Best budget veggie meal

You don't expect to find a good veggie deal at The Tap, a tourist eatery with a traditional pub menu of chicken, fish, meat, and appetizers. But vegetarians can get a real break here by making a meal of the side dishes. Try a hefty garden salad ($2.50), a heaping side of mashed potatoes or rice ($1.50), and a huge bowl of freshly steamed broccoli ($1.50). You can also go for regular bar snacks like jumbo rings ($4.95), nachos grande without meat ($7.95), and a huge order of sweet-potato fries ($4.50). For something approaching a standard meal, there are veggie pizzas ($7.95), a portobello burger with fries ($6.35), and soup in a bread bowl ($5.95). Even with a drink from the bar, we usually end up with a bill under $10 -- and the satisfaction of staying away from cheeseburgers for another night.

The Tap, 19 Union Street, Boston, (617) 367-0833.