Best Lunch Under $5 '97

Best Lunch Under $5

Taco Bell
14 Locations

READERS' PICK: Surely, there are more enlightened Tucson businesses to patronize; more authentic taco stands to explore. But there are many reasons, as those of us with only a couple of bucks know, to end up at Taco Bell. Snobs may complain about the prevailing cult of culinary mediocrity, but get real: Any place where you can fill your belly for the change rustled from a week's worth of laundry--all in less than 15 minutes--is destined for greatness.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Eegees, 17 Locations

A REAL SCREAM: Hungry? Got five bucks? Give Tooley's, "the Home of the Turkey Taco," a try. This eclectic little eatery, located at 299 S. Park Ave. in the midst of the Lost Barrio artisan's district, offers some of the best cheap eats this side of the Pecos, with prices starting at a buck and a half. Particular favorites include the Killer Mailman Burrito, chock full of the same spicy turkey chili that, according to the menu, "killed the Park Avenue Mailman"; and the Dodi, a burrito filled with tender strips of grilled turkey, refried beans, lettuce, cheese and tomato. And lest we forget, the namesake turkey tacos ain't half bad, either.

A REAL SCREAM: Not to add any careless tinder to the old "Free Will Vs. Determinism" argument, but it's tempting to think there is indeed a reason why things happen. For instance, why do a good percentage of people in the Western Hemisphere have, as a staple of their diet, the timeless combination of black beans and rice? The answer probably has something to do with the fact that these humble morsels are cheap, nutritious, and--best of all for the uninitiated diner--absolutely delicious. Try this time-honored combination at Miami Tropical, 1045 E. Sixth St. This Cuban cafeteria-style joint offers a number of dishes on a rotating basis, mostly stews made with pork, chicken, or even chivo and goat meat. There's a mouth-watering selection of empañadas (filled pastry turnovers), and even red beans and rice. But the cheap, simple choice of the devotee is the black beans and steamed white rice, known at Miami Tropical by the traditional and un-P.C. name Moros y Cristianos. And to soothe the brow of these summer dog days, try a delicious fruit drink, a tropical smoothie made with coconut, papaya, guava, and other Caribbean delights.

1998 Winner: La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill
1996 Winner: Eegee's
1995 Winner: Tie: Maya Quetzal + Baggin's + Taco Bell