Cheap Restaurants Austin: 10 Best Budget Eats (2025)

Last Updated On – 17th October, 2025

Jump To: Under $10 | Downtown | Best Value | Healthy

The cheap restaurants Austin prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to get amazing food. There’s no shortage of spots that serve wallet-friendly but tasty bites. Cafes offering pastries, food trucks with hefty meals, and even vegetarian-friendly options, our list of cheap restaurants in Austin has something for you.

From cheap eats to city adventures, Austin’s got plenty to offer — discover more local happenings and exciting experiences in our full guide here.

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.

Additionally, a few links in this article may help The Austinot earn a small commission if you make a purchase using those links.

Also, check out our articles on Austin Tacos, Austin BBQ Restaurants, and Late Night Food Austin!

Under $10 Standbys in Austin

Torchy’s Tacos

Famous for its creative taco combinations and flavorful queso, Torchy’s Tacos offers delicious options at affordable prices– some even under $6. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the go.

Must Try: Trailer Park Trashy Taco and Green Chile Queso & Chips
Hours of Operation: Times vary by location
Location: Multiple locations

OneTaco Taqueria

Image credit: OneTaco – an urban taquería Facebook

When it comes to budget eats Austin has OneTaco Taqueria is your place. They serve authentic Mexican street tacos packed with fresh ingredients. Affordable prices and a quick service make it a go-to for downtown dining.

Must Try: Taco Al Pastor and Street Tacos
Hours of Operation: Times vary by location
Location: Multiple locations

Upper Crust Bakery

Want a quiet afternoon to yourself or a relaxed spot to hang out with friends, this is the perfect spot. Upper Crust Bakery offers a selection of sweet and savory baked goods that are as affordable as they are delicious. Their quiches and pastries are perfect for a light, budget-friendly meal.

Must Try: Cinnamon Roll & Almond Croissant
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 7 am – 4 pm | Saturday 7 am – 4 pm | Sunday Closed
Location: 4508 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756

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

Koriente

Koriente is one of the best cheap restaurants in Austin. Focused on fresh, healthy Asian-inspired dishes, Koriente offers generous portions at reasonable prices. It’s a go-to for a satisfying yet affordable meal.

Must Try: Mixmix Bibimbap and Koriente Curry (A or B)
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 11 am – 9:30 pm | Saturday – Sunday 1 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: 621 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

Ellis

Image Credit: Fareground Food Hall FB Page

You don’t have to break a buck to get an elevated experience. Ellis, one of the great cheap restaurants in Austin, is the best spot to go to for a fun and affordable time. For an extra affordable night, come during their happy hour. Get $1 off on draft beers, $2 off on house wine by the glass, $3 off on cocktails, and $9 Socorro & Lost Explorer Espadin Shots.

Must Try: Cocktails and small bites
Hours of Operation: Sunday 11 am – 7 pm | Monday Closed | Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm | Friday & Saturday 11 am – 10 pm | Happy Hour: Daily 4 pm – 7 pm
Location: 111 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701

Local Foods – 2nd Street District

As the name suggests, Local Foods focuses on scratch-made items using locally sourced ingredients. With their method, their menu can change with the season. Although their servings are cheap, they’re still very delicious.

Must Try: Tomato, Egg & Cheese Sandwich and Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Sandwich
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 10:45 am – 9 pm | Saturday – Sunday 9 am – 9 pm | Brunch served 9 am – 3 pm
Location:

Best Value by Cuisine (Pasta, Pizza, BBQ, Asian)

Patrizi’s

The Patrizi’s food truck on Manor Rd. is among locals’ favorites among the affordable restaurants Austin offers. They serve freshly made Italian comfort food, from handmade pasta to indulgent sauces, all at wallet-friendly prices. Their outdoor setup and welcoming vibe make it a charming spot for a casual feast.

Must Try: Butter Noodles – HALFS, Cacio E Pepe – HALF, and Red Sauce – HALF
Hours of Operation: Daily 5 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: 2307 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

Bufalina

Image credit: Bufalina Facebook

Bufalina Pizza has a simple but delicious menu filled with pizzas and pies. Known for its artisanal wood-fired pizzas, Bufalina delivers top-quality flavors at surprisingly reasonable prices. Their minimalist menu focuses on fresh, simple ingredients that are perfect for sharing. They also have quite an extensive wine selection.

Must Try: Marinara Pizza and Red Pie
Hours of Operation: Sunday – Wednesday 4 pm – 10 pm | Thursday – Saturday 4 pm – 11 pm | Happy Hour Daily 4 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: 2215 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Loro Asian Smokehouse and Bar

Loro offers a full menu of delicious meals, from rice bowls to sliders. The best way to get great value is to take advantage of their happy hour. Get special prices on specialty bites and $5 boozy slushies.

Must Try: Single Smashburger and Pulled Pork Sliders
Hours of Operation: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 10 pm | Friday & Saturday 11 am – 11 pm | Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 2 pm – 5 pm/6 pm
Location: 2115 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, and 11601 Domain Dr #200, Austin, TX 78758

Interstellar BBQ

Interstellar BBQ serves out-of-this-world barbecue without the outrageous prices. They serve mouthwatering meats and creative sides in generous portions at approachable prices. You’ll get great value from this Michelin-recognized restaurant, making it among the best cheap eats Austin loves.

Must Try: Lamb Taco, Sliced Brisket Taco, Single Meat Sandwich
Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Sunday 11 am – 4 pm (unless sold out earlier)
Location: 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N Suite 105, Austin, TX 78750

Healthy & Mediterranean on a Budget

Vinaigrette

Image Credit: Vinaigrette Austin FB Page

You’ll be surprised to see that salads here are like meals at one of Austin cheap restaurants. Vinaigrette is a salad lover’s paradise, serving healthy, satisfying meals at reasonable prices. Their creative toppings and dressings turn salads into a full-flavored, affordable experience.

Vegetarian-friendly!
Must Try: Cup of Gumbo or Mush Stew and Caesar Salad
Hours of Operation: Daily 11 am – 9 pm | Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 4 pm
Location: 2201 College Ave, Austin, TX 78704

CAVA

You can get healthy and tasty meals at Cava. Their customizable bowls give you control over what you have. Plus, they’re super budget-friendly!

Vegetarian-friendly!
Must Try: Build Your Own with Grilled Chicken or Falafel
Hours of Operation: Daily 10:30 am – 10:30 pm
Location: Multiple locations

Hungry for more international flavor within Austin? Explore our latest picks for where to eat, sip, and explore around the city.

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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.