DineSpin

Best Cheap Eats in Austin

Find the best cheap eats restaurants in Austin, TX. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Austin's cheap eats scene runs the full spectrum—from gas station taquerias that've been perfect for decades to food trucks that charge prices that make you question your own math. What matters here isn't hitting every taco stand in a ten-mile radius; it's finding the places where portion sizes don't shrink, ingredients stay fresh, and the bill never ambushes you. These ten spots do that reliably.

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Best Cheap Eats in Austin

1.

Tlayudas Don Ramón

95/100

Tlayudas Don Ramón is a highly-regarded, small, authentic Oaxacan eatery celebrated for its excellent tlayudas and tacos, friendly owners, and great value. Despite its 'hole-in-the-wall' nature and potential for waits due to limited seating, it's worth trying for its delicious, fresh food and warm hospitality.

Pro tip: The best tlayudas I’ve eaten here and I’ve tried a lot.

🍽️Food98

The tlayudas and tacos are well-regarded for their authentic, delicious, and fresh flavors, often described as the best in Oaxaca.

The tlayudas and the tacos and they were amazing

👋Service95

The owners, Ramón and Adriana, are frequently highlighted for their outstanding kindness, friendliness, and attentiveness, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

The family were very attentive and friendly

Vibe75

The atmosphere is described as intimate, cozy, and authentic, fitting the 'hole-in-the-wall' experience, though it is very small.

Intimate atmosphere

💰Value95

The restaurant is consistently lauded for its very reasonable prices, offering first-rate value for the quality and portion sizes.

Good prices and good service

📍 Faustino G. Olivera 204 B, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, COL FIGUEROA, 68070 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
4.9$RUTA INDEPENDENCIAMexican
Ideal for
Authentic Oaxacan cuisine seekersDiners prioritizing friendly serviceBudget-conscious travelers
2.

Ichi Shokudo

95/100

Ichi Shokudo is a highly-regarded Japanese food truck in Austin known for its excellent, fresh, and authentic-tasting dishes. Well-regarded for the friendly service, generous portions, and outstanding value, making it a top choice for a quick and satisfying meal.

Pro tip: Delicious food! Tastes fresh and carefully made with the best ingredients.

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate taste, freshness, and high-quality ingredients, with many diners noting it rivals traditional restaurants and evokes authentic Japanese flavors.

Tastes fresh and carefully made

👋Service95

Service is frequently described as kind, attentive, friendly, and welcoming, contributing to a positive overall customer experience.

People working are always so kind

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally positive, with some noting a nice outdoor seating area and a quiet environment, though it is a food truck with limited seating.

Nice outdoor atmosphere

💰Value95

Diners consistently highlight the top-notch value, noting generous portions and reasonable prices that offer a significant 'bang for your buck'.

Great value

📍 1210 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
5$$AustinJapanese
Ideal for
Quick and delicious lunchAuthentic Japanese food cravingsValue-conscious diners
3.

Connections Kindness Cafe and Closet

95/100

Connections Kindness Cafe and Closet is a highly-regarded establishment known for its delicious, well-priced food and remarkably kind, family-like service. It uniquely combines a cafe with a thrift store, offering a welcoming atmosphere and great value.

Pro tip: Amazing place owners are such amazing people and make even better food

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for being delicious, well-seasoned, and high-quality, with specific mentions of excellent burgers, green chili, and homemade salsa.

The food was delicious!

👋Service95

Staff and owners are repeatedly described as kind, friendly, amazing, and treating customers like family, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

The staff is welcoming

Vibe95

The atmosphere is frequently highlighted as amazing, kind, serene, and family-like, contributing to a positive overall experience.

Amazing vibe and great food

💰Value95

Diners consistently find the food to be a great price, with generous portions that exceed the cost.

Tons of food for the price !!!

📍 4561 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, United States
5$$AustinAmerican
Ideal for
Diners seeking delicious, affordable mealsThose who appreciate a friendly, family-like atmosphereShoppers looking for quality thrift items
4.

