ASK LOIS: Her massive guide to really good, reasonably priced restaurants in South Florida

In South Florida, it’s often tough to find a moderately priced meal at a locally owned restaurant. The prices of food and staffing have gone up so much since the COVID-19 pandemic came into our lives in 2020, and the costs have hit individually run eateries especially hard.

As part of my series on cheap eats around Broward and Palm Beach counties, I’ve been searching for restaurants where most entrees cost less than $20. I’ve looked for destinations that get consistently good reviews from the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s veteran staffers and in “Let’s Eat, South Florida,” the Sun Sentinel’s foodie Facebook group.

My lists have run sporadically, highlighting different areas, but now we’ve compiled them all here in one easy-to-use guide. Just search for your city of choice and go!

BROWARD COUNTY

Fort Lauderdale

Bandolero’s Taqueria y Mas, 208 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale; 786-913-9307; bandolerostaqueria.com

Every dish is under $20, including the Chicken Burrito ($17) and the Carnitas Burrito ($18). Nutella Tacos (with strawberries and bananas, $8) are a creative dessert. A “Let’s Eat” reviewer raved: “This place has some obvious passion for their food and you can tell they take no shortcuts to prepare their items! I highly recommend!” Another recommendation in the Latin American fusion category: La Costa Olas. Sun Sentinel food writer Phillip Valys says his favorite La Costa dish is “La Super baleada, a pan-grilled soft taco filled with churrasco steak, bacon, sausage, eggs, avocado, refried beans and sour cream.” According to Valys: “You’ll have plenty of leftovers. Pair that with a fruit milkshake ($5) and the whole meal is under $20.”

Christina Wan’s, 664 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; 954- 527-0228; christinawans.com

Not many restaurants offer early bird specials anymore, but Christina Wan’s has $17 Sunset Dinners, daily from 3 to 6:30 p.m., that include a main dish, rice, soup and an egg or spring roll. A “Let’s Eat” reviewer thanked the restaurant, which has been in South Florida since 1966, in a recent post: “They were so accommodating of my current dietary restrictions and made me the tastiest fried rice with double egg.”

Reggae Roots Jamaican Restaurant, 4370 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; 754-701-8407

This little place, seating only 10 people, seeks to offer “a new way of looking at Jamaican food.” Signature dishes include oxtail, curried goat, jerk chicken and pineapple barbecue chicken. Owners Alexis and Monique Clarke Brown see themselves as Jamaican ambassadors, sharing the culture, sights, scents and music of the Caribbean nation.

Sasaya Japanese Market, 1956 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-761-8010; sasayajapanese.com

Sun Sentinel entertainment reporter Rod Stafford Hagwood shared this market as his go-to for takeout. “This sushi counter is a hidden treasure that a lot of people in Victoria Park and the condos on Sunrise and A1A know about,” he said. “It’s in the back of a tiny little Japanese market in Gateway Shopping Center.” Medium rolls range from $5 to $9.50; specials, such as the Dancing Eel Roll, are $8.50 to $14.50.

Temple Street Eatery, 416 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; 754-701-0976; templestreeteatery.com

Temple Street Eatery gets rave reviews for its creative Asian fusion menu, which includes Kimchi Quesadillas and Edamame Falafel. Said one “Let’s Eat” reviewer: “I had the Korean chicken empanada and the Godzilla Ramen. The Ramen had both ropa vieja and pork belly. Omg it was outstanding. Loved the empanada too. Great place. Quick service. Glad I went. Will be back again soon.”

Georgia Pig BBQ & Restaurant; 1285 S. State Road 7, Fort Lauderdale; 954-587-4420; georgiapig.com

This old standard has been around since 1953. Barbecued pork or beef sandwiches are $6.25; Brunswick stew is $13.25. “Let’s Eat” reviewers consistently rate Georgia Pig as having the best barbecue in Broward County: “A historic landmark (that) hasn’t changed since 1953; the ambience is hard-working, blue-collar chic!! My husband loves the spare ribs … I’m all about the CHOPPED PORK SANDWICH!”

The Floridian, 1410 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-463-4041; thefloridiandiner.com

The Floridian is the place locals take out-of-town guests to introduce them to “an unaffected local vibe,” as Sun Sentinel entertainment reporter Ben Crandell wrote in an obituary for Floridian owner Butch Samp, who died earlier this year. Eggs and bagels for breakfast, steak and chicken for dinner: “The Flo,” open 24 hours a day since the ’70s, has eased many a hangover over the years from Las Olas partiers and served as a gathering place for police, politicians and coffee lovers. Other good breakfast places/diners: Peter Pan Diner, Egg & You Diner and Lester’s Diner.

Wicked Cheesesteaks Pizza & Wings, 4824 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; 954-398-5355; wickedcheesesteakspizzawings.com

The restaurant offers creative takes on the Philly cheesesteak, including pizzas, egg rolls, fries, sliders and stromboli. Patrons say it’s the real thing: According to one “Let’s Eat” reviewer, “while eating the steak I closed my eyes and thought I was back in Philly … I totally found this to be the closest sandwich to home that I’ve found here in 5 years of trying to find a real cheesesteak.”

Top Round, 35 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; 954-999-0687; eattopround.com/fortlauderdalefl

Roast beef sandwich lovers, you have found your home. Top Round has six thick options on a bun, ranging in price from $9.49 to $10.69, and also serves burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads and sides. For dessert, don’t leave without an old-fashioned frozen custard on a cake cone with rainbow sprinkles ($4.99) or a Concrete shake ($8.29).

Pizza options: Many

Primanti Bros Restaurant and Bar (901 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. and 516 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; primantibros.com) is part of a small chain but highly recommended for pizza by the slice ($2.49) and four-layer lasagna ($10.99). Try the Pitts-burger ($6.49), a beef patty, tomatoes, lettuce, with french fries and coleslaw on white bread (yes, the fries are on the sandwich).

Pie-zan’s (1103 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale; pie-zans.com): Hang out with the city’s police officers and hospital workers and order a Meatball Parm sub ($9.39) or a personal thin-crust pizza ($11.49).

Sarpino’s Pizzeria (100 E. Broward Blvd., Suite 103, Fort Lauderdale; gosarpinos.com): Sarpino’s is crazy busy on weekend nights but worth the wait for its creative pan and deep dish pizzas, such as the Sausage Deep Dish ($18.99) and the Vegan Deep Dish ($18.99).

Hollywood, Hallandale Beach & Dania Beach

The Black Beans Cafe, 712 S. State Road 7, Hollywood; 954-966-6773

This Cuban eatery may look bare-bones on the outside but has an extensive menu of Caribbean classics. Lechon Asado, or roast pork, goes for $8.95, while Pollo Empanizado, or breaded chicken, is $10.50. Flan or tres leches for dessert costs only $3. A “Let’s Eat, South Florida” reviewer called the eatery “my go-to Cuban hole in the wall” and said: “Fantastic value but it’s also one of my favorite meals for any price.”

Dragon City, 6706 Stirling Road, Hollywood; 954-894-5019; dragoncityhollywood.com

Dinner entrees are way under $20 at Dragon City, including Beef with Oyster Sauce ($12.75) and General Tao’s Chicken ($12.95). Dragon City has all the Chinese dishes Americans love: Egg Foo Young, Chow Mein, Won Ton Soup, egg rolls, and lots of tofu dishes for vegetarians. Said one diner who posted in ” Let’s Eat, South Florida”: “Looks like a total dive from the outside, but nice simple Chinese style inside and super clean. Tanks of seafood and fish, can’t get any fresher. Most folks were Asian in there, big parties of 10 or more at round tables with Lazy Susans. Total high energy vibe too. Huge menu. Everything came super hot, fresh, complex seasoning, large portions, but for all we ate, extremely reasonable.”

Eddie Hills Sushi Thai, 134 N. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach; 954-454-0023; eddiehills.com/main

Wait in line with the rest of south Broward for a stab at Eddie Hills’ 13-page menu, which covers the gamut of Thai and Japanese dishes. Along with sushi and sashimi, sample the soba noodles, curries, pad Thais, teriyaki or tempura. Chicken with mixed vegetables goes for $19, or try one of the sushi rolls ($4 to $15).

The Greek Joint Kitchen & Bar, 1925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 954-929-9966; thegreekjoint.com

Several entrees top our $20 maximum, but this is a great destination for reasonably priced Greek food, including a pork or chicken souvlaki stick platter ($15) or a Spicy Greek Burger ($16). A “Let’s Eat” reviewer offered this advice: “To start, you must order the Dip Platter ($12). It’s the perfect blend of Hummus, Tirokafteri (made of feta and roasted red peppers) and Tzatziki served with pita bread OR the Grilled Octopus that will melt in your mouth.”

Holi Vegan Kitchen, 701 N. Federal Highway, Suite 104, Hallandale Beach; 954-251-3028; holivegankitchen.com

Burgers, bowls, wraps, quesadillas, pastas and pizzas: They’re all on the menu at this lovely little find you could easily pass on Federal Highway without noticing. There are also homemade cakes, cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies. If you like smoothies, try the No. 3: It’s made of espresso coffee, bananas, blueberries, dates, coconut milk and vanilla ($9.95).

The Le Tub Saloon, 1100 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood; 954-921-9425; theletub.com

Open since 1975, the landmark Le Tub is famous for its 13-ounce burger, a blend of sirloin and chuck seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder on a poppy-seed bun with American cheese and lettuce, tomato and onions on the side ($14). The Sun Sentinel’s former food critic, Mike Mayo, once praised the uncomplicated combos and said the eatery achieves “simple burger perfection.” Locals have a love-hate relationship with this landmark; ordering can be chaotic and wait times can be long, but you can’t beat the Intracoastal Waterway scenery and kitschy atmosphere (wooden booths on the open-air patio are framed in blue and pink toilet planters).

Oaxaka, 2033 Harrison St., Hollywood; 954-745-4750; eatoaxaka.com

Oaxaka is a Mexican-Asian fusion joint with rave-worthy guacamole and chips. Although Mexican staples, such as quesadillas and tortillas, dominate the menu, Oaxaka also offers dishes with creative Asian spins, such as tacos with yellowfin tuna and kimchee sauce ($8) and the Tuna Tower ($19), made of rice, tuna, kimchee, guacamole and wakame salad. A “Let’s Eat” reviewer said: “The establishment itself is tiny and definitely geared towards take-out orders, but that didn’t stop them from providing an excellent dine-in experience!”

Pachamanka Authentic Peruvian Cuisine, 321 Johnson St., Hollywood; 954-926-1020; www.pachamankarestaurant.com

What a treat to be able to try creative Peruvian fare at reasonable prices right off Hollywood’s Broadwalk. Options include Aji de Gallina, a chicken stew ($18), and Ceviche de Pescado, fish marinated in lime juice ($16). There’s an extensive selection of appetizers, soups, entrees and side dishes. “Pachamanka is the best on the beach,” according to one ” Let’s Eat” reviewer.

Tarks of Dania Beach, 1317 S. Federal Highway, Dania Beach; 954-925-8275; tarks.business.site

Tarks, a hole-in-the-wall landmark since 1966, is under new ownership but has retained its no-frills menu: Buffalo wings ($14.99 for 10), raw oysters ($14.99 for a half-dozen), steamers and fried-belly clams, New England chowder and seasoned curly fries, and topnecks or littleneck clams steamed or raw by the bucket. The new owners are maintaining the distinctive ocean-blue facade, splashed with murals of dolphins, palm trees and clam shells. As a loyal patron wrote in “Let’s Eat, South Florida”: “I hope to bring my kids here one day, as my dad brought me when I was just a kid. The seafood is fresh, the gator is MY FAV, and the BEST key lime pie in Florida. ”

The Tipsy Boar, 1906 Harrison St., Hollywood; 954-920-2627; www.thetipsyboar.com

This gastropub attracts a fun-loving crowd seeking burgers and beer, as well as foodies looking for Instagrammable ingredient combinations. A favorite among locals, the Boar offers burgers and sandwiches for $15 and lots of interesting appetizers, such as Goat Cheese, Apricot and Thyme Croquettes ($8) and Skillet Cornbread with Bacon ($8). There are also several vegetarian options and a kids’ menu.

