San Antonio has a selection of world-class restaurants but not all of them have to come with a high dinner bill. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or the exotic, we’ve got you covered.
Read on for 50 Cheap Places to Eat in San Antonio:
AMERICAN CLASSICS
Burger Boy– This burger joint has two locations in the city and one of our favorite cheap restaurants in San Antonio. Their specials include the sandwich, side, and a drink and they’re all under $10!
The Barbecue Station– Get a huge plate of BBQ with meat and two sides for $10.99 or less.
Dignowty Meats– Barbecue is good but this is better. Get the Burnt End Melt with brisket, sliced pears, and cheddar mac with sauce for just $8.
FattBoy’s Burgers & Dogs– Their signature burger is just $6.50 and everything else is priced well. Their goal isn’t to be cheap, it’s to the best so either way, worth it!
The Friendly Spot Ice House– This kid-friendly ice house offers local brews plus American and Mexican favorites.
Jim’s Restaurant– This regional coffee shop chain is a sure-thing for low prices. They also serve breakfast all day, earning it a spot on our list of great cheap places to eat in San Antonio!
Lulu’s Bakery & Cafe– Come here for giant portions without giant prices. The cinnamon roll is $12 and it’s bigger than your head. Be sure to try the chicken fried steak.
Memo’s Bakery & Cafe– Whether you stop by for breakfast or stay for lunch, this place has you covered. Their prices are reasonable and everything is made from scratch.
Pancake Joe’s– This mom and pop restaurant is low key and so are their prices. Be sure to order the pancakes!
The Luxury– Don’t let the name fool you. This down-home joint has an awesome patio, a small menu, and decent prices.
The Station Cafe– Grab sandwiches, salads, or pizza- everything here is cheap!
WD Deli– Their missing is delicious foods at affordable prices so you know this fits the bill. Enjoy the pick two or pick three where you can choose from two or three of their soup, salad, or half-sandies.
SOUTH OF THE BORDER
Blue Moon Mexican Restaurant– They’re only open for breakfast and lunch but this no-frills Mexican joint is just the place and definitely earns its spot on our list of excellent cheap restaurants in San Antonio.
Cascabel Mexican Patio– Open until 3 pm, this place is great for breakfast and lunch. Try the Tlacoyos for just $7.50.
Garcia’s Mexican Food To Go– This place has a few small tables but most people take their food to go, just like the name says. Simple, delicious Mexican food at great prices on Fredricksburg Road.
Mya’s Tex Mex Cafe– This casual restaurant has a full menu with awesome options. They’re on Culebra Road.
El Milagrito Cafe– For delicious Tex-Mex without breaking the bank, stop by for their breakfast menu and lunch specials.
The Original Blanco Cafe– Try the enchiladas once and you’ll know why they’re voted the best over and over again. Plus, they have daily lunch specials.
Pete’s Tako House– This family-run restaurant offers a huge menu of Tex-Mex favorites. The tacos can’t be beat- just $3.29 or less per taco.
Pollo’s Asados Los Nortenos– Everything on the menu here is delicious and cheap.
Ray’s Drive Inn– The home of the original Puffy Taco has lunch and dinner without breaking the bank. You can get 6 beef tacos for $10 and they have some varieties even cheaper!
Ro-Ho Pork & Bread– The chef here is the master of Tortas. Their sandwiches are Guadalajara style and all $8 or less.
Taqueria Datapoint– Selling breakfast all day long, this is a great spot to grab your tacos without breaking the bank. They’re on Medical Drive.
Tito’s Mexican Restaurant– This restaurant offers Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican foods. Their Express Lunch menu has 16 options for $6.95. Don’t forget their Happy Hour deals!
PIZZA & SANDWICHES
Capos Pizzeria– Stop by during lunch from 11 am- 3 pm for their daily lunch specials like wings with a side and drink for just $8.95. They also have all-day long specials each week.
DelliGattis– You can find salads, soups, and dinner plates at this restaurant but their sandwiches are a great deal. Piled high and full of fixins, all for $9 or less.
