Cheap Eats

Best Delray Beach Happy Hours- Part 2

/ Casey / Leave a comment

One of the more popular articles on my blog is about my favorite Delray Beach happy hour spots. I wrote the article over a year ago, and although each of the restaurants that I listed are still open and thriving, new places have opened on Atlantic Ave. that are great as well. Here are some of my new favorite happy hour restaurants in downtown Delray Beach. Let’s call it the “Spring 2014 Edition:”

Tryst

Tryst was one of my favorite Delray Beach happy hours about two years ago, until I walked in one afternoon and discovered that they took the discounted food off the menu. According to the bartender, they did it in an effort to get rid of the 20-something crowd who had become regulars during the hours of 5-7 p.m. for the cheap eats (pretty much me and my friends).

The loss of Tryst’s happy hour was a shame, so naturally I was thrilled to discover a few months ago that they brought back a full happy hour menu with snacks. Now on weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m. At the bar you can enjoy 50% off on draft beer and select wines and $5 well cocktails and $6 well martinis. Tryst’s well liquor is not terrible quality stuff- think Tito’s vodka, Captain Morgan, Jack Daniels, etc. Discounted snacks include a cheeseburger, spicy chicken pad thai, fish dip, fish tacos and more. Also worth noting is that Tryst offers $4 tacos on Tuesday nights and they are delicious (and huge- I’m full after two).

Tryst is located at 4 East Atlantic Avenue; 561-921-0201

Mussel Beach

Mussel Beach is a newcomer to the downtown scene, taking the corner spot that was formerly Rotelli.

From 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Mussel Beach offers two-for-one drinks, $6 snacks and $10 mussel bowls. The restaurant also offers a late night happy hour from 9 to 11 p.m. with two-for-one drinks.

A little fun fact that I learned while at Mussel Beach: ounce for ounce, mussel meat contains more protein than beef stock, much less fat, many more mineral nutrients and a quarter of the calories.

Mussel Beach is located at 501 East Atlantic Avenue; 561-921-6464

Luigi’s Coal Oven Pizza

Luigi’s Coal Oven Pizza is the latest of many pizza joints on Atlantic Avenue. What makes Luigi’s stand out is its sweet happy hour deals. From 3 to 6 p.m. beer, wine, well liquor and appetizers are half off. Luigi’s food is reasonably priced and served in large portions, so my boyfriend and I were surprised when we couldn’t even finish the three appetizers that we ordered. But we were even more pleasantly surprised to see that our bill was only $16. I highly recommend Luigi’s calamari, caprese salad and meatballs.

The pizza is not on the happy hour menu, but I saw a truffle pizza go by and it looked and smelled amazing. My next trip to Luigi’s will be to try that.

Luigi’s Coal Oven Pizza is located at 307 East Atlantic Avenue; 561-274-1969

All of this at Luigi's for $16 during happy hour.

All of this at Luigi’s for $16 during happy hour.

Trader Joe’s is Coming to South Florida!

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When I lived in Los Angeles a few summers ago, I fell in love with Trader Joes.  I, along with many other shoppers, love Trader Joe’s because of the varied food and drinks it carries, and they’re offered at great prices. Trader Joe’s has an incredible bakery and offers more than 3,000 signature items. After moving back to South Florida, I would have friends mail me my beloved Trader Joe’s brand granola, fresh baked cookies and other goodies.

Naturally I was overjoyed to learn that Palm Beach County residents will be getting not one, but two Trader Joe’s stores in the near future.

Last month Trader Joe’s announced it that it would be opening a location in Palm Beach Gardens at the PGA Plaza center, located at the southwest corner of PGA Boulevard and Prosperity Farms Road.

It was also just announced that Trader Joe’s will be opening a store in Boca Raton in 2014, according to a release from the company.  The new Boca Raton store will be around 12,500 square feet and will offer beer, wine and “distinctive products.”  The store will be located inside East City Center, located at 855 South Federal Highway.

Both stores are scheduled to open in 2014, although an exact opening date has not yet been given.

The iPic Movie Theater in Boca Raton

/ Casey / 2 Comments

I love the iPic movie theater in Boca Raton.  Between the soft, leather, reclining Lazy-Boy chairs, the provided blankets and full food and beverage service that it offers, I never want to see a movie anywhere else.

This luxury movie experience is somewhat affordable- tickets run from about $14 for the premium seating to $24 for the premium plus seating.  While you can get in the door for a little as $14, I highly recommend spending the extra $10 on the premium plus seats.  These are the ones that recline and have the full food and beverage service throughout the entire movie.  It’s a life changer.

