme park meal.

Tucked between tourist traps, this family-owned gem serves massive portions at prices that seem like a typo. Their $8.99 combo platter could easily feed two hungry adults. The hummus is silky smooth with just the right amount of garlic and tahini balance.

Skip the touristy restaurants and head straight here for authentic Mediterranean flavors. Order the chicken shawarma wrap with extra tzatziki sauce and a side of crispy falafel. The friendly owner might throw in a piece of baklava on the house if it’s your first visit—just don’t tell him I sent you!

5. Viet Nomz (Orlando)

Pho-nomenal flavors without the pho-nominal prices! Sorry for the terrible pun, but I get excited about Viet Nomz. During a rainy Orlando afternoon, I ducked in seeking shelter and discovered my favorite Vietnamese spot in Florida.

Fresh, fast, and under $10 for most menu items, this modern take on Vietnamese street food delivers big on flavor without the wait. Their banh mi sandwiches feature perfectly crusty bread loaded with pickled veggies and your choice of protein.

The build-your-own pho bowl lets you customize your soup experience for around $9. I always add extra bean sprouts and a heavy dose of sriracha. Don’t miss their Vietnamese iced coffee—sweet, strong, and the perfect complement to spicy dishes. Even during peak hours, the line moves quickly thanks to their efficient ordering system.

6. La Teresita (Tampa)

Cuban cuisine that transported me straight to Havana without the airfare! La Teresita became my Sunday morning ritual during a summer internship in Tampa. The first bite of their Cuban toast dipped in café con leche convinced me I’d found food heaven.

This Tampa institution serves generous portions at prices that seem frozen in time. Most breakfast items hover around $5, while lunch specials rarely exceed $10. Their Cuban sandwich—pressed to perfection with layers of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard—is arguably the best in Florida.

Visit during off-hours to avoid the weekend rush, or embrace the lively atmosphere and practice your Spanish while waiting. Don’t leave without trying their flan—silky smooth custard topped with caramel that’s worth every calorie. Cash preferred, though they do accept cards for orders over $10.

7. Pollo Tropical

Flame-grilled chicken that makes my mouth water just thinking about it! When I moved to Florida, locals insisted I try Pollo Tropical, and now I understand why this regional chain inspires such devotion.

Their quarter chicken meal with rice, beans, and plantains costs around $7 and keeps me full for hours. The signature citrus marinade creates chicken so juicy and flavorful that I’ve sworn off boring grilled chicken forever.

The tropical sauce bar is where the magic happens—load up on cilantro garlic, curry mustard, and guava BBQ sauces to elevate your meal. Download their app for frequent BOGO deals and loyalty rewards. While technically a chain restaurant, Pollo Tropical captures authentic Caribbean flavors at fast-food prices, making it a budget-friendly staple throughout Florida.

8. Beefy King (Orlando)

Time travel via taste buds! Walking into Beefy King is like stepping straight into 1968 when this Orlando institution first opened. My Orlando-native friend insisted we visit during my first trip to the city, claiming their roast beef sandwich would change my life.

He wasn’t exaggerating. Their signature sandwich features thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a steamed bun with a generous slathering of their secret Beefy sauce—all for around $6. Add tater tots and a chocolate shake for the full experience.

The nostalgic orange and brown decor hasn’t changed in decades, and neither have their recipes. Family-owned for three generations, Beefy King proves that sometimes the best things stay simple. Go early—they close at 3pm and often sell out of popular items. Cash and cards accepted, but bring cash for faster service.

9. Earl Of Sandwich (Orlando)

Royal treatment without the royal price tag! During a budget-conscious Disney trip, I discovered Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs and couldn’t believe such quality existed at theme park prices.

Their hot sandwiches—all hovering around $8—feature freshly baked artisan bread and premium ingredients that put ordinary subs to shame. The Holiday Turkey sandwich with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo tastes like Thanksgiving between two slices of bread—and it’s available year-round!

Lines can get long during peak hours, but they move quickly thanks to efficient ordering systems. Use their mobile app to order ahead and skip the wait entirely. While there are now multiple locations across Florida, the Disney Springs original remains my favorite for its lively atmosphere and perfect people-watching opportunities. Worth every penny when you need a satisfying meal that won’t empty your wallet.