be_ixf;ym_202403 d_29; ct_50 YES! I want to make a difference TODAY!

Bites on a budget during your service year

Cheap and delicious food options in our cities

Discovering new places to have a great meal is a fun way to get to know the community where you’ll spend your year of service. Take a look at some of the many City Year sites where you’ll find tasty food that doesn’t break the bank!

Miami

Soak in the sunlight while eating some of the best Cuban food in the country. You haven’t experienced a Cuban sandwich until you try one from Josh’s Deli.

Or if you like elements of Korean and Peruvian cuisine infused in your Cuban dishes, try a bibimbap bowl. This Miami staple is a perfect mixture of rice, frita, vegetables, kimchee, and fried egg that is big enough for you and a teammate to share.

Miami also offers tastes of the South like fried chicken and waffles, Caribbean delicacies like plantains and Jamaican beef patties and inexpensive staples like spicy chicken wings.

Little Rock

Besides being known for amazing cheese dip, Little Rock has a bounty of dishes to choose from. In fact, Food Network says Little Rock has become a “secret foodie city.” From gourmet pizzas to country-fried steak, it’s a one-stop shop for all your food cravings.

Check out The Root Café for a pork sausage biscuit or a delicious donut muffin. In the mood for a tasty treat? Check out Loblolly Creamery, a Little Rock favorite for homemade ice cream with creative flavors such as Arkansas mud and honey lavender.

Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge has some of the best Cajun and creole food that Louisiana offers. Try po-boys served at The Chimes, a restaurant next to Louisiana State University. You can catch a bite before cheering on the purple and gold Tigers to victory!

Have a taste of authentic gumbo at Louisiana Lagniappe, a popular restaurant in Baton Rouge for Cajun/creole dining. And during Mardi Gras take a bite of king cake–made from sweet brioche dough with a glazed top sprinkled with colorful sugar.

End your day with one of Chicago’s world-famous hot dogs at SuperdawgPro tip: the locals do not put ketchup on their dogs!

Or try deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s that really looks like a pizza pie. Need a snack while working on your lesson plans? Grab a handful of Garrett Popcorn–it’s so good, people travel to Chicago just to bring home a bag of the sweet and salty mix.

This story was updated from a version published in 2017.

Learn more about serving with City Year:

Related stories

A Baton Rouge program is working to set students on a path to success by providing academic support and creating...

Read more about Baton Rouge organization making positive impacts with focus on academic success

“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton Isaac...

Read more about Honoring and Remembering Dee Dee Reilly

Consider serving with City Year Baton Rouge! Here are three ways they work to support AmeriCorps members through their year...

Read more about Three amazing ways to support AmeriCorps members

In Chinese culture each year corresponds with twelve animals on the Chinese calendar, almost like a mascot for the year....

Read more about "City Year" of the Rat: A Journey in Self-Growth
National Strategic Partners
National Partners