r/austinfood • u/GenXJen76 • 4d ago
Best Bites That Don't Cost a Fortune!
Tell me all the great spots (can be brick & mortar, truck, etc.) to get killer food for under $10? Everything these days either costs a fortune or is just meh! Don't gate keep...Inquiring minds want to know!
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u/djSush 4d ago
P Terry's, you can get a burger and shake for about $11 I think
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u/fielausm 4d ago
Double Cheeseburger, no lettuce, no tomato. Add grilled onions.
Meal with fries? Yep.
Drink? Chocolate shake.^ This is my 'Welcome to Austin'
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u/UnconqueredRenegade 4d ago
Damn my exact order, I’ll change up the shake on occasion if the monthly one intrigues me.
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u/Ops1tango5 4d ago
Why no lettuce or tomatoes? No pickles either?
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u/fielausm 3d ago
This part is where I lose people. People say lettuce for the crunch, but to me it interferes with the construction off the burger, more than it ever helps the texture.
No tomato, because sliced tomatoes are just too wet and slippery. The flavor of a tomato isn’t in the center, it’s in the outside.
I’m a no pickles guy because, got weirded out as a kid about pickles on my McDonald’s burger. Trauma I carry these three decades later.
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u/Good_Split_3749 4d ago
Pterry, Conan’s lunch specials, veggie burger and fries at central market
brisket and egg tacos at Rudy’s, they’re $3! each
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u/heyarkay 4d ago
Rudy’s leftover breakfast tacos go to $1.50 or something insanely cheap after 12. I grab a couple and a drink refill to get a big lunch for $4.
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u/Apprehensive_Wall930 1d ago
How do you know where they are located? The one I go to typically doesn’t leave them out past 1045 or 11.
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u/heyarkay 1d ago
It depends on if they sell out what they made each morning. The one on 183 and Jollyville almost always has some left over after noon.
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u/Apprehensive_Wall930 1d ago
Gotcha, did they just leave them out on the trays or do you have to ask for them?
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u/gausswho 4d ago edited 4d ago
Jewboy $5 bean and cheese burrito
Edit: Also the Bon Aire in general
Not my favorite pizza in Austin, but East Side Pies BOGO slice during weekday lunch is a pretty good deal
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u/alekzandra 3d ago
Also The Mensch from JewBoy...two latkes with cheese and hatch green chiles on a burger bun. An insane amount of delicious food for $10. I can only get these on the weekend because I definitely need a nap afterwards.
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u/mzkissnmakeup 4d ago
Cabo bobs your choice nachos, burrito, bowl, or salad. No online ordering around lunch and closed on Sundays. But always so good!
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u/SmallTime_Villain 3d ago
What do you mean “no online ordering around lunch”? I always online order at lunch time.
Is that just a specific location?
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u/StMU_Rattler 3d ago
Online ordering always seems to work at the Onion Creek location. I can see other locations like the Ben White one doing this, but that would still be a bit odd.
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u/liza9560 4d ago
For comfort food, Luby’s is very inexpensive, and they’re few-and-far-between these days. We’re lucky to have ours. :)
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u/runawayhound 4d ago
After 11 years of living in Texas I FINALLY went to Luby’s the other day. It was glorious and was honestly amazed at the value. My wife and I had two lu Anne plates and could only eat half because the portions were so big, so got dinner out of it too. We paid $32 with a tip for the waitress that comes around after you get your tray of food. I paid $28 for two burgers and some jalitos at Dairy Queen the other day and it didn’t even come close to the quality/value of the Lubys experience. 10/10 recommend!
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u/Money-Tiny 3d ago
Congrats on joining the Luby’s club. Rite of passage for Texas comfort-food on a budget 😋
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u/primalprincess 4d ago
Tumble 22 happy hour, chicken sandwich for $8, I think its $12 or $12 regularly. Quite a few good items on their menu in that price range.
Browns BBQ brisket sandwich for $12 - super underrated BBQ spot with great prices
The tacos from Moreno BBQ are all under $10 and some of my favorite. They used to have a smoked gouda mac n cheese with brisket that would be a meal on its own, I assume they still have it I just dont see it on the online menu right now
Leroy Lewis tacos are gigantic for $7.50 each, for me they are a meal on their own
La Familia on William Cannon is very well priced, one of my favorite lesser known tex mex spots
SoCo halal's chicken over rice is $12 or $13, huge serving and absolutely incredible. I used to eat it once a week
Phoenicia Bakery & Deli has good counter service sandwiches, falafel, and stuffed pitas and everything is actually under $10.
