(Hotel restaurants are not eligible in this category)
Best Cheap Eats
TACO BELL
Multiple location
For at least the fourth year in a row -- it seemed redundant to check back any further -- the fast-food giant that still puts cent symbols next to its menu items has owned this category. Who can argue with 59-cent double-decker tacos, or a three-taco-and-supreme-drink combination that pushes the high end of the menu to $3.79? Another tortilla bargain, Del Taco, was a distant second.
Our Pick:
ERNIE'S CASINO
1901 N. Rancho Drive
It may not be quite as well-appointed as Texas Station across the street, but this smoky slot joint watches the bottom line on its food: A country-fried steak sandwich and fries goes for $1.75, a "Mr. Rib" for $1.95. For big spenders, there's a 6-ounce steak dinner for $3.95 or a half-rack of baby-back ribs for $5. There's only one catch: Taco Bell doesn't have slot machines to tempt you on the way out.
