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Bistro B $4.99 » Grilled chicken vermicelli

The vibe: Consider yourself warned — bright, erratic décor and a half-dozen television sets surrounding a buzzing dining area might initially shock the senses. A counter up front is backed by digital, ever-shifting menus and several (usually) busy staffers. More TVs, a computer and an impressive aquarium entertain if you’re waiting on takeout.

Why iT ’s a bang for your buck: Portions are large, as is the menu and selection, and the fish sauce is to die for.

for a fe W dollars more: Grab deli delights such as fresh spring rolls, candies, gelatin-like desserts, coffees and cappuccinos.

Tip: Fresh egg rolls are four for $1 when you buy them at the counter. Politely make your presence known when you arrive, or you risk being overlooked.

EDDIE’S DELI $4.50 » CHICAGO HOT DOG

THE VIBE: Not much to look at and hardly any seating, but these dogs are worth standing for.

WHY IT’S A BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: “No frills” applies (and boy, does it) only to the atmosphere, because the Chicago hot dog is overflowing with toppings — yellow mustard, diced onions, bright green relish, tomato slices, kosher pickle wedges, sport peppers and celery salt for starters.

FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE: A bag of chips and a can of soda (no fountain soda and no refills) will run you about $2.

TIP: Eddie’s is closed Sundays. Hours of operation are 11a.m.-8 p.m., officially, but they usually will take orders until 9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

ABRAMS & NORTHWEST HIGHWAY

214.692.5844

Keller’s $4.95 » No. 5 double-meat special with fries a N d a lemoN ade

The vibe: Waitresses serve you at your car, and you might find yourself parked between a gang of middle-aged bikers and a soccer mom steering a kid-filled SuV.

Why iT ’s a bang for your buck: Reliably good, cheap burgers since the 1960s. Plus, the place is a piece of Dallas history.

for a fe W dollars more: Add cheese to your fries or tots for $1.50. A six-pack of beer is $5.25.

Tip: Be sweet to your carhop. At least one of them has been there all 40-some years.

aB ra M s & NO r THW es T 214.368.1209

BIG MAMA’S CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

$4 » 2-PIECE DARK CHICKEN BASKET AND FRIES

THE VIBE: The bright yellow-and-red double drive-thru, which includes limited picnic-table seating, serves up savorysweet combos. What was once a very niche-y biz seems to have developed a cult following.

WHY IT’S A BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: All the chicken baskets are served with fries, pickles, a hot pepper and bread, and you can substitute any of those for a waffle or coleslaw.

FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE: Add another leg or thigh for $1.75 or a breast for $3.

TIP: Bring cash because Mama doesn’t do plastic.

FOREST & AUDELIA

214.340.3035 BIGMAMASCHICKENANDWAFFLES.COM

TONY’S PIZZA AND PASTA

$4.95 » MOZZARELLA, RICOTTA & SAUSAGE CALZONE

$4.75 » ARTICHOKE SALAD

THE VIBE: Italian bistro that’s usually bustling. You’re likely to see one of your neighbors on any given lunch hour. There’s a banquet room in back, but it’s not always open. Service generally is swift and friendly. Once you’ve been in a time or two, you’ll know the staff, and they’ll know you.

WHY IT’S A BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: The artichoke salad — with mounds of mozzarella, Canadian bacon and artichoke hearts — could feed two.

FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE: Start with an order of fried calamari for $3.95.

TIP: Feel free to bring your own bottle of wine (if you have the afternoon off, that is).

NORTHWEST & FERNDALE

214.503.0388

TONYSPIZZAPASTA.NET

1. STONE ELEPHANT - QUESADILLAS OR CHICKEN TENDERS

214.342.9200

2. TAQUERIA LOS ALTOS - TACO LUNCH SPECIAL 214.361.6769

3. EDDIE’S DELI - CHICAGO HOT DOG

214.692.5844

4. BISTRO B - GRILLED CHICKEN VERMICELLI

214.575.9885

5. KELLER’S - NO. 5 DOUBLE-MEAT SPECIAL WITH FRIES AND A LEMONADE

214.368.1209

6. BIG MAMA’S CHICKEN AND WAFFLES - 2-PIECE DARK CHICKEN BASKET AND FRIES

214.340.3035

RICK’S OLD FASHIONED BURGERS $3.99 » CHILI, CHEESE AND ONION BURGER

THE VIBE: Old-school burger joint where it’s OK to spill a little ketchup on the beat-up red leather seats.

WHY IT’S A BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: 1/3pound burgers come topped with the freshest veggies.

FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE: Add a bowl of chili, stuffed jalapeños or an apple turnover for $2.99, $2.15 and 99 cents, respectively.

TIP: Rick’s also has a Mexican food menu with items priced just above the $5 mark — a soft-taco plate or a chili taco salad for $5.25, for example — and it has also recently added salmon burgers to the menu.

PLANO & FOREST

214.348.8400

Lake Highlands

7. TONY’S PIZZA AND PASTA - MOZZARELLA, RICOTTA & SAUSAGE CALZONE - ARTICHOKE SALAD 214.503.0388

8. RICK’S OLD FASHIONED BURGERS - CHILI, CHEESE AND ONION BURGER 214.348.8400

9. SAMICH’S SOUL CAFE - DELI SANDWICH 214.341.0788

10. TEX-MEX GRILL AND CAFE - TACO OR ENCHILADA LUNCH PLATE 214.343.8740

SAMICH’S SOUL CAFE

$4.95 » DELI SANDWICH

THE VIBE: It’s set inside a tired strip center that recently lost a popular restaurant (Flavor), but comfy seating, bright colors, free wireless internet and an ever-spinning music mix are attracting ambiance- and deal-seeking diners.

WHY IT’S A BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Choose from about 20 different hot or cold sandwiches served up on old-school hoagie buns.

FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE: A side of soup or a slice of red velvet cake will set you back about $1.75 and $2.75, respectively.

TIP: Return during evening hours for the same cheap-eats lineup, plus live music, poetry and comedy.

SKILLMAN & LBJ

214.341.0788

TEX-MEX GRILL AND CAFE

$4.99

» TACO OR ENCHILADA LUNCH

PLATE

THE VIBE: Family-owned restaurant, after only about a year in business, has become popular with the neighborhood crowd.

WHY IT’S A BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Soft tortillas, juicy meat and extras such as chips and salsa at the tables.

FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE: Sticky sweet sopapillas are $2.99.

TIP: Lunch specials offered MondayFriday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

PLANO & WALNUT HILL

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