Let’s face it: we’re broke college kids. Okay, I know that’s a generalization, but the majority of students struggle to keep their bank accounts afloat. On the bright side, this reality doesn’t have to keep us from enjoying awesome local restaurants. Syracuse offers great places to get a delicious meal for under $7, whether you’re going out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert.

Breakfast: Mother’s Cupboard

If you wake up a little hungover on a Sunday morning and find you spent too much on drinks last night, look no further than Mother’s Cupboard and Fish Fry. The portions are huge (especially the infamous frittata: finish it and get your picture on the wall!). Everything is delicious and, best of all, the vast majority of items on the menu are under $7.

If you go:

3709 James St., Syracuse; (315) 432-0942

Type of food: Diner; breakfast; lunch

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 6 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Sit-down, take-out, or both: Both

Alcohol: No

Lunch: Heid’s of Liverpool

Ever crave a Hoffman snappy frank (a Syracuse favorite) or Coney hot dog for a classic American meal? Heid’s of Liverpool is a necessary hotspot to grab lunch while you’re in Syracuse, and is as affordable as it gets! Order an awesome side like baked beans, fried pickles, and chili cheese or gravy fries to go with your hot dog, for which you’ll have endless topping options.

If you go:

305 Oswego St., Liverpool; (315) 451-0786

Type of food: Diner; American

Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Closed for winter months

Sit-down, take-out, or both: Both

Alcohol: No

Dinner: King David’s

It’s dinnertime and you’re thinking outside of the Chipotle bag. For an affordable dinner, King David’s is your go-to. Its Greek pizzas and pocket sandwiches are all under $7, offer a taste of classic Mediterranean flavors, and—best of all—are big enough to warrant a to-go box. Order the falafel pocket sandwich if you’re in the mood for a classic, or get the BBQ variety for a southwestern twist on Mediterranean. Take-out is also available!

If you go:

317 Town Dr., Fayetteville; (315) 637-0485

or

129 Marshall St., Syracuse; (315) 471-5000

Type of food: Mediterranean

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sit-down, take-out, or both: Both

Alcohol: No

Dessert: Gannon’s

Having a sweet tooth on a low budget is relatively simple, but if you’re looking for high-quality treats from a specialty dessert shop or bakery, it can be a little pricey. Fortunately, Syracuse is home to the perfectly creamy, wonderfully delicious, homemade Gannon’s ice cream. Gannon’s offers hard and soft homemade ice cream and fantastic flavors like sea salt (caramel-based ice cream with sea salt blended within).

If you go:

401 South Salina St., Syracuse; (315) 214-8477

or

1525 Valley Dr., Syracuse; (315) 469-8647

Type of food: Dessert

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. (South Salina location); Monday-Sunday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m. (Valley Drive location)

Sit-down, take-out, or both: Both