The Fez Food

95/100

The Fez Food is a highly-regarded Moroccan food truck in Austin, celebrated for its authentic and delicious cuisine, particularly its lamb dishes. The owner, Camilla, is well-regarded for her excellent hospitality and passion, creating a welcoming experience that complements the high-quality food and outstanding value.

Pro tip: The food and service are absolutely Amazing! Camilla, the owner, made me two sides to try so she could make me the one I liked best!

🍽️Food98

The Moroccan cuisine is well-regarded for its authentic flavors, high-quality ingredients, and expertly prepared dishes, particularly the lamb tagine and kebabs.

The food and service are absolutely Amazing!

👋Service97

Owner Camilla's first-rate hospitality, attentiveness, and genuine care for customer satisfaction are frequently highlighted as a standout aspect of the dining experience.

Camilla Was so welcoming

Vibe75

As a food truck, the atmosphere is casual and focused on the food, with limited seating and no distinct ambiance.

This food truck is a favorite!

💰Value95

The restaurant offers generous portions and high-quality, authentic food at very reasonable prices, making it an top-notch value.

My entire dinner for $20

📍 2714 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705, United States
5$AustinMediterranean
Ideal for
Authentic Moroccan food loversDiners seeking top-notch hospitalityValue-conscious diners
5.

Hello Doner

92/100

Hello Doner is a highly-regarded Austin eatery celebrated for serving what many consider the best doner in the city. It excels in providing authentic, flavorful, and fresh food at very affordable prices, often including a complimentary drink.

Pro tip: Best doner in Austin! Juicy, tender, delicious, fresh, and affordable with free drinks.

🍽️Food95

The doner is well-regarded for its authentic taste, juicy and aromatic meat, and fresh ingredients, often described as the best in Austin.

Best doner I’ve had here in Austin

👋Service88

Service is generally described as friendly, fast, and welcoming, with staff noted for being knowledgeable and helpful.

Really great service and excellent food

Vibe75

The atmosphere is described as bright and welcoming, though not a primary focus for diners.

The aesthetic looks bright!

💰Value95

The restaurant is well-regarded for its affordable prices, generous portions, and the inclusion of a complimentary drink with doner orders.

Most affordable and delicious food on campus

📍 2021 Guadalupe St #234, Austin, TX 78705
4.9$$AustinMediterranean
Ideal for
Doner enthusiasts seeking authentic tasteDiners looking for affordable, hearty mealsQuick lunch or snack breaks
6.

Grilled Chicken

92/100

This Austin food truck is well-regarded for its delicious and flavorful grilled chicken dishes, offering excellent taste at very affordable prices. The service is friendly and fast, contributing to a consistently positive dining experience.

Pro tip: This food truck has started a new business, serving amazing food.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its delicious taste, flavor, and tender chicken. Several diners highlight specific dishes like the chicken sandwich and chicken and rice as outstanding.

Absolutely delicious!!!

👋Service90

Service is described as friendly and good, with staff noted as nice people.

Nice people good service

Vibe75

As a food truck, the vibe is casual and functional, with no specific ambiance details provided.

💰Value95

The food is considered very cheap and delicious, offering first-rate value for money.

Best taste food and very cheap price.

📍 3820 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, United States
5$AustinAmerican
Ideal for
Quick and tasty lunch — fast service and delicious optionsBudget-conscious diners — very cheap prices with high qualityChicken lovers — specific recognition for chicken dishes
7.

Paola's Kitchen

92/100

Paola's Kitchen is a highly-regarded family-owned food trailer in Austin, celebrated for its excellent tacos, menudo, and other Mexican staples. Well-regarded for the delicious food, friendly service, and outstanding value.

Pro tip: The best food at a great price! Saturdays they have the best menudo.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its outstanding flavor and quality, with specific highlights including tacos, quesadillas, gorditas, and menudo.

The best food at a great price!

