Houston is one of the best food cities in America. While a few bucks will get you a long way in the city’s food scene, you don’t have to break the bank for good food. From taco trucks to sushi restaurants, beer gardens, and more: here’s are the best cheap eats Houston has to offer.
1. Tacos El Bigote
The Gessner taco joint is a go-to for taco lovers on a budget. On Tuesdays, Tacos El Bigote offers the unbeatable deal of $1 barrio and trompo street tacos. To top it off, the venue also serves $1 margaritas on Tuesdays, with beers priced at $2 on Thursdays.
📍8400 Gessner Rd.
2. Oishii Japanese Restaurant & Sushi
Oishii is a popular sushi spot in the Downtown area known as being one of the most affordable sushi restaurants in Houston. For the ultimate deal, come during Happy Hour running from 3 pm until 7 pm during the week and from 3 pm until 6 pm on Saturdays which include BOGO appetizers, $1.25 domestic beers, and $3 sake. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand to avoid long waits. Once seated, however, the service is quick and steadfast.
📍3764 Richmond Ave
3. Tacos Tierra Caliente
One of our personal favorite food trucks in Houston, Tacos Tierra Caliente is the resident taco provider at West Alabama Ice House in Montrose. Here, customers can enjoy authentic street tacos at budget-friendly prices. With $2-$3, patrons can enjoy chicken, beef, or lengua tacos generously served with onions, cilantro, and salsa. For a little more ($6-$7), the taco truck offers meal-sized quesadillas. Cash only, be apprised.
📍2003 W Alabama St.
4. Frank’s Pizza
Frank’s Pizza is a staple pizzeria in Downtown, Houston. The late-night pizza joint serves whole pizzas as well as by the slice. For a regular cheese, slices are priced at just $2 a piece.
📍417 Travis St.
5. Tim Ho Wan
If you’re wanting to try the absolute best of the best food on a budget in Houston, take a spin out to Asia town in Katy home to Tim Ho Wan. Often referred to as the world’s cheapest Michelin restaurant, the dumpling hot spot is run by chef Kwai Pui who earned a Michelin Star at his Lung King Heen restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong, the menu offers sensational dim sum at affordable prices.
📍23330 Grand Circle Blvd., Suite 180
6. Kelly’s Country Kitchen
When it comes to bang for your buck, Kelly’s Country Kitchen will fill you up. Known for its classic Southern comfort food and down-to-Earth, no-frills atmosphere, Kelly’s serves incredible food at walloping sizes. While prices waver around the $10 – $15 mark, their entrees, breakfast platters, and burgers can easily feed two people. Kelly’s has three restaurants in the Houston area.
📍Multiple locations
7. Cao Thang
The friendly, cozy neighborhood restaurant is known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine at affordable prices. Here, most dishes are priced below $10 – $15. Favorites here include the Charcoal Pork Sandwich, banh mi-style sandwich and Charcoal Pork & Egg Rolls with Vermicellis.
📍8272 Park Place Blvd.
8. Christy’s Donuts and Kolaches
For affordable breakfast in Houston, start your day off at Christy’s Donuts. At the beloved neighborhood breakfast spot, patrons can enjoy glazed, sprinkled, and filled donuts at just a dollar. Furthermore, the venue offers apple fritters, bear claws, and cinnamon rolls at just $2. Christy’s also serves top-notch kolaches, priced between $2.10 and $4.39. Coffee prices range between $1.50 and $2.
📍1103 W Gray St. Suite C
9. Market Thai Lao
Enjoy authentic Lao and Thai flavors and budget-friendly dishes at Houston’s Market Thai Lao. Located at 10201 Westheimer Rd, Suite B in Westchase, the restaurant offers tasty and affordable dishes ranging from its Paid Thai and Drunken Noodles. Per the name, the venue also doubles as a market if you want to knock out two bids with one stone.
📍10201 Westheimer Rd, Suite B, Houston, TX
10. El Charro Mexican Bar & Grill
Nestled the city Mexican barrio of Harrisburg, El Charro Mexican a neighborhood favorite known for its generous portions and affordable prices. Here, patrons can get their fill of tacos priced between $2- $3, fajita tortas for $6, or for more entree-type dishes, combo plates between $8 – $12; though a little pricier, the combo plates are served with generous portions of sides.
📍3801 Harrisburg Blvd
11. Moon Tower Inn
Not only does Moon Tower Inn brew up sensational suds, the Second Ward beer garden also serves an incredible selection of hamburgers and hotdogs. On Wednesdays, the venue features their buy-one-get-one-free hamburger deals – so be sure to bring a friend!
📍3004 Canal St, Houston