Coral Springs

Greek

Hellenic Republic, 2764 N. University Drive, Coral Springs; 954-302-8994; thehellenicrepublic.com.

The “Big Plates,” platters with chicken or salmon or pork chops, are $20 and above, but you can get a chicken sandwich for $14 or a House Gyro Feast, with sauteed vegetables, pita, side salad and choice of side dish, for $17. Let’s Eat diners have been raving about this place. Said one recently: “Chef Nikol (Zarbalas), hearing that it was a special occasion, made the most awesome dessert for the table! Her talent in the kitchen is incredible. Jackson, our waiter, was perfect. This was not our first time there and it certainly won’t be our last!”

Italian

Pizza Time, 11504 W. Sample Road, 954-753-7828, pizzatimecs.com; Pizza Carousel, 4619 N. University Drive, 954-344-2717, pizzacarousel.com; Scuola Vecchia Pizza E Vino, 6240 Coral Ridge Drive, 954-420-6312, orderscuolavecchiapizzaevino.com.

Some of the large pizzas go over our $20 mark, but you can still get a calzone, pastas and salads for reasonable prices. At Pizza Carousel, two pizza slices and a drink go for $7.99 on the lunch special; at Pizza Time, a large 16-inch cheese pizza costs $19. These joints have many devotees on Let’s Eat; one diner said recently of Pizza Carousel: “Very nice casual eatery with fantastic food that won’t break the bank!”

South American

Crocante Cafe & Gourmet Bakery, 2708 N. University Drive, Coral Springs; 954-341-4416; crocantebakery.com

Open for breakfast and lunch, this cafe touts its Argentinean/Venezuelan baking style, most notable in its desserts, including flan and dulce de leche croissants. For breakfast, try the omelet with four mix-ins ($12.99); for lunch, there’s a Cuban sandwich, $10.75.

Asian

Phat Boy Sushi, Kitchen & Bar, 2702 N. University Drive, 954-360-8456, phatboysushi.com; Chopsticks Asian Cuisine, 10339 Royal Palm Blvd., 954-227-2888, chopstickscoralsprings.com; Fisho Sushi & Thai, 10430 W. Atlantic Blvd., 954- 866-9966, fishosushithai.com; Shibuya Grill and Sushi Bar, 11346 Wiles Road, 954-757-7888, shibuya.us/restaurant/coral-springs

Sushi, ramens, bento boxes, stir fries, hot pots: Coral Springs has so many Asian options with moderately priced entrees. Several restaurants offer lunch specials at reduced prices; a Thai lunch at Fisho goes for $11.50. If you’re a soft-shell crab fan, Shibuya (which also has a restaurant in Weston) serves them as an appetizer with ceviche, “Crab vuelve a la vida” (Spanish for “Crab returns to life”), for $19.

Peruvian

Embarcadero 41, 3111 N. University Drive, 954-688-6495, embarcadero41.us/coral-springs; Bravo Peruvian Kitchen, 9711 W. Sample Road, 954-688-9265, bravoperuviankitchen.com; Chabelo’s Cafe, 8021 W. Sample Road, 754-812-1948, chabelosfamily.com

So many ceviche options at these Peruvian restaurants! Many are more than $20, but you can still find a traditional fish ceviche for $19 at Embarcadero 41, $16.50 at Chabelo’s and $18 at Bravo. For those looking to explore non-traditional menu items, these restaurants offer an abundance, such as Chabelo’s Cau Cau, a beef tripe stew, for $17.60, or its Chicharron de Pescado o Calamar (pork rind with fish or calamari), also $17.60.

Indian

Arun’s Indian Kitchen & Taco Masala, 10278 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs; 954-227-1123; arunsindiankitchen.com

Former Sun Sentinel restaurant reviewer Michael Mayo described Arun’s as “a marvelous hole in the wall.” He said every dish he tried was “letter-perfect. Bold flavors from Indian spices and local herbs are artfully simmered, sauteed and tandoor-oven baked into chicken, lamb, vegetables and shrimp.” The restaurant is oriented toward take-out, but there are a few no-frills tables for dine-in. Chicken biryani goes for $14.49, lamb korma, $16.49. Arun’s also has restaurants in Boca Raton and Sunrise.

Spanish

Patio Tapas and Beer, 9651 Westview Drive, Coral Springs; 954-906-5543; patiotapasandbeer.com

Patio serves montaditos, or little open-faced sandwiches, and bocadillos, or larger toasted baguette sandwiches. All the bocadillos are $12 at dinnertime, and there’s a choice of salmon, lamb, chicken, pork belly, ham or steak. A Let’s Eat reviewer raved about his meal: “The food reminded my wife and I of being in Barcelona last year. The octopus, churrasco, pork belly, & tortilla were standouts, but everything was great – especially the almond cake.” Patio also has a restaurant in Boca Raton.

Sports bar

Wings n Ale, 4685 N. University Drive, Coral Springs; 954-344-6644; wings-n-ale.com

This is a local favorite for its wings, wraps, burgers, sandwiches and “Huge Hot Dogs” (several options, including the $8.95 Chicago Dog, served with stuffed peppers, onions, diced tomatoes and relish). A Let’s Eat reviewer wrote: “Unlike most wings places, Wings-N-Ale’s wings located in Coral Springs are grilled. That means extra crispiness and less fat or grease than you might find at other wing restaurants. Plus, it’s a bit healthier!”

Davie & Plantation

Il Baretto Ristorante, 220 S. University Drive, Plantation; 954-473-9400; IlBarettoRistorante.com.

Il Baretto’s Chicago-style thin-crust pizzas go for $22, but they also have spaghetti and homemade meatballs for $18 and lasagna for $19. Although its prices are on the higher side for our criteria, this eatery gets consistently good reports from Let’s Eat reviewers. According to one foodie: “Delicious burrata, pasta in vodka sauce and (we ordered ahead) deep dish pizza. The restaurant was very quiet (there was only one other couple there). The food was terrific. Our waiter was attentive and very nice.”

