DineSpin

Best Cheap Eats in Denver

Find the best cheap eats restaurants in Denver, CO. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Denver's cheap eats scene runs on volume and authenticity—places where a $6 burrito arrives the size of a forearm and the owner actually knows your name. This is a city that respects the taco line, the food truck, the cash-only booth, and the neighborhood spot that's been doing the same thing for fifteen years without needing hype. What you'll find below isn't trendy. It's the stuff that keeps Denver fed.

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Best Cheap Eats in Denver

1.

La Callejera Food Truck

92/100

A food truck doing authentic Mexican food at a price that feels like an error. The tacos are incredible and the tortas are equally substantial—both arrive made with care from someone clearly proud of the work. Staff actually wants to help you figure out the menu.

Pro tip: Check operating hours before you go—Google is wrong and the truck won't be there when you expect it.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Mexican flavors, with tacos and tortas being particular highlights. Ingredients are fresh and prepared to order.

Fantastic! Tacos were incredible

👋Service90

Staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful, and hospitable, contributing to a positive customer experience.

Amazingly friendly and helpful

Vibe75

As a food truck, the vibe is casual and focused on quick service, with no specific ambiance details provided.

💰Value95

Pricing is considered a significant advantage, offering excellent value for the quality and quantity of food.

Can’t beat the pricing!

📍 3800 E 52nd Ave, Denver, CO 80216, United States
4.6$DenverMexican
Ideal for
Quick and authentic Mexican mealsDiners seeking great valueTaco enthusiasts
2.

Tacos Sabor Chilango

92/100

"Best place for tacos!" isn't hyperbole here—the al pastor arrives tender and properly seasoned, the lengua is generous with the meat, and the tortillas don't get forgotten the way they do everywhere else. Prices are low enough that the quality feels almost unfair.

Pro tip: The al pastor is what makes this worth the trip. Order it confidently.

🍽️Food95

Tacos are well-regarded for their authentic flavor, tender and well-seasoned meats, and high-quality tortillas. Portions are noted as generous.

Both had well prepared meat

👋Service90

Staff are described as friendly, nice, and providing a great overall experience.

Incredibly nice staff

Vibe85

The atmosphere is described as feeling like Mexico, with good vibes and a pleasant ambiance.

Feels like you’re in Mexico!

💰Value95

The price is considered excellent, especially given the quality and portion size of the tacos.

Cannot beat the price

📍 6900 Smith Rd, Denver, CO 80207, United States
4.8$DenverMexican
Ideal for
Taco enthusiasts — authentic flavors and qualityValue seekers — great price for generous portionsDiners seeking a taste of Mexico — authentic vibe
3.

Tacos Selene Denver

88/100

The salsa bar alone justifies the trip—a vast, genuinely fresh spread that most places charge extra for or don't bother with at all. The tacos themselves are authentic and arrive fast, though some hit harder than others. The value is unbeatable.

Pro tip: Come early or come hungry with patience. The line builds fast and moves slowly, but it moves.

🍽️Food85

The tacos are frequently described as excellent and authentic, with many diners highlighting specific favorites like al pastor and barbacoa. While most find the ingredients fresh, a few diners mention blandness or over-seasoning.

Best tacos I’ve tried in Denver

👋Service88

Service is generally characterized as friendly, quick, and helpful, with staff often noted for their kindness and efficiency.

Kind employees and great service

Vibe75

The atmosphere is described as casual, friendly, and sometimes eclectic, with some noting it as a good spot for lunch or a quick bite.

Cool vibe right off Santa.

💰Value95

The pricing is well-regarded as remarkably affordable, with tacos often cited at $2.50 and burritos around $12, offering significant value.

Unbeatable price

📍 1001 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204
4.6$DenverMexican
Ideal for
Budget-conscious diners seeking authentic flavorsQuick lunches or casual dinnersTaco enthusiasts exploring Denver's scene
4.

Chi’s Express

78/100

Chi's Express is a popular Denver takeout spot known for its remarkably affordable prices and generous portions of Chinese food. While many celebrate the fresh ingredients and friendly service, some recent signs suggest a decline in quality and flavor, particularly after perceived ownership changes.

