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A ham croissant sandwich on a metal tray.
A ham croissant sandwich from Cafe Nena’i.
Cafe Nena’i

20 Go-To Restaurants for Affordable Dining in Austin

Inexpensive dining made easier

by Erin Russell and Nadia Chaudhury Updated
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A ham croissant sandwich from Cafe Nena’i.
| Cafe Nena’i
by Erin Russell and Nadia Chaudhury Updated

Austin has so many great dining options that it’s easy to end up spending a lot of money while eating out. Sometimes, you need to take it easier on your wallet, and that's where Eater's guide to the best affordable eats found in the city comes in to help.

Dine on a dime easily with the help of this map, spanning ginormous tacos from Juan in a Million, quick and easy burgers from P. Terry’s, the Omelettry’s egg-filled breakfast, kebabs from Kebablicious, staples from Soup Peddler, and everything else delicious and under $12 in Austin. This update adds sandwiches from ThunderCloud Subs and pizzas from Giovanni’s.

For other budget-friendly bites, look for tacos, burgers, happy hour specials, and a free deal cheat sheet.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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Ng Cafe

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The beloved banh mi of Ng BMT lives on with Ng Cafe in far north Austin, where the classic Vietnamese sandwiches (pate and ham to tofu to pork belly) are all under $10. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

13000 North Interstate Highway 35 #200 Bldg 12, Austin, TX 78753
(512) 240-2333
(512) 240-2333

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Tumble22

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The hot chicken restaurant provides a meal of a quarter chicken plus two sides and pickles for around $10. Takeout orders can be placed online; all locations have indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

7211 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
(512) 520-1998
(512) 520-1998

The Omelettry

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The move to Airport Boulevard didn’t mess with the breakfast retreat’s offerings. Ask for one of the omelets obviously, most of which run under $12. Well-stuffed $10-and-under sandwiches, which come with soup or home fries, are a great bet too. Takeout orders can be placed online; the restaurant is open for indoor dine-in services.

4631 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
(512) 453-5062
(512) 453-5062

Bao'd Up

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The bao-focused fast-casual restaurant serves up many, many steamed buns filled with meats, vegetables, and creamy sweets. The combination basket, which comes with two baos and one side) is around $11. The around $12 bowls aren’t bad deals either, like spicy dan dan noodles or your own creation. Takeout orders can be placed online or through the mobile app; all locations feature indoor dine-in services.

1911 Aldrich St, Austin, TX 78723
(737) 717-3002
(737) 717-3002
Assorted pieces of bao in several steamer baskets.
Bao’d Up’s bao assortment.
Nadia Chaudhury/Eater Austin

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Dirty Martin's Place

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The low-priced kum-bak burgers from the old-school campus dive have been feeding Austinites for years. Takeout and DoorDash delivery orders can be placed online; the restaurant is open for indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2808 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
(512) 477-3173
(512) 477-3173

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Taco Mex

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This Cherrywood taco walk-up window offers affordable and filling tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. All the plates are under $11. Takeout orders can be placed online.

2611 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
(512) 524-0860
(512) 524-0860

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Delray Cafe

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Every single item at the Detroit-style food trunk rings in under $10, from chili-topped coney dogs to simple, filling sliders, to cheesy tater tots. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

1133 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 987-4294
(512) 987-4294

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Koriente

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This Korean-ish restaurant is one of the more affordable options in downtown, plus there are lots of veggies in the dishes, like the japchae noodles, teriyaki bowls, or bibimbap. Every entree also comes with free miso soup. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone; there are third-party deliveries; the patio is available for outdoor dine-in services.

621 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 275-0852
(512) 275-0852

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Kebabalicious

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Most of the savory regular-sized Turkish wraps and kebabs at Kebabalicious are below $12 and can satiate anyone. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online; the restaurant features indoor and outdoor dine-in services; the truck has outdoor tables.

450 7th Street, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 468-1065
(512) 468-1065

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Veracruz All Natural

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The tacos are as enjoyable as they are low-cost and filing. Try the famed migas tacos. All locations offer takeout orders placed online or in person; there are usually indoor and outdoor dine-in areas available.