Izgara Middle Eastern Cuisine, 1251 S. Pine Island Road, Plantation; 954-475-8990; IzgaraFL.com.

Izgara, which means “grill” in Turkish, offers Mediterranean dishes you don’t see often in South Florida, including Hummus Shishlick Chicken (chicken thighs skewered with sweet onions and peppers, served with warm grilled pita, $12.95) and Schnitzel (“Where Tel Aviv meets Europe,” $14.95). Sandwich platters are all under $20, and there’s an extensive list of hummus entree plates, with steak, lamb, beef, chicken or vegetables, that include warm pita ($11.95 to $13.95). One Let’s Eat reviewer reported: “The hummus is the best I have ever had! It’s creamy, buttery with a little tangy kick!”

Jacaranda Restaurant & Pizzeria, 8283 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation; 954-472-4163; jacarandapizza.com

So many Italian restaurants have stopped serving single slices of pizza, but you can get a slice for $2.80 at this family-owned eatery, open since 1978. A large cheese pizza goes for $16.95, and pasta and chicken dishes are $20.95 and less. An amateur reviewer from the Sun Sentinel’s “Let’s Eat, South Florida” Facebook group wrote: “First time in years that I’ve been back but this was truly one of the best Sicilian [pizzas] I’ve had in a long time. Light and fluffy, the way it should be.”

LandLubber’s Raw Bar & Grill, 1851 N. Pine Island Road, Plantation; 954-473-2884; landlubbersbarandgrill.com

Locals love to sit at the bar and down a beer with some shrimp (half-pound peel and eat, $9.99), oysters (half-dozen, $15.99) and clams (dozen steamed, $10.99). Also on the menu: homemade chili, ribs, burgers, chicken wings and salads. A “Let’s Eat, South Florida” foodie said: “I ordered a full rack of baby back ribs, which came with two sides and chose the sweet potato fries & taters. The ribs were absolutely delicious.”

Los Paisanos, 3995 Davie Road, Davie; 954-530-1037

Ropa Vieja, or beef in a tomato base stew, with several side dish options included, goes for $13.99, while a steak sandwich is priced at $9.99. “Some of the best Latin food and the prices are amazing for the amount of food you get,” said the Rev. Mark Coleman, pastor at New Life Baptist Church in Davie. “They are really nice people and generous with portions and there is a ton of variety. We get this food regularly! And we use them for gatherings at our house and church.”

Mazzola’s, 12585 Orange Drive, Suite 201, Davie; 954-424-4227; mazzolasitalianrestaurant.com

Reader David Salbe of Weston recommends this family-owned Italian restaurant. Pasta dishes are $13 to $16, with a delicious-sounding “Pasta Combo” of lasagna, ravioli, manicotti and stuffed shells for $18.50. According to Salbe: “90% of meals are under $20 and food is excellent.”

Pho by Vinh Vietnamese Noodle House, 1835 N. Pine Island Road, Plantation; 954-990-5998; phobyvinh.com

All menu items are $20 or less, even the extra large pho chicken bowl ($16) and extra large pho steak brisket meatball ($19). When a “Let’s Eat, South Florida” questioner asked for good Vietnamese food, one foodie responded: “Pho by Vinh or Pho 79 in Davie. This is coming from a Vietnamese guy.”

Plantation Diner, 6903 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation; 954-791-2985; PlantationDiner.com.

Make breakfast or lunch your big meal out and stay way under 20 bucks. A hot, open-faced Roast Beef Sandwich is $12.49, while a Chef Salad, which includes deli meats and cheese, goes for $12.99. Reviewers consistently cite the diner’s generous portions. One satisfied eater said on Let’s Eat: “The Chef’s salad was huge with lots of roast beef, turkey and ham. (My husband) can eat and he couldn’t finish it. My French dip was excellent and the beef was extremely tender.”

Rob’s Family BBQ, 8990 W. State Road 84, Davie; 954-370-2774; and 837 N. Nob Hill Road, Plantation; 954-429-7627; robsfamilybbq.com

Owner Rob Scruby opened the Plantation site in December, his second Rob’s Family BBQ destination devoted to slow-roasted brisket, smoked chicken and baby back ribs. He’s the former owner of Scruby’s BBQ on University Drive in Pembroke Pines and, before that, ran Woody’s and Sonny’s BBQ franchises all over Florida for two decades. Ribs dinners do cost more than $20, but a chicken entree goes for $14.99 and barbecue beef brisket for $19.99. You can also get a hamburger for $12.99 and a Sloppy Joe sandwich for $11.99.

Tower Deli & Diner, 2315 S. University Drive, Davie; 954-452-8202; towerdeli.com

Make breakfast or lunch your meal out for the day at Tower Deli, where you can fill up on a Deli Omelette (choose any three meats, $16.99) or a Smoked Fish Platter (for $13.99 to $21.99). For a taste of old New York, there’s also a 5-ounce Hot Pastrami Sandwich for $16.99, or two hot dogs and fries for $15.99. Said one amateur reviewer in “Let’s Eat, South Florida”: “Tower Deli in Davie serves up a terrific fish platter. A short wait for a table — typical for Sunday morning. Line moved quickly. We swapped the Nova for Belly (salty) Lox and enjoyed a delicious platter of fresh veggies that accompanied the Lox, Salmon Salad, and a chunk of Smoked Whitefish. Y.U.M.”

Webby’s Plantation, 6910 Cypress Road, Plantation; 954-327- 7272; webbysplantation.com

This family-owned diner encourages patrons to be creative with their orders. Its website says: “Something [you’re] craving but not on the menu, no prob!! Webby has no problem ‘dreaming something up’ for ya either.” As for prices, Dad’s Meatloaf Dinner is $13, Mahi is $18 and brisket is $18. According to Weston resident Lynn Davis: “Excellent food and service. Prices are very reasonable and range about 15-17% lower than a comparable diner.”

