Updated: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Jump To: Mexican | Breakfast | International | Comfort Food | Downtown | Late-Night
San Antonio is one of the best food cities in Texas for eating well on a budget. From legendary taco joints and Tex-Mex staples to international kitchens and late-night comfort food, the city offers countless affordable restaurants where quality and value go hand in hand.
This guide to cheap eats in San Antonio features 40+ budget-friendly restaurants where most meals come in under $15. All listings are verified as operating going into 2026 and organized by category to help you find the right spot fast.
Best Cheap Eats in San Antonio – Mexican & Tex-Mex Eats
Taqueria Datapoint
A classic neighborhood taqueria where tacos stay inexpensive because the menu focuses on simple, traditional fillings done right.
Where: 4061 Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229
Operating Hours: Friday – Saturday 6:00 am – 3:00 am | Sunday – Thursday 6:00 am – 12:00 am
Taquitos West Ave
Mini tacos keep prices low while delivering big flavor, making it one of the best late-night value spots in the city.
Where: 2818 West Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
Operating Hours: Friday – Saturday 10:00 am – 3:00 am | Sunday – Thursday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Taqueria Jalisco No. 1
Low prices come from fast service and classic taco combinations that don’t rely on trendy add-ons.
Where: 902 S Port Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78405
Operating Hours: Daily 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
El Bucanero
Seafood stays affordable by focusing on street-style tostadas and cocktails instead of expensive plated dishes.
Where: 16505 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78232
Operating Hours: Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Los Barrios
Image credit: Los Barrios Family Restaurants
While known for tradition, lunch specials and combo plates keep it accessible for budget diners.
Where: 4223 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78212
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Thursday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Blanco Cafe
Simple Tex-Mex comfort food keeps costs low while delivering familiar flavors locals trust.
Where: 1720 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78212
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 6:00 am – 7:00 pm | Sunday 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ray’s Drive Inn
Puffy tacos remain affordable thanks to a focused menu and no-frills service.
Where: 822 SW 19th St, San Antonio, TX 78207
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Thursday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
El Chaparral
Portion sizes and combo plates make this a solid value for Tex-Mex fans.
Where: 2838 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Taqueria Guadalajara
Neighborhood pricing and traditional plates keep meals affordable and filling.
Where: 5818 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 6:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 6:00 am – 12:00 am
Tlahco Mexican Kitchen
Authentic Mexican comfort food stays inexpensive thanks to daily specials and scratch cooking.
Where: 6702 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216
Operating Hours: Daily 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Taqueria Los Cuates
Straightforward tacos and plates mean lower prices and consistent quality.
Where: 732 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Operating Hours: Sunday CLOSED | Monday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Tuesday – Thursday 12:00 pm – 12:00 am | Friday 12:00 pm – 2:00 am | Saturday 2:00 pm – 2:00 am
Affordable Breakfast & Taco Spots
Original Donut Shop
Low prices come from fast turnover, classic recipes, and 24-hour service without gimmicks.
Where: 3307 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pete’s Tako House
Breakfast tacos stay cheap because of simple fillings, quick service, and long-standing local demand.
Where: 502 Brooklyn Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Las Palapas
Value pricing comes from combo meals and consistency across locations.
Where: 4802 Walzem Rd, Windcrest, TX 78218
Operating Hours: Friday – Saturday 24/7 | Sunday – Thursday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Taco Palenque
Affordable prices are driven by counter service and high-volume operations.
Where: 5706 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238
Operating Hours: 24/7
Tommy’s Restaurant
Classic American breakfasts stay inexpensive thanks to a small, focused menu.
Where: 8823 Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78240
Operating Hours: Sunday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm | Monday – Saturday 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Rolando’s Super Taco
Large tacos at low prices make this a breakfast and lunch favorite.
Where: 919 W Hildebrand Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm | Monday – Thursday 7:30 am – 1:00 pm | Wednesday 6:30 am – 1:00 pm | Thursday – Friday 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
Ro-Ho Pork & Bread
Image credit: RO-HO Pork & Bread
Ro-Ho Pork & Bread serves authentic Mexico City-style street food in San Antonio, specializing in drowned sourdough sandwiches known as tortas ahogadas that are packed with carnitas and drenched in a spicy tomato sauce.
Where: 8617 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78217
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Loncheria El Popo
Loncheria El Popo is a long-standing San Antonio staple known for serving authentic, budget-friendly Mexican street food and signature steamed burgers in a casual, no-frills environment.
Where: 6557 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216
Operating Hours: Sunday – Monday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Tuesday – Saturday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cheap International Eats
Sichuan House
Lunch specials and shareable dishes keep authentic Chinese food affordable.
Where: 3505 Wurzbach Rd #102, San Antonio, TX 78238
Operating Hours: Thursday CLOSED | Wednesday – Monday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm & 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Kimura
Image credit: Kimura
Japanese comfort food stays budget-friendly thanks to izakaya-style portions and simple plating.
