COLUMBIA CAFE 801 Old Water St., Tampa, 813-229-5511; columbiarestaurant.com/cafe.asp. Another locale of the famous Columbia Restaurant, the cafe offers a limited menu of favorites from the Columbia's menu (including the famous “1905” Salad™"), all $8 or less.
DELCO’S ORIGINAL STEAKS AND HOAGIES 1737 Main St., Dunedin, 738-4700. Formerly La Spada’s, Delco serves traditional Philly cheesesteaks on Amoroso rolls shipped in from the homeland. Cheese Whiz anyone? --Brian Ries
GULF COAST PO' BOYS 312 West Bay Dr., Largo; 727-584-3800. A simple menu of Cajun and Creole favorites, including an array of fillings for your Po' Boy. Come hungry because the portions are huge.
IKEA RESTAURANT 1103 N 22nd St., Tampa; 813-434-4532; ikea.com. Where else can you get a plate of Swedish meatballs and two sides for $5 or a hot dog for 50 cents? Makes for a satisfying pre- or post-shopping meal.
KRISTINA'S CAFE 3590 34th St N., St. Pete; 727-526-6673. A 24-hour hot spot in St. Pete that's especially hopping after 2 a.m. Kristina's serves their entire menu all day and night. After a long night at the bars in Downtown St. Pete or even the morning after, you can get everything from French toast to chicken fried steak without spending a fortune.
LA TERESITA 3248 West Columbus Drive, Tampa; 813-879-9704. lateresitarestaurant.com. Is there a better place for people-watching than that winding counter? Is there a better time for people-watching than late night? Best of all, the food is cheap, arrives fast, and always comes with pressed Cuban bread. Open 24 hours on weekends. --Andy Huse
LA UNICA MICHOACANA 2800 N MacDill Ave., Tampa; 813-870-3513, lamichoacanatampabay.com. La Unica’s water-based ice cream is built on a foundation of fresh fruit, with a final flavor and texture much different than the sorbet you might find at the grocery store. Everything, from the large variety of individually wrapped popsicles piled in the freezers off to the side to the rich, cream-based frozen treats in the display cases, is made in-house. --Brian Ries
LENNY'S 21220 US 19 N., 727-799-0402. This Clearwater legend is one of the best places for breakfast in Tampa Bay. Serves up huge breakfasts and classic Jewish deli treats. Just try not to fight over the complimentary basket of danishes.
MARTHA’S PLACE 5202 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 239-1819. Simple breakfast food that will stick to your ribs, with a “Country Cookin’” vibe. --Brian Ries
PICKLES PLUS TOO 320 Cleveland Street, 727-447-0500, picklesplus.com. Offering deli foods and home-style cooking (at very reasonable prices) with patio seating and a beautiful view of the new boat slips and waterfront.
SAIGON DELI 3962 W Waters Ave., Tampa; 813-932-0300. You'll find some of the quick and tasty standards of the Vietnamese dinner table, including some damn fine pho, capable stir-fries, bun salads, and a plethora of pre-packaged puddings and desserts. No matter what they come in for, though, everyone leaves with at least one banh mi. At $2.99 each, they're hard to resist. --Brian Ries
SUB PORT GIANT NEW JERSEY SUBS 14932 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa; 813-962-5958. Meat sliced to order, giant subs on fresh bread and prices that can't be beat.
TACO BUS 913 E Hillsborough Ave., Tampa; 813-232-5889, tampatacobus.com. A Tampa favorite that serves freshly prepared, authentic Mexican fare -- tacos, burritos, tamales, etc. -- for next to nothing. Do yourself a favor, skip Taco Hell and head over here instead. Now open 24 hours.
THREE COINS RESTAURANT 7410 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa 239-1256. Another Greek/American reasonably priced diner in Seminole Heights with some killer corned beef cooked in-house. Open 24 hours, seven days a week.
Have any suggestions for the list? Let us know!