At $24 a ticket, I think it’s affordable, but once you factor in the snacks and cocktails, the iPic movie experience can get a little pricey, especially if you’re a movie buff who goes often.  If this is the case, I recommend that you become an iPic member to score some discounts.  Unlike most of East Boca Raton, the iPic members club is not snooty, limited or expensive- you can simply sign up online for free to receive great benefits such as discounted pricing, advanced on-line purchasing of tickets, access to blockbuster films before the general public and other special member-only offers.

My favorite food and drink-related perk of being a member is “Members Get More Tuesdays.”  Every Tuesday, iPic members can enjoy a specially-priced menu that includes discounted food, $2 select beers and $5 house wine.

When we saw Iron Man 3 last Tuesday, I was happy to see that my Hess Select cabernet was the $5 house red wine special.

ipic boca

The iPic’s Tuesday discounts

As you can see in the picture, the discounted food menu includes a little bit of everything- a variety of flatbreads and sliders if you’re in the mood for an appetizer, fish and chips and a smoked turkey, brie and apple butter Panini if you want something bigger, and red velvet pudding for dessert (which is amazing by the way).

The iPic Theater is located at 301 Plaza Real  Boca Raton, FL 33432; (561) 299-3000

Cheap Eats in Downtown Miami

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As I mentioned in a previous article, South Beach restaurants are some of the best, but also the most expensive.  During my five years of living there as a broke college student, I would often scoop up my buddy Ida and drive across the causeway to eat at our cheap little grub spots.

The downtown Miami area is full of great little hole-in-the-wall restaurants that are both delicious and affordable.  Here I will share with you a few of my favorite restaurants in downtown Miami where it is possible for two people to fill up for $25 or less (this may not include drinks, tax, delivery and gratuity).

The Daily Creative Food Co.

If you want to eat well on a budget, The Daily is a fine option for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  A simple egg sandwich on a Kaiser roll starts at $3.00, but the menu also features breakfast wraps, omelets and pancakes that you can add a bunch of fun ingredients to.  The most expensive breakfast item is $9.95, unless you go completely over the top with the “build your own omelet” option.

For lunch and dinner, The Daily offers a huge choice of homemade soups, salads, sandwiches and paninis.  Most range in the $8.00 to $10.00 range, with a few costing $13.95 (my personal favorite, the Key West Shrimp salad, is worth every penny).

Aside from the Key West Shrimp salad I recommend the Hangover breakfast combo ($9.95), the Daily News Chicken Salad ($8.25) and the Printer panini ($8.50). If you have a little money left over after ordering your meal, I also recommend the homemade banana pudding if they haven’t already sold out for the day.

The Daily Creative Food Co. is located at 2001 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 107 Miami, FL, 33137; (305) 573-4535

El Palacio De Los Jugos

A true Miami staple, El Palacio De Los Jugos is both a market of fresh produce and an open-air restaurant that serves authentic Cuban food and fresh squeezed juices at low prices.  There’s nothing fancy about it, but the reasons I love it are that it’s easy to find parking, the food is legit and the service is always friendly. A Cuban sandwich is $4.95 and the most expensive menu items only cost $5.  At those prices, don’t skip a café con leche (only $1) or a fresh squeezed pineapple or tangerine juice.

El Palacio De Los Jugos is located at 2038 NW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33142

Sabor a Peru

The thing to know about Sabor a Peru is that while the prices may not look very cheap, the portions are huge.  Two people can easily fill up by splitting an entree and either an appetizer or dessert.  My personal recommendations- lomo saltado ($12.99), a popular Peruvian dish of marinated Angus tenderloin, sliced and served over a mixture of white rice, sautéed onions, tomatoes and french fries.  Either start off with the mixed ceviche ($12.99) or end with the homemade cuatro leches ($3.99) and you have yourself an awesome meal.

Also worth mentioning is Sabor a Peru’s tropical fruit juices for $3.50- strawberry, mango, pineapple, guava, guanabana, passion fruit and more.

Sabor a Peru is located at 2923 Biscayne Blvd  Miami, FL 33137; (305) 573-9637

Also worth mentioning: Latin Cafe, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Premo’s Deli, the Filling Station & Garage Bar

Park Avenue BBQ & Grille Gives Back to Local Charities

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Last Friday night Jeremy and I were feeling a little spontaneous about dinner.  We weren’t sure where to go, but we knew a few things:

  • We wanted to go somewhere other than the usual “Ave.”
  • We didn’t want to go anywhere fancy that involved getting all dressed up
  • We didn’t want to blow a lot of money

While tossing ideas back and forth, I suggested that we look on Living Social to see what deals were running, thinking that maybe we could save a little money that way.  The only restaurant deal in our area was a $15 for $30 deal at Park Avenue BBQ Grille, which we both like and hadn’t eaten at in years.  We were sold.  I purchased the deal, got the coupon via email and we headed over to the Boca Raton location.