1405 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 318-1830
(512) 318-1830
A taco with eggs and an avocado slice on a blue basket lined with wax paper in front of a blue food truck.
Breakfast taco from Veracruz.
Veracruz All Natural

P. Terry's

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The home-grown chain emphasizes quality and freshness for its affordable burgers, and the vegetarian burger is a favorite even with carnivores. Takeout orders can be placed online, through the mobile app, or via the drive-thru.

404 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 473-2217
(512) 473-2217
A cheeseburger.
P. Terry’s burger.
Chris Olfers

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Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop

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This Holly cafe has tacos for $2.25 and breakfast plates (served all day) like pancakes and migas for $12 and under. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2305 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 472-0017
(512) 472-0017

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Sandy's Hamburgers

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Order the time-honored combination of burgers, fries, and frozen custard from the Barton Springs icon for under $10. Takeout orders can be placed in person.

603 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 478-6322
(512) 478-6322

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Juan in a Million

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The famous Don Juan breakfast taco is filled with a massive mix of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and cheese for just $6.75. Extra tortillas will be needed. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 472-3872
(512) 472-3872

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Chi'Lantro

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Build a custom bowl or ssam starting at less than $10 — and don’t forget the kimchi fries. Takeout orders can be placed online; all locations tend to feature indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

1509 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 428-5269
(512) 428-5269

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Soup Peddler

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For quick and easy meals, Soup Peddler dishes out hearty soups and salads, with room for juice, too. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are Favor deliveries; all locations feature outdoor dining areas.

501 W Mary St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-7687
(512) 444-7687

Giovannis Pizza Stand

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The 12-inch pies from the gas station pizzeria all hover around $12. To-go orders can be placed online or in person; there is an outdoor table.

2900 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 442-7033
(512) 442-7033

ThunderCloud Subs

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The widespread Austin chain offers up very simple yet great sandwiches for under $10. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; most locations offer indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

2021 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
(512) 445-4163
(512) 445-4163

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888 Vietnamese Restaurant

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For affordable pho hovering in the $10 to $11 price range on the south side of the Colorado River, 888 is the answer, plus other dishes like vermicelli and curries. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone or in person; there are indoor dine-in services.

2400 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78741
(512) 448-4722
(512) 448-4722

Cafe Nena'i

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Grab a great affordable breakfast at this South American cafe with strong coffee and sweet and savory handmade pastries. Takeout orders can be placed online or over text message at (512) 387-0962.

1700 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX 78741
(512) 840-9066
(512) 840-9066

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Ng Cafe

13000 North Interstate Highway 35 #200 Bldg 12, Austin, TX 78753

The beloved banh mi of Ng BMT lives on with Ng Cafe in far north Austin, where the classic Vietnamese sandwiches (pate and ham to tofu to pork belly) are all under $10. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

13000 North Interstate Highway 35 #200 Bldg 12, Austin, TX 78753
(512) 240-2333
(512) 240-2333

Tumble22

7211 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757

The hot chicken restaurant provides a meal of a quarter chicken plus two sides and pickles for around $10. Takeout orders can be placed online; all locations have indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

7211 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
(512) 520-1998
(512) 520-1998

The Omelettry

4631 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751

The move to Airport Boulevard didn’t mess with the breakfast retreat’s offerings. Ask for one of the omelets obviously, most of which run under $12. Well-stuffed $10-and-under sandwiches, which come with soup or home fries, are a great bet too. Takeout orders can be placed online; the restaurant is open for indoor dine-in services.

4631 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
(512) 453-5062
(512) 453-5062

Bao'd Up

1911 Aldrich St, Austin, TX 78723

The bao-focused fast-casual restaurant serves up many, many steamed buns filled with meats, vegetables, and creamy sweets. The combination basket, which comes with two baos and one side) is around $11. The around $12 bowls aren’t bad deals either, like spicy dan dan noodles or your own creation. Takeout orders can be placed online or through the mobile app; all locations feature indoor dine-in services.