Billy’s Tavern, 8580 W. S.R. 84, Davie; 954-475-9464; BillysTavernDavie.com

Billy’s is a neighborhood bar where locals assemble to cheer on sports teams and relax with post-workday beers. A small homemade pizza is $18; eight chicken wings go for $12. Burgers are $12 to $15. Said one Let’s Eat reviewer: “Picked up some wings, Buffalo shrimp and pierogies. All delicious. Support your local small business.”

Cilantro Asian Bistro, 11590 W. S.R. 84, Davie; 954-368-7772; CilantroAsianBistroDavie.com

Cilantro serves Japanese, Thai and Chinese fare. The Classic Sushi Platter with miso soup is priced at $16, while Pad Woon Sen, a noodle, egg and vegetable dish, costs $15. Several dishes are more than $20, but lunch specials are $11 to $15. A Let’s Eat reviewer said: “Awesome staff, plenty of space and nicely decorated. Huge Sushi Bar!! Outdoor seating as well.”

Davie Taco Bar, 13040 W. State Road 84, Davie; 954-530-4321; TacoBar-fl.com

The owners hail from Monterrey, Mexico, and they encourage building your own tacos ($10.99 for three), burritos ($9.66) and quesadillas ($10.99). There’s also a Monterrey-style Burrito Regio ($10.99), with beans, steak, peppers, guacamole and salsa, and Sopes del Jefe ($9.99), fried corn cakes with beans and pork belly topped with cilantro, onions, queso and sour cream. The menu includes trendy Birria Tacos ($10.99), which have melted cheese and short rib inside, which you can dip in birria consomme, a meaty dipping sauce.

Hong’s BBQ, 6831 Stirling Road, Davie; 954-314-7131; HongsBBQDavie.com

Almost every entree is under $20, including Fresh Squid with Preserved Vegetables on rice ($14.95) and a Roasted Pork and Marinated Duck combo ($19.95). The restaurant has more than 10 noodle soups and a long list of daily specials. Here’s an endorsement from Michael Mayo, moderator of the Let’s Eat Facebook group: “To the NYers who complain about the lack of good Chinese/Cantonese restaurants in SoFla or say they don’t exist, this Brooklyn native says you’re not looking hard enough.” He loved the steaming bowl of wonton soup with roasted pork ($12.95) and hot tea.

Kristof’s Kafe, 8912 W. State Road 84, Davie; 954-475-8977; KristofsKafe.com

If you like a heavy, stick-to-your-ribs style of breakfast or lunch, this is the place for you. The Meatlovers Biscuit and Gravy ($14.99) includes a biscuit with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and cheddar cheese. There’s also Avocado Toast & Eggs ($13.99) for those who prefer to go meatless. Omelets, waffles, pancakes and French toast are also on the menu. Chef Kris Kristof grew up in Cooper City and got the restaurant bug from his parents, who once ran a sports bar. Expect a line out the door on most days.

Weston, Pembroke Pines & Lighthouse Point

Fish Shack, 2460 N. Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point; 954-586-4105; fishshacklhp.com

When you walk into Fish Shack, you feel like you’ve discovered a local secret, as men and women in their construction gear or office outfits take a lunch break to dine on local seafood. Many come for Fish Shack’s Famous Conch Salad ($14.95), while others favor oysters from the raw bar ($15.95 for six). If you’re not a seafood lover, there’s always a hamburger ($12.95) or chicken wings ($13.95 for 10).

Lucille’s American Cafe, 2250 Weston Road, Weston; 954-384-9007; LucillesCafe.com/weston.

Lucille’s cooks comfort foods rarely seen much anymore on American menus. Meatloaf ($19.39), Chicken Pot Pie ($16.39) and Grilled Twin Pork Chops ($20.39) are among the offerings, and there’s a Blue Plate Special every night, including $6 burgers on Mondays and Lucille’s Own Shepherd’s Pie ($15.99) on Tuesdays. There are also homemade soups, salads and sandwiches, and old-fashioned milkshakes and ice cream sodas for dessert.

North South Grill, 154 S. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines; 954-404-8308; NorthSouthGrill.com.

North South touts its 100% American Wagyu beef and chicken raised without antibiotics and hormones. A large steak sub goes for $16.49, a large chicken souvlaki sub, $15.99. There are also veggie subs, salads, burgers, and chicken and fish sandwiches. Order at the counter and they bring the food to you. A Let’s Eat reviewer wrote: “For those of you who like ‘smash’ type burgers, North South Grill in Pembroke Pines has one of the best! Their hand cut fries are delicious also!”

Tamarac, Margate & Pompano Beach

Café Rejoice, 8001 W. McNab Road, Tamarac; 754-222-8199; cristoss.com

Open for breakfast and lunch, this Argentine café offers homemade empanadas, soups and pastries, as well as quiches, sandwiches and comfort foods. Chicken casserole or beef meatballs on rice or pasta costs $14.90, while pizza is priced at $12.90. On “Let’s Eat, South Florida”, a patron described the restaurant as a “hidden gem.” Another said: “I had the broccoli soup and it was the best I ever had!”

Calypso Restaurant & Raw Bar, 460 S. Cypress Road, Pompano Beach; 954-942-1633; calypsorestaurant.com

Open since 1990, this Caribbean restaurant has developed a loyal following for its fresh conch, scallops, clams, oysters and other warm-water tropical fish. “Cutters” — island lingo for sandwiches — are a good deal for $9.95 with roast beef and $10.95 with smoked pork. A spicy British West Indies burger is $11.95, and lunch platters, such as jerk chicken or fried shrimp, range from $10.95 to $12.95.

Ferro Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, 8146 N. University Drive, Tamarac; 954-722-3444; ferropizza.com

Ferro lays claim to the “best New York style pizza,” with dough made on-site. A medium cheese pie, with eight slices, costs $19. Veal, chicken and seafood entrées are all about $20 each. A large calzone with cheese, for four people to share, is also $20. Not many restaurants serve Early Bird Specials anymore, but Ferro offers pasta, chicken and fish dishes for $15.50 to $17.50, including soup, salad, rolls, soft drink and spumoni dessert, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The Gem Eatery, 1043 State Road 7, Margate; 954-971-7520; gemeatery.com

Diners rave about The Gem’s Homemade Jumbo Cinnamon Buns ($6.99), but the owners make not only pastries but everything from scratch with a creative touch. A recent lunch consisted of stuffed peppers with rice and a side of griddled bread. They serve a meatball parm sub for $10.50; sandwiches and burgers range in price from $8.99 to $17.99. They post their daily specials at Facebook.com/TheGemEatery.

Kendall Kafé, 7658 N. Nob Hill Road, Tamarac; 954-366-6837; Instagram.com/kendallkafe

Egg lovers may have trouble picking among this cafe’s many omelets and egg combos, including Eggs Benedict Florentine for $7.29 and a Two Egg Breakfast with two pork sausage patties for $5.99. Lunch options include tuna melts, chicken salad sandwiches and burgers. A “Let’s Eat” reviewer gushed: “Absolutely wonderful experience. We had eggs Benedict which had the biggest eggs perfectly cooked. Wife’s hash browns and my home fries cooked to perfection. Can’t wait to try lunch next. A great addition to the area.”

La Lupe, 625 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach; 954-933-3491

A “Let’s Eat, South Florida” reviewer described La Lupe as “a hidden little gem serving delicious Mexican cuisine.” A steak burrito costs $11.99; a chicken fajita is $12.99. Another reviewer said: “The pork belly tacos are delicious! I work up the street so I have been a few times. The quesabirria tacos are good too!”

Old School Philly Cheesesteaks, 898 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach; 954-205-3700; oldschoolphilly.com

This veteran-owned and -operated restaurant serves Philly cheesesteaks on “savory bread from New Jersey.” A large Classic cheesesteak, “wit’ or witout onions,” is $11.99. For a dollar more, you can add toppings such as bacon, grilled mushrooms and sweet peppers, and every sandwich allows a choice of cheese. The site also bakes chocolate chip cookies from scratch every day for $1.99 each.

Silver Pon To Go, 5100 W. Commercial Blvd., Tamarac; 954-485-4305

There are several Chinese options in the Tamarac/Margate area, and their authenticity and quality are hotly debated on “Let’s Eat, South Florida.” But Silver Pon, which promotes its “New York style,” is many residents’ go-to. A quart of Chicken Lo Mein costs $7.15, while Hunan Beef and Scallops is priced at $11.50. Although the restaurant has “to go” in its name, there is some indoor seating available.

Vo An Vietnamese Restaurant, 1821 State Road 7, Margate. 954-366-5430; vo-an-vietnamese-restaurant.business.site

Foodies who love pho, or beef bone broth served with noodles, vegetables and protein, have been raving about Vo An, which they say offers clean, fresh flavors and excellent service. Beef pho goes for $14.95; for the adventurous, Oc Len Xao Dua, or sea snails in coconut milk, is priced at $13.75. And for those who like to eat outside, the restaurant has a large outdoor screened-in seating area. According to one Let’s Eat, South Florida reviewer: “This place is legit!”

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Boca Raton

Baffi’s Restaurant, 23269 State Road 7, Boca Raton; 561-569-8619; baffisrestaurant.com

This little spot in a bland strip shopping center in West Boca is getting rave reviews on “Let’s Eat, South Florida,” the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s foodie Facebook group. All main dishes are less than $20 or close to it, including Meat Cannelloni for $16.90 and Chicken Parmigiana for $19.70. One patron wrote: “Everything is made from scratch and everything was perfect, from the garlic rolls to the cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. The service was genuinely warm and inviting, the food was prepared and served with love and pride. I’ve been in South Florida since 1980 and this was one of my best meals.”

Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers, 9942 Clint Moore Road, Boca Raton; 561-470-9963; bensdeli.net

You can find several “overstuffed” deli sandwiches for less than $20 at this Florida outpost of a small New York chain. There’s corned beef, pastrami, brisket, turkey, knockwurst and tongue (“pickled on the premises”), all served with pickles and coleslaw. Fountain sodas and Dr. Brown’s soda are in the $2 to $3 range. Chicken soup with a matzo ball is $6.99, although they will charge you for an extra matzo ball ($2.29).

Lynora’s, 9560 Glades Road, Boca Raton; 561- 235-5096; lynoras.com

Dinner entrees are mostly in the $20 to $40 range, but go for lunch or Happy Hour (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.), when prices are more appealing, including 50% off all drinks. There’s also Meatball Monday, when meatballs are only $3, Margherita pizzas are $10 and a martini is $7. Lynora’s is a family-owned chain based in Palm Beach County with eateries in West Palm Beach, Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens.

Mario’s Osteria, 1400 Glades Road, Boca Raton; 561-239-7000; mariososteria.com

Although the dinner menu’s appetizers are all $10 or higher and its entrees mostly more than $20, Mario’s offers an enticing daily deal: 50% off beer, liquor and wine by the glass and 50% off appetizers from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you decide to stay for dinner, the owners make this promise: “Our proportions are designed so there is a good chance that you will have not only a great filling meal but also a delicious snack from the leftovers the next day!”

Max’s Grille, 404 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 561-368-0080; maxsgrille.com

This is a consistently good restaurant that has expensive dinner entrees but also a lengthy selection of well-priced promotions, including Happy Hour (4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays), when a cheeseburger is $12, sushi rolls are $13, cocktails are $7 and beer is $5 a bottle. If you’re there during the regular dinner hour, I recommend Max’s Chopped Salad ($16) and their homemade Veggie Burger ($18).

M.E.A.T Eatery and Taproom, 2831 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton; 561-419-2600; meateatery.com

If you’re looking for a good burger outside the chain restaurant circuit, M.E.A.T offers beef, chicken and fish options that come with a choice of French fries, smoked potato salad or cole slaw, with prices ranging from $9 to $16. Beers are $5 to $10. A Let’s Eat, South Florida reviewer said: “Absolutely delicious and great customer service.”

