Best Cheap Eats in Seattle

The food is well-regarded for its authentic flavors, high-quality ingredients, and well-prepared meats, particularly the al pastor and carnitas. The variety and quality of salsas are a standout feature.

“This is THE BEST Mexican place”

Service is frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and professional, with owners often noted for their personal engagement with customers.

“Staff are so friendly and welcoming”

The atmosphere is described as a cozy, authentic, no-frills hole-in-the-wall, which some find charming and others note as potentially cramped during busy periods.

“Authentic feel.”

The restaurant offers outstanding value, especially during Taco Tuesday specials, with generous portions and competitive pricing that diners find hard to beat.

“Taco Tuesday is a screamin deal!”

The food is well-regarded for being delicious, fresh, and well-portioned, with particular recognition for the breakfast burrito and bulgogi bowls.

“Food was delicious and very affordable”

Service is overwhelmingly described as remarkably friendly, warm, and welcoming, with staff often going the extra mile.

“Nicest staff ever, very good food”

The atmosphere is characterized as a cozy, cheerful, and welcoming 'mom-and-pop' or 'hole-in-the-wall' establishment.

“A warm and cozy vibe.”

The restaurant is lauded for its affordability, with generous portions that offer excellent value for money, especially in downtown Seattle.

“Great value for money!”

The food is well-regarded for its authentic flavors, generous portions, and high-quality ingredients, with many dishes described as delicious and amazing.

“Incredible deal and quality”

Service is frequently highlighted as remarkably friendly, quick, and accommodating, with staff often going above and beyond.

“Incredibly friendly and the food”

The vibe is casual and friendly, typical of a food truck, with positive interactions with staff contributing to the atmosphere.

“Fun to chat with”

The restaurant offers outstanding value, with diners consistently noting reasonable prices, large portions, and high quality.

“Incredible deal and quality”

Banh mi sandwiches are well-regarded for their fresh ingredients, flavorful fillings, and perfectly textured bread, with many calling them the best in the area.

“Best banh mi for amazingly cheap prices.”

Service is generally friendly and quick, though one diner noted a specific staff member with a bad attitude.

“Service is usually quick and they have a small area”

The atmosphere is described as a no-frills, utilitarian, family-owned deli, with limited seating and sometimes loud TVs.

“This is a hole in the wall type place.”

The restaurant is widely lauded for its remarkably low prices relative to the quality and quantity of food, offering significant value.

“Great Banh Mi sandwiches for $6.50.”

Well-regarded for the authentic, flavorful, and well-spiced Ethiopian dishes, with many highlighting the quality of the meat and vegetarian options.

“The food is amazing”

Service is generally described as friendly and accommodating, though some diners note it can be slow or inattentive, particularly when staffing is light.

“Delicious food & great service”

The atmosphere is described as relaxed, chill, and sometimes lounge-like, with some finding it cozy and authentic, while others found it awkward or lacking in energy.

“Chill, slow-paced, with music”

The restaurant is widely lauded for its excellent value, with generous portion sizes and affordable prices, often noted as feeding multiple people.

“So much food, great value”

The food is frequently described as first-rate, with fresh ingredients and flavorful preparations, particularly noted for large portions.

“The quesa birria is top-notch”

Service is generally friendly and quick, though isolated incidents of order errors and poor customer interaction have been noted.

“Great food, Great service”

The atmosphere is casual, typical of a food truck, with friendly staff interactions.

“This little place is Great!”

The restaurant offers top-notch value, with large portions and affordable prices frequently highlighted by diners.

“Huge portions”

The Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine is well-regarded for its authentic, flavorful, and well-seasoned dishes, with generous portions and fresh ingredients.

“Phenomenal Ethiopian and Eritrean food!”

Service is generally described as friendly, warm, and welcoming, though some diners note it can be relaxed or confused at times.

“Great service and delicious Ethiopian food”

The atmosphere is often described as cozy, intimate, or homey, though some find the music loud or the exterior appearance unappealing.

“The atmosphere is cozy and intimate”

Diners consistently highlight the outstanding value, with generous portions offered at very affordable prices.

“Unbeatable value! We fed 3 hungry people”

The banh mi are well-regarded for their outstanding taste, fresh ingredients, and generous portions, with many diners calling them the best they've had.

“Really amazing banh.”

Service is generally friendly and accommodating, though communication can be a challenge for some due to language barriers.

“The staff are friendly and generous”

The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, often described as feeling like a kitchen or a small deli.

“Walking in feels like walking into someone’s kitchen”

Prices are consistently described as very reasonable, affordable, and unbeatable, offering a large amount of food for the cost.

“Crazy affordable”

The food is well-regarded for its fresh ingredients, flavorful broths, and generous portions, particularly the pho and banh mi.

“Pho was above average, and the banh.”

Service is generally friendly and efficient, though some diners mention inattentiveness or abruptness, particularly during busy periods or from specific staff.

“The staff was friendly enough and attentive”

The atmosphere is described as laid-back and casual, with some noting it can be warm or a bit awkward without music.

“Laid-back atmosphere”

The restaurant is widely recognized for its outstanding value, with generous portions and affordable pricing, especially for combo meals.

“Amazing value too.”

The tacos, particularly the house taco with pineapple and the carnitas, are well-regarded for their authentic flavor and quality ingredients. Many consider them among the best in Seattle.

“Some of the best street tacos”

Service is generally described as fast and friendly, though there are isolated reports of rudeness, incorrect orders, and unhelpful staff interactions.

“Staff was very friendly, helpful”

The atmosphere is casual and often described as a good spot for a quick, fast-casual meal, with some noting limited seating.

“Cute funky vibe”

The restaurant is consistently lauded for its affordability, offering substantial and delicious food at very competitive prices.

“Best (and cheapest) Mexican place”