Jump to: Tex-Mex & Tacos | Comfort Food & Delis | Pizza, Seafood & Global Bites
Eating incredibly well in San Antonio doesn’t mean you have to stretch your wallet. From historic downtown delis and heritage taco joints to sizzling neighborhood grills, the Alamo City is packed with legendary local spots where a ten-dollar bill goes surprisingly far. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch near the River Walk or late-night street tacos on the West Side, saving money on food in SA is both easy and delicious.
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Check out our articles on Best Brunch in San Antonio, Best Pizza in San Antonio, Best BBQ in San Antonio, Best Bakeries in San Antonio, Dim Sum San Antonio, and Best Fast Food in San Antonio.
Best Cheap Eats in San Antonio: Tex-Mex & Taco Spots
Taqueria Datapoint
This Medical Center staple is famous across San Antonio for serving authentic, flavorful Mexican street food at rock-bottom prices. Their mini tacos stacked with savory pastor or carne asada deliver massive flavor without breaking the bank.
It is the ultimate destination when you need a fast, filling breakfast or a late-night taco craving satisfied under budget.
Localite Tip: Grab their morning breakfast taco special before 11:00 AM to get three breakfast tacos for under $5.
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 6 am – 12 am | Friday – Saturday 6 am – 3 am
Where: 4061 Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229
How Much: $2.00 – $8.00 per person
Taquitos West Avenue
Image credit: TAQUITOS West Ave. Facebook
Widely considered home to some of the absolute best street tacos in central Texas, Taquitos West Avenue keeps things simple by doing one thing perfectly. Their tender al pastor, sliced fresh off the trompo, and slow-cooked suadero tacos are legendary.
The fast-moving line and open-air layout make it an energetic, authentic dining experience that consistently lands under ten dollars.
Localite Tip: Order the five-taco plate with extra grilled onions and cilantro, then load up at their fresh salsa bar.
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10 am – 12 am | Friday – Saturday 10 am – 3 pm
Where: 2818 West Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
How Much: $1.75 per taco ($7.00 – $9.50 for a full order)
Ray’s Drive Inn
Home of the Original Puffy Taco, Ray’s Drive Inn has been a West Side institution since 1956. Their signature fried masa shells puff up light and crispy while holding generous portions of seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or carne guisada.
Stepping into Ray’s feels like taking a nostalgic step back in time, complete with vintage memorabilia and classic drive-in charm.
Localite Tip: Get the two puffy taco combo plate paired with house-made beans and rice for a classic meal under budget.
Operating Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday 11 am – 8 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm
Where: 822 SW 19th St, San Antonio, TX 78207
How Much: $3.25 per puffy taco ($7.50 – $9.99 for combo plates)
Eddie’s Taco House
A favorite among locals on both the South Side and North Side, Eddie’s Taco House delivers old-school Tex-Mex comfort food served hot, fast, and friendly.
Their daily lunch and dinner specials consistently feature loaded Tex-Mex plates accompanied by fresh flour tortillas made in-house throughout the day.
Localite Tip: Visit on Thursday for their famous cheese enchilada and steak plate special offered for under $8.
Operating Hours: Daily 6 am – 2:30 pm
Where: 402 W Cevallos, San Antonio, TX 78204
How Much: $4.00 – $9.50 per meal
Los Barrios
Image credit: Los Barrios Family Restaurants Facebook
While Los Barrios is renowned as a sit-down dining landmark in San Antonio, savvy local foodies know it also offers incredible daily value specials. Their classic Tex-Mex recipes have been praised nationally while staying deeply rooted in family tradition.
You get the full polished restaurant service experience without paying premium prices if you order smartly off their daily special board.
Localite Tip: Stop by for their Tuesday dine-in special featuring two crispy tacos, rice, and beans for under $8.
Operating Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm | Sunday 10 am – 9 PM
Where: 4223 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78212
How Much: $7.99 – $10.00 for lunch specials
Las Palapas
A beloved San Antonio staple since 1981 with dozens of locations across the metro area, Las Palapas bridges the gap between fast drive-thru convenience and authentic cooked-to-order Tex-Mex.
