DineSpin

Best Cheap Eats in Dallas

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

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Dallas cheap eats aren't about Instagram appeal—they're about the moment when a bowl of kimbap or a tray of fried chicken hits the table and you realize you're getting fed better for less money than you have any right to expect. What follows is a mix of authentic neighborhood spots, family-run institutions, and one or two places where recent quality collapse should make you think twice. The best of these are genuinely good. The rest require you to know what you're walking into.

Recommended:

Best Cheap Eats in Dallas

1.

Kukulcan Mexican Restaurant

95/100

Kukulcan Mexican Restaurant is well-regarded for its authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine, particularly its cochinita pibil and chilaquiles. The service is consistently described as excellent, friendly, and attentive, often with owners actively involved. Diners find the value to be outstanding, with generous portions at reasonable prices, and the atmosphere is warm and family-friendly. It's considered a favorite with high consistency.

Pro tip: Authentic Mexican flavors, outstanding food, and warm, attentive service make this worth trying go-to.

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Mexican flavors, freshness, and delicious preparation, with many dishes like cochinita pibil and chilaquiles highlighted as first-rate.

Food and service was amazing!

👋Service97

Service is frequently described as top-notch, friendly, attentive, and warm, with owners often noted for their personal involvement and hospitality.

The service was amazing

Vibe85

The atmosphere is often described as warm, inviting, family-friendly, and cozy, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.

The place has a family-feel to it

💰Value95

Diners consistently find the prices reasonable and the portions generous, offering top-notch value for the quality of food received.

Great food at a very reasonable price

📍 1220 River Bend Dr #140, Dallas, TX 75247
4.8$$DallasMexican
Ideal for
Authentic Mexican food loversDiners seeking friendly serviceValue-conscious diners
2.

Lil Mama's Bar-B-Que

92/100

Lil Mama's Bar-B-Que is highly regarded for its remarkably flavorful and tender barbecue, generous portions, and excellent value. The restaurant consistently receives recognition for its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, making it a top choice for BBQ enthusiasts.

Pro tip: Best BBQ I had in Dallas! 10/10

🍽️Food95

The barbecue is well-regarded for its tender, flavorful, and well-seasoned meats, with standout dishes including brisket, ribs, and loaded baked potatoes. Many diners note the quality of the ingredients and the satisfying, homemade taste.

Everything tastes so fresh and homemade

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, patient, and top-notch, with staff going the extra mile to ensure a positive customer experience, even with delivery orders.

What great service and the nachos

Vibe75

The atmosphere is described as small and homestyle, with family photos on the walls, though seating can be limited.

Small place but good food

💰Value95

Diners consistently highlight the generous portions and reasonable pricing, noting that the value for money is outstanding, especially for the quantity and quality of food received.

Great portions for the price

📍 4353 Spring Ave, Dallas, TX 75210
4.9$$DallasBBQ
Ideal for
BBQ lovers seeking authentic flavorDiners prioritizing value and portion sizeTakeout and delivery orders
3.

Tacos Chacon

92/100

Tacos Chacon is a highly-regarded Dallas eatery known for its remarkably fresh and flavorful Mexican fare, generous portions, and outstanding value. Well-regarded for the friendly and attentive service, contributing to a delightful and reliable dining experience.

Pro tip: The flautas were not only affordable but great portion size. Cashier/server was very attentive and the food was amazing and fresh!

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, flavor, and quality, with specific mentions of delicious and juicy meats, flavorful salsas, and perfectly fresh tortillas.

Food was amazing and fresh

👋Service93

Service is frequently described as attentive, friendly, and gracious, with staff going out of their way to please customers.

Cashier/server was very attentive

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally viewed positively, described as delightful and clean, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.

Great atmosphere

💰Value95

Diners consistently highlight the affordable prices, great portion sizes, and overall excellent value for the quality of food received.

Affordable but great portion size

📍 400 S Zang Blvd, Dallas, TX 75208
5$DallasMexican
Ideal for
Quick and delicious lunch — convenient location and fast serviceValue-conscious diners — generous portions at affordable pricesTaco enthusiasts — perfectly fresh tortillas and juicy meats
4.

