by James Bui, staff writer

You’ve probably been in this situation before: you go to a restaurant looking for a bite to eat just to be slapped with the realization that you were charged $15 + tax + a parking improvement fee for a sandwich.  This rightfully might drive you crazy. You don’t have time to cook because you have a paper due in an hour and eating Taco Bell for the 5th time this week is losing its appeal. So instead, here are five local restaurants or eateries in the local Colorado Springs area fit for your college-student budget.

BriarMart (Mediterranean) $10-$20

6799 N. Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Briar Mart is a Mediterranean market and restaurant that besides being owned by a actual Mediterranean family is affordable and welcoming. Their most expensive menu item is under $15. All combo meals come with a drink and a side, which is cheaper than what Chipotle is asking for.

Luna Market (Mexican) $10-$25

280 S. Academy Blvd, 80910

Luna Market is a Mexican market and eatery. They have great affordable grocery items and some of the best Mexican food you can get without having to pay an arm and a leg. But the real reason why they’re on this list is their $25 whole chicken. Right outside the market, there is a food truck that sells whole grilled chickens for $25 that includes three sides. This can easily feed a small family of 4 or 5 or feed you throughout your excruciating finals week.

Bambinos Urban Pizza (Italian) $10-$20

36 E. Bijou St, 80903

Bambinos is a fantastic contemporary Italian restaurant that specializes in build-your-own pizzas. While on the pricier side, Bambinos strikes my perfect ideal of affordability and quality. If you’ve ever been to Mod Pizza or similar places, Bambinos will scratch that same itch while being more local and affordable.

Gaia Masala (Indian fusion) $10-$25

12 S. Tejon St, 80903

For all my Downtown Campus friends, Gaia Masala is less than five minutes away from campus. Gaia Masala is a fantastic Indian fusion restaurant with more options than any other Indian eatery in the Springs. It has Indian-inspired hamburgers, vegan and vegetarian options, and even calzones. And the best part? It’s super affordable, especially being located downtown. While the curry and masala are on the pricier side, the burgers, cheesesteaks, and fusion cuisine are a crazy good deal, and it’s open till 3 a.m.

Osae (Japanese/Asian) $15-$30

1825 Peterson Rd, 80915

Osae is my personal favorite from this entire list, and while the sushi options may break your bank just a little, Osae’s quality cannot be beat. Their ramen will run you around $16, but to call it a small portion is disingenuous. They also have amazing fresh sashimi and a fantastic sushi selection. So, if you have a little extra money to your name and want to treat yourself after passing your classes, Osae is my go-to every time.

Honorary mentions:

Bubbas 33

Bubba’s late-night special has saved me on many occasions. There is no better deal to be found in the Springs. They offer cheeseburgers with fries for $5 and appetizers for even less. You can easily be fed and have leftovers for under $10. Unfortunately, there are Bubbas across the nation, so it is not local but based on the pure value alone, it has to be mentioned.

Walmart Deli

Okay, this one is my little secret, Walmart’s hot deli has some of the most affordable food options you can find: a seven-piece wing combo with two sides for under $8 or an eight-piece boneless wing combo for under $6. When I have been down on my luck with barely $20 to my name, the Walmart deli has been the light at the end of the tunnel and a broke college student’s dream.