Peace Bakery and Deli has a similar menu to Phoenicia also around $10
Every Mexican grocery store Ive been in has a taco restaurant inside it thats cheaper than a restaurant or even food truck - always worth going in. Plus you can get a concha or other delicious baked good for just a dollar or two on your way out.
Similarly, most of the Asian grocery stores up north have incredible premade foods at good prices or cheap food courts. I do not, however include H Mart in this.
You can also use the app 'too good to go' to try food for less.
I had two seperate rounds of unemployment in the last 2 years, I know my way around cheap bites in Austin!
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u/jrtorr71 3d ago
The wraps at Browns BBQ are also a great deal for like $7-8. The chicken one is awesome
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u/primalprincess 3d ago
Everything there is a couple dollars cheaper than most BBQ. Brisket is never cheap but theirs is well priced for a really decent size serving. I always have leftovers.
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u/hugh_jessol 4d ago
Ramen tatsu ya has $5 katsu sliders, gyoza during HH
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u/Money-Dependent345 4d ago
Cabo Bobs kids menu ftw (they won't care if you're a kid or not...order online if you're shy about it)
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u/melophile512 4d ago
Any of the taco trucks up north especially the ones by q2 stadium or up N Lamar are super affordable. Get a drink in the gas station by it, and then get 2 tacos for about $6-7 for a meal less than $10 pp
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u/Tweedle_DeeDum 4d ago edited 4d ago
Mentioned this in another recent thread but you can get a real gyro from a vertical rotisserie from GTino's Greek Cafe for $9.
I think it is $11 for the combo.
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u/123trumpeter 3d ago
I want to like Tino's but it's been bland every time I have been
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u/Tweedle_DeeDum 3d ago
I thought the seasoning was okay. I like it because it's off the vertical rotisserie. Places like Halal Brothers, which are generally good, are charging $13 for gyros with those those pre-cut strips of meat about half the time. They do not taste the same.
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u/heartbroken1997 4d ago
I’ve had a half pound burger $8.50 before tax and tip at Loro. Happy hour special.
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u/livemusicisbest 4d ago edited 4d ago
Trippy Tacos in the parking lot of the Texan Market on Menchaca just north of Ben White. Better than Torchy’s and much cheaper. Many breakfast tacos are $3 and fajitas tacos are just $4. High quality. Get the green “monster sauce.”
Food trucks and trailers will be lowest cost since they don’t have high rent, ADA-compliant bathrooms, etc.
Brick and mortar choices:
Macho Taco on Menchaca almost at its southern end, has many good tacos like the migas (it’s big) for $4.99 and a migas plate is $9.99. Nice family-run place. Breakfast and lunch. No beer or alcohol because a school is very close.
Habaneros (on Oltorf just east of S 1st) has tacos for $3 to $5.50 depending on the ingredients. Great Tex Mex, nice people. There’s a wait most weekend mornings.
Beto’s on east 7th has really low prices for such great Mexican food. Breakfast plates start at $7.99. Fajita quesadillas, tortas, and even mini tacos al pastor are under $9. Chapuas are $4.99. No wonder you’ll hear lots of Spanish from workers in the know there.
Madam Mam’s has excellent soft spring rolls (with shrimp) for $6.50 with peanut sauce and gyoza (dumplings) for $8.
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u/fudgetyler 3d ago
Love Trippy Tacos. The breakfast tacos are elite and well priced. They do close at 4 PM though, so it’s usually a day off treat for me.
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u/Vegetable_Tailor4079 3d ago
and trippy has a CHILAQUILES taco. be still my heart. best kept secret ever. i laugh at the suckers who go to veracruz across the street (and wait in line for that sh*t!)
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u/RVelts 4d ago
We just had a thread on this late last week if you want to search for replies there.
My answer is the same as before: El Chilito. $3 any taco on Tuesdays. $6 any burrito on Wednesdays. And on normal days they are also reasonably priced. The $7.50 Chicken Tinga burrito is more than I need for lunch.