Where: 1017 N Flores St, San Antonio, TX 78212
Operating Hours: Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Saturday 11:00 am – 10:30 pm
Dallah Mediterranean Cuisine
Large portions of rice, meat, and bread offer strong value for the price.
Where: 5450 Babcock Rd #112, San Antonio, TX 78240
Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
India Oven
Lunch specials and vegetarian options keep costs down while maintaining flavor.
Where: 1031 Patricia Dr #106, San Antonio, TX 78213
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 am – 2:30 pm & 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Pho Kim Long
Pho bowls provide affordable, filling meals built around broth and noodles.
Where: 4230 McCullough Ave #2, San Antonio, TX 78212
Operating Hours: Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday – Monday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thai Dee
Traditional Thai dishes remain affordable through lunch pricing and family-style portions.
Where: 5307 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216
Operating Hours: Saturday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Sunday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Jerusalem Grill
Mediterranean plates offer generous servings that stretch your dollar.
Where: 203 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78232
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 9:30 pm
Gino’s Deli Stop & Buy
Gino’s Deli Stop & Buy is a highly-rated, no-frills hidden gem in San Antonio that serves award-winning Philly cheesesteaks and hearty deli sandwiches inside a neighborhood convenience store.
Where: 13210 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230
Operating Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm | Thursday – Saturday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Budget Burgers, Fried Chicken & Comfort Food – Cheap Eats in San Antonio
Chris Madrid’s
Big burgers stay affordable by focusing on classics instead of gourmet extras.
Where: 1900 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78212
Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Chester’s Hamburgers
Drive-in simplicity keeps prices low and portions generous.
Where: 1006 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78209
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Mr. Juicy
Smash burgers offer premium flavor without premium pricing, one of the best cheap eats in San Antonio.
Where: 3315 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tycoon Flats
Image credit: Tycoon Flats N St Mary’s Strip
Burger deals and happy-hour pricing help keep costs reasonable.
Where: 2926 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Babe’s Old Fashioned Food
Classic diner cooking means affordable plates and reliable portions.
Where: 4535 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201
Operating Hours: Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Fred’s Fish Fry
Fried comfort food stays cheap due to simple preparation and high volume.
Where: 1406 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:45 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 10:45 pm
Station Cafe
Located in the King William District, Station Cafe serves up a diverse menu of homemade sandwiches and pizzas that offer incredible value for locals and visitors alike.
Where: 108 King William St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Snow Island & What You Want Southern Foods
Snow Island and What You Want Southern Foods is a hidden gem in San Antonio that serves up generous portions of authentic soul food staples like meatloaf, fried chicken wings, and flavorful sides at budget-friendly prices.
Where: 102 Springfield Rd, San Antonio, TX 78219
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday – Sunday 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Southtown Street Food
Southtown Street Food offers an authentic and budget-friendly taste of San Antonio through its flavorful variety of tacos and classic Mexican snacks.
Where: 820 N Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78215
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday CLOSED | Friday – Sunday 6:00 pm – 2:00 am
Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant
Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant is a local favorite on San Antonio’s East Side known for serving affordable, home-cooked Southern staples like fried catfish, smothered meatloaf, and candied yams in a welcoming environment.
Where: 2351 E Commerce St Ste 105, San Antonio, TX 78203
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm | Sunday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Cheap Eats in San Antonio – Downtown & Near the River Walk
Rosario’s
Lunch pricing and combo plates make downtown Tex-Mex affordable.
Where: 722 S St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 1:00 am | Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Schilo’s
Large sandwiches and soups offer strong value for the price.
Where: 424 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Operating Hours: Daily 8:00 am – 2:30 pm
Pinterketon’s Barbecue
Affordable sandwich options make quality BBQ accessible.
Where: 107 W Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Wednesday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Thursday – Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
La Panaderia
Breakfast pastries and tortas provide artisan quality without high costs.
Where: 301 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Zocco Cuisine D’Italia
Lunch portions and specials offer River Walk dining at lower prices.
Where: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 12:00 am
Late-Night Cheap Eats in San Antonio
Mama Margie’s
Drive-thru Tex-Mex and late hours keep it affordable and convenient.
Where: 9950 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230
Operating Hours: 24/7
Tacos El Regio
Street tacos remain inexpensive due to simple ingredients and fast service.
Where: 12757 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217
Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 2:00 am
Burger Boy
Late-night burgers and shakes stay affordable thanks to counter service.
Where: 151 W Bitters Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10:30 am – 12:00 am | Friday – Saturday 10:30 am – 1:00 am
Chacho’s
Large portions make this a budget-friendly late-night option.
Where: 8629 Perrin Beitel, San Antonio, TX 78217
Operating Hours: 24/7
Done with your meal? Keep the day going with our guide to weekend events & activities around San Antonio — from live music and pop-ups to local festivals.
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