Park Avenue's rib and chicken combo with collard greens and baked beans

Park Avenue’s rib and chicken combo with collard greens and baked beans

One thing I love about Park Avenue, aside from the quality BBQ grub, is that the service is always friendly and efficient.  Our server greeted us immediately and was able to answer all of our questions about the menu with ease.  The only disappointments of the meal were that the fried scallops that I loved are no longer on the menu, and they were out of the mac and cheese and homemade buttermilk cake. I ended up ordering the butterfly shrimp with green beans and mashed potatoes and Jeremy had the chicken and ribs combo.  Our meal was yummy as always, but I really wish I had that buttermilk cake.

Park Avenue's butterfly shrimp, mashed potatoes and green beans

Park Avenue’s butterfly shrimp, mashed potatoes and green beans

The reason that Park Avenue ran out of that buttermilk cake, our server told us, was because they were doing a charity event and donating a part of the proceeds from the popular dessert.  So naturally everyone was ordering it that night, and we just got there too late.

When we presented our Living Social coupon, a manager came by and explained that we were not only saving money, but also giving to charity by purchasing it. For every $15 Living Social that was purchased, Park Avenue donated half ($7.50) to one of four local charities– The Lord’s Place, Take Stock in Children, Sublime Soil Inc., or the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County.  I got to pick which charity I wanted the money to go to.  I had no idea about this as I was buying the Living Social, but that, mixed with the great dining experience, made me really happy that we ended up at Park Avenue.

The Park Avenue BBQ and Grille Living Social deal is still available!  Buy it here!

Food- B

Drinks- n/a

Service- A+

Overall- B+

Cheap Eats in Downtown Delray Beach

/ Casey / 1 Comment

Last week I shared my places to get good food in South Beach when on a budget.  Unfortunately since living down there I have not struck it rich, so I now can also provide my “cheap eats in Delray Beach.”  Here are a few of my favorite restaurants, mostly off Atlantic Avenue, where it’s possible for two people to fill up for $25 or less (this may not not include drinks, tax and gratuity).

Mellow Mushroom

Mellow Mushroom- A medium pizza, which ranges from $17.79 to $21.49 is more than enough for two people.  We always end up boxing up what we can’t finish and eating it for lunch the next day.  In addition to ridiculously good pizza, Mellow Mushroom also has a great selection of hoagies and salads.  Both come in half or whole size portions for about $6 or $9, which make it easy to mix and match if you choose.

Mellow Mushroom is located at 25 SE 6th Ave.; (561) 330-3040

Senor Burrito

Senor Burrito- Everything comes in huge, sharing-sized portions here.  My boyfriend and I used to order our own entrees, but there was always so much to box up.  I love the salad but the leftovers turn into a soggy mess before I can finish it.  Now when we go we usually order a side of guacamole ($4.50) to go with the warm tortilla chips and salsa and we split the salad with steak ($8.75) or mahi-mahi ($9.25).  Jeremy is a huge fan of Senor Burrito’s homemade flan ($4.50) so we usually end with that.  It’s the perfect amount of food.

Senor Burrito is located at 142 SE 6th Ave.;(561) 278-5757

Granger’s Delray

Granger’s Bar & Grill- This is my favorite little hole-in-the-wall spot to go for good comfort food.  Granger’s has been around for a long time and has that charming old-diner feel to it.  A majority of the food is homemade and it’s always served fresh and in large portions, making it another great spot to share.  We usually start off with an order of the buffalo-style shrimp (they’re $9 and absolutely addicting) or some chili ($3.75 for a good-sized cup or $7.25 for a massive bowl).  The entrees range from $7 to $14.  My personal favorites are the grilled chicken and shrimp caesar salad and the Cajun chicken Philly.  I have also heard rave reviews about the mile-high meatloaf that is served on Saturdays and the smoked BBQ ribs that are served on Wednesdays.

Granger’s is located at 215 NE 6th Ave.; (561) 276-7881

Green Owl

Green Owl- The patio at The Green Owl is a great place to sit outside on Atlantic Ave. for an affordable breakfast or lunch.  Breakfast can be as cheap as $2.50 for an egg and toast or $6.25 for the “Big Breakfast,” which includes three eggs, two strips of bacon, one sausage link and a choice of home fries or grits and a hotcake or toast.  The lunch plates and sandwiches cost from $4.95 to $6.95.

