Franklin Giant Grinder Shop
One Giant Grinder Feeds Two — Cash Only
A Franklin Avenue institution where the grinders are so enormous that a single one comfortably feeds two — regulars are told to eye the bread before they order. The chicken cutlet, meatball and roast beef are the classics, hot or cold, and lunch-counter plates like a steak-and-cheese or a gyro run around seven bucks, so two people eat for well under $20. Bring cash; it’s the only way they take it.
Scott’s Jamaican Bakery
Beef Patties Since 1978 — A Few Bucks Each
New England’s oldest Jamaican bakery, family-run on Albany Avenue since 1978 and famous for a flaky, spiced beef patty that regulars tuck inside sweet coco bread. Patties run just a few dollars each and coco bread barely over a dollar, so two people can feast — add curry chicken or fried fish at the Blue Hills kitchen — for a fraction of $20. Chase it with a Jamaican ginger beer.
Tangiers International
Family-Made Falafel & Gyros — about $10 a Head
A beloved West End market and counter where a warm, family-run kitchen griddles some of the city’s best falafel and lamb gyros to order while you browse shelves of imported olive oil, feta and baklava. The sandwiches are fresh, generous and gentle on the wallet — right around ten dollars a person — so two eat well under $20, with a square of baklava for the road.
El Pollo Guapo
Downtown Rotisserie Chicken — Taco Combo $9
A downtown fast-casual spot on Front Street built around hormone-free rotisserie chicken piled into build-your-own bowls, salads and tacos. The taco combo — two chicken tacos with rice — runs about nine dollars, so two people can each grab one and stay under $20, or split a loaded bowl. Bold sauces, fresh sides, and a line that moves fast.
Broasterant
Broasted Chicken Since the ’60s — 8 Pieces $13
A Frog Hollow mom-and-pop that’s been pressure-frying some of the best chicken in the state for decades — juicy inside, shatter-crisp outside, and famously less greasy than regular fried. An 8-piece box runs about $13 and a chicken plate (with a mountain of fries and a soft roll) about $10, so two people feast for well under $20. Fish, shrimp and scallop plates land around $10 too.
El Mercado
Park Street’s Latino Food Court — Tacos From about $5
A Park Street market and community hub with a food court of cheap, authentic counters — a Mexican taquería, Colombian antojitos, a Dominican–Puerto Rican kitchen and a Peruvian stall — all under one roof. Street tacos run around five dollars for a few, so two people can graze across cuisines and still come in well under $20. Grocery aisles of spices, produce and Latin imports round it out.
Aqui Me Quedo
Puerto Rican Comfort Food — Fritters $4, Plates about $12
A cozy, family-run Puerto Rican kitchen on Albany Avenue slinging the real thing — crispy alcapurrias, rellenos de papa and pastelillos at about four dollars apiece, plus juicy pernil with arroz con gandules for around twelve. Two people can load up on an assortment of fritters, or split a hearty pernil plate with a couple of pastelillos, and eat for well under $20. Ask for the homemade hot sauce.
George’s Pizza House
Slices & Whole Pies Since 1965 — Two Under $20
A Greek-owned Parkville family pizzeria going strong since the 1960s, turning out a thin, crisp-crusted pie that regulars swear is among the best in the city. Grab a couple of slices, or split a whole cheese pie, and two people eat for under $20 — with grinders, calzones and pasta plates on the menu if you’re extra hungry. Fresh dough, friendly counter, easy parking off Park Street.
Mo’s Midtown Restaurant
Old-School Diner Breakfast — Two Under $20
A tiny, family-run West End diner that locals will tell you is the best breakfast in Hartford — counter stools, spicy home fries, and buttermilk pancakes made with wheat germ. A full breakfast of eggs, home fries and toast, or a stack of those famous pancakes, keeps two people comfortably under $20. There’s a Mexican huevos-rancheros streak on the menu too.
Banh Meee
Downtown Vietnamese — Pho $10, Banh Mi & Noodles
A fast-casual Vietnamese counter downtown on Ann Uccello Street, ordering by kiosk and serving from-scratch pho, banh mi, spicy garlic noodles and bun bo hue. A steaming bowl of pho runs about ten dollars and the broth-less garlic noodles nine, so two people can pair them and land right around $20 — or under. Don’t skip the house habanero chili crisp, made in Hartford.
Mozzicato De Pasquale’s Bakery & Caffè
Famous Cannoli & Espresso — Dessert for Two
A Franklin Avenue landmark and one of the most decorated Italian bakeries in Connecticut, filling its cannoli to order so the shell stays crackly. The adjacent caffè is one of the coolest rooms in the city — espresso, gelato and pastry served to a diverse, all-ages crowd. A couple of cannoli and two coffees runs well under $20, and there’s a full bar if you want a little something in it.
💡 Pro tip: All deals are community-verified but prices and availability change. Always check the restaurant's website or app before making a special trip — and if something's expired, flag it on our main directory so we can update it.
National-chain deals you can grab right here in Hartford — reliable ways to feed two for around $20.
KFC
$20 Fill Up Box — Feeds Two, Flat $20
For a flat $20, the Fill Up Box loads up fried chicken, nuggets or tenders, Secret Recipe fries (or other sides) and biscuits — plenty for two, no math needed to clear the cap. There’s a KFC right here in Hartford on Farmington Ave and Albany Ave. Exact contents vary slightly by store; check the KFC app.
Domino's
Mix & Match — 2 Pizzas for about $14
The Mix & Match deal runs any two-plus medium two-topping pizzas (or breads, boneless chicken, pastas or sandwiches) at about $7 each — so two pizzas land near $14, with room for a side under $20. Carryout is cheapest, and there’s a Domino’s right on Farmington Ave in Hartford. Deal codes vary slightly by store.
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