DineSpin

Best Cheap Eats in New Orleans

Find the best cheap eats restaurants in New Orleans, LA. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

New Orleans cheap eats aren't about finding a bargain—they're about finding something real. You'll eat better for $12 here than $40 elsewhere, and most of what matters (the owner's still cooking, the ingredients are fresh, the recipes predate your grandmother) won't change if you pay more. This list skips the tourist traps on Bourbon and finds the places where locals actually eat.

Recommended:

Best Cheap Eats in New Orleans

1.

Food Truck | Taquería Liliana

95/100

Taquería Liliana is a highly-regarded food truck in New Orleans, celebrated for its excellent Mexican cuisine and friendly service. Diners consistently celebrate the delicious food, fair prices, and reliable quality, making it a standout option for tacos and burritos.

Pro tip: Absolutely the best taco food truck in the city of New Orleans!!!!

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded as outstanding, with many diners calling it the best Mexican food they've had in years, highlighting delicious flavors and high quality.

Absolutely the best taco food truck

👋Service90

Customer service is frequently described as very good and friendly, with staff noted for being nice and providing good service.

Customer service is very good

Vibe75

As a food truck, the atmosphere is minimal, with diners acknowledging the lack of traditional dining ambiance.

How much atmosphere can a food truck have?

💰Value95

The food is considered very affordable and a great value for the price, with generous portions noted.

Very good food for a very fair price

📍 2200 Florida Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
4.9$$New OrleansMexican
Ideal for
Taco and burrito lovers — first-rate quality and authentic flavorsDiners seeking value — affordable prices with generous portionsFood truck enthusiasts — a top-tier mobile dining experience
2.

Tia Maria's Kitchen

95/100

Hand-rolled tortillas visible through the kitchen window, pupusas that draw repeat diners, and an owner who cares enough to make sure you're eating well. The food is authentic Honduran and consistently excellent—visitors regularly use the word 'outstanding,' which isn't accident. Portions are generous, prices are low, and the vibe is genuinely warm. Small seating area, off the beaten path, and one mention of auto-gratuity without clear warning—minor friction in what's otherwise a top-tier consensus.

Pro tip: The baleadas are underrated relative to the pupusas. Ask about the espresso horchata.

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate flavor, freshness, and authenticity, with many dishes highlighted as standouts.

Everything I have tried on the menu has been phenomenal.

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly and welcoming, though some signs suggest it can be slow at times.

Staff were super nice.

Vibe75

The atmosphere is generally considered casual and pleasant, with some noting it could benefit from more lighting.

Chill vibe inside

💰Value95

Diners frequently mention generous portions and reasonable prices, offering top-notch value for money.

Crazy value

📍 2931 Tulane Ave A, New Orleans, LA 70119
4.8$$New OrleansHonduran
Ideal for
Authentic Honduran cuisine seekersDiners seeking great valueCasual meals with friends
3.

Banh Mi Sao Mai

88/100

A legend—multi-decade customers still ordering the same spicy combo, banh mi that's been refined across years until it hits a perfect balance of brightness and spice, sandwiches that cost $3.50 to $5 in a city where that prices feels from another era. This is one of those places where everyone mentions loyalty because the food actually earned it.

Pro tip: Get the spicy combo and don't fiddle with customizations. This place knows what it's doing.

🍽️Food95

The banh mi here is well-regarded for its excellent flavor, unique spices, and generous portion sizes, with the crispy pork belly and spicy combo highlighted.

Hands-down the best banh mi around.

👋Service85

Service is described as friendly and efficient, contributing to a positive overall experience.

Friendly service.

Vibe75

The atmosphere is not a primary focus of reviews, suggesting a functional, no-frills environment.

💰Value95

Customers consistently highlight the incredible value, with prices described as amazing and incredible for the quality and size of the banh mi.

Only 5 bucks!? Wow!!!!

📍 4669 Alcee Fortier Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70129, United States
4.1$New OrleansVietnamese
Ideal for
Banh mi enthusiasts — unparalleled flavor and valueQuick and affordable lunch — fast service and low pricesNostalgic visitors — consistent quality over many years
4.