The Green Owl is located at 330 E Atlantic Ave.; (561) 272-7766

Vic & Angelo’s

Vic & Angelo’s- A dinner date here will not be cheap if you order from a majority of the menu, but the specialty pizzas are huge, affordable and delicious.  The prices range from $14.95 to $20.95, and for about $2 each you can add on toppings including caramelized onions, meatballs, artichokes and prosciutto di parma.  My personal favorites are the Mulberry Street, Grand Street and Truffle & Wild Mushrooms pizzas.

Vic & Angelo’s is located at 290 East Atlantic Avenue; (561) 278-9570

BurgerFi

BurgerFi- All natural burgers range from $6 to $10 and a hotdog will cost you around $4.  My recommendation for two people is to get two burgers or hotdogs (or one of each) and to split a large order of fries with chili and cheese ($6) or parmesan cheese and herbs ($5).  Also amazing are the frozen custard shakes and malts, and sundaes.  They’re about $5 to $7 but worth every penny, especially after a big greasy meal!

BurgerFi is located at 6 South Ocean Blvd.; (561) 278-9590

Cheap Eats in South Beach

/ Casey / 4 Comments

I am all for trying to save a few bucks here and there.  South Beach offers some of the best restaurants I have ever been to, but in order to taste a majority of them it will cost you.  While I consider myself a true foodie who does not mind spending a pretty penny on a delicious meal, I also realize that it’s still possible to eat well for a more affordable price.  Here I will share with you a few of my favorite restaurants where it is possible for two people to fill up for $25 or less (this may not include drinks, tax, delivery and gratuity).

Jimmy’z Kitchen

Jimmy’z Kitchen got its start in SoBe, but now also has a location in Wynwood.  The menus are similar, serving sandwiches, paninis, salads and hot entrees.  Some of the entrees are a bit on the pricier side ($16.50 for a grilled churrasco and chimichurri), but there are many cheaper options that make a meal for two still affordable.

My favorite items off the Jimmy’z Kitchen menu are the Country Beef Stew ($9.99, pictured below), Fajita Salad ($9.50 with chicken, $10.50 with steak), and the Bistro Turkey Panini ($7.99).

Jimmy’z Kitchen is located at 2700 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL; (305) 573-1505 and 1542 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139; (305) 534-8216

Jimmy'z Kitchen

Jimmy’z Kitchen Country Beef Stew

Go-Go

Go-Go leaves South Beachers no excuse not to eat healthy, no matter what their budget is.  For less than $25, two people can eat fresh food that won’t leave them feeling guilty.

Go-Go offers big salads that can serve as a meal (ranging from $7.20 to $10.40), and they also have their “mini” salads ($4.90 to $6.70), which leaves more room to try other stuff on their menu.

If you’re eating at Go-Go, I recommend trying a few of their 18 different little empanadas, called “pies,” which are filled with anything from tomato, basil and mozzarella to philly cheesesteak to guava and cream cheese (the dessert “pies” are incredible).  The “pies” are baked to order, so they always come out hot, fresh and delicious. My personal favorites are the shrimp scampi, classic argentine, spicy Thai peanut chicken and the one with warm Nutella and banana oozing out.

At $2.50 a piece, the pies alone could be a meal (I could eat about 4 and be full) or they can be mixed with a soup, veggie burger or salad.  The soups ($2.75/cup or $5.25/bowl) are homemade daily in small batches and are never made with wheat gluten, sugar, msg or dairy.  They are often vegetarian or vegan as well.

Go-Go is located at 926 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL, 33139; (305) 673-3137

go-go pies

Go-Go pies

Los Perros

If you’re not in the mood to eat healthy, but you don’t want to stoop as low as fast food, there’s Los Perros.  Open until 6 a.m. on weekends, it hits the spot after a long night of partying in South Beach.  The menu is full of greasy Colombian goodness, from cheeseburgers to chorizo to salchipapas (French fries with hotdog medallions mixed in).  My go-to order at Los Perros is the maicitos de pollo- shredded chicken mixed in with mozzarella cheese, corn, pineapple, a pink mayonnaise-based sauce and papitas (crushed up potato chips).  For only about $6, it is heaven- and I swear the leftovers are the best the morning after a wild night.

Los Perros is located at 1427 Alton Road, Miami Beach, Florida 33139; (305) 673-9400 (there are also locations in Kendall, Sunny Isles and on West Flagler)

Los Perros' Maicitos

Los Perros’ Maicitos

Other good, inexpensive South Beach restaurants worth mentioning:  La Sandwicherie, Pepper’s Burrito Grill, Hiro’s Sushi and Lime Fresh Mexican Grill.