Want some great food but are on a budget? No need to worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve found the best restaurants in Tampa Bay to grab a quick bite for under $15 — from tacos to dumplings, you won’t go home with an empty stomach. Grab your wallet & keep scrolling to find out where you’re going for a bite in Tampa Bay today!
Red Mesa Mercado
In the mood for some authentic Mexican (without needing to make a trip to the bank)? Red Mesa Mercado in St. Pete is a perfect no-nonsense, quick, urban drive-by inspired location. They offer street tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and so much more for under $15! This quick bite will have you wanting more. Don’t forget to try it out for breakfast — we’re OBSESSED with their avocado toast!
Lunch/Dinner
Monday–Thursday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Friday–Saturday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Breakfast
Everyday | 9:00am–11:00am
📍 1100 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
King of the Coop
Are we in Tampa Bay or Nashville? It’s hard to tell at the King of the Coop! This Nashville hot chicken restaurant is the place to be. Their tender baskets are a fan fav, but the hot chicken sandwich is out of this world as well! Get a bang for your buck at King of the Coop.
PRO-TIP: They also have gluten-free hot chicken and fish!
Seminole Heights
Monday–Sunday | 11:00am–10:00pm
📍5910 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Wesley Chapel
Monday–Thursday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Friday–Saturday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–8:00pm
📍27835 Wesley Chapel Blvd Unit 102, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
SOHO
Monday–Thursday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Friday–Saturday | 11:00am–3:00am
Sunday | 11:00am–8:00pm
📍500 S Howard Ave suite f, Tampa, FL 33606
St. Petersburg
Monday–Thursday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Friday–Saturday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–8:00pm
📍6928 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Mel's Hot Dogs
Nothing says a quick & affordable meal like a hot dog! Mel’s Hot Dogs is a family-run business that has been around since 1973. Located right next to Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay’s own amusement park, Mel’s Hot Dogs is a perfect place to sit and relax after a long day at the park, or grab for takeout for the ride home. These Chicago-style hot dogs are to die for. Give the chili dog a try!
Monday–Saturday | 11:00am–8:00pm
Sunday | CLOSED
📍 4136 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33617
Pearly's Beach Eats
Picture this: you just spent a long day at the beach, you have a perfect tan, there’s sand in your toes but you don’t mind, your hair is perfectly beachy. But what is there to eat?! Pearly’s Beach Eats knows this feeling and want their customers to be satisfied with their beach experience, all while keeping your wallet happy. This “gulf coast grub” is so refreshing, so unique, and so flavorful. Take in the Florida vibes with these delicious beach eats.
Clearwater Beach
Every day | 11:00am–9:00pm
📍 45 Papaya Street Clearwater, FL
Downtown Dunedin
Monday | CLOSED
Tuesday–Sunday | 11:00am–9:00pm
📍 903 Douglas Ave Dunedin, FL
Yummy House
Yummy House China Bistro is the perfect place for some authentic Chinese food in Tampa Bay. You can order a quick snack (we love their dumplings), or have a whole meal. Don’t forget to try their signature Salt and Pepper mix over a base of your choice as an appetizer — it was named a Top Appetizer in Tampa Bay!
Lunch
Monday–Sunday |11:00am–2:45pm
Dinner
Monday–Saturday | 5:00pm–9:30pm
Sunday | 5:00pm–9:00pm
📍 2620 E Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL 33610
Santoro's Pizza
Satisfy your pizza cravings at Santoro’s Pizza. Located right near the University of Tampa, grab a few bucks and enjoy an authentic “Jersey slice.” With their simple menu (because you’re only as good as your plain slice), it is only up from there. We always keep going back for more!!
Sunday–Thursday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Friday–Saturday | 11:00am–10:00pm
📍 1329 W Cass St, Tampa, FL 33606
Wicked Oak Barbeque
Known for its award-winning, slow-smoked meats, sides, and homemade sauces, Wicked Oak Barbeque is a great place to get a bite without breaking the bank. This family-run business is “smokin’ out” Seminole Heights with its amazing flavors. We love their brisket with a touch of queso. Their wings are also a must to snack on!
Monday | CLOSED
Tuesday–Thursday | 11:00am–7:00pm
Friday–Saturday | 11:00am–8:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–5:00pm
📍 6607 N Florida AveTampa, FL 33604
Riveters
Riveters is an electric bar and restaurant that embodies the nostalgic vibe. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink and a burger for under $15. We LOVE their French onion bombers: they definitely hit the spot.
PRO-TIP: Use the parking lot located in the back around the corner from the restaurant.
Monday–Wednesday | 11:00am–12:00am
Thursday | 11:00am–2:00am
Friday | 11:00am–3:00am
Saturday | 12:00pm–3:00am
Sunday | 12:00pm–11:00pm
📍 2301 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33607
Looking for a quick bite in Hyde Park Village? Goody Goody is available at all times of the day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner! According to Southern Living Magazine, it’s the “Best Breakfast in Florida.” From pancakes to burgers, you can never go wrong with their menu!
PRO-TIP: If you’re catching a flight at TPA, there’s an additional location in Airside C!
Monday–Sunday | 7:00am–9:00pm
📍 1601 W. Swann Ave., Tampa, FL
Green Lemon
It’s taco time! In the mood for some good eats and some good vibes? Green Lemon has you covered. Get your own bowl, taco, burrito, etc. and treat yourself to a margarita while you’re at it: you deserve it! The electric energy in this restaurant will have you wanting to stay all night!
Sunday–Monday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Tuesday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Wednesday–Thursday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Friday–Saturday | 11:00am–11:00pm
📍 915 S Howard Ave Tampa, FL 33606
West Tampa Sandwich Shop & Restaurant
Getting hungry in West Tampa? We have the perfect comfort food location for you. West Tampa Sandwiches are some of our favorite sandwiches around town– so affordable and so, SO good!! The Honey Cuban sandwich is a must try! Add on one of their side soups for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Monday–Saturday | 6:00am–3:00pm
Sunday | CLOSED
📍 3904 N Armenia Ave Tampa, Florida 33607
Locally curated guides
Here are some awesome guides, from us to you.
Kirsten Nye
Selena Perez