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The Best Affordable Restaurants in Austin

Inexpensive dining made easier

by Erin Russell and Nadia Chaudhury Updated Jan 21, 2025, 2:09pm CST

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by Erin Russell and Nadia Chaudhury Updated Jan 21, 2025, 2:09pm CST

FoodHeads

Austin has so many great dining options that it’s easy to end up spending a lot of money while eating out. Sometimes, you need to take it easier on your wallet, and that's where Eater's guide to the best affordable eats found in the city comes in to help.

Dine on a dime easily with the help of this map, spanning ginormous tacos from Juan in a Million, quick and easy burgers from P. Terry’s, Indian bowls from Ras Modern, kebabs from Kismet, staples from Soup Peddler, and everything else delicious for $12 and under.

For other budget-friendly bites, look for tacos, burgers, and happy hour specials.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Ng Cafe

Co-owner Nguyet Quach makes fresh baguettes every morning for the cafe’s famous banh mi, all of which are under $10. In addition to the Vietnamese sandwiches, Ng Cafe offers affordable comfort foods like noodles, fried rice, and curries. Takeout orders can be placed online or on Seamless, and there is indoor dining.

13000 North Interstate Highway 35 #200 Bldg 12, Austin, TX 78753

A banh mi stuffed with fried tofu, shredded carrots, and peppers sits in a red boat lined with white paper. — Ng Cafe is a go-to for affordable banh mi.

Also featured in:

Where to Find the Greatest Sandwiches in Austin

Peace Bakery

The North Austin Mediterranean restaurant has affordable wraps with fillings like beef shawarma or lamb kebab for under $11. There are also amazing baked goods like baklava and fresh pita bread. Takeout orders can be placed in person, and it has indoor dining.

11220 N Lamar Blvd (Braker Ln.), Austin, TX 78753

Also featured in:

Little Deli & Pizzeria

With a location in Crestview and Windsor Park, this New Jersey-style pizza shop offers slices, calzones, strombolis, cold sandwiches, and six-inch Italian subs for under $11. Takeout orders can be placed in person and there is indoor and outdoor dining.

7101 Woodrow Ave (at W St Johns Ave), Austin, TX 78757

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Busty’s Bar and Jukebox

This casual neighborhood dive bar in Windsor Park has a ‘70s theme with low prices to match. The menu boasts prices that are mostly single digits, including costs for items like smash burgers, biscuits, and its diner-favorite picadillo burritos. Don’t forget your coins for the jukebox, where diners are invited to pick out their favorite tunes. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas.

6214 Cameron Road, Austin, Texas 78723

Also featured in:

Honest Mary's

With outposts in Rosedale Cedar Park, the Arboretum, and Mueller, this fast-casual chain offers filling veggie and grain bowls. Enjoy its meatless options for under $10, including the Sedona Lime bowl with rice, spinach, black beans, and sweet potatoes, or create your own. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online, and there are indoor and outdoor dining areas.

4800 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756

A tuna poke bowl has edamame, limes, jalapeños, pickled red onions, and rice. — Honest Mary’s offers healthful dishes at a reasonable price.

Also featured in:

Where to Eat and Drink in Rosedale in Austin

Mian & Bao

From the owners of Chengdu Taste in Southern California comes this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. Many of the Sichuan and Shanghai dishes at this highly regarded restaurant in the Triangle are under $12, including fried rice, beef pancake rolls, pan-fried beef bun, and Chengdu spicy fries. Takeout orders can be placed online, and there is indoor dining.

4700 West Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78751

A wooden basket holds a half dozen steamed dumplings. — Prepare for a feast of dumplings and so much more at Mian & Bao.

Also featured in:

FoodHeads

The combo deals at this funky deli near campus in Heritage mean soups and half sandwiches for under $12. Choose from options like veggie, salami and mozzarella, and egg salad with prosciutto, or build your own sandwich for $10. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas.

616 W 34th St (btwn Guadalupe St. & King St.), Austin, TX 78705

Also featured in:

Kismet Cafe

Many of the plates at this Hancock Mediterranean restaurant ring in under $12 and include options like chicken, hummus, gyro, and kebabs. Try the Arabi wraps, which come with your choice of protein, like kafta, beef, gyro, or falafel, with rice, for $10, and treat yourself to baklava or a nut roll for $2. Takeout orders can be placed in person or online, and there is indoor and outdoor dining.

