Feelin’ hungry for a bite that won’t break the bank? We’ve got you covered. There are plenty of tasty local 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 $15 or less.

Ollie’s Trolley 1607 Central Ave., Over-the-Rhine/West End Located in a bright yellow and red trolley car, Ollie’s Trolley is a soul food staple in the Cincinnati area. Ollie’s serves a variety of smoked pork, including ribs, turkey tips and pulled pork, plus plenty of sides, like collard greens, buttered corn and potato salad. For $9 you can get a ‘buffet’ where you can choose one entree and two sides. Photo: Facebook.com/OlliesTrolleyCincinnati
Quatman Cafe 2434 Quatman Ave., Norwood; 224 West Main St., Mason Since 1966, Quatman has provided Cincinnatians with cheap burgers, soup and “the coldest beer in town.” There are canned beers as well as a draft selection and rotating seasonal brews. They’ve also got daily specials where you can get a main dish plus fries and a drink for $10. Photo: facebook.com/Quatman-Cafe
Unataza Coffee 603 Sixth Ave., Dayton, Kentucky With a mission to bring Honduran coffee and food to the Cincinnati area, Unataza Coffee in Dayton, Kentucky serves a piece of culture to every customer. Order a wrap, taco, salad or bowl for under $10. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Camp Washington Chili 3005 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati Named one of the “10 Best Restaurants in Cincinnati” by USA Today, there’s no question as to why Camp Washington Chili has been operating since 1940. It is good eats! Despite having ‘chili’ in the name, this establishment offers many chili-free options, including burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, fries, coleslaw and salad. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Comal Restaurant 18 N. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas This new Fort Thomas spot is both cheap and delicious. The tacos and house-made tortillas are all topped with fresh ingredients. Each are $5, and you’ve got to try El Zapata (Barbacoa style beef topped with pickled onions and jicama) and an order of their unbelievable $3 elote that is always piled high. Photo: facebook.com/eatatcomal/
Wunderbar! 1132 Lee St., Covington Wunderbar! is one of those restaurants that’s considered a “hidden gem.” The authentic German-inspired menu features housemade wursts with locally sourced meats, like the restaurant’s super popular currywurst — a peculiar invention of post-World War II Germany. It’s a spiced sausage served with a ketchup-Worcestershire-curry sauce. The rotating sausage menu is written on a blackboard behind the bar, but a must-try is the giant pretzel, a gigantic, plate-sized pretzel that easily complements any of the bar’s refreshing beers. Photo: Wunderbar Facebook Photo: facebook.com/wunderbar.covington.3
KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia 521 Madison Ave., Covington Quaint and comfortable with a huge beer list, AmerAsia offers all the usual Chinese dishes and chef specialties, but the food is anything but the usual. Chef Chu makes it all from scratch. His motto: “Do not take short cuts and do everything with passion and love.” Enjoy it all while taking in the eclectic décor of Kung Fu movie posters and paper lanterns. Favorite dishes include the inferno-hot Dragon Breath wontons and General Chu’s orange and sesame street chicken. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Eli’s BBQ 133 W Elder St., Findlay Market; 3313 Riverside Drive, East End While Eli’s BBQ is well known for hickory-smoked barbecue and signature barbecue sauce, the restaurant offers an allergy and dietary chart for those who are gluten-free, vegetarian or have common food allergies. Anyone is able to find something they can eat at Eli’s, making their experience one-of-a-kind. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Carl’s Deli 2836 Observatory Ave., Hyde Park Carl’s Deli is the closest thing you’re going to get to a New York deli. Open seven days a week since 1938, they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and everything on their menu is under $11. A hidden neighborhood gem, the striped awning and bistro chairs beckon sandwich seekers in for favorites like hot crab and artichoke salad on a croissant, a hot pastrami and cheese or a damn good egg salad. There are daily housemade soup offerings, quiche, casseroles and a nice selection of wine and beer. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
CityBird Multiple locations including 1344 Vine St., Over the Rhine; 7893 Beechmont Ave., Anderson Township; 2887 Dixie Highway, Crestview Hills From the team behind popular Over-the-Rhine eatery The Eagle, the Thunderdome Restaurant Group created CityBird, a restaurant that specializes in chicken tenders and sandwiches. Order the snack pack of three to five tenders and fries, or the medium pack of six-to-seven tenders and fries for under $10. Photo: Facebook.com/CityBirdCincy
Cincy Steak and Lemonade 2607 Vine St., Clifton Cincy Steak and Lemonade is the place to get the most bang for your buck. For just $6 you can get a gyro cheeseburger, fries and a drink. Not to mention their super colorful lemonades, with flavors ranging from rainbow to blue raspberry, and pina colada. With only a few booths in the restaurant, it’s a cozy spot for fast, casual bites. Photo via Facebook.com/Cincys Photo: Facebook.com/cincys
Alabama Que 2733 Short Vine St., Corryville Alabama Que was founded by Dwan Ward in 2008, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and former UC football player. An Alabama native, Ward’s restaurant oozes Southern charm and a food truck was added to the business to keep up with growing demand. Some meat options include smoked chicken, beef ribs, smoked salmon and their famous turkey tips; prices for smaller servings range from $7-$15. Photo:facebook.com/AlabamaQueFanPage
The Whole Bowl 364 Ludlow Ave., Clifton This is the perfect spot for people who don’t like to make decisions, since Whole Bowl offers only one menu item. While there is an easy vegan alternative, Whole Bowl’s titular dish is comprised of brown rice, beans, black olives, Tillamook cheddar, avocado slices, salsa, sour cream and a lemon-garlic sauce. The only real choices a diner should need to make in the matter is whether to get a 12 oz. Bambino Bowl for $6 or a 16 oz. Big Bowl for $6.50. Photo via Facebook.com/TheWholeBowlCincinnati Photo: Facebook.com
No. 5: La Mexicana Restaurante Cantina and Tienda (642 Monmouth St., Newport) // No-frills in décor, but all serious with the cuisine, La Mexicana is deemed to be one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in the area. From asada to bistec to milanesa, they’ve got the meats. But they also serve up a host of veggie options. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Chicago Gyros & Dogs 201 W McMillan St., Clifton For about 35 years, Chicago Gyros & Dogs has been cooking with passion every single day. At this Clifton restaurant, you’ll find gyros, hot dogs, various sandwiches, burgers and more for $3.50-$9. Photo: Facebook.com/ChicagoGyrosandDogsCincinnati Photo: facebook.com/ChicagoGyrosandDogsCincinnati
Harmon’s Barbecue 3481 Valley Plaza Pkwy., Fort Wright This Fort Wright barbecue spot smokes all of its meat in-house for 14 hours. For $11, grab a piled-high meat platter with two sides. Sides range from mac and cheese to green beans to creamed corn. There are also sandwiches that start at $7.75 that come with the option of brisket, pulled pork, sausage or turkey. Photo: facebook.com/harmonbbq
Sugar n’ Spice OTR 1203 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine Sugar n’ Spice, the classic Cincinnati breakfast restaurant known for its wispy pancakes, is opening a second location at the former Joe’s Diner in Over-the-Rhine by this winter. The location will have the same menu and hours of operation as its Reading Road location in Paddock Hills. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Ché 1342 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine; 3009 O’Bryon St., O’Bryonville Ché’s menu spans from Fundido (traditional Argentine stew with steak, squash, corn and sausage) to Choripan (flame-grilled sausage) and chimichurri wings to a slew of empanadas: jamon y queso, four cheese, short rib, de carne, mushroom, feta and more. Photo: facebook.com/Cheotrcincy
Ramundo’s Pizzeria 3166 Linwood Ave., Mt. Lookout Enjoy a New York-style slice of pizza from Ramundo’s for under $5. If pizza isn’t quite your thing, enjoy any of Ramundo’s garden fresh salads ranging from $5-$10. Photo: facebook.com/ramundospizzeriamtwashington