Florio’s– Here, you can get pizza by the slice starting at just $2.50 each. A small pie is just $8.40. Spring for the homemade desserts.
Gino’s Deli– This convenience store gas station actually has great food. They are a San Antonio legend and their portions are large.
Guillermo’s–Â This burger and pizza restaurant also packs up awesome sandwiches. Stop by during lunch for their Tony’s Special where you get a delicious, fresh-made sandwich plus a side for less than $12.
Pizzarito’s– You can get a small cheese and a small order of wings for less than $20. Perfect for lunch!
Randolph Deli– The menu here is small and basic but the food is great nonetheless. The prices are even better. Plus, they have ice cream!
Ray’s Pizzeria– This local chain restaurant has San Antonio in mind. New York Style and family-friendly, their huge pies are the icing on the cake. Check out their daily and weekly specials to save in a pinch.
Rock & Roll Sub Shop– Just subs here. Fresh, generous, and cheap! They also have drinks, salads, fixins, and sides.
Rome’s Pizza– Pizza, pasta, salads, and subs. Here, you can get it all! Nothing on the menu is over $25 and most are under $10.
Sandwich de Paris– This French-inspired deli offers salads, entrees, sandwiches, and more. The Pork Belly is just $9.25 and worth it.
Zito’s Deli– You can get either an Italian Sub or a Gyro for $9 or less. Be sure and order the half size, just trust us.
FROM THE SEA & BEYOND
Bayseas Catfish House– This family-run seafood restaurant has your typical fried fish, catfish, shrimp, and more. Lunch specials are just $9.99.
Berni Vietnamese Restaurant– If you don’t know Pho, you don’t know anything. It’s a delicious, refreshing Vietnamese soup and it’s usually $10 or less. If soup isn’t what you’re craving, try the grilled pork spring rolls for just $6.
Cerroni’s Purple Garlic– This neighborhood Italian joint is super friendly and easy on the wallet. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, apps, desserts, and more are all reasonably priced.
Fratellos Deli– This Italian eatery has everything from pasta to pizza. Stop by during lunch for multiple options under $13.
Green Vegetarian Cuisine– You would expect this restaurant to be bland and pricey but that isn’t so. They pride themselves on foods so delicious, you don’t miss the meat. Be sure to stop by during breakfast. The options are plenty at a great price.
Gogi Street– This counter-service restaurant offers typical Korean street food. Order the Bulgogi.
Kobam’s African Restaurant– Meat pies are a little like Empanadas and here they’re only $2.50. You’ll definitely want to try the Jollof Rice. You get a huge plate with meat for $15 or less.
Little Fish Factory– This counter-service restaurant has awesome food with easy prices. They’re on S WW White Road.
Osaka Steak & Sushi– Stop by for Happy Hour and get 2 hand rolls for $15 or 3 for $20. They have various locations and multiple happy hours.
Pasha Mediterranean Restaurant– Proving gourmet food doesn’t have to be expensive, Pasha’s is awesome. They have several locations in Texas for all of your falafel and gyro needs and are one of our favorite cheap places to eat in San Antonio.
Rudy’s Seafood– This is the best place to go if you’re ordering for a group. While a two-piece fish is $9.99, you can get a whole platter for a large group for just $29.99.
Schilo’s– This German restaurant has awesome, house-made root beers and a variety of cuisine. Try the Papa Fritz sandwich for just $9.50.
Tarka Indian Kitchen– This local counter-service chain offers curries, kebobs, and more in a relaxed atmosphere. They even have a kids menu!
Thai Spice & Sushi– If you’re looking for something new, you have to try this place. Their Thai food is authentic and not too pricey. Try the Thom Yum soup. You can get a size large for just $12.
Looking for more great food deals? Don’t forget to check out our guide to restaurants where kids eat free in San Antonio.
Did we miss your favorite cheap San Antonio restaurant? Tell the readers where to go by leaving a comment below: