The 10 Best Cheap Eats in Dallas

Is it possible to find a restaurant that has incredible food, a fun environment, excellent service, AND affordable prices fit for any budget? We say yes! Dallas has a fantastic selection of cheap eats that you can truly enjoy and leave feeling totally satisfied and happy with your experience. We’ve scouted out the top 10 best cheap eats in Dallas that will leave your stomach full, taste buds satisfied, and your bank account happy. Please enjoy our guide to the best cheap eats in Dallas!

10. Keller’s Drive-In

Keller’s has been a classic cheap eats spot in Dallas since the ’60s and will have you feeling like you’re living in another era. Pull up to this drive-in and relax in your car as a waiter or waitress takes your order then delivers the food right to your window. Make sure to get their signature poppy seed bun burger with caramelized onion rings and a chocolate milkshake, and then smile when you look at the check and notice that all deliciousness is under $10. While this place can get pretty busy, the service is fantastic and Keller’s has stayed committed to not raising their prices. They only take cash, so be prepared with some before you go!

9. bbbop Seoul Kitchen

This hip, eclectic restaurant promises to deliver on Korean-style “Seoul” food. This place has everything, from veggie-packed rice bowls to spicy kimchi fries, not to mention their award-winning fried chicken. This is an ideal place to accommodate slightly larger parties with a great amount of seating and quick service. Stay under $10 by trying the classic Old School Bop Rice Bowl—it’s full of pickled carrots and cabbage, spinach, your choice of beef or chicken, and an egg cooked to your preference. And it’s to die for! To take it to the next level, be sure to check out their variety of housemade sauces.

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8. Jimmy’s Food Store

If you’ve ever had a sandwich in Italy, you understand that there’s just nothing quite like it. Jimmy’s Food Store, serving up some of the best cheap eats in Dallas, brings a little piece of Italy to the city. Jimmy’s is a specialty store filled with imported Italian goods, and if you make your way to the back of the store, you’ll find a cute little deli where you can order a variety of delicious sandwiches. Try the Italian Meatball Sub with its fresh marinara sauce, onions, and peppers, on a warm, toasted bun. While not Italian, the Cuban is also definitely worth your time. Whatever you choose (and you can’t go wrong here), be sure to chase it with an ice-cold Coca Cola and chocolate cannoli. The seating area is small and not too fancy, so we recommend parties of four or less to ensure the best Jimmy’s experience.

7. The Biscuit Bar

Into delicious, buttery, homemade biscuits? Same. We’re here to tell you that The Biscuit Bar is ready to match and raise your best biscuit experience with an impressive selection of sweet and savory biscuit sandwiches—on the cheap! They have everything from classic biscuits and sausage gravy, to a Philly cheesesteak biscuit, to even a hot chocolate biscuit (offered seasonally) if you can imagine! Believe us, you’re going to want to try every biscuit sandwich on the menu, and you’ll be able to try a couple for under $10! So run, don’t walk, to this hip, innovative, and mouthwatering cheap eats spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

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6. Tranky’s Tacos

While Tranky’s is technically just a block outside of Dallas, we’re still counting it as one of the best cheap eats in Dallas and you’ll understand why as soon as you taste what they have to offer. While the interior of Tranky’s is simple, the tacos are far from it. Here you will find freshly made street tacos, fish tacos, salads, and more. We highly recommend trying the spicy fish tacos with beer-battered cod, topped with lettuce, pico de gallo, and fresh lime. Everything on the menu is under $10, so you will find plenty of options here to satisfy your Mexican food cravings.

5. Bubba’s

Located on beautiful Hillcrest Avenue, Bubba’s is 100% no fuss, simple, delicious, Southern comfort food with generous portions and cheap prices. This diner will take you back to the 1950’s with its red booths, checkered floors, oldies music, and charming service. Be sure to try the Classic Plate—fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans with a roll on the side. Don’t be surprised when you run into neighbors and old friends at this place because it’s a Dallas establishment and absolutely one of the best cheap eats in Dallas.

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4. Zaap Kitchen Lao & Thai Street Eats

Zaap Kitchen is here to introduce Dallas to the delicious cuisine Laos has to offer in addition to classic Thai eats. Trust us, if you’re into authentic Thai or Lao food, you’re going to love this hidden gem with fantastic service and generous portions. This is a great option for people in your party who are gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan. For your first visit, try the creamy, fragrant Panang curry with your choice of beef or chicken. Just remember, this place is authentic, so keep that in mind when you tell them how spicy you want your food. They take spice seriously at Zaap.

3. Kuby’s Sausage House

It’s no secret that Kuby’s is definitely one of the best cheap eats in Dallas, serving up excellent traditional German eats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a pub-like setting. When you get to Kuby’s, you’ll see an impressive European market attached to it selling an array of freshly cut meats, homemade sausages, cheeses, and salads—it’s also worth a visit. At Kuby’s, try one of the classics for lunch or dinner: Schnitzel, with deliciously sweet red cabbage, and a life-changing potato salad on the side, or if you want to try something more familiar, you can’t go wrong with the Rueben. Before you go, be sure to check their hours because they do vary on weekdays and weekends. Kuby’s dinner menu is more expensive, so if you’re looking to spend under $10, we recommend going during breakfast or lunch hours. 

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2. Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop

Located in the heart of Deep Ellum, Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop was a very close second place for the best cheap eats in Dallas. When it comes to sandwiches, no one does it better. It’ll satisfy the cravings of everyone in your party with fresh sandwiches, burgers, and salads, cold drinks, and incredible vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. For your first trip, we recommend ordering the Pork BunMe, a warm bun with pork, homemade daikon, and garlic mayo, topped with cold cucumber, carrot slaw, jalapeno and cilantro. Add a side of fries to share with friends. The service here is simple, you order your food at the counter and they’ll call your name once your order is ready. Even though there’s always a steady flow of traffic at Uncle Uber’s, you’ll get your food quickly and feel perfectly satisfied with a meal so good, for so cheap.

1. Tacos La Banqueta Puro DF

La Banqueta wins the number one spot for the best cheap eats in Dallas, hands down. It’s time to take a break from Tex-Mex and get ready for some incredible authentic street tacos. La Banqueta is definitely a hole-in-the-wall and if you think you’ve pulled into a gas station, you’re at the right place! To get you started, we recommend giving the suadero, pork, and steak tacos a try. Once they’ve brought you your tacos, make sure to load up on onions, cilantro, and salsa as toppings, then wash it all down with some ice-cold Horchata. Tacos run for $1.50 here, so expect to leave this place completely satisfied while easily staying under $10.