Ernst Cafe

88/100

Dollar-fifty beers in a two-story historic building where locals actually congregate, plus gumbo and jambalaya that justify the space they occupy. The vibe—lively, occasionally loud, definitely local—is the real draw; the food quality swings between 'damn' and 'solid' depending on when you catch them and which line cook is working. Service can be slow upstairs (you're basically on your own), which is the tax you pay for cheap beer and authenticity.

Pro tip: Sit downstairs where the staff actually checks on you. And yes, the $1.50 beers are real.

🍽️Food85

The food is generally well-regarded, with many dishes like po'boys, burgers, gumbo, and bread pudding receiving recognition for being delicious and fresh. Some Cajun dishes were noted as less special, and a few instances of overcooked or undercooked items were mentioned.

Food was good

👋Service80

Service is frequently described as great, friendly, and attentive, with specific staff members often highlighted. However, there are also mentions of slow service, inattentiveness, and a lack of coordination.

Great service

Vibe85

The atmosphere is often described as lively, fun, historic, and a 'gritty corner bar' with a good vibe, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Fun lively sports tvs great noisy fun atmosphere

💰Value95

The restaurant is well-regarded for its remarkably low prices, particularly for beer, which diners find to be a significant draw.

Drink prices you can not beat

📍 600 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
4.3$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Budget-conscious diners seeking valueThose looking for a lively bar atmosphereCasual meals with classic New Orleans fare
5.

Mona Lisa

88/100

Mona Lisa is a beloved Italian restaurant in New Orleans known for its excellent food, unique Mona Lisa-themed atmosphere, and reasonable prices. While many patrons celebrate the friendly service and cozy vibe, some have encountered rudeness from the host, and waits can be significant.

Pro tip: Phenomenal food and enchanting atmosphere, but be prepared for waits and potentially rude staff.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, freshness, and generous portions, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding.

Everything was phenomenal

👋Service75

Service is a mixed bag, with many diners experiencing friendly and attentive staff, but a notable number encountering rudeness, particularly from the host.

Raven our server was amazing

Vibe95

The restaurant's unique atmosphere, heavily featuring Mona Lisa artwork and interactive table drawing, is a significant draw for patrons.

Enchanting atmosphere

💰Value95

Diners consistently find the prices to be very reasonable, especially given the quality and portion sizes of the food.

Prices were very reasonable

📍 1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
4.5$$New OrleansItalian
Ideal for
Diners seeking authentic Italian foodThose who appreciate unique and quirky ambianceValue-conscious diners
6.

Karyi Kitchens

95/100

Owner Kazzachat marinates chicken for 16 hours, builds jollof base over three, and then engages first-timers like they're family—comp samples, conversation, genuine hospitality. The strong rating consistently is basically flawless, and one jollof rice or a plate of that marinated chicken explains why. Lunch only, which limits access, and hidden enough that you won't stumble in by accident.

Pro tip: Tell the owner it's your first time trying Nigerian food. He'll educate you and probably comp a sample.

🍽️Food98

The Nigerian cuisine is well-regarded for its authentic flavors, with dishes like jollof rice and chicken drumsticks frequently highlighted as remarkably delicious and well-prepared.

Everything was delicious

👋Service97

Service is consistently described as outstanding, warm, welcoming, and attentive, with the owner often singled out for his friendly demeanor and willingness to educate diners.

Service was outstanding warm, welcoming

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally described as welcoming and friendly, with the owner's personal engagement contributing significantly to the positive experience.

Owner provides great conversation

💰Value92

Diners frequently mention generous portions and great prices, indicating that the restaurant offers excellent value for money.

Generous portions, and great prices

📍 201 St Charles Ave ste 213, New Orleans, LA 70170, United States
4.9$$New OrleansAfrican
Ideal for
Exploring authentic Nigerian cuisineDiners seeking friendly and engaging serviceThose looking for good value and generous portions
7.

La Fogata Grill

82/100

La Fogata Grill is a highly-regarded spot for authentic, delicious, and inexpensive Honduran cuisine in New Orleans. Diners frequently celebrate the fresh ingredients and welcoming atmosphere, though parking can be challenging.

Pro tip: Authentic, cozy vibes and delicious, inexpensive Honduran food.

