20 Best Cheap Eats Austin: Top Affordable Food (2026)

Updated: Friday, January 16, 2026

Jump To: Under $10 | Downtown & UT-Area | International Flavors | Elevated

Austin’s food scene has become world-famous, but you don’t need a tech mogul’s salary to eat like a local king. From historic bakeries to “culinary-school” burgers and hidden Mediterranean delis, we’ve expanded our 2026 guide to 20 must-visit spots that define Austin’s high-flavor, low-cost soul.

Looking for more budget-friendly fun? Check out our latest guide to things to do in Austin this weekend for festivals, free events, and more local favorites.

Planning your weekend? Check out our latest guide to things to do in Austin this weekend.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, check out our articles on the Austin Desserts, Late Night Food in Austin, and Pizza Austin.

Austin Cheap Eats: Under $10 Standbys

In an era of rising costs, these legendary spots still respect the ten-dollar bill.

Frazier’s Long & Low (21+)

The Vibe: A retro dive bar with a kitchen that punches way above its weight.

Cheap Eat Hack: The Little OG Burger is just **$5**—it’s like a fast-food burger that went to culinary school. Add a side of Frizzle Fries ($4) for a complete meal under $10.

Address: 2538 Elmont Dr, Austin, TX 78741
Operating Hours: Daily 12 pm – 2 pm | Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm

Peace Bakery and Deli

The Vibe: Family-owned Palestinian gem. Everything is cafeteria-style and incredibly fresh.

Cheap Eat Hack: A Shawarma Wrap is roughly $11, but it’s large enough for two people. For a true budget win, grab the Falafel Plate or a few pieces of their honey-soaked baklava.

Address: 11220 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
Operating Hours: Daily 10:30 am – 9 pm

Torchy’s Tacos

Cheap Eat Hack: Order the Trailer Park taco “Trashy Style” (replaces lettuce with queso). Two tacos will run you about $11.

Address: 1822 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 9 am – 10 pm | Saturday & Sunday 8 am – 10 pm

S-H Donuts

The Vibe: S-H Donuts may not have an online presence, but this no-frills local favorite for donuts and breakfast.

Cheap Eat Hack: Their Breakfast Tacos and Sausage Kolaches are legendary for being both high-quality and under $4 each.

Address: 5313 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 6 am – 1 pm | Monday Closed

P. Terry’s Burger Stand

The Vibe: Iconic Austin retro-style burger chain.

Cheap Eat Hack: You can still get a Double Cheeseburger, Fries, and a Drink for around $10.

Address: 204 W Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Open 24/7

El Chilito

Image credit: El Chilito Facebook

Cheap Eat Hack: Don’t miss $3 Taco Tuesdays or $6 Burrito Wednesdays. Their coffee is also one of the best values in the city.

Address: 2219 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 7:30 am – 10 pm | Sunday 7:30 am – 9 pm | Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 4 pm – 6 pm

Home Slice Pizza

Cheap Eat Hack: Buy by the pie to feed a family of 4 for under $10 per person. It’s a great value deal, “cheap eat” in Austin.

Address: 1415 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 11 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 12 am

Downtown & UT-Area Deals ($15 and Under)

High-quality meals right where the action is.

Halal Bros

Image credit: thehalalbros.com

Cheap Eat Hack: The Chicken Over Rice plate is notoriously huge and under $14. Ask for extra white sauce—it’s the secret to the dish.

Address: 2712 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
Operating Hours: Daily 11:30 am – 11 pm

Texas Chili Parlor

The Vibe: A gritty, historic bar made famous by Guy Clark and Quentin Tarantino.

Cheap Eat Hack: The Daily Enchilada Special is a steal at $7.75.

Address: 1409 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Daily 11 am – 10 pm

Hidden Gems & International Flavors

NG Cafe

Image credit: NG Cafe Facebook

Cheap Eat Hack: Their Banh Mi is served on a French baguette baked from scratch in-house. At $10.82, it’s a masterclass in value.

Address: 13000 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78753
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Monday 10 am – 3 pm & 4:30 pm – 8 pm | Tuesday Closed

888 Pan Asian

Cheap Eat Hack: The portions here are massive. One order of Pad Thai or Fried Rice can easily feed two people.

Address: 2400 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78741
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 12 pm – 11 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 9:30 pm

Phoenicia Bakery

Cheap Eat Hack: Their Muffaletta or Shawarma sandwiches are local favorites. A full sandwich is under $12 and is incredibly filling.

Address: 2912 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:30 am – 6 pm

Han Yang Market

Cheap Eat Hack: Head to the back for authentic Korean food made by local “ajummas.” Ttoekbokki and Kimbap are often between $5–$8.

Address: 6808 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 am – 9 pm | Sunday 9 am – 8 pm

Best Value: BBQ & Elevated Dining

InterStellar BBQ

Image credit: InterStellar BBQ Facebook

Cheap Eat Hack: Experience Michelin-recognized meat without the massive bill by ordering a Brisket Sandwich rather than buying by the pound.

Address: 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin, TX 78750
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11 am – 4 pm (unless sold out earlier)

Bufalina

Cheap Eat Hack: Come by during happy hour for 50% off all pizzas daily from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM. This is the best high-end “cheap date” in Austin.

Address: 2215 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Operating Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 4 pm – 10 pm | Thursday – Sunday 4 pm – 11 pm

Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar

Cheap Eat Hack: The Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich is only $8 during Happy Hour (Mon-Fri, 2 PM–5 PM).

Address: 2115 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 11 pm

Cabo Bob’s

Cheap Eat Hack: Widely cited on Reddit as the best value burrito in town. Massive, customized burritos with fresh-pressed tortillas for under $12.

Address: 500 E Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:30 am – 9:05 pm

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Cheap Eat Hack: A two-piece dark meat meal with a side and bread is under $11—perfectly spicy and filling.

Address: 117 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm

Top Notch Hamburgers

Cheap Eat Hack: Visit on Wednesday for the Fried Chicken Dinner special (roughly $8.50).

Address: 7525 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
Operating Hours: Thursday – Tuesday 11 am – 9 pm | Wednesday 11 am – 2 pm

Patrizi’s

Cheap Eat Hack: Order the Half-Portions of their handmade pasta. They are surprisingly filling and keep your bill under $14.

Address: 2307 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Operating Hours: Daily 5 pm – 9:30 pm

Planning your next post-meal adventure in Austin? Browse our events guide for festivals, markets, and more treats near you.

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Lacey Morris

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.