Mississippi Sweets BBQ, 2399 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; 561-394-6779; mississippisweetsbbq.com

Wings, ribs, catfish, sweet potato fries and mac-and-cheese are on the menu at this Southern-themed barbecue joint, which has been in Boca for more than 30 years. I love how some dishes are named after Mississippi cities, including the Biloxi Bleu salad and Yazoo Chicken. A basket of ribs and wings is $14.99 and a pulled pork platter is $18.75. Soft drinks are in the $3 range and a glass of wine is $6.25. There’s a second location in Wellington.

Padrino’s, 20455 State Road 7, Boca Raton; 561-451-1070; padrinos.com

This classic Cuban restaurant offers steak, chicken and fish dishes for less than $20; their sumptuous paella is $28. Most of their starters are moderately priced at under $10. According to one Let’s Eat, South Florida amateur reviewer: “This is the most authentic and delicious Cuban food in the Boca Raton area. The service is fantastic and the food is nothing short of perfection. It’s like my grandmother is cooking in the kitchen.” Padrino’s also has locations in Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach and Hallandale Beach.

Prezzo, 5560 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton; 561-314-6840; eatprezzo.com

The Early Bird Special is called the “Sunset Special” at Prezzo (3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays), when the restaurant offers Spaghetti and Meatballs for $19 and Chicken Marsala for $20. This promotion includes a soft drink and soup or salad. There’s also a daily Happy Hour, when beer and cocktails are 50% off and you can order pizza, pasta, wings and calamari from the Bar Bites menu ($10 to $12).

Quates II Mexican Restaurant, 9858 Clint Moore Road, Boca Raton; 561-961-0908; quatesmexicanrestaurant.com

Quates and many other Mexican restaurants (including Las Fajitas, 2298 N. Dixie Highway) provide a great way to enjoy an inexpensive meal. All enchiladas and burritos are way below 20 bucks, and they also have chicken, fish and steak entrees ranging in price from $13 to $20. Drinks are also a bargain, with coffee and tea only $2. For Broward County residents, Quates has an outpost in Oakland Park.

Skyfin Sushi & Asian Bistro, 8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton; 561-556-1688; skyfinasianbistro.com

Most sushi rolls are under $20, as are many cooked entrees, including my favorite Pad Thai ($15.95 to $17.95). An amateur foodie on Let’s Eat South Florida wrote: “This place is always a 10 in my book. This and Rise Sushi are head to head for really good fresh sushi in Boca.”

Pizza is always a good bet on a budget; here are some tasty Boca options: Tomasso’s, Augy’s, Brooklyn Boys, Thick & Thin and Aunt Lulu’s.

West Palm Beach

Havana, 6801 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; 561-547-9799; havanacubanfood.com

You can’t miss Havana; there’s almost always a line outside the 24-hour, walk-up window for Cafe Cubano ($3.99) and other strong pick-me-ups. Head over for lunch, when Arroz con Pollo goes for $10.99 and Ropa Vieja (shredded beef stewed with vegetables) is only $11.99. The popular Cuban Sandwich, with ham, pork and Swiss cheese, is also $11.99. Don Ramon, not far from Havana on South Dixie Highway, is another longstanding Cuban eatery in West Palm. It serves daily lunch specials, all under $20, including the classic Chicken and Shrimp Scampi ($19).

Mediterranean Market & Deli, 327 Fifth St., West Palm Beach; 561-659-7322; mediterraneanmarketanddeli.com

There’s nowhere to sit inside this crowded deli, but get a dish to-go and fill your refrigerator with their dips, freshly baked pitas, soups and baklavas. I usually order the Vegetarian Combo ($15.99), which lasts me several meals; it’s overflowing with hummus, baba ganoush, bean salad, falafel and grilled vegetables. The Spicy Chicken Kebab ($14.99) has just the right amount of cayenne pepper and lemon, and comes with rice and salad.

Park Avenue BBQ Grille, 2215 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach; 561- 689-7427; pabbqgrille.com

Sun Sentinel Community News editor and West Palm Beach resident Kari Barnett is a regular at Park Avenue, where she orders the Back Ribs (half-rack, $16). “While there’s a wire basket full of sauce choices from mild to spicy, I douse my ribs with the tangy Conservative (look for Abraham Lincoln on the label),” she said. “Pair it with a big glass of iced tea (ask for a sweet/unsweet mix), the creamy potato salad and warm baked beans. The buttery cornbread is so rich, I usually save it for an end-of-meal treat.” The West Palm Beach location is one of six in central and northern Palm Beach County.

Grandview Public Market, 1401 Clare Ave., West Palm Beach; grandviewpublic.com

This trendy neighborhood food hall has 10 vendors serving an assortment of cuisines, including Cajun, Jamaican, Japanese and Mexican. There’s also pizza for the traditionalists and a craft beer hall for the drinking set. Clare Ave. Grill inside the market offers a Triple Smash Burger for $14, while 5-Spice Duck Ramen is $18 at Ramen Lab Eatery. I recommend the Caffeinated Choco Caveman Smoothie ($10.50) at Josey’s Salad and Smoothies; it’s a creamy combination of peanut butter, cocoa powder, espresso and banana.

Four Brothers Italian Restaurant, 1800 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach; 561-969-6046; pizzafourbrothers.com

Pizza by the slice? Count me in! Four Brothers has a daily special with two slices and a large fountain drink for $6. The early bird specials, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, are also an excellent deal: You get an entree, soup or salad (their creamy Italian dressing is addictive), bread, drink and ice cream for less than $20, with “the most attentive service you’ll find anywhere,” according to Barnett.

El Paso Taco, 108 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach; 561-686-4668; elpasotacorestaurant.net

The all-day breakfast menu starts at $2.99 and includes Mexican egg combos and burritos. According to a “Let’s Eat, South Florida” reviewer: “If you like a Mexican breakfast like menudo or chilaquiles, El Paso Taco Restaurant has been at Southern and Military for decades.” Another popular and moderately priced Mexican eatery is El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant.

Howley’s, 4700 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; 561-833-5691; sub-culture.org/locations/howleys

This old standard, which has been around since 1950, still offers classic diner comfort food but has added some contemporary twists, including acai bowls, tuna tacos and vegetarian lasagna. After partying in downtown West Palm, many head over to Howley’s for a late-night snack. And here’s one more widely loved ’50s-style eatery: Nick’s Diner (it has a jukebox and booths built for two).

