Kelly wants pizza, Chris wants a quick lunch, Jess wants anything but Mexican and I want everyone to brave yet another new place.

Inevitably, the discussion (an all-out battle, if blood-sugar levels are low) always turns to money. Where can we get the biggest bite for our buck?

Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta is our current crowd-pleaser. We’ve made more trips to the Chandler calzone shop than I care to admit. It’s not that the cuisine is crave-worthy — it’s that we’re all addicted to the deal. Here’s the scoop on our Floridino’s lunch find, along with four other tried-and-true choices for five bucks or less.

BARRO’S
Slices of pepperoni, sausage and cheese are the three daily standards at this Valley pizza chain, and there’s always a “daily special” on weekdays. Sixteen-inch, thick-and-airy crusted pies are cut into eight slices and stacked in a heating rack. The salad bar is hit-and-miss, but when it’s fresh and stocked it’s a nice option.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Deals: Slice ($1.75); slice and drink ($2.50); two slices and drink ($3.50); slice, salad and drink ($3.75); three slices and drink ($4.99).

Locations: Multiple East Valley locations; visit barrospizza.com for the closest pizzeria. Deal selection varies slightly from store to store.

FLORIDINO’S
Even our crew’s biggest eater has trouble finishing the two-topping calzone, our most-ordered special at this popular lunch time spot. The one-item, 7-inch junior pizza and big salads are also hits.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays

Deals: Spaghetti or ziti with marinara sauce, bread and drink ($3.99); two-item calzone and drink ($4.99); 7-inch one-item pizza and drink ($3.50); small antipasto, Greek or chef salad ($4.25); 7-inch spicy chicken pizza and drink ($3.99); bacon, jalapeño, cheddar and mozzarella breadsticks with marinara and drink ($3.99).

Locations: 50 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert, ; and 590 N. Alma School Road, Chandler,

RANCHO DE TIA ROSA
Whet the appetite with the tasty tomatillo salsa and light chips. If you have room left (I never do; chips and salsa are too good), try the hefty shredded pork burro with smoky refried beans and buttery, plump Spanish rice. Look for a new Tia Rosa restaurant to open in early 2006 at Higley and Guadalupe roads in Gilbert.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Deals: Lunch combos ($4.99) are served with beans and rice and include a taco, three rolled tacos, an enchilada or a burro.

Location: 3129 E. McKellips Road, Mesa,

SUSIE’S MEXICAN CAFÉ & LOUNGE
The refried beans and rice, my favorite in the East Valley, are a big part of this dive’s appeal. There are a dozen specials, but it’s tough to beat the three open-faced corn tacos de asada. Add a draft beer for a penny more.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Deals: $4.95 for red or green burro and taco; taco, tostada and rice; enchilada-style tamale with rice and beans; two tacos and beans; albondigas soup and folded cheese tortilla; cheese enchilada, taco and rice; bean burro enchilada style with rice; red or green taco salad; posole; three tacos de asada with rice and beans; chicken soup; or beef soup.

Location: 2405 E. University Drive, Tempe,

UPPER DECK SPORTS GRILL
Hope you made it to the end of this alphabetized list, because this wicked Wednesday deal — a thick, quarter-pound burger on a buttered, golden-grilled seedless bun — is the best of the bunch. It’s served with tomato slices and romaine lettuce on the side, and it’s only $1.50. Throw in two more quarters for some cheese and you’ll soon be a Wednesday regular. Not enough food? Add a side for $2.99 — the crumb-topped, baked macaroni and cheese is one of the best I’ve had.

When: 11 to 2 a.m. Wednesdays

Deal: $1.50 for quarter-pound burgers.

Location: 4224 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale,