Plot Synopsis

In CHEAP EATS, Ali Khan, the author of the blog "Bang for Your Burger Buck," has 12 hours and $35 to find the best deals for breakfast, lunch, a snack and dinner in a different American city in each half-hour episode. On Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 10:30pm ET/7:30pm PT, Cooking Channel premiered the pilot episode, with Ali heading to Minneapolis to find the city's best cheap eats. Seven months later, CHEAP EATS returned for its official series premiere on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 10pm ET/7pm PT. On the premiere episode, Ali reveals some of the best offerings in Austin. First, he enjoys Migas Tacos at a popular roadside stop. Then, he gets schooled on authentic Texas BBQ, before embarking on a buttery journey in baking. Last but not least, he caps off the day with the ultimate Bayou experience that tastes homemade. In subsequent episodes of the first season, Ali visits Albuquerque, Boulder, Charlestown, Chicago, and Miami to chow down on some of the most flavorful and affordable fare in each destination, meeting the local chefs along the way. On Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 10pm ET/7pm PT, Cooking Channel premiered the 13-episode second season of CHEAP EATS, as Ali continues to discover the most unique eateries serving up delicious dishes, and learns the recipe for tasty, affordable fare from the talented local chefs. From big breakfasts of Jalapeno Queso Fresco Biscuits with Cilantro Creme in Richmond, Virginia, to lip-smacking lunches of piled high elk burgers in Bozeman, Montana, to spicy dinners of Korean street noodles in Baltimore, Maryland, Ali chows down on some of the most flavorful fare and local delicacies. In the season opener, "Pit Stop," Pittsburgh has Ali Khan flipping over some cheesy pancakes, and then he battles a sub that might blow the classic Philly cheesesteak out of the water. He discovers the secrets to Pittsburgh's best pretzels, and finishes the day at one of the city's hottest new spots, a taco joint growing crowds -- and tentacles! Over the course of rest of the season, Ali follows his appetite to Salt Lake City, Utah for a smoky chicken club, to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a crunchy fried chicken bahn mi sandwich, and some of the best offerings in: Chattanooga and Louisville in Kentucky; Des Moines, Iowa; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Indianapolis, Indiana; Omaha, Nebraska; and St. Louis, Missouri. Season 3 of CHEAP EATS premiered on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 10pm ET/7pm PT on Cooking Channel. In the season opener, "Appetite for Annapolis," Ali, full-blown food enthusiast and blogger, has 12 hours and only 35 bucks to find the best deals in Annapolis, Maryland for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack! He happily lands on his feet with "Cat Head" biscuits and gravy, followed by Southern chicken and dumplings. After a tasty Aussie treat, Ali caps off his day on the bay with the best crab cake of his life. In subsequent episodes of the second season, Ali visits: Charlottesville, Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Portland, Oregon; Alexandria, Virginia; Spokane, Washington; Nashville, Tennessee; Cincinnati, Ohio; and more. Season 4 of CHEAP EATS premiered on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at 10pm ET/7pm PT on Cooking Channel. The new season kicks off in Philadelphia, as Ali hunts for the most flavorful and affordable fare. He starts the day with a local favorite, as he learns how to make a scrapple sandwich with a fried egg and cheese dip. Then for lunch, he meets a chef creating a Philly original -- roast pork with provolone and spinach. Before dinner, he satisfies a snack attack with dumplings filled with cheese steak, apple pie and cheesecake. Last but not least, to complete the day, he grabs a unique twist on ramen at a happening joint in Fishtown. Week to week Ali's journey for budget bites will bring him to stops in Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts and South Carolina. Season 5 of CHEAP EATS premiered on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 10pm ET/7pm PT on Cooking Channel. In the season opener, "Filling Up in Florida," Ali is scouring St. Petersburg, Fla., for the best deals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack. He starts the day strong with a Chopped champion's hearty French crepe with an American twist and then keeps things rolling at a Brooklyn-style deli serving a mouthwatering braised pork sandwich. A berry-licious white chocolate cheesecake satisfies Ali's sweet tooth before he brings it on home with a rich and creamy duck confit quesadilla. In subsequent episodes, Ali travels to: Savannah, GA; Ann Arbor, MI; Dallas, TX; Charlotte, NC; Jacksonville, FL; San Antonio, TX; Kansas City, MO; and more.
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On Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 10pm ET/7pm PT, Cooking Channel premiered "Belly Full in Buffalo," the Season 5 finale of CHEAP EATS. Griddle toast logs with cream cheese filling; a trio of flavorful and innovative tacos; decadent chocolate chip cookie dough; a belly full of wings; Ali gets a line on a spot that's serving up some of the locals' favorites.