dearborn
Al Ameer on West Warren Avenue in Dearborn serves Lebanese cooking at lunch under $15 in metro Detroit. James Beard America's Classic 2016; the lunch plate is unbeatable value.
Try: Hummus, shawarma, falafel
Tip: Lunch plate is the budget visit; chicken shawarma with rice runs $13.
downtown
Lafayette Coney Island on West Lafayette in downtown Detroit since 1924 serves coney dogs under $5 around the clock. The cheapest meal in the canonical city orbit.
Try: Coney dog with chili, mustard and onion
Tip: Cash counter; two coneys and fries is full lunch for under $10.
downtown
American Coney Island next door to Lafayette serves coney dogs in downtown Detroit since 1917. The older brother on Lafayette Boulevard; cards welcome, open 24/7.
Try: Coney dog with chili, mustard and onion
Tip: Two coneys, fries and a Faygo for under $12. Open 24/7 every day.
corktown
Telway Hamburgers on Michigan Avenue griddles sliders for a dollar change each in Detroit since 1944. The chrome counter and walk-up windows define cheap eats here.
Try: Sliders, fries
Tip: Cash only. Six sliders, a fries and a Vernors comes to under $15.
corktown
Green Dot Stables on West Lafayette in Corktown serves $3 sliders in Detroit. Forty rotating slider builds, tempeh to lamb to catfish, all under a dollar each above three.
Try: Sliders, fries, cocktails
Tip: Four sliders, fries and a $3 cocktail comes to under $20. Cash and cards both fine.
mexicantown
Taqueria El Rey on Bagley Street in Mexicantown serves al pastor and carnitas tacos in Detroit. Three tacos and a horchata comes to under $15.
Try: Al pastor tacos, tortas
Tip: Cash and cards welcome; late-night kitchen through 23:00 most nights.