Richmond restaurants on a budget

When you eat out as much as I do (which is way too much), you just can't eat at the Acacia's and Mezzanine's of the world every night of the week. Luckily Richmond has some great restaurants at all different price points. So for dinner on a budget (entrees 10 or less) where do you go? Here is my take:

1. Chicken Fiesta (W. Broad location)- Love this place. Rotisserie Chicken slow roasted over charcoal. Fantastic! You get a 1/2 chicken, Spanish beans exploding with the taste of cilantro, a tasty Spanish yellow rice, a small salad, and fried yucca, and drink for $9.50. The yucca is amazing. Perfectly fried it would be the highlight of the meal if the chicken wasn't so good.

2. Mekong- Consistently voted the best Asian in Richmond and for good reason. This place consistently impresses. The spring rolls are light, flaky, and amazing. The menu is dens with options and I have never had a bad meal there, my favorites being the Spicy Crispy Chicken, Beef with Lemongrass and the Clay Pot Chicken. They also have a beer list that rivals Capital Ale House.

3. Steak & Cheese Co. (in Midlothian on Hull st)- Really? A Cheese steak place? This place is great. Hand cut french fries and oh my goodness cheese steaks. I prefer the Cheddarfield-Shaved Angus Beef grilled with peppers and onions, topped with a touch of the Whiz and piled high on a buttery sub roll. I love Cheese steaks and this is the bet one in Richmond, great meat, great cheese sauce and great bread. This place is worth the drive.

4. Louisiana Flair- A taste of New Orleans here in Richmond. Great Po Boy's, with once again great bread-try the Blackened Chicken, Oyster, or Shrimp Po Boys. Gumbo is good here as well with a dark peppery taste, the beignets are fantastic for breakfast on Wednesdays (the only day they are available), and try some of the entree dishes such as the Creole Chicken pasta they have as a special on occasion. Check the hours they close early but Nate has it going on at Louisiana Flair



There are plenty more out there-make some suggestions. Always looking for a great new place that doesn't kill the bank account.