Best of Tucson 1996: Best Lunch Under $5

Best Lunch Under $5

Eegee's
16 locations

READERS' PICK: What can you get at Eegee's for five bucks? Well, you can get a dangerously delicious grinder sandwich that'll leave you with a full stomach and breath that may preclude ever being kissed on the mouth again. Plus you get a scandalously addictive strawberry frozen fruit drink that leaves your lips a ghastly pinkish-red color. And if that's not enough, you also get some great crinkle-cut fries on the side (at most locations). Is it any wonder the Eegee's combo is one of Tucson's favorite fast-food meals? Oh yeah, if you're smart enough to buy one of the Children's Miracle Network coupon books, you can get two combo meals for the price of one. Almost too good to be true.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: There are three great things about Los Betos restaurants: 1) No matter what side of town you're on, there's one on an intersection near you; 2) They're open 24 hours a day; and 3) It's cheap! Dirt cheap! Cheap enough to be a favorite of both the starving student and the filled-to-capacity family mini-van. We've all been there: As the minute hand jumps tauntingly toward midday, you scrape around your desk, your Docker pockets, even your friend's pockets, trying to get enough cash together for lunch. And Los Betos is the thrifty voice of reason. Whether you're craving a cheese quesadilla or a chorizo burro, they've got what you need. With generous portions and menu items for under $2, Betos is worth a gamble.

STAFF PICK: Operated by the Old Pasqua Yaqui Council, Yoeme Tortillas and Catering Service, 1545 N. Stone Ave., stands as a tribute to the potential success of capitalizing on your strongest assets--in this case, the expertise of some of the Yaqui community's best cooks. For just a couple of dollars you can get an enormous spread of refried beans wrapped in a freshly made flour tortilla; or fry bread smothered in a gently smoldering red chile salsa. The seating is limited, the table service consists of styrofoam plates and plastic utensils and competition for a place to sit down is stiff, but you just can't beat the food for the value.

PERFECT 10: Take-Out Sushi at Reay's Foothills Market, 4751 E. Sunrise Drive. Yes, it's true. Reay's even has fresh sushi, made daily by real sushi artist-chefs. The California rolls come eight to a package, complete with soy sauce, fresh ginger, wasabe, and the requisite piece of plastic-and-paper-thin nodi (seaweed). No waiting for a hostess to seat you, no waiter to tip, no starlight mints on a plastic tray--just a delicious lunch for less than a five-spot.