Palm Beach Hot Chicken, 1258 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach; 561-660-7811; pbhotchicken.com

Chicken tender sandwiches with choice of spiciness go for $6.99 to $9.99; a 6-Wing Dinner, with fries and bread, costs $8.99. There are also fish dinners for seafood lovers. According to a “Let’s Eat” reviewer: “The selling point for me is that the chicken is hand-breaded, not frozen! 3 large tenders, a boatload of fries, two slices of white bread and 3 different sauces (Palm Beach sauce/BBQ/Buffalo) for $7.99, a great deal!”

Tiffin Box, 2491-H Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 561-855-2808; tiffinboxeats.com

Indian fast food? Looks like Tiffin Box is on to something. All wraps and bowls are $9.95. You start with your choice of rice and add chicken or vegetables or another protein, then pick sides such as carrots or chickpeas. There are also Chicken Samosas for $3.85 and yummy Mango Lassi smoothies for $5.25.

Bangkok Kitchen, 1000 Old Okeechobee Road, West Palm Beach; 561-832-6091; bangkokkitchenpb.com

We are so blessed in South Florida to have an abundance of excellent Thai restaurants that are almost always moderately priced. Bangkok Kitchen garners consistently good reviews for its Street Style Pad Thai ($11) and Thai Boat Noodles ($16). A “Let’s Eat” reviewer said: “I had their pad see ew with fried tofu and it was amazing. Their prices aren’t crazy either. Crab Rangoons were also amazing! Definitely a good place to check out if you like Thai food!”

Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Lantana & Lake Worth Beach

Sofra Mediterranean Cuisine,821 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach; 561-557-2917; Facebook.com/Soframc

Turkish and other Mediterranean classics are on the menu at Sofra, including Beef Kebabs ($18.50), Iskender (gyro meat with yogurt and vegetables, $20) and Shrimp Saganaki (grilled shrimp with vegetables and cheese, $13). A “Let’s Eat, South Florida” foodie wrote: “Amazing Turkish dinner last night at Sofra. Our party of 7 shared mixed grill platters, falafel platters and the cold appetizer platters plus all 7 desserts. … It was an awesome feast …”

Troy’s Barbeque, 1920 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach; 561-740-1125; bbqtroys.com

Owner Anthony Barber quit teaching in 2016 to open a food truck, which has since morphed into two Troy’s restaurants (the other is in West Palm Beach). Troy’s is named for Barber’s father, Troy Davis, whose food truck Barber worked in as a youngster and where he learned to make succulent ribs, chicken, brisket, sides and barbecue sauce. Try the Chicken Dinner ($15.55), which includes two sides and corn bread, or the Beef Brisket Sandwich ($18.12) with one side.

Hurricane Alley Raw Bar & Restaurant, 529 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach; 561-364-4008; myhurricanealley.com

You’ll find Hurricane Alley in a historic building, more than 90 years old, right in the middle of downtown Boynton Beach’s vibrant redevelopment projects. Open since 1996, this eatery has a lot of personality. You gotta love a restaurant that names its sandwiches after Florida’s worst hurricanes. Try “Wilma’s Wrath,” a barbecued pork sandwich, for $11.95, or the “Mean Jeanne,” an open-faced tuna with bacon and cheese (“no roof on this sandwich”) for $13.95. There’s also Hurricane Andrew’s Revenge, Frances’ Fury and many other humorous odes to our record-breaking storms. Happy Hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Lilo’s Streetfood & Bar, 701 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach; 561-518-7880; lilosstreetfoodandbar.com

Lilo’s has been serving “elevated street food since 2014.” That means tacos, Hawaiian-style barbecue, lobster rolls and food-truck staples, including a Korean Double-Fried Chicken Sandwich ($13) and burgers ($15 to $19). Order a margarita or mojito and relax outside at a sidewalk table, taking in the nightly parade of interesting people strolling downtown Lake Worth Beach.

Old Key Lime House,300 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana; 561-582-1889; oldkeylimehouse.com

Enjoy lunch or dinner along the Intracoastal Waterway as you sip a Rum Runner, listen to live music and watch the sun set. The restaurant is in a house that was built in 1889. Try the Shrimp Tacos ($15) or Jambalaya ($20), and definitely the homemade Key Lime Pie ($8). A diner posting in “Let’s Eat, South Florida,” the Sun Sentinel’s foodie Facebook group, wrote: “To start off, you have to order the Crab Cake Sandwich! It is out of this world crazy good! … Really laid back type of vibe. There’s a lot of space to explore, including multiple bar areas. This place is fun and the food and drinks are very good.”

Pho VN,344 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach; 561-509-0831; Facebook.com/PhoVN561

Vietnamese food lovers consistently recommend Pho VN not only for its pho, or beef bone broth with noodles, meat and vegetables, but also for its fried dumplings, chicken pad Thai ($11.99) and stir-fried noodle dishes ($11.99 to $15.99). If you’re like me, you’ll also order a Vietnamese iced coffee ($5), a yummy brew made with sweetened condensed milk that is sure to keep you awake the rest of the day.

Palm Springs

McKenna’s Place, 4068 Forest Hill Blvd., Palm Springs; 561-968-0032; mckennasfl.com

The sports-obsessed looking for a congenial crowd and lots of big flat screens will love this place. Spinach and artichoke dip goes for $11.95; Shepherd’s Pie is $15.95. According to Barnett: “Their chicken wings have been my favorite for almost two decades. I can’t pour enough medium-flavor sauce on them. It’s so good, I always joke (kind of) that I could do shots of it.” She recommends the $5 burgers (with a side) on Mondays, the Wing Wednesdays (99 cents per wing, dine-in only) and the Sunday rib special (full rack, $14.95 with two sides).

Do you have a favorite moderately priced restaurant that I missed? Email me at AskLois@sunsentinel.com with your restaurant questions or anything else you want to know about life in South Florida.