Pro tip: Good food at crazy cheap prices, with generous portions and friendly service.

🍽️Food75

The food is generally described as tasty and fresh, with many celebrating specific dishes like orange chicken, bourbon chicken, and Mongolian beef. However, some diners note a decline in quality and flavor, with specific complaints about dryness, blandness, and overcooked ingredients.

The food was delicious and fresh.

👋Service85

Service is frequently highlighted as friendly, fast, and accommodating, with staff often described as nice and conversational.

The people are friendly!

Vibe60

The atmosphere is described as basic and functional, with limited seating, making it primarily a takeout establishment. It is not considered a place for a sit-down dining experience.

It’s not fancy

💰Value95

The value proposition is overwhelmingly positive, with diners consistently celebrating the generous portions and low prices, often comparing it favorably to larger chains.

Good food at crazy cheap prices.

📍 7352 Washington St, Denver, CO 80229, United States
4.5$DenverChinese
Ideal for
Budget-conscious diners seeking large portionsQuick and easy takeout mealsThose prioritizing value over a formal dining experience
5.

El Chalate Restaurant

78/100

The pupusas are massive and taste like someone's grandmother made them—authentic, filling, and priced like it's still 1995. Portions are genuinely huge. The wait, though, is not a suggestion. Expect to stand for an hour or more. Service can be cold when the kitchen is slammed, and the neighborhood is industrial enough that it doesn't feel like a destination—it feels like you've wandered into someone's operation that happens to sell food.

Pro tip: Go off-peak (lunch, not dinner) or plan for the long game. The pupusas are worth waiting for, but not if you're hungry right now.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Salvadoran flavors, generous portions, and excellent value, with pupusas being a particular highlight.

The pupusas are LARGE, accompanied with fresh salsa

👋Service65

Service is a mixed bag, with many diners finding staff friendly and helpful, but others experiencing significant delays and inattentiveness.

Staff is always so friendly and sweet

Vibe70

The atmosphere is described as authentic and unpretentious, with some noting it's not a fancy place but worth the visit for the food.

Not a fancy place or neighborhood

💰Value95

The restaurant is lauded for its extremely reasonable prices and large portion sizes, offering significant bang for the buck.

One of the best deals in Denver!

📍 8119 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220, United States
4.2$DenverSalvadoran
Ideal for
Diners seeking authentic Salvadoran cuisineBudget-conscious dinersThose prioritizing large portions
6.

Liang's Thai Food

92/100

"Hands down the best foods I have ever had here in Denver so far"—and that's from someone who's presumably eaten around. This is a food booth, cash only, outdoor seating on a downtown mall, no frills whatsoever. The authenticity and generosity of portions are borderline absurd for the price. The owner is genuinely welcoming. The wait during lunch is long. Go anyway.

Pro tip: Bring cash, bring patience, go early or accept the line. The food quality doesn't waver—this place has its rhythm and sticks to it.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its authentic flavors, high quality, and generous portions, with many diners calling it the best Thai food they've ever had.

One of the best Thai

👋Service88

Service is frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and accommodating, with the owner often singled out for his positive interactions.

Owner could not be more welcoming

Vibe65

The atmosphere is that of a casual food booth or cart, with limited or no dedicated seating, often relying on nearby public spaces.

Small booth tucked into a grassy area

💰Value93

The restaurant is well-regarded for its affordability, with large portions and reasonable prices making it an excellent value proposition.

Very reasonable prices

📍 Welton St &, 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
4.7$$16th St MallThai
Ideal for
Authentic Thai food enthusiastsDiners seeking great valueQuick, casual meals
7.

Pita Central

95/100

Fresh ingredients and genuine Mediterranean flavors—the gyros, falafel, and hummus all taste like they were meant to. The owners go above and beyond in a way that feels earned, not performed. Value is fair and portions are honest. The only real friction is occasional order mix-ups and the casual 'pita shop' vibe, which means you're eating standing up or in your car.

Pro tip: Order by full name and double-check before you leave. Accuracy can slip in the lunch rush, but the owner listens if something gets lost.

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Mediterranean flavors, fresh ingredients, and delicious execution, with many dishes like the pork gyro, falafel, and hummus receiving specific accolades.