1000 East 41st Street, Austin, Texas 78751

Balls of falafel are stacked on a plate. Near the bottom, one is open and green insides are shown. — At this Mediterranean restaurant, plates are filling and affordable.

Also featured in:

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Posse East

A mainstay for over 50 years, this North Campus watering hole has been a popular spot for sports-watching with a cheeseburger in hand. Posse East has earned a reputation for serving standard bar fare for under $10, like chicken nuggets, chili, tater tots, sandwiches, burgers, and tacos. Takeout orders can be placed in person, and there is indoor and outdoor dining.

2900 Duval St, Austin, TX 78705

Also featured in:

Cuantos Tacos

This taco truck in the Arbor Food Park on East 12th serves up incredible Mexico City-style tacos ($3), costras ($3.25), and quesadillas ($8) to provide variety on a budget. Try the longaniza taco or the crispy costras filled with melted cheese. There’s an outdoor dining area, plus online ordering and delivery are available.

1108 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702

A hand holds up a white tray of a half dozen street tacos topped with salsa verde and rojas. — Tacos are always a steal at Cuantos Tacos.

Also featured in:

Delray Cafe

This Detroit-style food truck is half the fun of going to popular Central East Austin bar Nickel City, especially since almost every item rings in under $10. There’s chili-topped coney dogs, simple, filling sliders, and cheesy tater tots. Takeout orders can be placed online. There are dining spaces indoors and outdoors.

1133 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

A hot dog sits in a red basket lined with white paper. It is topped with melted cheese and onions. — Never break the bank at Delray Cafe.

Also featured in:

Koriente

This Korean-ish restaurant is one of the more affordable options in Downtown, with most dishes hovering around $12, and they’re known to be flavor-packed. Dishes like japchae noodles, teriyaki bowls, and bibimbap are filled with a creative combination of spices and vegetables, and every entree also comes with free miso soup. Call ahead to place your takeout orders or order online on DoorDash. Koriente has online dining only.

621 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

A bimbap bowl is topped with a soft fried egg, sliced carrots, red cabbage, and hot sauce. — Find affordable dishes packed with flavor, spice, and everything nice at Korean-ish.

Also featured in:

Juan in a Million

Filled with a massive mix of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and cheese, the famous Don Juan breakfast taco at Juan in a Million costs just $8 — meaning splurging on the necessary extra side of tortillas won’t break the bank. Juan in a Million also features daily specials for $13, including a two-enchilada plate served with rice, beans, tortillas, and tea on Mondays and Thursdays, and a flautas platter on Tuesdays and Fridays. Don’t forget to factor in a tip for your server. Takeout orders can be placed online and there is indoor and outdoor seating.

2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

A breakfast taco sits on a plate. It’s loaded with scrambled eggs and bacon. — Ball out on a budget at Juan in a Million.

Also featured in:

Eggman ATX

The very filling New York-style breakfast sandwiches from the Bouldin Creek food truck are mostly under $9. Grab a classic bacon, egg, and cheese on a toasted roll to get the New York experience. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online or in person, and delivery is available via DoorDash, UberEats, and ChowNow. There is also outdoor dining.

1311 South 1st Street, Austin, Texas 78704

A hand holds two sides of an open egg, sausage, and cheese sandwich up to the camera. — Start your day with a breakfast sandwich that is easy on your wallet.

Also featured in:

The Best South First Restaurants and Bars in Austin

Soup Peddler

For quick and easy meals, this reliable Austin soup chain dishes out hearty soups, salads, juice, smoothies, and grilled cheese, with all items under $12. Try the mulligatawny with lentils, veggies, and coconut milk. Takeout orders can be placed online, and all locations have outdoor dining areas.

2801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

A grilled cheese that is split in two sits next to a bowl of chicken and rice soup with carrots and celery. — Sometimes a soup and a simple grilled cheese is all you need.

Also featured in:

Habanero Cafe

The beloved Dawson family-owned Mexican restaurant has many affordable options on its daytime menu, including $4 tacos, $7 tortas and gorditas, plus breakfast plates and enchiladas for around $12. Takeout orders can be placed in person and there is indoor dining.

