The Absolute Best Cheap Eats in Houston [Updated 2025]

From classic tacos to the finest empanadas, I'm bringing you my top 7 restaurants with affordable options. Every restaurant on my list offers amazing food without breaking the bank. I'll even share some of my favorite dishes for each spot!

I'm excited to explore Houston's great cheap eats and can't wait for you to try them out too. With these recommendations, you can eat like a local and experience some of the best grub around - all without going broke!

Frank's Pizza

When it comes to cheap eats, Frank's Pizza has a wide selection of options with pizzas starting from just $9.99. The delicious pizzas come in all shapes and sizes - from the classic pepperoni to the veggie-loaded veggie lover. I personally love the buffalo chicken pizza, as it packs a punch and is easy on the wallet.

The restaurant is also great for friends and families because there's something for everyone on the menu - from salads to sandwiches and pastas. What truly sets Frank's Pizza apart, however, is the high-quality ingredients they use in their dishes - particularly their dough which is made daily and cooked in a wood-fire oven.

The atmosphere at Frank's Pizza is very laid back with an old school vibe that lets you kick back and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The staff are friendly and accommodating too!

Frank's Pizza is definitely one of the best cheap eats in Houston. If you're looking for affordable yet delicious food, I'd recommend giving them a try!

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Tacos A Go Go Downtown Tunnels

The tacos are made freshly on-site with delicious, locally sourced ingredients. Everything from the traditional beef tacos to their veggie options are incredibly tasty and surprisingly filling. The chips are made just the right amount of crunchy, and the salsa is always spicy enough to make your mouth tingle.

What makes Tacos A Go Go so special is its location in downtown tunnels. This unique setting sets it apart from other taco joints in Houston, as it provides an atmosphere of ambiance and energy that can’t be found anywhere else. Plus, they're open late - a bonus for those looking for great cheap eats after a night out!

I would recommend Tacos A Go Go Downtown Tunnels to anyone looking for the best cheap eats in Houston. The combination of fresh ingredients, lively atmosphere, and convenient location make it a favorite of mine!

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Wokker

The atmosphere is great; you immediately feel like you're in a small Chinese neighborhood. The food is consistently good, portions are very generous and best of all, the prices are unbeatable. My particular favorite from their menu are the spicy beef noodle soup and the the orange beef stir fry. I also love how their menu offers vegan options for almost every item; I've tried many and each one has been delicious.

The service at Wokker is always top-notch and friendly, which makes eating here a real pleasure. The staff always make sure to check in with us during our meal to make sure we're happy with everything.

Overall, I highly recommend Wokker for anyone looking for the best cheap eats in Houston!

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Birria Los Primos

The tacos are definitely a must-try. The meat was juicy and packed with flavor, and the salsas had just the right kick to balance out the taste. I also tried their quesatacos for my entrée, which were amazing! The melted cheese and jalapeños gave it a great balance and really elevated the dish.

But by far, the standout dish of Birria Los Primos is their birria soup. It was so flavorful and comforting! The consomé was rich with spices and herbs, while the beef just melted in my mouth. In addition to that, they offer a wide variety of sides to complement any meal such as refried beans or rice, onion cebollitas, guacamole - you name it!

Overall, Birria Los Primos is an excellent spot for some of the best cheap eats in Houston. Not only are their dishes high quality but they keep up with modern trends to cater to all kinds of customers. Definitely recommend checking them out!

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Stack Burger

I was immediately impressed by their attention to detail and how they consistently offer fresh, quality ingredients. The food is always cooked to perfection, and the portions are more than enough for the price.

The staff is warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends. I love that there's always live music playing in the background -- it adds an extra layer of energy to the whole experience!

The menu itself has something for everyone, from classic sandwiches like burgers and grilled cheese to tacos, salads, and fries. Prices are extremely reasonable - you can feed yourself a hearty meal for under 10 dollars. And if you have dietary restrictions, Stack Burger has plenty of vegan options too!

All in all Stack Burger is one of the best cheap eats in Houston -- I highly recommend it!

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Baoz Dumplings

The dumplings are incredibly delicious and very affordable. The selection of flavors is vast, including beef, chicken, vegetable, shrimp, and even pork dumplings. You can really get your fill here!

The atmosphere in the restaurant is cozy and inviting. Plus the staff is very friendly and helpful.

The best part about Baoz Dumplings is that they offer a wide variety of options at an extremely affordable price. There's a variety of combos to choose from so I was able to try multiple flavors without breaking the bank. Plus, you get free refills on ice tea—which is a huge bonus for me!

Overall, I highly recommend Baoz Dumplings as one of the best cheap eats in Houston!

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Flip 'n Patties

For the price, you simply cannot beat the incredible value Flip 'n Patties offers. Their burgers are enormous and made with the freshest ingredients. The tastes are full bodied and well flavored. Plus, a small drink and side is included in their meal deals- making it a great bang for your buck!

The overall atmosphere at Flip 'n Patties is surprisingly modern - yet maintains its classic charm as one of Houston's premier cheap eateries. There's plenty of seating available both indoors and outdoors, making it a great spot to grab lunch with friends or family.

Flip 'n Patties has become my go-to when I'm looking for quality eats without breaking the bank. For anyone looking for the best cheap eats in Houston, I highly recommend Flip 'n Patties!

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