👋Service90

Service is described as polite and friendly, contributing to a positive customer experience.

Very polite

Vibe85

The atmosphere is characterized as a casual, local 'hole in the wall' or food trailer, appreciated for its authenticity.

Great hole in the wall

💰Value95

The restaurant is frequently noted for offering first-rate food at a very reasonable price, representing a significant value.

Definitely a steal

📍 1700 W Anderson Ln., Austin, TX 78757, United States
5$AustinMexican
Ideal for
Taco lovers — authentic and flavorful optionsValue seekers — high quality at low pricesSupporters of local businesses — family-owned operation
8.

Cockti Juicy Fried Chicken

92/100

Cockti Juicy Fried Chicken is a highly-regarded food truck celebrated for its excellent, flavorful fried chicken, unique spice blends, and generous portions at outstanding prices. Well-regarded for the friendly service, particularly from the owners, and the high quality of the food.

Pro tip: Best fried chicken ever, with unique flavors and great value.

🍽️Food98

The fried chicken is well-regarded for its unique, bold flavors, perfect crispiness, and juicy interior. Unique spice blends and sauces are a highlight.

Best fried chicken I’ve ever had

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as remarkably friendly, helpful, and accommodating, with owners often noted for their personal touch.

The owners are incredibly kind

Vibe75

The atmosphere is typical of a food truck, with limited seating, often described as casual and functional.

A few picnic.

💰Value95

Diners consistently find the generous portion sizes and high quality of the food to be remarkably well-priced.

Pricing was awesome

📍 2701 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702, United States
4.9$$AustinAmerican
Ideal for
Fried chicken enthusiasts seeking unique flavorsDiners prioritizing value and portion sizeThose with gluten sensitivities
9.

Golden Tiger at Marlow

92/100

Golden Tiger at Marlow is a highly-regarded Austin eatery celebrated for its excellent smash burgers and delicious wings, offered at a great value. The atmosphere is generally chill and suitable for late-night dining, with friendly service.

Pro tip: The burgers are amazing, I just absolutely dreeeeam about the wings.

🍽️Food95

The smash burgers and wings are well-regarded as outstanding, with specific mentions of the Golden Burger and Western Burger. The chicken sandwich and tofu basket also receive positive remarks.

Burgers are amazing, I just absolutely dreeeeam about the wings

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly and nice, with one standout mention of first-rate kindness from a server named Lily.

Lily went above and beyond!

Vibe85

The atmosphere is described as chill and good for late-night bites, with mentions of live music at the bar.

Awesome vibes and top-notch food

💰Value95

The pricing is frequently highlighted as amazing, especially considering the quality and taste of the food.

Incredible burger for only $7

📍 700 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
4.8$$AustinBurgers
Ideal for
Burger enthusiastsLate-night cravingsValue-conscious diners
10.

Armando's Kitchen & Deli

92/100

Armando's Kitchen & Deli is a well-regarded, casual eatery located within a gas station, celebrated for its consistently delicious, fresh, and affordably priced Mexican and American fare, particularly breakfast tacos and sandwiches. Despite a basic atmosphere, the friendly service and high-quality, made-to-order food make it a popular choice.

Pro tip: Amazing food, great and speedy service

🍽️Food95

Well-regarded for its delicious and flavorful Mexican and American dishes, with a particular emphasis on breakfast tacos and sandwiches. Ingredients are noted as fresh and meals are made to order.

Amazing. The quality is suuuper consistent

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, fast, and attentive, with staff noted for their hard work and care.

Great service, and good food

Vibe60

The atmosphere is consistently noted as being basic or lacking due to its location inside a gas station, though some find it quaint or a 'favorite'.

Low on atmosphere

💰Value95

The restaurant is highly regarded for its affordability, offering large portions and high-quality food at reasonable prices.

Good food at a good price

📍 2400 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705, United States
4.9$AustinMexican
Ideal for
Quick and affordable mealsBreakfast tacos and sandwichesDiners prioritizing food quality over ambiance

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