7 Affordable Restaurants Near FSU for Budget Travelers
Explore 7 affordable dining options near FSU, offering a variety of cuisines and budget-friendly meals perfect for students and travelers.
Looking for affordable eats near Florida State University? Here’s a quick guide to 7 budget-friendly restaurants offering meals between $6 and $15. Whether you’re craving sushi, Southern comfort food, or vegan dishes, these spots have you covered.
Highlights:
- Roboto Tokyo Grill: Japanese hibachi bowls from $8.55.
- Jasmine Café: Sushi deals like "2 for $10" rolls.
- Doughlicious: Calzones starting at $6, open until 3 a.m.
- Maple Street Biscuit Company: Hearty biscuit sandwiches for $7-$12.
- Merv's Melt Shop: Gourmet grilled cheese under $8.
- Sweet Pea Café: Vegan meals priced $8-$15.
- Tequila Tribe: Mexican favorites like $6 shrimp tacos.
Quick Comparison:
| Restaurant | Price Range | Best Picks | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roboto Tokyo Grill | $8-$12 | Chicken hibachi bowl ($8.55) | Japanese bowls |
| Jasmine Café | $8-$12 | 2 Roll Special ($10) | Sushi & Asian cuisine |
| Doughlicious | $6-$10 | Calzone of the Day ($6) | Late-night calzones |
| Maple Street Biscuit Co. | $7-$12 | Squawking Goat sandwich | Southern comfort food |
| Merv's Melt Shop | $5-$8 | Gourmet grilled cheese | Grilled cheese & tots |
| Sweet Pea Café | $8-$15 | $10 daily vegan specials | Plant-based meals |
| Tequila Tribe | $6-$13 | Shrimp tacos ($6) | Mexican dishes |
Each restaurant combines great taste, quick service, and affordability, making them perfect for students and travelers on a budget. Dive into the full article for more details on these wallet-friendly spots.
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1. Roboto Tokyo Grill
Just a short walk from the FSU campus, Roboto Tokyo Grill is a go-to spot for students looking for affordable Japanese food packed with flavor and generous portions.
Their standout dish? The $8.55 chicken hibachi bowl, complete with fried rice and their famous yum yum sauce. If variety is your thing, you can build your own bowl by choosing from chicken, steak, shrimp, or tofu.
Service is quick - perfect for squeezing in a meal between classes. With over 500 Google Reviews and a 4.4/5 star rating, it’s clear this spot has earned its popularity.
Roboto Tokyo Grill is just the start of FSU's diverse and wallet-friendly dining options. Let’s dive into more!
2. Jasmine Café
Jasmine Café (109 E College Ave) boasts a solid 4.5/5 rating on Yelp, thanks in part to its famous "2 for $10" sushi roll deal. Favorites like the Seoul-California roll combo make it a go-to for sushi lovers . This ties in perfectly with the global flavors highlighted earlier in the article.
Similar to Roboto's customizable bowls, Jasmine Café offers flexibility with its roll pairings. The menu is a mix of Japanese, Thai, and Chinese dishes, with lunch specials priced between $8 and $12 .
Ranked #22 out of 647 restaurants in Tallahassee on TripAdvisor , this downtown spot is perfect for a quick bite between classes. The menu caters to various dietary preferences, making it a versatile choice for diners .
Here’s a quick breakdown of their budget-friendly favorites:
| Menu Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2 Roll Special | $10 |
| Lunch Specials | $8-$12 |
| Bento Boxes | $10+ |
With its convenient location and affordable sushi, Jasmine Café lives up to its #22 ranking on TripAdvisor. Like Roboto Tokyo Grill, it combines quick service, great value, and bold flavors - qualities that resonate with diners near FSU.
3. Doughlicious
Doughlicious on Call Street is a go-to spot for late-night eats, staying open until 3 a.m. . With its $6 Calzone of the Day and the popular Cordon Blue (a mix of chicken, ham, and cheeses for under $10), it’s easy on both your wallet and your appetite . Vegetarians can dig into the Vegielicious, loaded with broccoli, mushrooms, tomatoes, black olives, and cheese .
The late hours make Doughlicious perfect for students looking to satisfy those midnight cravings. Portions are hearty enough to fuel late-night study sessions or post-party hunger.
Nearby Jasmine Café may offer global flavors, but Doughlicious shines with its affordable pricing, quick service, and variety. For anyone near FSU, it’s a solid choice for a budget-friendly, satisfying meal.
4. Maple Street Biscuit Company
After indulging in late-night calzones at Doughlicious, daytime cravings are perfectly satisfied at Maple Street Biscuit Company. Located on Call Street near the FSU campus, this spot has become a go-to for hearty Southern comfort food that won't break the bank.
Their signature biscuit sandwiches ($7-$12) are packed with bold flavors. A standout is the Squawking Goat, featuring a crispy fried chicken breast, a fried goat cheese medallion, and a drizzle of pepper jelly, all served on a freshly baked biscuit. Another favorite, the Five and Dime, combines fried chicken, pecan wood-smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and sausage gravy for a truly satisfying bite. For a plant-friendly option, the Garden Bird offers fried green tomato, goat cheese, and pepper jelly.