Whether you need a quick drive-thru breakfast taco on your commute or a filling sitting lunch, Las Palapas delivers consistent value across town.
Localite Tip: Take advantage of their weekday lunch combos (11 AM – 4 PM) featuring enchiladas or taco plates under $10.
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 6 am – 10 pm | Sunday 9 am – 3 pm
Where: 1564 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232
How Much: $3.00 – $9.99 per plate
Budget Dining SA: Classic Comfort Food & Delis
Schilo’s
Image credit: Schilo’s Facebook
As San Antonio’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, Schilo’s has been serving heart-warming German-Texan comfort dishes in downtown SA since 1917. Located just steps from the River Walk, it offers historic ambiance alongside incredible value.
Their world-famous split pea soup and house-made root beer make every visit feel special and authentic.
Localite Tip: Order the Pioneer Sweet Cream Pancakes combo or a bowl of split pea soup with rye bread for a downtown lunch under $9.
Operating Hours: Daily 8 am – 2:30 pm
Where: 424 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: $6.00 – $9.99 per meal
WD-Deli
Image credit: W. D. DELI Facebook
Housed in a charming converted house on Broadway near the Pearl, WD-Deli has been crafting huge, high-quality deli sandwiches, soups, and salads for decades.
The bright, welcoming atmosphere paired with generous portion sizes makes it a top midday hangout for locals working nearby.
Localite Tip: Get the half-sandwich and soup combo—their chicken tortilla soup paired with half a turkey deli sandwich is a local legend under $10.
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 4 pm | Saturday 8 am – 4 pm | Sunday 9 am – 3 pm
Where: 3123 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
How Much: $7.50 – $10.00 per person
Wayne’s Wings
Consistently ranked among the absolute best wing spots in Texas, Wayne’s Wings is famous for inventive flavor combinations and massive, ultra-crispy chicken tenders and wings.
While big wing baskets can run higher, their lunch baskets and individual combo options offer serious meaty value for budget diners.
Localite Tip: Try the Duke Sauce chicken tender lunch special served with seasoned fries for right around $9.
Operating Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Thursday 10:30 am – 8 pm | Saturday 10:30 am – 9 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
Where: 4453 Walzem Rd, San Antonio, TX 78218
How Much: $8.50 – $10.00 for lunch combos
Cheap Food SA: Pizza, Seafood & Global Bites
Capo’s Pizzeria
If you are craving authentic Buffalo-style, NY-thin-crust pizza in San Antonio, Capo’s Pizzeria serves up handcrafted giant slices made with fresh dough and house sauce daily.
The casual neighborhood joint atmosphere and fast service make it ideal for a quick, high-utility budget bite.
Localite Tip: Grab their lunch combo special—a giant slice of pizza with your choice of topping, a side salad, and a fountain drink for under $9.75.
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 8 pm
Where: 8522 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78217
How Much: $4.00 – $9.75 per person
Know Before You Go
While many of these top cheap eats are clustered in central San Antonio, downtown, and the Medical Center, budget-friendly dining is easily accessible throughout the entire Greater San Antonio metroplex. Drivers coming in from surrounding suburbs like Alamo Ranch, Stone Oak, Universal City, or Helotes will find that most spots sit right off major arteries like I-10, Loop 410, and Loop 1604, making a delicious meal under $10 just a quick 15-to-20 minute drive away.
Common Questions about Cheap Eats in San Antonio
What are the best cheap eats in downtown San Antonio near the River Walk?
If you are sticking near downtown, head straight to Schilo’s German-Texan Restaurant on Commerce Street for historic lunch specials under $9, or take a short walk over to Southtown for authentic Mexican street plates at Eddie’s Taco House.
Where can I find breakfast tacos in San Antonio for under $5?
San Antonio is famous for affordable breakfast tacos! Spots like Taqueria Datapoint and El Rodeo de Jalisco offer multi-taco breakfast specials accompanied by coffee or salsa for under $5 before 11 AM daily.
Are there budget-friendly dining options open late in San Antonio?
Yes! For late-night dining under $10, Taquitos West Avenue serves up hot street tacos until 3:00 AM on weekends, while several Las Palapas locations across town feature drive-thru options late into the evening.
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