City Kitchen

88/100

City Kitchen is a popular Chinese restaurant in Dallas known for its fresh ingredients, generous portions, and fast service. It's considered a great value and a welcome addition to the Oak Cliff neighborhood, though some diners have experienced inconsistent food quality and occasional poor customer service.

Pro tip: Great spot, best in Oak Cliff so far! Food is fresh and amazing.

🍽️Food88

The food is generally known for its fresh ingredients and delicious, classic Chinese flavors, with many dishes receiving high marks. Some diners found certain items bland or overcooked, but this appears to be the exception.

All fresh and amazing

👋Service75

Service is frequently described as friendly and accommodating, though a few instances of rudeness and poor customer service have been noted, particularly from front-desk staff.

Amazing service. Highly recommend!

Vibe70

The atmosphere is typically described as simple, clean, and quiet, suitable for casual dining but lacking in distinct ambiance.

Atmosphere was simple, but very clean

💰Value95

Diners consistently highlight the generous portion sizes and reasonable prices, making it an excellent value for money.

Huge portions! And super affordable.

📍 340 S Hampton Rd, Dallas, TX 75208, United States
4.4$$DallasChinese
Ideal for
Value-conscious diners seeking large portionsQuick and convenient takeout or deliveryCasual diners looking for classic Chinese fare
5.

Pupuseria Marina

88/100

Pupuseria Marina is a highly-regarded Salvadoran eatery in Dallas, celebrated for its remarkably delicious and authentic pupusas and other homemade dishes. Despite a 'hole in the wall' ambiance and some cleanliness concerns, the outstanding food quality, friendly service, and great value make it a standout destination.

Pro tip: Those pupusas are definitely one of the best I’ve tried in Texas.

🍽️Food95

The pupusas are well-regarded as excellent, fresh, and authentic, often described as the best diners have tried. Other Salvadoran dishes also receive high marks.

Those pupusas are definitely one of the best

👋Service85

Service is frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and outstanding, with Mrs. Marina herself often highlighted for her personal touch and helpfulness, even with language barriers.

Mrs Marina went above to help me order

Vibe60

The atmosphere is often described as a 'hole in the wall' or small, lacking in physical appeal, and can be hot and noisy.

This place is a hole in the wall

💰Value95

The restaurant is consistently lauded for its first-rate value, offering generous portions of high-quality, authentic food at very reasonable prices.

Extremely low priced for how good it is

📍 9530 Overlake Dr, Dallas, TX 75220, United States
4.6$DallasSalvadoran
Ideal for
Authentic Salvadoran food loversDiners seeking great valueThose who prioritize food quality over ambiance
6.

In-N-Out Burger

75/100

In-N-Out Burger is celebrated for its remarkably affordable and fresh-tasting burgers, complemented by friendly and efficient service. While the brand is known for consistency, the fries are a frequent point of criticism, often described as dry or undercooked.

Pro tip: Amazingly cheap considering all the food one gets. And the food was amazing!

🍽️Food80

Burgers are well-regarded for freshness and flavor, though fries are frequently described as mediocre, dry, or undercooked.

The burgers and fries here are the best

👋Service90

Staff are overwhelmingly described as friendly, attentive, and efficient, often going above and beyond for customers.

The entire staff was attentive

Vibe80

The atmosphere is typically described as clean and bright, with a retro or nostalgic feel.

Clean, speedy and efficient

💰Value95

The price point is consistently highlighted as remarkably low for the quality and quantity of food offered.

Amazingly cheap considering all the food one gets.

📍 15260 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75248, United States
4.5$DallasBurgers
Ideal for
Budget-conscious diners seeking qualityBurger enthusiastsQuick and casual meals
7.

Damasita (Korean Kimbob & Deli)

88/100

Damasita is a highly-regarded Dallas eatery specializing in authentic Korean cuisine, particularly known for its fresh ingredients, generous portions, and excellent value. While most diners celebrate the friendly service and cozy atmosphere, some have experienced longer wait times and isolated instances of less-than-ideal service interactions.

Pro tip: Authentic Korean food with generous portions at very reasonable prices.

