Ten under $10

College students acknowledge the harsh realities of having hardly any money, especially when they are hungry. Before turning to fast food as a cheap alternative, keep in mind these affordable places where you can sit down, relax and eat.

1. 3 Monkeys Bar and Grill
2525 W. Main St.

The exotic blend of flavors available on the menu will get your taste buds rocking without compromising your wallet. Try the prosciutto, sun-driedtomato and artichoke pizza for $10. The falafel sandwich for $6 is another spectacular choice. If you are craving an especially greasy treat, do not miss out on the onion fries. If a dim bar is not your favorite, try the roomy outside seating.

2. 821 Cafe?
821 W. Cary St.

On days when you have some pocket change, try this cozy nook. Breakfast is served until 5 p.m. with the options of omelets, pancakes or the egg-and-cheese sandwich for under $5. 821 Cafe? is guaranteed to be buzzing with life any time of day, and the meals are unlikely to disappoint.

3. Border Chophouse
1501 W. Main St.

Border Chophouse is a fantastic place to go for brunch on a lazy Sunday morning. Treat yourself to the 7-ounce N.Y. strip steak and eggs for only $8.25. Meat lovers also might be drawn to the dinner entree of chicken-fried steak for $9.95. The local art on the wall is bound to catch your eye and gives Border a fun flare. The scrumptious Bloody Mary bar is the only one of its kind in the city, with nearly a dozen types of mixers, fresh celery, hot sauces and any ingredient you could want for your wide-eyed Sunday morning start.

4. Buzz and Ned’s
1119 N. Blvd.

If down-and-dirty southern cooking is what you enjoy, Buz and Ned’s is the place to go. Everything on the menu is superb and will have you licking your fingers clean. Try the small beef brisket for only $9.95 or the barbecue hand-pulled-chicken sandwich for $4.99.

5. Comfort
200 W. Broad St.

This charming gem on the corner of Jefferson and West Broad streets is as delightful as your mother’s home cooking. The $13-and-above dinner entrees tend to be quite pricey, but a visit during lunch is anything but. The most expensive things on the menu range from roasted turkey breast to glazed ham steak at only $8.50. If those do not satisfy your taste buds, try the messy, yet delicious, pulled-pork-barbecue sandwich for only $7.50.

6. Karen’s Diner
2237 W. Broad St.

The beauty of this virtually unknown diner is nothing on the menu is more than $10, and the food actually tastes good! Visitors should watch out for the odd hours; the diner is only open from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. That, however, should not deter anyone from experiencing the deliciousness that is Karen’s Diner.

7. Pasta Luna
8902 W. Broad St.

This refreshing Italian restaurant offers impeccable cuisine that will leave your tummy satisfied. Dinner prices are not quite affordable, but the lunch menu has a variety of options. Carb-lovers should not miss out on the pastas that range from $9-$10. If pasta is not your thing, paninis, subs and pizza are also available. The beyond-professional wait staff is a plus that is sure to guarantee a pleasant experience.

8. Mojo’s
733 W. Cary St.

A popular college hangout, Mojo’s offers an assortment of menu options, as well as a lively atmosphere. With nothing incredibly fancy on the menu, all your essentials are covered-pasta, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Try the heartwarming cheese tortellini with a meat or tomato sauce for only $8.

9. The European Market
2001 1/2 W. Main St.

Located in the heart of the Fan, The European Market attracts you with its unique layout. The quaint, yet spacious, cafe? will make you feel right at home with its adorable tile tables adorned with flowers. The menu ingredients, always fresh and high-class, make this a gourmet store. However, you do not have to empty your pockets. The menu offers a variety of sandwiches, including the specialty, the vegetarian or paninis. The pate? d’ champagne is worth a try, blending a soft and subtle pate with crunchy homemade bread.

10. Kuba Kuba
1601 Park Ave.

Many restaurants will try to imitate the authentic taste of Cuban cuisine, but Kuba Kuba is the real thing. The traditional tortilla espanola, made with potatoes, eggs, peppers and onions, tastes just like one you would buy in Havana. Combining the right amount of eggs and oil, Kuba Kuba makes the tortilla perfectly, because it is not incredibly heavy. A healthier alternative might be the paella mariscos or the vegetariana. The paella prices range from $11.95-$17.95 but are meant to be shared with at least one other person.