Caffe Abbracci, Fleming's, and Randazzo's which line Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, are wonderful places. But they aren't cheap. Before you -- oh poverty-stricken one -- consider relocating to a new place for your meals, take a look at these five Gables restaurants that won't burn a hole in your pocket.
5. Gables Pizza and Salad
We know there are two parts to this restaurant's name, but as far as we're concerned, the salad is your best deal. Formerly Riviera Pizza, the restaurant added an extensive salad bar after the change in ownership. With over 50 toppings, including an assortment of greens, cheeses, vegetables, nuts, fruit, meats, and tofu, you'll never get run out of options. Plus, at $4.49 for a four topping salad, the prices beat other nearby salad joints (cough, Giardino's $6.75 "piccolo"). Delicious homemade dressings like the honey lime are included, and if you want to add protein, it's only $1 extra. Supersize your salad and spend a little more ($6.49 for six toppings; $8.49 for twelve toppings) only if you're sharing.
4. Gables Juice Bar and Muscle Pizza
If you want a healthy, filling breakfast, but don't want to break your wallet, Gables Juice Bar is the place to go. For less than $6, you can get egg white pancakes, egg white omelets, or breakfast sandwiches that come in a variety of flavors. Non-dairy smoothies and fat-free milk shakes start at $3.95 and fresh squeezed juice starts at $3.99.
3. Burger Bobs
This Gables diner is tucked away in the Granada Golf Course's clubhouse, and while it's not the trendiest burger joint to hit the Gables, it's one of the only places that offers a cheeseburger that fits our budget. At $4, it beats places like Oneburger and BGR, and even keeps up in taste. They don't accept credit cards, but we've got at least that much in our wallet. Just gotta stop by the ATM first.
2. Titanic Brewery & Restaurant
If you're looking to get hammered, but don't want to invest too much on your inevitable morning-after hangover, Titanic is the place to go. With $2 beers and a $5 sampler of their own house brews (Triple Screw Light Ale, Boiler Room Nut Brown Ale, Britannic Best Bitter, Captain Smith's Rye Ale, White Star India Pale Ale, and Shipbuilders Oatmeal Stout). Normally $4.50 or under, these beers are served in a 16 oz. pint glass, and are $1 off for happy hour between 4 and 8 p.m. Look out for $2 pints on Wednesdays. At least this is one decision we won't regret the next day.
1. Taco Rico Tex Mex Cafe
If we have to worry about spending too much at Taco Rico, it's only because we're so tempted to order more food than we can physically eat. This place has the best selection of Mexican food in Coral Gables, at the best price. It strays away from the formulaic menu of restaurants like Chilorios and Chipotle, offering items such as enchiladas, fajitas, taquitos, and chili con queso. And the prices are even better. Regularly under $2, the tacos are $.79 on Mondays, and with an endless supply of tortilla chips and sauces, we can't possibly go hungry again.
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