Constantly dining out is everyone's dream. Never seeing a kitchen that looks like an explosive went off just because you wanted to cook a basic meal at home is enough reason to order out. However, with rising prices of food costs making what was once somewhat affordable now seem like a simple meal is at the same level as a high-end restaurant, more than ever, we are looking for a deal.  

But where can you eat for under $15 these days? I've done the leg work for you and compiled a list of places in my regular rotation. Before you get hysterical, these prices DO NOT INCLUDE TAX AND TIP. So you could still end up going over $15 a little, despite my best efforts at keeping that the maximum. 

Here are some of my best tips for keeping things affordable:

Water: I've incorporated keeping my hydration simple when I'm dining out casually. I don't go anywhere without my trusty reusable water bottle. I don't feel the need to spend +$2 on a soda or other non-alcoholic beverage when I have my own drink. Water is fine, and it's FREE. Save the cocktails and mocktails for a special night out.

Smaller portions:  Do you need three tacos, or will two suffice? No one liked it when their mom said we have food at home. But in reality, if you have food at home, you can get the enjoyment of dining out and ordering less, and if you aren't fully satisfied, top it off with a snack at home. 

Sharing: If you are dining with a partner or friends and you share similar tastes, try sharing small plates, apps, or even entrees. Pool your money and see how far you can make it go.

Are these fun tips? No, but you'd be surprised how it lessens the hurt on your wallet when you incorporate one or more and leave the splurging to fancier nights out.

Chi-Kin

I’m slightly addicted to Chi-Kin’s tenders, especially with the gochujang sauce. When you see the menu you are going to want to order a lot of chicken, but in reality, the three piece basket with fries is plenty of food. Whenever I order more than that I end up having leftovers. The 3 tenders basket with regular waffle fries will run you $11. They also have lunch specials where you choose the 3pc tenders, 5pc wings or a Chi-Kin sammie with fries and a drink for $10.95.

SkyeBird Juice

It’s not all juice and smoothies at the colorful Skyebird Juice Bar inside the East End Market. There are so many good dishes, but the one that might be the most addicting that my friend turned me onto is the Mac N Treez. For $12 you get a hearty bowl of zoodles, house-made cashew " cheese ", tomato, cashew parm. Vegan-friendly and delicious!

StreetWise Urban Food

This is a full lunch for under $15 that you don’t want to pass up. At StreetWise Urban Street Food, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I really enjoyed the Chicken & Waffle Hot Mess for $12.99. Hand-breaded crispy chicken, 4 cheesy-herb waffles, buffalo maple syrup, and whipped cream.

Note: StreetWise is currently in the process of moving locations, so follow their social media to stay in the know about the opening of their downtown spot.

HAPA HALO GRILL

Hapo Halo Grill is on the move, and no longer at The House on Lang, but if you visit one of their pop-ups you’ll get to enjoy their twist on Hawaiian and Filipino street food. If you order the full plate lunch ($12), it comes with your choice of three skewers, Hawaiian mac salad, and rice.   Check their Instagram for their pop-up schedule.

new moon market

Quick and healthy is what New Moon is College Park is all about. If just drinking juice is a little too Gwenyth for you, you can get a wrap, salad, or bowl for under $15. One of my favorite is the Kale Caesar for $8
(add chorizo or chickpea salad $3 or Buffalo chickpea $4) or one of their wraps.

Mediterranean Street Food by Shishco

This tiny stand with outdoor seating has some delicious Mediterranean options, but if you want to keep it under $15 you will have to stick with the classic Gyro plate or salad. When it’s served in a pita you can keep the price at $10.95 with a Combination ground beef/lamb grilled. Any additional sauces or dips will be an upcharge. The Gyro Salad will have Lettuce, tomato, onion, feta cheese, parsley, red wine vinegar & olive oil topped with meat but will run you $13.95.

Jeff’s Bagel Run

The best bagels in all of Orlando come with an affordable price tag. While a simple Jalapeno Cheddar bagel with cream cheese keeps me satisfied for the better part of the day, you also hack the option to get these bagels and create a hearty breakfast sandwich at home. You can get a half-dozen bagels at Jeff's for $10 with either a side or two of cream cheese ($2 each), or you can opt for an Otus Cold Brew ($5) instead. Jeff's Bagels are top-tier and last more than a day, so you are getting multiple meals for a great price.