501 W Oltorf St (Durwood), Austin, TX 78704

Also featured in:

Frazier's

Open daily from noon to 2 a.m., Frazier’s serves up classic dive bar food with all dishes under $12, including its hefty patty melt, a $6 corn dog, and several vegan options. The $4 Frizzle fries — a combination of a curly fry and a wedge fry — are a diner-favorite, and get even more decadent with a $4 add on of spicy homemade cheese sauce. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas.

2538 Elmont Drive, TX 78741

Also featured in:

Ras Modern Indian

This Dawson food truck is all about serving modern, affordable Indian dishes in bowl form. Diners can dig into bowls of dal, the tikka, and the kofta korma meals for around $12, and if you have more money to spend, spring for its samosas. These delightful spiced potato pastries are served with mint and chutney and come in orders of three ($8-$9) or six ($14). Takeout orders can be placed online, and there is outdoor dining.

2700 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Several dishes sit together on a table, including (clockwise) a salad, chicken curry, meatballs, french fries, a burger, a second burger, and roti with rice and beans. — Modern Indian food that’s delicious and affordable.

Also featured in:

The Best South Asian Restaurants in Austin

Bella Donna Subs

This no-frills Italian-American deli in McKinney specializes in fantastic subs. Whether hot or cold is your preference, the menu is full of sandwiches under $11, including its spicy cheesesteak and the hefty Reuben. Takeout orders can be placed in person or over the phone and there is indoor dining.

4612 Burleson Rd, Austin, TX 78744

Also featured in:

El Perrito

El Paso-styled rolled tacos can be quite filling, especially when served in sets of three or six for $12 and under. Diners can also find sharable dishes like carne asada nachos for $10, a plate of four red cheese enchiladas for $10 served with rice, and an eclectic menu of hot dog dishes, including the ELP Doggie, a hamburger-style hot dog made with red franks, chile beans, spicy mayo and ketchup, mustard, and pickles. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person, and there is outdoor dining.

730 W Stassney Ln, Austin, TX 78745

Three beef tacos with cheese and lettuce are crammed together. — El Perrito promises crunchy tacos, eclectic hot dog dishes, and plates of enchilada all for under $12.

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Ng Cafe

13000 North Interstate Highway 35 #200 Bldg 12, Austin, TX 78753

Co-owner Nguyet Quach makes fresh baguettes every morning for the cafe’s famous banh mi, all of which are under $10. In addition to the Vietnamese sandwiches, Ng Cafe offers affordable comfort foods like noodles, fried rice, and curries. Takeout orders can be placed online or on Seamless, and there is indoor dining.

13000 North Interstate Highway 35 #200 Bldg 12, Austin, TX 78753

Visit Website

A banh mi stuffed with fried tofu, shredded carrots, and peppers sits in a red boat lined with white paper. — Ng Cafe is a go-to for affordable banh mi.

Peace Bakery

11220 N Lamar Blvd (Braker Ln.), Austin, TX 78753

The North Austin Mediterranean restaurant has affordable wraps with fillings like beef shawarma or lamb kebab for under $11. There are also amazing baked goods like baklava and fresh pita bread. Takeout orders can be placed in person, and it has indoor dining.

11220 N Lamar Blvd (Braker Ln.), Austin, TX 78753

Visit Website

Little Deli & Pizzeria

7101 Woodrow Ave (at W St Johns Ave), Austin, TX 78757

With a location in Crestview and Windsor Park, this New Jersey-style pizza shop offers slices, calzones, strombolis, cold sandwiches, and six-inch Italian subs for under $11. Takeout orders can be placed in person and there is indoor and outdoor dining.

7101 Woodrow Ave (at W St Johns Ave), Austin, TX 78757

Visit Website

Busty’s Bar and Jukebox

6214 Cameron Road, Austin, Texas 78723

This casual neighborhood dive bar in Windsor Park has a ‘70s theme with low prices to match. The menu boasts prices that are mostly single digits, including costs for items like smash burgers, biscuits, and its diner-favorite picadillo burritos. Don’t forget your coins for the jukebox, where diners are invited to pick out their favorite tunes. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas.