Despite its wallet-friendly prices, Maple Street doesn’t skimp on quality. Their biscuits are made with real butter, and the attention to detail shows in every bite. Customers consistently rave about the food, giving the restaurant a 4.5/5 rating on Yelp (215 reviews) and 4.6/5 on Google (1,149 reviews).
"Praised for large portions, friendly service, and fresh ingredients"
If you’re looking to save time, consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the wait times mentioned in some reviews. Similar to Jasmine Café's affordable sushi deals, Maple Street Biscuit Company proves that quality dining near FSU doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.
5. Merv's Melt Shop
Located in the All Saints District near campus, Merv's Melt Shop offers gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches for under $8 . Housed in a renovated garage, it provides a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. Popular menu items include their $5-$8 grilled cheese varieties and loaded tater tots like Truffle Tots, West Coast Tots, and Drunken Tots .
The dog-friendly patio is a big draw for pet owners. As FSU senior Bobby Langley puts it:
"You can eat great food and hang out with your dog"
Merv's is open Monday through Saturday, from 11 AM to 9 PM, and boasts a 4.5/5 rating on Yelp from 226 reviews . It's a perfect spot to grab a bite between classes.
Next up: a plant-based option proving that eating healthy doesn't have to break the bank.
6. Sweet Pea Café
Sweet Pea Café, located at 832 W Tharpe St , is a go-to spot for affordable vegan meals near campus. Opened in 2009 , this student-friendly eatery specializes in plant-based dishes that won't break the bank. Most menu items fall between $8 and $15 , with daily specials priced at $10 or less . The café's focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients adds to its appeal.
Operating on weekdays from 11 AM to 3 PM , Sweet Pea's hours align perfectly with busy class schedules. The café has earned a 4.5/5 rating on Yelp and ranks #14 out of 701 restaurants on TripAdvisor . Customers often highlight the quality of the food, with one review noting:
"Fresh ingredients, creative vegan dishes, and friendly staff"
While seating can be tight during peak hours , arriving before noon ensures you can snag a spot and enjoy their budget-friendly specials.
If you're craving vegan comfort food or unique flavors, Sweet Pea Café is an excellent pick. Up next, we explore another affordable dining option near FSU.
7. Tequila Tribe
If you're in the mood for bold Mexican flavors, Tequila Tribe is worth checking out. Just a five-minute walk from FSU's campus on West College Avenue, this spot offers crowd-pleasers like $6-8 shrimp tacos and $10 burrito bowls. Their spinach enchilada is a hit with vegetarians, and the lively decor adds a fun vibe for a break between classes.
Tequila Tribe stands out for its ability to cater to different dietary needs, with the spinach enchilada being a popular choice. Their burrito bowls, packed with fresh ingredients, are a go-to for anyone looking for a flavorful meal without breaking the bank.
What really makes this place special is the festive atmosphere. Nick Shewbridge, a waiter at Tequila Tribe, sums it up perfectly:
"We can accommodate both business crowds from downtown and college students looking to have a good time".
The weekday lunch specials are a great deal, and the location is super convenient for grabbing a quick bite between classes. With affordable prices and a fun setting, it's no wonder this spot is a favorite among FSU students and visitors alike.
Price and Menu Comparison
After checking out each spot, here's a look at how their prices and portions compare:
Most restaurants fall within a price range of $5 to $15. For example, Doughlicious features calzones priced between $6 and $9, including a daily special that's big enough to share.
| Restaurant | Price Range | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Street Biscuit | $7-$10 | Filling biscuit meals |
| Merv's Melt Shop | $5-$8 | Discounts off-peak |
| Sweet Pea Café | $9-$12 | $10 daily specials |
| Tequila Tribe | $8-$13 | $6 lunch tacos |
This pricing range shows how restaurants near FSU cater to a variety of budgets. Many also offer discounts, like student deals or off-peak pricing, to make dining even more affordable.
Portion sizes are another factor to consider. Spots like Roboto Tokyo Grill and Doughlicious are known for their larger servings, while Jasmine Café and Sweet Pea Café stick to moderate portions that align with their mid-range pricing.
Final Tips
Make the most of your budget near FSU with smart planning and meal choices:
If you're visiting FSU on a budget, BOB Hotels Tallahassee is a great place to stay. Rooms start at just $70 during the low season, offering boutique-style comfort without breaking the bank. Plus, their café serves specialty coffee and breakfast, giving you an affordable way to fuel up before exploring the area. From this convenient location, you can easily check out all seven recommended restaurants while keeping lodging expenses low.
Here’s how to stretch your dollars at these budget-friendly dining spots:
| Meal Time | Best Picks |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Hotel cafés or biscuit shops |
| Lunch | Daily specials |
| Dinner | Shareable plates |
Focus on daily specials and shareable portions when dining at the featured restaurants. By combining these tips with our restaurant suggestions, you can enjoy satisfying meals for under $15 each.
Before heading out, check restaurant websites or social media for up-to-date specials. This simple step ensures you find the best deals while savoring the variety of FSU's food scene.