Viet Nomz

One of the cheapest ways to eat at Viet Nomz is getting the Entree bowl with either rice or salad.
I get jasmine rice served with shredded lettuce, cucumber, tomato slice, pickled carrots/daikon, basil, and cilantro. Choose between chicken, pork or crispy tofu for your protein and keep the price at $12.95. If you have the cash to spare I would add on a Vietnamese coffee.

P’s Viet Mi Cafe

The traditional Bánh Mì at P’s Viet Mi will run you $7.95 - $8.95 and its a really delicious traditional Vietnamese sub on toasted airy baguette, smothered with a garlic buttery spread. Topped with pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeños, and your choice of meat. The Kimchi Fries or the Vietnamese Coffee are great add-ons.

Lawless Subs

Lawless Subs in Atlamonte has a lot of great sub options without wasting most of your lunch hour waiting in line like you would at Publix. All of the 11” subs are under $15 and all the 7 1/2” subs are under $10 giving you wiggle room for chips and a drink. I normally get the 7 1/2 inch Italian.

Jalapeños Mexican Eats

Tacos at Jalapeños in Maitland will run you anywhere between $2.75 and $3.53 each depending on the protein you select. These are really heartiful tacos, so three should be plenty and you still have money left over to for a horchata.

Cubans on the Run

There are plenty of options at Cubans on the Run in Casselberry. I normally stick with the Midnight (otherwise known as Media Noche) for $7.25 with a side of sweet plantains for $3.99. You can’t go wrong here for an affordable lunch. The lunch hour is quite hectic, and parking frankly stinks, so it’s not a bad idea to call your order in.

Pig Floyd’s

It gets a little harder at Pig Floyd’s to stay under $15 but your best bet are the Urban Tacos. Two of my favorite are the Butter Chicken Taco $4.49 and the Shrimp and Sausage Taco $4.99. No side comes with these but if you add Mexican Street Corn you come right under $15. The Bento Boxes can also be an option ranging from $11.99 - $14.99 and you get more food.

PURPLE OCEAN SUPERFOOD

One of my all-time favorite menu items at Purple Ocean is the Crash Boat - Banana, Hemp Seeds, and Peanut Butter. Topped with Honey or Agave. It only run you $11.00 and don’t let this bowl deceive you. It’s very filling.

Stasio’s Italian Deli & Market

I’ve noticed that the sandwich menu at Stasio’s has changed a few times, so if you go and it’s different don’t yell at me! I am pretty confident in tell you that most of their deli sandwiches remain under $15. On my last visit I grabbed a Classic Italian which was $10.

Swine & Sons

Technically you can get Swine and Sons well known Crispy Hot Chicken Sandwich for under $15 but it doesn’t come with any sides, and with their curly fries at $5, you’ll easily go over budget (although it would be well worth it) . An easier way to get a fuller meal is the Falafel Bowl. The bowl is generous and filled me up without being able to finish. At $13 you get lemon hummus, cucumber, pickled gypsy peppers & red onions, za’atar, cilantro, and pressed naan. If falafel isn’t your thing, they have a few sandwiches coming in at the same price point, but still no sides.

GÀ TA

Most of the items at GÀ TA in the Mills 50 area are right under $15. The Chicken in Two Bowls is a stand out at $14.50. The first bowl consists of rice noodles, chicken, a homemade sauce, and a mixture of herbs. The second bowl is a broth you add to it with meatball and chicken young egg. It’s flavorful and filling. It seems wrong to go here and not get the Egg Coffee but it’s also $7. It’s one of the best Vietnamese coffees I’ve ever had, so if you can get it I would highly recommend.

Black Rooster

The brunch at Black Rooster's Curry Ford location is quite more affordable than most, so you won't be wincing at a credit card bill days later if you decide to have Sunday Funday here. Every one of their brunch menu items is $10 or less, leaving room for a $5 Rooster Sunrise (draft beer, pineapple agua fresca, Cava).

On my last visit, I got the Chilaquiles for $8 - Soft fried egg, house tortilla, roasted tomatillo-cream sauce, Oaxaca cheese, shaved onion, avocado, radish, cilantro, crema fresca, cotija cheese. Other brunch items include Huevos Rancheros, French Toast, California Breakfast Burrito, "Birria Style" Brisket Tacos, and more. Brunch here won't break the bank, but you can still party on the outdoor patio with your friends.

Dang Boba and Musubi House

Musubi and Boba may feel like a partial meal to you, but it certainly passes for lunch to me. Dang Boba has delicious boba teas and now offers their Musubi every day from 12-5! The prices will vary a little depending on your choices, but I get the Spam + Egg Musubi for $4.95 and a flavored Milk Tea for $5.75.

