Feelin’ hungry for a bite that won’t break the bank? We’ve got you covered. There are plenty of tasty Greater Cincinnati eateries to explore that can fill up your belly when you’re balling on a budget. From burgers and barbecue to tacos and sushi, here’s where to find a delicious meal for $16 or less.

J&W Sandwich Shoppe 2004 Worth Ave., Norwood This classic Norwood deli is the real deal. Come hungry, because J&W Sandwich Shoppe sandwiches are thick with the meats. We’re not sure how they do it, but all menu items come in at $7.50 or less. Popular menu items include the BLT, the New Yorker (pastrami, Swiss and mustard on rye) and the stacked Turkey and BLT double decker. Photo: facebook.com/jwsandwichshoppe
Pata Roja Taqueria 52 E. Court St., Downtown Serving up authentic street tacos and Mexican dishes, Pata Roja Taqueria is modeled after the iconic taquerias of Mexico City, with colorful tiles and a central focus of the trompo, a meat rotisserie that’s front and center in the kitchen and is used to roast pork for the authentic tacos al pastor. And the prices can’t be beat. For $5-$6 each, these tacos are packed with fresh ingredients and flavor. We recommend trying the birria and al pastor tacos with a side of black beans, which totals to $15. If you’re not feeling tacos, Pata Roja also offers quesadillas for $10 and burritos and bowls for $12-$13. Photo: facebook.com/patarojatacos
Sayler Park Pizza Co. 6595 Gracely Drive, Sayler Park This new carryout and delivery pizza joint in Sayler Park (once Angilo’s Pizza) is the perfect place to stop if you want a delicious, affordable pizza or sub. Sayler Park Pizza Co. offers daily deals on pizzas, calzones and subs for the money-conscious, but their menu prices are all downright reasonable for the fresh ingredients they use. Subs will cost you between $10-$12, while a basic large pizza starts at $15.50. And if you’re splitting the cost with one or two other people, the large specialty pizzas are all $21.50 and include offerings like the Far West (capicola, caramelized onion, sausage and mushrooms) and the Pickle Pie (homemade ranch, pickles, caramelized onion and chicken). Sayler Park Pizza also works alongside nearby microbrewery 13 Below, so you’re allowed to take your pizza in there and enjoy one of their craft beers or seltzers (we recommend the Belgian tripel Wedding Day). Photo: facebook.com/Sayler Park Pizza Co
Kantine Biergarten 1220 Harrison Ave., West End Kantine offers Southern German fare from an off-the-beaten-path spot in the West End. Try the Allgäuer Kässpatzen (house-made spätzle, allgäuer cheese blend and fried onions with a side salad) for $15 or currywurst with pan-roasted potatoes for $12. The restaurant also offers 12-inch Italian-style pizzas on Wednesday nights, all of which are $16 or less. Photo: facebook.com/kantineonwheels
Guti Nachos with pollo asado: corn chips topped with refried beans, guacamole, mozzarella, cilantro, onion and cotija cheese, served with sour cream, roja and verde salsas Photo: Mary LeBus
Ari & Mia’s Small Town Cafe 6856 OH-128, Miamitown On the western edge of Greater Cincinnati, you can find a cozy, mom-and-pop cafe offering delicious and affordable dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ari & Mia’s Small Town Cafe (named after the proprietors’ daughters) has a menu packed with diner favorites for any time of day, and everything is under $15. In the morning, you can get a hot, tasty breakfast sandwich like the Hot Honey (your choice of breakfast meat, pepper jack and fried egg, topped with house-made hot honey served on toast and with home fries) or a stack of chocolate chip, Oreo or Reese’s pancakes to make you feel like a kid again. For lunch and dinner, Ari & Mia’s offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, wraps and chicken tenders. Photo: facebook.com/AriAndMias
Pepper Pod 703 Monmouth St., Newport Greasy spoon dining at its best, the Pepper Pod is a Newport legend. Open 24 hours a day so you can get your breakfast fix whenever the craving hits. The Northern Kentucky diner was even featured in the movie Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile starring Zac Efron — it was filmed in the Greater Cincinnati area. Photo: Emerson Swoger Photo: Emerson Swoger
