Miami Beach Cheap Eats: 2026 Survival Guide (No $28 Salads Allowed)

So you showed up in Miami thinking the drinks would be just like they were last year in Cancun. You budgeted $50 a night for drinking, figuring that could score you a twelve pack of Natty Light plus cover at whatever all-you-could-drink establishment you decided to frequent. Yeah, it was going to be a little more than your typical night out in Starkevillle, but, hey, it’s Spring Break, right? Let’s splurge a little.

Fast forward to morning one as you wake up in South Beach at that dump three miles from the ocean your friend swore was “in the heart of everything.” And your wallet is somehow empty. Yes, it is quite possible you were robbed, but it is more than possible that the concept of the $18 Jaeger Bomb is just a little clearer to you now.

It’s all coming back. That is definitely last time you yell “Shots on me” at Lost Weekend. As you desperately scour your luggage for any more cash, and briefly consider putting the rest of the week’s bar tabs on Mom and Dad’s credit card, a harrowing thought hits you: “Holy shit, I still have to eat.”

Yes, Spring Breakers, while it is possible to drink all of your calories during your week-long sex and booze fest here in Miami, at some point even the most tolerant body is going to require some sort of nourishment not obtained from a frosty mug. And while perusing the various eateries offered in South Beach, you may find it rather disheartening that even Burger King is gouging tourists to the tune of $10.19 a Whopper.

Don’t sweat it, kids. Having lived as a college student in South Beach, I am well versed in finding meals that cost roughly 25% of your average drink.

You, my friend, are going to learn how to eat like all of the living-on-tips, service-industry trash that populate this beach, and you are going to like it.

What the $4.95 Breakfast and Santa Claus Have in Common

While there are a bevy of small restaurants that offer “cheap” breakfast specials for $4.95, you must remember that every price you see in South Beach is roughly one-eighth what you will actually be charged. That figure is typically for a plate and a fork with no actual food on it, so anything you order will be extra.

That, of course, is before the City Tax, the State Tax, the Tourist Tax, the Ocean Drive Tax, the English Translation Fee and the Automatic Gratuity. Which will undoubtedly be distorted by your server with an imprint of your credit card (see Tip #2).

Your best bet for breakfast?

A wide array of SoBe hotels offer free continental breakfasts, and few if any bother checking to see if you are a guest. Just walk in looking like you know what you are doing, grab some muffins and OJ, sit on the patio, and leave when you are done.

How to find such places:

Step 1: Go to Hotels.com and say you want to go to "South Beach"
Step 2: Filter by "Breakfast Included"
Step 3: Sort by "Distance from South Beach"

‍‍The Essex House on 10th and Collins offers a particularly nice atmosphere and lax  security, not to mention some killer banana-nut muffins. The trick is getting to these buffets before 10 AM when they shut down. Call it motivation for an early start.

You can also try the sample some of Miami’s famous Pastelitos, which will cover your stomach in the same lovely layer of grease a breakfast of bacon and eggs would, for only about $1.25. Check out La Playa bodega on 2nd Street and Collins Ave. for a good early start.

An added bonus: A Cuban Coffee — essentially Miami’s way of legalizing cocaine – is only 99 cents.

If that’s too adventurous for you, bagels are abundant in South Beach. The Brooklyn Water Bagel Company on 5th and Alton has bagels made with water they claim to be chemically identical to the water found in Brooklyn. No word on wheather over-consumption will immediately cause you to ramble on endlessly about how much cheaper your rent is, but if you’d prefer something that uses water that is chemically identical to the rest of the water found in Miami, there’s also an Einstein Brothers on 15th and Alton.

Bagels at both places are just over a dollar.

Lunch, or as I Like to Call It, What I’ll Use to Absorb the Alcohol

This is the most important meal of the day. Why? Because assuming you have woken up at the crack of 2:30 PM, it will most likely be the only food you consume before you delve into that cornucopia of deliciousness known as cheap domestic beer.

And what better food to consume for it than Pizza?

While locals will swear by Pizza Rustica, be advised: You will spend twice as much time excreting Pizza Rustica as you will eating it. And $5.95 a slice for something that will do the same number on your stomach as the water you drank last year in Cabo may not be the best investment.

Go Go is a tucked away locals’ favorite in a nondescript shopping center on 9th and Alton Road. Home to hands-down the most intreaging collection of empanadas on the Beach, two pies at $3 each is enough to fill up most people not named Lattimer.

Flavors range from Spicy Thai Chicken to Barbecue Beef to Dulce de Leche and Blackberries. A marked step up from the small pies you find in the window of many Washington Avenue “supermarkets” that the lady at the counter describes as “just meat.”

100 Montaditos, as the name might imply, is home to over 100 different sandwiches. While that array of choices might be a little too much for your grain-liquor soaked brain, the Wednesday special is worth the unwanted mental effort.

A selection of several sandwiches are available for only $3 Much like the empanadas at Go Go, you’ll need to order a few. But that makes the “thinking” part of the endeavor that much easier.

You Call It Nausea, I Call It a Cultural Experience

My first suggestion for dinner would be to eat whichever of the lunch options you did not have before. But even the most iron-stomached of college students can not survive on pizza alone.

So, in order for you to get what little of a Miami Cultural experience you can on South Beach (no, Mango’s does not count) might I suggest a little trip to one of the many lovely Laitn Markets on South Beach.

La Playa on 2nd and is being my favorite. A popular stop among the “Condos I Built But Could Never Afford” set, these markets offer many of the same grease-infused treats that will have you not wanting to eat for the rest of the day.