Mediterranean Deli

Hello My Friend! IFKYK. This beloved Mediterranean spot in College Park has remained affordable through the rising food inflation, and the portions are just as plentiful as ever. For example, a Gyro Combo with salad and a drink will cost you $11.75, and literally all the combo meals on the menu remain under $15 and are a complete meal with a drink. You can’t beat it. 

Domu Chibi

The sister concept to the popular Domu is giving us their goods over in Waterford Lakes but in a smaller and more affordable package. Here you can get smaller bites of the famous Domu Wings for $8.50 or a bowl of Tonkotsu for $11.50.

JAM Hot Chicken

If you want to try JAM Hot Chicken, but it’s not in this months budget, start with the 3 pc tenders. They come with pickles, sliced bread and your choice of sauce for $9.50 and it will get your mouth watering for more next paycheck.

Sticky Rice

The small plates at Sticky Rice most likely won’t fill you up if you have just one, but if you are with a group of friends willing to share, you can all take on one of the menu items for under $15 and make good use of those communal tables. Laab from $8-$10, Crispy Lettuce Wraps $9, Pork Tapioca Dumplings $7, or Grilled Sticky Wings $9. 

Susuru

If you can get a seat at the popular dinner spot Susuru, chances are you are going to go all out. If that isn’t in the budget however, their ramen bowls are filling and fall between $13-$14. So go enjoy the vibe with your friends but keep it affordable.

SoDough Square

If you are dining as one or don’t need to eat an entire small pizza alone, head to SoDough Square. These thick and filling Detroit Style pizzas come in small 4 slice options between $9.99 and $11.99. I split a small with a friend, and it was plenty of food without leaving me feeling too greasy and full after. 

Se7enbites

Breakfast at Se7enbites can be done for under $15, but only if you stay away from the baked goods counter, which will be very difficult. One of my favorites is the Southern - a buttermilk garlic biscuit, baked egg in ham, pimento cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and cheddar chive grits for $10. Not only is it $10, but you most likely won’t need to eat again until dinner.

Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria

Pom Pom's is an institution with a menu loaded with simple, savory (sometimes sweet) and hearty sandwiches. All the sammies are under $15, and if you add one of Pom's delicious teas to it, you'll go over the threshold, but it will be worth it. Otherwise, implement the water bottle hack. My Cobb at $12.75 is a filling stack of Turkey, Tomato, Melted Blue Cheese, Arugula, Red Onions, Bacon & Avocado. I sub out Blue Cheese or Mozzarella, and you can do the same if you want a different cheesy flavor.

Deli Desires

No matter what sandwich you get at Deli Desires, you are in for a treat, but let's plan how to keep it a cheap treat, alright? Five sandwiches on the Deli Desires menu are $10, and one of them that makes my mouth water just thinking about it is the Egg Salad. This isn't your mom's egg salad. It's Gribiche style which is an all-purpose dressing made with hard-boiled eggs. It's bright and a little tart, with a simple accompaniment of red onion and a soft egg on top, and it's served on a sesame seed bun. I love it, but if you aren't an egg salad person, you have four more options, and you can even add a Deli Desires soda to it for just under $15.

Oh My Gyro

Over in Longwood you can get affordable and tasty Gyro platters. Lamb, Chicken, Falafel, and some seriously spicy red sauce (if you dare). The platter comes with rice and pita bread and it’s so filling I usually don’t finish it in one sitting. For $11.99 it’s a full meal that also comes with a soda.

Winter Park Biscuit Co.

A box full of vegan goodness awaits at Winter Park Biscuit. For $11.25 you can get WPBC Box which has 3 Chik Strips, an Oat Buttermilk Biscuit, French Fries & Choice of Sauce. It’s your best deal. To beat the lines that will form at lunchtime, order on their website and pick it up at the counter. Their sandwiches, burgers, and chopped cheese are also under $15 but without any side or drink.

Shiraz Market

Over in Longwood, you have some great options for Middle Eastern dishes, but fast and affordable. My go-to is usually the Combo #1 One Chicken Breast One Minced Beef Kabab Served Over Rice, but it costs $14.99. If you need to keep it cheaper, go for the Gyro sandwiches. This spot is always busy, so calling in your order is the way to go. Otherwise, I can’t promise you’ll stay at $15 when you see all the other goodies in the marke