🍽️Food88

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Honduran flavors, often described as delicious, savory, and well-seasoned, with some Mexican options available.

Next level delicious.

👋Service70

Service is generally described as friendly and welcoming, with a few instances of perceived rudeness or indifference.

Very nice people

Vibe80

The atmosphere is often described as authentic, cozy, and welcoming, making diners feel at home.

Feel like you walked into their home

💰Value92

The restaurant is consistently highlighted for its inexpensive prices, offering great value for fresh and filling meals.

Inexpensive yet fresh

📍 2201 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
4.1$New OrleansMexican
Ideal for
Authentic Honduran food seekersBudget-conscious dinersCasual weeknight meals
8.

Bonafried

95/100

Bonafried is well-regarded for its excellent chicken sandwiches, consistently regarded as the best in New Orleans. The restaurant offers outstanding customer service and great value, operating from a bright, clean, and stylish brick-and-mortar location.

Pro tip: Bonafried has been the best chicken sandwich in NOLA for a while.

🍽️Food98

The chicken sandwich is consistently lauded as outstanding, with diners frequently describing it as the best they've ever had, perfectly seasoned, juicy, and delicious.

Best chicken sandwich in NOLA

👋Service95

Customer service is frequently highlighted as outstanding, with staff and owners described as kind, humble, friendly, and welcoming.

Customer service A1!!!

Vibe85

The new brick and mortar location is described as bright, clean, and stylish, offering a welcoming atmosphere.

The restaurant is bright, clean, and stylish

💰Value90

Diners find the sandwiches to be a great value, with generous portions that are well worth the price.

Great value too.

📍 3101 Grand Rte Saint John St, New Orleans, LA 70119, United States
5$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Chicken sandwich enthusiastsDiners seeking friendly serviceValue-conscious eaters
9.

Kerry's Natural Lemonade Esined LLC

95/100

Kerry's Natural Lemonade is a highly-regarded vendor known for its excellent, natural lemonade and delicious, affordable food. The establishment consistently receives recognition for its outstanding customer service and friendly management.

Pro tip: The best lemonade I ever had in my life im dead serious

🍽️Food95

The lemonade is consistently described as outstanding, with diners highlighting its natural taste and perfect balance of sweet and sour. New slushy flavors are also noted as a positive addition.

Best food and beverage!

👋Service90

Customer service is well-regarded as great, friendly, and outstanding, with staff noted as professional and nice.

Great service and THE BEST

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally positive, with mentions of friendly staff and a clean environment.

Nice and clean

💰Value90

The food is described as delicious and cheap, with diners feeling they receive good quality for the price paid.

Plates are cheap and also are delicious

📍 4801 General Meyer Ave, New Orleans, LA 70131, United States
5$New OrleansOther
Ideal for
Lemonade enthusiasts — consistently regarded the bestDiners seeking affordable, tasty food — good valueCustomers prioritizing friendly service — well-regarded staff
10.

Green Olives Cafe

92/100

Green Olives Cafe is a highly-regarded Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant in New Orleans, celebrated for its authentic, flavorful dishes and excellent ingredients. Well-regarded for the friendly service, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a local favorite.

Pro tip: Genuinely some of the best Middle Eastern food I've had, and I grew up in NYC.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding and fresh. Standouts include hummus, shawarma, falafel, grape leaves, and baklava.

Truly some of the best Middle Eastern food

👋Service88

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and welcoming, with staff often going above and beyond. There is one isolated mention of slow service from two years ago.

Attentive and friendly, making us feel right at home

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally perceived as pleasant, with mentions of beautiful artwork and a welcoming, vibrant feel.

Cute restaurant with an airy open vibe

💰Value90

Diners find the prices to be reasonable, especially considering the generous portion sizes and high quality of the food.

Inexpensive yet extremely tasty

📍 7724 Maple St, New Orleans, LA 70118
4.8$$New OrleansMediterranean
Ideal for
Authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food loversDiners seeking generous portions and good valueThose who appreciate friendly and family-like service

Can’t decide?

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

Try DineSpin →

More in New Orleans

No paid placements. Independent restaurant rankings.