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6214 Cameron Road, Austin, Texas 78723

Visit Website

Honest Mary's

4800 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756

With outposts in Rosedale Cedar Park, the Arboretum, and Mueller, this fast-casual chain offers filling veggie and grain bowls. Enjoy its meatless options for under $10, including the Sedona Lime bowl with rice, spinach, black beans, and sweet potatoes, or create your own. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online, and there are indoor and outdoor dining areas.

Open in Google Maps

4800 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756

Visit Website

A tuna poke bowl has edamame, limes, jalapeños, pickled red onions, and rice. — Honest Mary’s offers healthful dishes at a reasonable price.

Mian & Bao

4700 West Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78751

From the owners of Chengdu Taste in Southern California comes this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. Many of the Sichuan and Shanghai dishes at this highly regarded restaurant in the Triangle are under $12, including fried rice, beef pancake rolls, pan-fried beef bun, and Chengdu spicy fries. Takeout orders can be placed online, and there is indoor dining.

Open in Google Maps

4700 West Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78751

Visit Website

A wooden basket holds a half dozen steamed dumplings. — Prepare for a feast of dumplings and so much more at Mian & Bao.

FoodHeads

616 W 34th St (btwn Guadalupe St. & King St.), Austin, TX 78705

The combo deals at this funky deli near campus in Heritage mean soups and half sandwiches for under $12. Choose from options like veggie, salami and mozzarella, and egg salad with prosciutto, or build your own sandwich for $10. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas.

616 W 34th St (btwn Guadalupe St. & King St.), Austin, TX 78705

Visit Website

Kismet Cafe

1000 East 41st Street, Austin, Texas 78751

Many of the plates at this Hancock Mediterranean restaurant ring in under $12 and include options like chicken, hummus, gyro, and kebabs. Try the Arabi wraps, which come with your choice of protein, like kafta, beef, gyro, or falafel, with rice, for $10, and treat yourself to baklava or a nut roll for $2. Takeout orders can be placed in person or online, and there is indoor and outdoor dining.

1000 East 41st Street, Austin, Texas 78751

Visit Website

Balls of falafel are stacked on a plate. Near the bottom, one is open and green insides are shown. — At this Mediterranean restaurant, plates are filling and affordable.

Posse East

2900 Duval St, Austin, TX 78705

A mainstay for over 50 years, this North Campus watering hole has been a popular spot for sports-watching with a cheeseburger in hand. Posse East has earned a reputation for serving standard bar fare for under $10, like chicken nuggets, chili, tater tots, sandwiches, burgers, and tacos. Takeout orders can be placed in person, and there is indoor and outdoor dining.

2900 Duval St, Austin, TX 78705

Visit Website

Cuantos Tacos

1108 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702

This taco truck in the Arbor Food Park on East 12th serves up incredible Mexico City-style tacos ($3), costras ($3.25), and quesadillas ($8) to provide variety on a budget. Try the longaniza taco or the crispy costras filled with melted cheese. There’s an outdoor dining area, plus online ordering and delivery are available.

1108 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

A hand holds up a white tray of a half dozen street tacos topped with salsa verde and rojas. — Tacos are always a steal at Cuantos Tacos.

Delray Cafe

1133 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

This Detroit-style food truck is half the fun of going to popular Central East Austin bar Nickel City, especially since almost every item rings in under $10. There’s chili-topped coney dogs, simple, filling sliders, and cheesy tater tots. Takeout orders can be placed online. There are dining spaces indoors and outdoors.

1133 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

A hot dog sits in a red basket lined with white paper. It is topped with melted cheese and onions. — Never break the bank at Delray Cafe.

Koriente

621 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

This Korean-ish restaurant is one of the more affordable options in Downtown, with most dishes hovering around $12, and they’re known to be flavor-packed. Dishes like japchae noodles, teriyaki bowls, and bibimbap are filled with a creative combination of spices and vegetables, and every entree also comes with free miso soup. Call ahead to place your takeout orders or order online on DoorDash. Koriente has online dining only.

621 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

A bimbap bowl is topped with a soft fried egg, sliced carrots, red cabbage, and hot sauce. — Find affordable dishes packed with flavor, spice, and everything nice at Korean-ish.

