Going to Dubai soon and everything seems pretty expensive for an American. There has to be some good, local, cheap spots. What are some of everyones favorite?

Ravi, a famous Indian/Pakistani place in Deira, is very good. I also like Al Hallab, a local chain with locations near the airport and at the Dubai Mall. Automatic is another excellent basic Lebanese place with several locations. Last time I went to this excellent falafel place in the Jumeirah Beach area.

If you walk around Deira, you will find lots of small local Arabic and Indian places that are solid, although unfortunately I haven't recorded any of the names. I'm sure that locals here can provide many more recommendations.

Ravi has a location just near the Satwa roundabout off of Al Diyaffa Street. I am not sure it is the same as the one in Deira (though I am guessing it is) but the Satwa one is wonderful and has been in business for about 40 years.

Off the north end of Beniyas Square, go towards the creek and on the road one street in from the creek (one street towards the creek from the square) is Hatam Al Tai... a really good Iranian place. The place next door, Shiraz Nights, isn't as good.

I can give a +1 to Ravi as well. Inexpensive, and very tasty. I've got a picture of their Chicken Briyani here. Less than $10 per person.

Yes, Ravi is a (deserved) institution in Dubai.

However, the food courts can also be a good way to eat cheaply (though the food is of middling quality in general). I have a soft spot in particular for Zaatar W Zeit, a Lebanese fast food chain.

Also recommend India Palace at Festival City.

Has anyone used the Entertainer books? This seems a way to reduce the costs especially for two people traveling together. I am planning a trip soon and would be interested in learning if the books are a good value.

If you check out the tripadvisor Dubai forum you'll see loads of threads regarding the Entertainer books, haven't seen one person yet not save a fistful of money.

If you don't want a whole book then you'll find individual vouchers listed on Ebay

You don't even have to do the Ebay thing, if you go to many supermarkets they have smaller booklets you can buy based on various themes (e.g. the kids one has waterpark vouchers, family restaurants etc). There is also an alternative brand come out but their name escapes me at the moment. The smaller booklets are found normally at the checkout.

In terms of eating, having been in the States in the summer I was surprised how expensive it was there these days, especially as you are expected to add 15%-20% in tip. You'll pay top dollar at the big hotels in Dubai, but elsewhere it's actually pretty reasonable - along Beach Road there are loads of little cafes and restaurants, as above Satwa and Deira have some good Asian food and even in more expensive areas like Dubai Marina you can still get a decent family meal on JBR Walk or Marina Walk.