Covington Yard 401 Greenup St., Covington Can’t compromise on a place to eat? Covington Yard can help! With four different restaurants serving out of shipping containers, everyone is sure to find something they’ll like. Django Western Tacos serves tacos for $4-$5; Mr. Bulgogi offers Korean bowls for $7-$8 and dumplings for $4-$5; Yard Bird is known for their $7 “Thee Chicken Sandwich” served with coleslaw; and Hangry Omar’s serves sliders for under $9. Photo: Facebook.com/CovingtonYard Photo: Facebook.com/CovingtonYard
Habanero Latin American Fare 358 Ludlow Ave., Clifton This local restaurant has been on Ludlow Avenue since 1999, serving a wide range of Latin American fare. Enjoy one of their signature burrito bowls, a grilled chicken chimichanga, or even their Baja fish taco platter served with rice and beans, all under $15. Photo: facebook.com/Habanero-Latin-American-Fare
Sebastian’s 5209 Glenway Ave., Cheviot The longtime West Side joint is just as delicious as you remember it. A meat-lover’s heaven, the menu offers numerous Greek items and what many consider to be the best gyro in Cincinnati. Photo: facebook.com/sebastiansgyros
Good Plates Eatery 235 W McMillan St., Clifton This restaurant is located on West McMillan, just a few steps away from the University of Cincinnati. At Good Plates Eatery you will find a range of meals anywhere from $6-$9. Enjoy one of their quinoa bowls for $8.50, or a chickpea sammie for $7.50. Feeling something a little meatier? Try the adobo brisket and cheese for $9. Photo: facebook.com/GoodPlatesEatery
Cincy Gourmet Deli 2832 Jefferson Ave., Corryville This deli is located across Jefferson Avenue from the University of Cincinnati right next to The 86 Cafe. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, order any of their sandwiches, wraps, burgers, tacos or smoothies for under $10. Photo: instagram.com/cincy_deli
The Bow Tie Cafe 1101 St. Gregory St., Mount Adams This casual-chic restaurant on the corner of St. Gregory and Pavilion streets is known for its many breakfast and brunch options. The Bow Tie Cafe was founded in 2010 with a passion for coffee and espresso, wine and various meals with a community focus. It serves leafy green salads, warm homemade sandwiches, and coffee drinks-galore all under $15. Photo: facebook.com/bowtiecafe
Bridges Nepali Cuisine 4165 Hamilton Ave., Northside The restaurant name — Bridges — encourages diners to use food as a means of connecting to new cultures. owner Ashak Chipalu creates Nepalese food using his mother’s recipes. The dishes are rich with spices — like ginger, garlic, cumin, chili pepper and cilantro — that elevate the simple ingredients like chicken, potato, lentils and cauliflower. In addition to its bowls and curries, it’s known for its unique and wide-ranging samosa selection, as well as momos aka Nepalese dumplings. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Tortilleria Garcia 5917 Hamilton Ave., College Hill; 11774 Springfield Pike, Springdale; 4200 Aero Drive, Mason Popular Springdale Mexican eatery Tortilleria Garcia has opened two additional locations in College Hill and in Mason. Omar Garcia, the restaurant’s’ owner, grew up on a family farm in Michoacan, Mexico and learned how to make corn tortillas the old fashioned way from his mother and grandmother. Garcia has committed to honoring his family’s culinary history and his restaurants uncompromisingly follow the family recipe for fresh tortillas — never using flour or preservatives. Garcia’s menu consists of straightforward Mexican classics like tamales, burritos, housemade salsas and rotisserie chicken, in addition to tacos, plus his classic tortilla shells are available in two-pound packs so you can make your own inspired creations at home. Photo: Paige Deglow Photo: Paige Deglow
Ichiban Japanese Restaurant 1018 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout; 6176 Tylersville Road, Mason This Mount Lookout-based sushi eatery is well known for its lengthy half-priced sushi menu, which is available all day, every day. Choose from over 60 nigiri sushi, sashimi or sushi rolls ranging from simple to extravagant. Rolls range from $4-15 full price. Photo: facebook.com/ichibaninmason
Mad Mike’s Burgers and Fries Multiple locations including 342 Monmouth St., Newport Mad Mike’s certainly isn’t fancy but the burgers — made with black angus beef — are really good. These two-patty sandwiches are juicy with crispy edges and the topping options might be one reason for the “mad” adjective. Burgers range from $7-10 but if you’re looking for something else they’ve got sandwich and chicken burger options for under $10. Photo: facebook.com/Mad-Mikes-Burgers