Shawarma from Raya Lebanese Photo: Emerson Swoger
The Park Diner 4160 Hamilton Ave., Northside They say good things come to those who wait, which holds true for the newly opened The Park Diner in Northside. After six years of hard work, the husband and wife team of Kevin Pogo Curtis and Allee Thompson finally were able to welcome customers this spring. The menu offers a mix of diner favorites, such as Angus chuck burgers, shoestring French fries, creamy mac and cheese and a beer-braised pork loin cheesesteak. Additionally, you’ll find unique variations of classic dishes, like the Korean-style Lindsey’s potato salad. Photo: Emory Davis
No. 9 Best New Restaurant: Cafe Mochiko 1524 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills Photo: facebook.com/mochikocincy
Yummi Xpress 7733 Reading Road, Roselawn This is the place to go to experience island flavor. Truly authentic and family-owned, everything on the menu is delicious and full of flavor. The Jerk Chicken is $12 and comes highly recommended by diners. It comes with rolls, but you’ll also want to pair it with a side of fried rice or rice and peas. The Fry Chicken is also $12 and is served with fries and festival (deep-fried bread) or rice and peas. Kick up the heat with one of their house-made hot sauces. Photo: google.com/Yummi Xpress Jamaican Restaurant
Neko Sushi 3443 Edwards Road, Hyde Park While you can get delicious sushi rolls at Neko’s, this cozy restaurant just off Hyde Park Square also serves up Korean- and Japanese-fusion dishes packed with savory flavors. Simple rolls, like the California Roll or Spicy Tuna Roll, will run you between $8-$11, but you can also get a few of their special rolls for $16 or less, like the Crunch Munch (tempura shrimp and avocado topped with crab stick, sweet chili and eel sauce) or the Naruto (tuna, salmon, white tuna, crab stick and avocado wrapped with cucumber and ponzu sauce, no rice). You can also get some Korean favorites like Dolsot Bibimbap or Dukbokki for $15-$16 or one of Neko’s noodle dishes like ramen, udon or japchae for $12-$14. Photo: facebook.com/nekosushihydepark
The Loaded Gyro 4866 Delhi Pike, Delhi This charming West Side hole-in-the-wall serves up delicious, affordable gyros, along with a mix of Mediterranean and American dishes. Grab a classic gyro ($8) or load it up with extra meat, feta and jalapeño or banana peppers for $10. Add a side of Greek fries, or opt to have your gyro meats piled high on a salad instead. When you’re done eating, take your savings and walk next door to Jocko’s to enjoy some cheap drinks and live music. Photo: facebook.com/theloadedgyro
Auntie Apple’s Kitchen 321 Ludlow Ave., Clifton $10 Featured Dishes: 1. Shrimp with Scramble Eggs (Pictured) 2. Auntie’s Honey BBQ Char Sui Pork 3. Hot Chili Pepper Beef Photo: acw.asianati.com
Gas Light Cafe 6104 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge This Pleasant Ridge eatery and drinkery has been a neighborhood staple for generations. Behind the bar, there’s a large list of local, domestic and craft drafts on tap, along with a full liquor shelf if you need some spirit. Stop by for a casual lunch or dinner, or watch sports on one of their TVs. What goes well with a cold draft of your favorite beer? The Gas Light Burger, daily homemade chili, onion rings, tuna melt, chef salad and potato skins with cheese and bacon. Photo: facebook.com/GoodfellasPleasantRidge
The Gruff 129 E. Second St., Covington Located near the riverfront in Covington, you can get pretty much anything you want at The Gruff — from brick-oven pizza to pints of ice cream to bottles of liquor in their attached liquor store. The Gruff offers a full bar and eat-in restaurant that serves up dishes like a fried chicken sandwich on a brioche bun and smoked brisket pizza. Photo: Jesse Fox

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