Fast, Cheap, Good

Fast, Cheap, Good

When you're on the go and Starbucks won't cut it–you might want to try a local chain restaurant or sandwich bar. Although many of Miami's' chains serve the kind of cheap and easy fare you'd expect, quality and reasonable prices are consistent at these.

Big Pink : This late-night diner – open until 5:30 AM on weekends – serves everything under the sun, indoors and out: The warehouse-like inside makes conversation a little rough, but you'll have your oversize orders of buffalo wings and apple cobbler before you know it. Come to Big Pink after hitting nearby haunts Opium Garden and Privé to minimize tomorrow's hangover. 157 Collins Ave., South Beach. 305/532-4700. bigpinkrestaurant.com.

David's Café II : This longstanding casual eatery is one of the few old-school Cuban joints on South Beach chic enough to attract droves of local movers-and-shakers. Dine on the delectable ropa vieja or arroz con pollo dishes at a table inside or sip the best $1.95 café con leche in town at the outside counter. Weekdays from 11 to 3:30, indulge in the popular all-you-can-eat buffet lunch for just $8.50. Andy Garcia, Jason Priestley, and Fat Joe all love David's maduros and moros. 1654 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach. 305/672-8707. davidscafe.com.

Jerry's Famous Deli : If fast, inexpensive and varied is your culinary priority, hit this low-fuss diner – a favorite lunchtime hangout of Jay-Z and Jerry Seinfeld. The South Beach location of the longtime LA favorite is open 24/7 and offers more than 600 different dishes – from patty melts and grilled cheese to pickled herring and fettuccine Alfredo. The chocolate chip pancakes are particularly sumptuous, any time of day. 1450 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. 305/532-8030. jerrysfamousdeli.com.

Chicken Kitchen : Do a Chicken Kitchen lunch once and you'll be hooked on the fast-food eatery's mustard curry sauce for life. Pour the creamy concoction all over your Chop-Chop (flame-broiled chicken, rice, and vegetables) and get ready for one of the best inexpensive ($4 to $6) meals you've ever had. 1429 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. 305/673-3733.

Monty's Raw Bar : Monty's is a favorite Friday-night happy-hour haunt for Miami professionals: Come for the fresh seafood platters, chicken wings, and a crowded 2-for-1 cocktail scene. Expect the full outdoor, casual waterside milieu, complete with umbrella-laden tropical drinks and the faint, ubiquitous smell of beer. 2550 S. Bayshore Dr., Coconut Grove. 305/858-1431.

Taste Bakery : The glam set regularly patronizes this fresh, homemade-sandwich shop, which is also a popular delivery and takeout option for local students and 9-to-5ers. Try the delectable fat-free muffins for breakfast or the large, tasty wraps and salads for lunch. 900 Alton Rd., Miami Beach. 305/695-9920.

El Rancho Grande : Find the best margaritas and enchiladas in town at this saloon-like Tex-Mex hideaway around the corner from Lincoln Road. Watch local model types mingling with bartenders in the afternoon, and a throng of business-professionals making up the post-work happy hour set. 1626 Pennsylvania Ave., Miami Beach. 305/673-0480.