🍽️Food92

Well-regarded for the authentic, fresh, and flavorful Korean cuisine, with many highlighting specific dishes like kimbap, dumplings, and various rice bowls.

Amazing quality

👋Service78

Service is generally described as friendly and attentive, though some diners note self-service elements and occasional slow or inattentive experiences.

Staff was very attentive

Vibe75

The atmosphere is typically described as cozy, comfortable, and casual, with some noting it feels like a "mom and pop" establishment.

Cozy space

💰Value93

Customers consistently find the prices to be very reasonable, with generous portion sizes offering outstanding value for money.

Very reasonable

📍 2564 Royal Ln, Dallas, TX 75229, United States
4.6$$DallasKorean
Ideal for
Casual Korean diningValue-conscious dinersTake-out orders
8.

Pollos el Menny

92/100

Pollos el menny is a highly-regarded Dallas eatery celebrated for its excellent roasted chicken and steak tacos, offered at very reasonable prices. Well-regarded for the delicious, uniquely flavored food and the friendly, attentive service.

Pro tip: Delicious chicken 🐔 The best chicken I've ever had!

🍽️Food95

The chicken is well-regarded as outstanding, with unique flavors and perfect seasoning. Other dishes like steak tacos and beans also receive high marks.

Delicious chicken 🐔 The best

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and first-rate, contributing to a positive dining experience.

Customer service is first-rate

Vibe75

The atmosphere and vibe are not frequently discussed, suggesting it is a straightforward, casual dining experience.

💰Value90

The prices are considered very reasonable, especially given the quality and portion sizes of the food.

Very reasonable price

📍 620 W Danieldale Rd, Dallas, TX 75232, United States
4.9$$DallasMexican
Ideal for
Chicken lovers — first-rate roasted chickenValue seekers — reasonable prices for qualityCasual diners — straightforward, delicious food
9.

EZ Quick Mart & Tacos

92/100

EZ Quick Mart & Tacos is a well-regarded neighborhood spot known for its delicious and affordable tacos, made with a home-cooked touch. The establishment also functions as a convenient mart with a wide selection of essentials, supported by consistently friendly and humble staff.

Pro tip: The best place to get tacos near by quick grab. Great. Service and humble staffs.

🍽️Food95

Tacos are well-regarded as delicious and made with a home-cooked, loving touch. The selection of products is also noted as good.

The tacos are VERY affordable

👋Service90

Staff are frequently described as humble, sweet, nice, and having good attitudes, providing excellent customer service.

Great attitudes

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally positive, with staff being welcoming and the store being a convenient place for a quick grab.

Great attitudes

💰Value90

The tacos are noted as being very affordable, and discounts are also mentioned.

VERY affordable

📍 4210 W Camp Wisdom Rd Suite 230, Dallas, TX 75237
4.8$DallasMexican
Ideal for
Quick taco cravings — affordable and delicious optionsConvenience shoppers — essentials and snacks availableDiners seeking friendly service — staff well-regarded
10.

Stop N Go Gyros

92/100

Stop N Go Gyros is a highly-regarded Greek restaurant in Dallas, well-regarded for its delicious and fresh food, excellent service, and clean environment. It offers great value with generous portions at affordable prices, making it a popular spot for a quick and satisfying meal.

Pro tip: Amazing food, amazing service, amazing people, 10/10

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, freshness, and authentic flavors, with particular highlights being the gyros, Greek fries, and hummus.

The food was amazing

👋Service96

Service is frequently described as outstanding, friendly, attentive, and welcoming, with staff often going above and beyond for customers.

The service was outstanding

Vibe85

The atmosphere is described as warm, welcoming, and quiet, making for a pleasant dining experience.

The atmosphere was very warm and welcoming

💰Value90

Diners find the portions generous and the prices affordable, offering good value for the quality and quantity of food received.

Phenomenal food at unbelievable prices

📍 17421 Preston Rd, Dallas, TX 75252, United States
4.9$$DallasGreek
Ideal for
Quick and flavorful lunchesDiners seeking fresh ingredientsAffordable Mediterranean/Greek cuisine

Can’t decide?

Let DineSpin pick a restaurant for you based on your mood.

Try DineSpin →

More in Dallas

No paid placements. Independent restaurant rankings.