1911 Aldrich St, Austin, TX 78723
(737) 717-3002
(737) 717-3002
Assorted pieces of bao in several steamer baskets.
Bao’d Up’s bao assortment.
Nadia Chaudhury/Eater Austin

Dirty Martin's Place

2808 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705

The low-priced kum-bak burgers from the old-school campus dive have been feeding Austinites for years. Takeout and DoorDash delivery orders can be placed online; the restaurant is open for indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2808 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
(512) 477-3173
(512) 477-3173

Taco Mex

2611 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

This Cherrywood taco walk-up window offers affordable and filling tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. All the plates are under $11. Takeout orders can be placed online.

2611 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
(512) 524-0860
(512) 524-0860

Delray Cafe

1133 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

Every single item at the Detroit-style food trunk rings in under $10, from chili-topped coney dogs to simple, filling sliders, to cheesy tater tots. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

1133 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 987-4294
(512) 987-4294

Koriente

621 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

This Korean-ish restaurant is one of the more affordable options in downtown, plus there are lots of veggies in the dishes, like the japchae noodles, teriyaki bowls, or bibimbap. Every entree also comes with free miso soup. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone; there are third-party deliveries; the patio is available for outdoor dine-in services.

621 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 275-0852
(512) 275-0852

Kebabalicious

450 7th Street, Austin, TX 78704

Most of the savory regular-sized Turkish wraps and kebabs at Kebabalicious are below $12 and can satiate anyone. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online; the restaurant features indoor and outdoor dine-in services; the truck has outdoor tables.

450 7th Street, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 468-1065
(512) 468-1065

Veracruz All Natural

1405 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702

The tacos are as enjoyable as they are low-cost and filing. Try the famed migas tacos. All locations offer takeout orders placed online or in person; there are usually indoor and outdoor dine-in areas available.

1405 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 318-1830
(512) 318-1830
A taco with eggs and an avocado slice on a blue basket lined with wax paper in front of a blue food truck.
Breakfast taco from Veracruz.
Veracruz All Natural

P. Terry's

404 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

The home-grown chain emphasizes quality and freshness for its affordable burgers, and the vegetarian burger is a favorite even with carnivores. Takeout orders can be placed online, through the mobile app, or via the drive-thru.

404 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 473-2217
(512) 473-2217
A cheeseburger.
P. Terry’s burger.
Chris Olfers

Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop

2305 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702

This Holly cafe has tacos for $2.25 and breakfast plates (served all day) like pancakes and migas for $12 and under. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2305 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 472-0017
(512) 472-0017

Sandy's Hamburgers

603 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Order the time-honored combination of burgers, fries, and frozen custard from the Barton Springs icon for under $10. Takeout orders can be placed in person.

603 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 478-6322
(512) 478-6322

Juan in a Million

2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

The famous Don Juan breakfast taco is filled with a massive mix of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and cheese for just $6.75. Extra tortillas will be needed. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 472-3872
(512) 472-3872

Chi'Lantro

1509 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Build a custom bowl or ssam starting at less than $10 — and don’t forget the kimchi fries. Takeout orders can be placed online; all locations tend to feature indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

1509 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 428-5269
(512) 428-5269

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Soup Peddler

501 W Mary St, Austin, TX 78704

For quick and easy meals, Soup Peddler dishes out hearty soups and salads, with room for juice, too. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are Favor deliveries; all locations feature outdoor dining areas.

501 W Mary St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-7687
(512) 444-7687

Giovannis Pizza Stand

2900 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

The 12-inch pies from the gas station pizzeria all hover around $12. To-go orders can be placed online or in person; there is an outdoor table.

2900 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 442-7033
(512) 442-7033

ThunderCloud Subs

2021 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741

The widespread Austin chain offers up very simple yet great sandwiches for under $10. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; most locations offer indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

2021 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
(512) 445-4163
(512) 445-4163

888 Vietnamese Restaurant

2400 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78741

For affordable pho hovering in the $10 to $11 price range on the south side of the Colorado River, 888 is the answer, plus other dishes like vermicelli and curries. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone or in person; there are indoor dine-in services.

2400 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78741
(512) 448-4722
(512) 448-4722

Cafe Nena'i

1700 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX 78741

Grab a great affordable breakfast at this South American cafe with strong coffee and sweet and savory handmade pastries. Takeout orders can be placed online or over text message at (512) 387-0962.

1700 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX 78741
(512) 840-9066
(512) 840-9066

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