La Esperanza on 7th and Washington is another good spot, but you can find several as you stroll the streets trying to sweat off your hangover.

If You’re Only Eating One Meal…

If your plan is to only consume one meal a day – giving it the dual utility of soaking up last night’s Call-a-Cabs and tonight’s Miami Vices – you won’t find more bang for your buck than you will at Pollo Tropical.

This chicken joint is a local favorite and gives you the authentic Miami feel of waiting in line for half an hour behind old Cuban ladies as they discuss their grandchildren with the girl behind the register.

Once you finally brave the sea of abuelitas, you can load up for the day with a Tropi-Chop for $10.99. Or get the small for $2 less if you’re not as hungry.

Sounds like a lot if you’re budgeting only one meal, but the Tropi-Chop will leave even your gym-obsessed frat lifting friends stuffed for hours.

It starts out with enough rice to feed a small Central Ameican country, then is slathered with a massive ladel of black beans. Throw in about half a chicken diced on top and some salsa and you won’t be hungry again until you’ve yacked at the end of the night.

You might also check out the Florida Buffet Restaurant at RIU Hotel on 30th and Collins. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. and offer an all-you-can-eat buffet  with ocean views. Prices start at $30, but you can always bring your own to go bag.

And even if you’ve been reared on dorm food for the last few years, nothing can prepare you for the onslaught of lard and spices that an all you can eat Cuban buffet will throw your way. Delicious? Sure. The cause of an entire day of your Spring Break spent examining your bathroom floor? Possibly.

Beach Chicken and the Only Thing More Overpriced Than a Hooker

And now 2 South Beach cheap dining DON’TS.

DON’T eat Beach Chicken

Beach Chicken is any alleged poultry product sitting in the counter of a deli, convenience store, auto mechanic or dry cleaner. As a matter of fact, the only businesses in South Beach that do NOT sell Beach Chicken are the actual restaurants.

You may be tempted by the prospect of an entire chicken breast for $2.49, but do not, under ANY circumstances, eat it. A fraternity at University of Miami had some pledges do it one year and was summarily thrown off campus the following semester. Apparently the administration looked down on giving incoming freshmen cholera.

DON’T ever drink anything but water with your meal

‍Fountain sodas on the Beach are the only thing more overpriced than the hookers. They range anywhere from $4 to $7 and you would be better off asking for someone’s extra kidney than a free refill.

Surprisingly, Miami has some of the best tap water of any major city, and even if it didn’t any bacteria will more than likely be killed by that shot of 151 you’re going to do before you go out.

So don’t stress, Spring breakers, you can actually eat in South Beach without taking out a second set of Student Loans. All it takes is a little bit of guile, a strong stomach and a light wallet.

And when you get back, you can tell all your friends what a great time you had in Miami, even after you blew more in the first night on alcohol than you did all of freshmen year. Enjoy your stay, Kids, and remember me when you’re throwing up more food than you are stomach acid.

Editor’s Note: Originally published February 14, 2007. Updated in 2026 with new photography; Matt Meltzer’s original writing remains unchanged.

Cheap Eating Spots (2026 Update)

If you're hitting Miami Beach on a budget, you're in luck—South Beach still has plenty of affordable gems where you can grab a solid meal without the tourist markup. These spots focus on quick, tasty options under $15, perfect for beach days or late-night refuels. Prices can fluctuate, so check menus or apps like Yelp or Tripadvisor for the latest. Here's a fresh roundup based on recent recommendations:

• Pummarola Miami Beach (Italian/Pizza): A no-frills spot for authentic Neapolitan pizza. Grab a personal pie for around $10–$12. Pro tip: Go on Mondays for discounted slices—great for groups sharing.
• Grafa Pizza & Pasta (Italian): Fresh pasta and pizza under $15. Their margherita pizza is a standout at about $11. Tip: It's walk-in friendly; pair with a soda for a quick, filling lunch near the beach.
• La Sandwicherie Miami Beach (Sandwiches/French): Iconic for massive sandwiches on fresh baguettes, starting at $8–$12. The veggie or turkey options are popular. Tip: Open late (until 5 a.m.), ideal for post-party hunger—add their signature vinaigrette for extra flavor.
• Pikio Taco (Mexican/Tacos): Street-style tacos and burritos for $3–$5 per taco. Build a meal under $10. Tip: Opt for the al pastor or fish tacos; it's a casual counter spot, perfect for a beachside grab-and-go.
• Ceviches By Divino (Peruvian/Seafood): Fresh ceviches and bowls around $10–$14. The classic ceviche is a highlight. Tip: Portions are generous—share if you're light eaters, and it's a healthier option near the oceanfront.
• Ocean Deli (Deli/American): Sandwiches, salads, and wraps for $8–$12. Their Cuban sandwich is a local favorite. Tip: Convenient for breakfast or lunch; customize with fresh ingredients to keep it budget-friendly.
• De Lucia Bakery (Italian/Bakery): Pastries, sandwiches, and coffee under $10. Empanadas or croissants start at $3–$5. Tip: Great for a quick morning bite—pair with an espresso for under $7 total.

Remember, many of these are cash-friendly or have app deals via Uber Eats or DoorDash. Stick to Lincoln Road or Ocean Drive areas for walkability. If you're staying in a hotel, scout their happy hours for even cheaper bites. Eat smart, stay fueled, and save your cash for the real Miami fun.

‍Editor’s Note: Originally published February 14, 2007. Updated in 2026 with new prices and photography; Matt Meltzer’s original writing remains unchanged.