Yemen Cafe on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck serves Yemeni cooking under $20 a plate in metro Detroit. Lamb mandi feeds two; saltah is the editorial deep cut.
Tip: Cash and cards both fine; no alcohol. Free flatbread comes with the table.
Address: 8740 Joseph Campau St, Hamtramck, MI 48212, Detroit
Honey Bee Market on Bagley Street in Mexicantown runs a hot counter alongside its grocery in Detroit. Carnitas tacos and a hot torta for under $15 total.
Try: Tacos al pastor and tortas
Tip: Tortilla counter sells fresh corn tortillas by the dozen; salsa bar to add.
Supino Pizzeria on Russell Street in Eastern Market sells walk-up slices in Detroit. A slice, a salad and a soft drink runs about $14 at peak hours.
Try: Slice of wood-fired pizza
Tip: Lunch slices on weekdays come out fastest; the bismarck cheats a little for breakfast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
