Out to Eat: Cheap Eats

In tough economic times like these, saving money becomes for many a virtual part-time job. After all, a penny saved is a penny earned. Many people take a hard look at how and where they spend money on food. Most can save quite a bit by spending less on eating out. But especially for those working outside the home, it can be tough to do.

It is easy to spend an average of $10 a day on lunch alone. My quest: cut that expense by as close to half as possible. I looked around the Sachem area for the eateries where one can still find a decent lunch at an affordable price.  I found some surprises, and definitely a trend toward locally owned, often ethnic establishments.

There was an ambitious quest to eat for under $5, which I was happy to find, is still very possible. I did not include fast-food restaurants, although $1 menus are a popular trend. Our focus is on affordable, fresh, local food:

Maldonado's Pizza

278 Ronkonkoma Avenue, Ronkonkoma: 737-1600

Starting with the ubiquitous Long Island pizzeria, I was looking for the opposite of what I've noticed in the past couple years. With increases in cost, pizzerias are no longer a place where you can get a $3 lunch. More than twice that amount is not atypical. Still, I was hoping for under $5 for two regular slices and a soda. Jaime Maldonado is the owner and operator of Maldonado's Pizza, where two slices and a soda can be had for only $4.50.

The pizza is hot and fresh-with a particularly good crust-and the soda refreshing and cold. Jaime Maldonado thinks his lunch is priced right, and he is at least partially motivated to this low price in order to "do something for the community." Whole pies are also a great bargain at Maldonado's, coming in at only $8.99.

LaBrasa Restaurant

426 Hawkins Avenue, Ronkonkoma: 467-3278 

LaBrasa on Hawkins Avenue is another small, family-run ethnic restaurant, serving Columbian cuisine that is at once traditional and new. The owner, a delightful woman named Miriam, like Maldonado, also sets certain prices low in response to the needs of the local community.

At LaBrasa, a lunch special to go can be had for only $4. I sampled the No. 1: rice, red beans, sweet plantain, salad, and grilled chicken. Four dollars for a delicious, somewhat healthy lunch - not bad.

Other $4 options include pasta with chicken and garlic bread. If $4 is too much, try a Super Perro - a gourmet hot dog with mozzarella cheese, chips, sauce and lettuce for only $3.50. A wide selection of their gourmet dogs are only a little more. LaBrasa has a fine dining room for dinner, and not everything on the menu is so cheap, but there are plenty of things to eat here for less than $5. 

Rainbow Deli

710 Portion Road, Ronkonkoma: 580-0330

Delis have become anything but cheap. Often, you'll shell out $10 for a sandwich, a bit of a side, and a beverage. Try the Rainbow Deli on Portion Rd. They have a daily "hero of the day," which includes a 1/4 pound of salad, for only $4.69. I had the tuna - the Friday special - and was very happy with it. If you have deep enough pockets to spend $6.99, lots of great choices become available, like the Fisherman's Platter or a sausage and peppers hero with a can of soda. It can definitely be one of the better deli-deals in town.

Holbrook Diner

980 Main Street, Holbrook: 471-7744

Feel like most diners have gotten too expensive? At the Holbrook Diner you can still eat pretty well on a budget. How about an egg with home fries and toast for $3.95? Or, a grilled cheese sandwich for $4.50? Owner/operators Minos and George are happy they can feed people at affordable prices. This place has that classic small-town diner feel, friendly and full of regulars. Spend less money and spend it wisely by becoming one of them.

Strathmore Bagels

601 Portion Road, Ronkonkoma: 471-6065

Strathmore Bagels is a very busy bagel store for a reason: they serve fantastic old-fashioned bagels, sandwiches and specialties at great prices. According to Robert, the owner/operator, the customer base is loyal with many people who come daily. For years, it has been a hangout for Sachem students and faculty.

Even one of his employees began coming here as a toddler. Breakfast is served all day: an omelet for $2.69, and only a little more when you add cheese or meat. Perfectly prepared egg-salad on a bagel is only $3.75; chicken salad on a bagel is $5.25. For those lovers of the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, enjoy it here for only $2.50.

Strathmore is also known far and wide for its "famous" ice-tea, a perfect complement to a very affordable meal.

Island Fish

655 Horseblock Road, Farmingville: 698-7700

This unique seafood store offers prepared foods to take-out or eat in. Jordan, who owns and runs the shop, selects the fresh catch daily. Grab a crabcake for only $3 or add a couple bucks for fries. Fish cakes start at $2.50. Croquets are only $2. Splurge for an incredible shrimp salad wrap for only $6.95. While you're there, take home some gorgeous fresh fish for dinner at equally great prices.

Read our Out to Eat column every Wednesday to learn more about the area's top eateries.