Juan in a Million

2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Filled with a massive mix of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and cheese, the famous Don Juan breakfast taco at Juan in a Million costs just $8 — meaning splurging on the necessary extra side of tortillas won’t break the bank. Juan in a Million also features daily specials for $13, including a two-enchilada plate served with rice, beans, tortillas, and tea on Mondays and Thursdays, and a flautas platter on Tuesdays and Fridays. Don’t forget to factor in a tip for your server. Takeout orders can be placed online and there is indoor and outdoor seating.

2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

A breakfast taco sits on a plate. It’s loaded with scrambled eggs and bacon. — Ball out on a budget at Juan in a Million.

Eggman ATX

1311 South 1st Street, Austin, Texas 78704

The very filling New York-style breakfast sandwiches from the Bouldin Creek food truck are mostly under $9. Grab a classic bacon, egg, and cheese on a toasted roll to get the New York experience. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online or in person, and delivery is available via DoorDash, UberEats, and ChowNow. There is also outdoor dining.

Open in Google Maps

1311 South 1st Street, Austin, Texas 78704

Visit Website

A hand holds two sides of an open egg, sausage, and cheese sandwich up to the camera. — Start your day with a breakfast sandwich that is easy on your wallet.

Soup Peddler

2801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

For quick and easy meals, this reliable Austin soup chain dishes out hearty soups, salads, juice, smoothies, and grilled cheese, with all items under $12. Try the mulligatawny with lentils, veggies, and coconut milk. Takeout orders can be placed online, and all locations have outdoor dining areas.

2801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

A grilled cheese that is split in two sits next to a bowl of chicken and rice soup with carrots and celery. — Sometimes a soup and a simple grilled cheese is all you need.

Related Maps

Habanero Cafe

501 W Oltorf St (Durwood), Austin, TX 78704

The beloved Dawson family-owned Mexican restaurant has many affordable options on its daytime menu, including $4 tacos, $7 tortas and gorditas, plus breakfast plates and enchiladas for around $12. Takeout orders can be placed in person and there is indoor dining.

501 W Oltorf St (Durwood), Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

Frazier's

2538 Elmont Drive, TX 78741

Open daily from noon to 2 a.m., Frazier’s serves up classic dive bar food with all dishes under $12, including its hefty patty melt, a $6 corn dog, and several vegan options. The $4 Frizzle fries — a combination of a curly fry and a wedge fry — are a diner-favorite, and get even more decadent with a $4 add on of spicy homemade cheese sauce. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas.

Open in Google Maps

2538 Elmont Drive, TX 78741

Visit Website

Ras Modern Indian

2700 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

This Dawson food truck is all about serving modern, affordable Indian dishes in bowl form. Diners can dig into bowls of dal, the tikka, and the kofta korma meals for around $12, and if you have more money to spend, spring for its samosas. These delightful spiced potato pastries are served with mint and chutney and come in orders of three ($8-$9) or six ($14). Takeout orders can be placed online, and there is outdoor dining.

2700 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

Several dishes sit together on a table, including (clockwise) a salad, chicken curry, meatballs, french fries, a burger, a second burger, and roti with rice and beans. — Modern Indian food that’s delicious and affordable.

Bella Donna Subs

4612 Burleson Rd, Austin, TX 78744

This no-frills Italian-American deli in McKinney specializes in fantastic subs. Whether hot or cold is your preference, the menu is full of sandwiches under $11, including its spicy cheesesteak and the hefty Reuben. Takeout orders can be placed in person or over the phone and there is indoor dining.

4612 Burleson Rd, Austin, TX 78744

Visit Website

El Perrito

730 W Stassney Ln, Austin, TX 78745

El Paso-styled rolled tacos can be quite filling, especially when served in sets of three or six for $12 and under. Diners can also find sharable dishes like carne asada nachos for $10, a plate of four red cheese enchiladas for $10 served with rice, and an eclectic menu of hot dog dishes, including the ELP Doggie, a hamburger-style hot dog made with red franks, chile beans, spicy mayo and ketchup, mustard, and pickles. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person, and there is outdoor dining.

730 W Stassney Ln, Austin, TX 78745

Visit Website

Three beef tacos with cheese and lettuce are crammed together. — El Perrito promises crunchy tacos, eclectic hot dog dishes, and plates of enchilada all for under $12.

Related Maps