Cheap eats: Lakeland restaurants that won’t break the bank

When money’s tight, these eateries are easy on the wallet.

Screen Shot 2020-01-10 at 4.07.05 PM

Cuban Sandwich | Photo by @diviciousdeli

This list has been updated as of 5/26/20.

You don’t need a ton of cash to dine like royalty. Lakeland has plenty of restaurants that are famous for their incredible food + low prices. From breakfast power bowls and burger specials at mom-and-pop eateries to authentic international cuisine and fresh foods, you’ll find Swan City satisfying your appetite.

Check out these places to enjoy Lakeland on the cheap. ⬇️

Black & Brew, 205 E. Main St. + 100 Lake Morton Dr.

There’s bound to be no regrets when starting your day with a $4-$6 breakfast sandwich, quiche, bowl or pastry at this coffee house and bistro. As for lunch + dinner, soothe your soul with some soup or toast. #ProTip: Keep in mind that both locations have slightly different menus.

Cozy Oaks Restaurant, 1201 E. Orange St.

The place to go for breakfast, lunch, or brunch, and fill up on the Western Omelet with a side of hashbrowns without emptying your wallet. #ProTip: Students get a 10% discount with a valid student ID.

Divicious Deli and Coffee Shop, 128 E. Main St.

Word on the street: You can’t go wrong with their Cuban Sandwich. Trust us on this one.

Fat Jack’s, 2940 S. Florida Ave.

The cozy hole-in-the-wall scene where you want to be a regular. #TryThis: Reuben Sandwich (because we don’t care who you are – it’s never too early for sauerkraut).

Good Thyme, 1037 Dixieland Mall Ln

Rumor has it that the Fried Chicken Biscuit and Power Bowl are too good to resist.

La Michoacana, 1725 W. Memorial Blvd.

Tacos, tacos + tacos – for under $2 each. Need we say more? (Their tostadas are kind of insane. And also, we hear their quesadillas are stellar + filling.)

Mega Mercado, 2009 George Jenkins Blvd.

This one-stop shop is the place to grab a solid, authentic meal, buy your groceries, and satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional Mexican paletas (popsicles) or pastries.

Mister Fish, 715 E. Palmetto St.

This Lakeland classic has all things fish and seafood. #ProTip: Make sure to add on hush puppies.

Mitchell’s Coffee House, 235 N. Kentucky Ave.

Stay in the single digits with their breakfast burritos, croissants, salads, sandmitches, and more.

Palace Pizza, 114 S. Kentucky Ave.

If you’re looking to stick within a $5 budget, a slice of pizza with a fountain beverage will do the trick.

S & L Restaurant, 2915 S. Combee Rd.

Experience sandwich and burger specials the S & L way.

The Brunch Box, 735 E. Memorial Blvd.

If you’re lookin’ for good home cookin’ and bacon that just won’t quit, look no further. #TryThis: Two words – Brownie. Sundae.

More from LALtoday
Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these Valentine’s Day events around Swan City.
The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive winter memories from years gone by.
Several familiar names were nominated for Catapult’s biggest night of the year. See who won big at the Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Did you get your hands on the popular Strawberry Season Passports before they sold out? If not, no worries — just follow along with our editor’s tasty travels.
The rest of the country is feeling the effects of Winter Storm Fern, but Central Florida won’t get off that easily. Stay up to date — and warm — with Lakeland’s top winter weather stories.
Born & Bread made the shortlist for the Outstanding Bakery category, becoming the first in the Lakeland area to be recognized by the prestigious James Beard Awards.
This Catapult member business has gone nationwide. Find out what happened when its owners appeared on “Shark Tank.”
Do you remember your first Lakeland concert? Did your favorite musician make a major impact? Share your concert memories with us for a chance to be featured.