Absolutely amazing! My fries were crisp

👋Service95

Service is frequently described as friendly, helpful, and remarkably accommodating, with owners often noted for their personal engagement and going above and beyond for customers.

Went above and beyond for one of his customers

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally described as casual and welcoming, with some diners highlighting pleasant seating areas, including an upstairs space with city views.

Casual vibe. Great views.

💰Value92

Diners consistently find the prices to be fair and the portions generous, offering excellent value for the quality and quantity of food served.

Best value in the area

📍 1575 Central St, Denver, CO 80211, United States
4.9$$DenverMediterranean
Ideal for
Authentic Greek street food loversDiners seeking fresh, healthy optionsThose looking for great value
8.

Alameda Café

92/100

The Mexican breakfast here has real depth—"full Mexican flavor," fresh ingredients, generous portions, and service that actually feels like it cares. The place hums with people, which means it's loud enough that conversation gets swallowed. Parking is tight enough that it's worth a second loop around the block.

Pro tip: Arrive before 10 a. M. Or eat lunch. Breakfast gets slammed, the lot fills fast, and you'll spend more time parking than eating if you're not early.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Mexican flavors, fresh ingredients, and delicious preparation, with many dishes like chilaquiles, French toast, and burritos highlighted as excellent.

Some of the best Mexican breakfast places

👋Service93

Service is frequently described as outstanding, friendly, attentive, and fast, with staff often going above and beyond, including accommodating allergies.

First-rate service, the food is delicious

Vibe80

The atmosphere is generally seen as pleasant and cozy, though some note it can be a bit noisy or lack significant decor.

Lovely atmosphere

💰Value90

Customers find the prices to be very reasonable for the quality and generous portion sizes offered.

Great prices for the quality

📍 1512 W Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80223
4.8$$DenverMexican
Ideal for
Authentic Mexican breakfast seekersDiners valuing friendly serviceThose seeking good value meals
9.

Stromansdenver Hibachi

92/100

Stroman's Denver Hibachi is highly regarded for its excellent, high-quality hibachi cuisine, generous portions, and fair pricing. The owner and staff are well-regarded for their personable service and passion, creating a consistently positive dining experience.

Pro tip: The best hibachi I’ve had in Denver, the fried rice is so good!

🍽️Food95

The hibachi is well-regarded for its outstanding taste, quality ingredients, and generous portions, with many calling it the best in Denver.

Amazing food that everyone enjoys

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly and personable, with staff creating a positive atmosphere.

Super awesome and have great vibes

Vibe85

The atmosphere is described as friendly and energetic, with staff contributing to a positive experience.

Great people. EAT HERE NOW!!

💰Value90

Diners feel the prices are fair for the large portions and high quality of food received.

The price is fair

📍 3600 E 40th Ave Suite 007, Denver, CO 80205, United States
4.8$$DenverJapanese
Ideal for
Hibachi enthusiasts seeking top-tier qualityDiners prioritizing generous portions and valueThose looking for friendly, engaging service
10.

Mika Sushi 5

92/100

Mika Sushi 5 is a highly-regarded Denver sushi restaurant celebrated for its remarkably fresh ingredients, delicious food, and outstanding presentation. Well-regarded for the friendly and efficient service, good value, and clean environment, making it a popular choice for both dine-in and takeout.

Pro tip: This may be the best sushi I've had in Colorado: fresh, generously portioned fish.

🍽️Food95

The sushi and other Japanese dishes are well-regarded for their excellent freshness, quality ingredients, and delicious flavors, with many diners calling it the best they've had.

Best sushi I've had in Colorado

👋Service93

Service is frequently described as great, friendly, attentive, and efficient, with staff often recognized for their kindness and politeness.

Great service and prices

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally described as pleasant, fun, and bright, suitable for casual dining and date nights.

Fun and bright decor

💰Value90

Diners find the prices reasonable, especially for the generous portion sizes and high quality of the food, with lunch deals being particularly highlighted.

Best lunch deal around

📍 7400 E Hampden Ave C6, Denver, CO 80231, United States
4.8$$DenverJapanese
Ideal for
Sushi enthusiasts seeking fresh, high-quality fishDiners looking for good value lunch specialsCasual date nights

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