Miami - August 14, 2007

The Ten Spot

Ten Meals Under $10

No good cheap eats in Miami? Shut your mouth. No, wait, open it. Here are ten restos where you can feast for under ten bucks.

1. O Noodle Shop: Freshly prepared pad Thai and soba noodles fits the budget, and the people watching from the front window seats is unbeatable (330 Lincoln Road; 305-531-2052).

2. Picnics: It’s a ’50s flashback, from the food (meatloaf, shakes, burgers, chili) to the kitschy decor and prices (6500 Southwest 40th Street; 305-665-6964).

3. Tap Tap: Fun, flavorful Haitian ambience and cuisine, like tender goat dishes and addictive fried plantains (819 5th Street; 305-672-2898).

4. Bagel Emporium: The popular brunch spot’s been around forever; portions (Reubens, deli salads, and, of course, bagels) — not prices — are generous (1238 South Dixie Highway; 305-666-9519).

5. Yummy Chinese & Sushi Bar: Steps away from the overpriced sushi restos on Lincoln Road. House Special rolls, Chow Fun noodles, and Ika Sansai salads make good lunches (1671 Alton Road; 305-531-1880).

6. S&S Diner: Eggs with everything from French toast to crab cakes. For lunch, shrimp Creole on rice or blackened chicken and salad with the restaurant’s famous vinaigrette dressing (1757 Northeast 2nd Avenue; 305-373-4291).

7. Little Saigon: Family-run Vietnamese restaurant boasts “over 170 items and a lot of specials, too,” from basic pho to elaborate fish and beef plates (16752 North Miami Avenue; 305-653-3377).

8. Chef Creole Seafood Takeout: Show up early or during nonpeak hours to beat the lines at this Haitian hole-in-the-wall. Conch fritters and watermelon soda make a good snack; fish is mostly grilled or fried al fresco (200 Northwest 54th Street; 305-754-2223).

9. Daily Bread Marketplace: A bag of fresh pita bread for $1, plus Miami’s best olives, fabulous kibbe and falafel platters, and mouth-watering spanikopitas (12131 South Dixie Highway; 305-253-6115).

10. Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop: Best bets are the Cuban sandwiches with melted cheese and the cafecitos, but the moros (rice and beans) will break any Atkins dieter (186 Northeast 29th Street; 305-573-4681).