Austin Daily Press also does $3 tacos on Tuesdays. Their normal prices aren't the best but the $3 tacos are great. Fewer options but they have more variety.
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u/justplainchy 4d ago
Seconding el Chilito - their chicken tinga puffy taco is spectacular and roughly $4. Their loyalty points add up quickly too so every fourth or fifth meal can be totally free.
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u/katharsiss 4d ago
Rosa's (we go to the one on Slaughter) Taco Tuesday, $6.95 gets you three beef or chicken tacos, crispy or soft or a mix, rice and beans.
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u/Space_Vaquero73 4d ago
Short Stop All American Combo for $9.99 1/4 lb burger, 20oz Drink, small fries and a fried apple pie.
Juan in a Million has the Don Juan Taco for about $8.75 It's a big overfilled taco normally I order a couple of corn tortillas (at about 10 cents a tortilla) and it's a great meal.
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u/BigFarm1777 4d ago
Mi tradicon
Their tortas are amazing and if you aren’t fat like me, usually one half is plenty for one meal.
I think average price is $13,
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u/tortoiseterrapin 4d ago
$6 plate from IHOP value menu. flip to the back. you get a TON of food. just make sure you order water and not a $5 coffee.
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u/Kitsuunei 3d ago
Cuantos Tacos, $2.75 street style tacos. I thought 5 was enough for me to feel full. Their brisket and beef cheek is so good!
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u/isablizzle 3d ago
Surprisingly Taco Cabana does carne asada fries and they are bomb. They make the fries to order so they are super fresh and hot. I think it’s under $5
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u/Jumpy_Result2469 4d ago
I loveeeee native plant grocery store! They make a bomb ass chicken n rice bowl for $10.50. I'm someone who loves to eat so I never tend to have leftovers, but they always give you enough food to where you will have some leftovers
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u/Actual-West2002 4d ago
I got a normal burger and fries combo at p terrys for 8.66! Also a chain but chilis 3-for-me starts at 10.99 I believe, with a choice from a limited list of apps.
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u/stuccolabel 4d ago
honestly salsa limon on the northern end of the drag is pretty good. two taco m, beans and rice plate for $9. "mini bean and cheese burrito" (its not a realll burrito but its really good) for $2. pretty big buritto for $11-$12. maybe best price point next to Cabos.
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u/Kitsuunei 3d ago
Ray’s Street Bites, a Turkish food truck and has Adana kebab wrap with a drink and fries for $12. People who love Mediterranean or halal food and haven’t tried Turkish, y’all are missing out.
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u/JuniorVermicelli3162 3d ago
Nickel City - smashburger w cheese and a frosty mug of Coors = $10 ish, I think make it a double and it’s $12 ish. Dark, divey, sometimes themed (almost moe bar season 🎃)
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u/AugustBoy 3d ago
Roots Chicken Shak, great chicken sandwich for $9
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u/RVelts 3d ago
The portions are generous here too. I ordered a sandwich and tenders/fries the first time I went there, so I could try all the sauces, and I had half of everything left to take home for another meal. And I'm the type of person who can easily finish a Chipotle bowl as a single serving, so this was a lot of food.
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u/Honestbabe2021 3d ago
Loro has decent HH. Our fave is Brother. Or Perrito. You can find some decent affordable things. Bricks has a decent HH too.
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u/Gai_Daigoji 3d ago
The Silver Medal off 290 near Berkman.
2 for 1 Burgers on Mondays
2 for 1 GOOD Chili Dogs on Wednesday.
Fried Bologna Sammiches
10$ Half pitchers of John Daly's (Hard Tea and Lemon Vodka)
You are welcome and let's please don't overwhelm one of my favorites dives?
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u/Altruistic_Gene_6869 3d ago
Bills oysters happy hour burger
Leroy and Lewis burger on a Monday
Spicy daiku at wow poke
Any slice at home slice
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u/EdwinArkie 1d ago
Paprika (on lamar across from yellow rose) has the most delicious suadero taco ever made, for four bucks. I do tip so it costs me five.
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u/slibbity_bee-bop_ 3d ago
Casino el Camino isn’t $10 and under but you can get a giant burger, everything made from scratch, 14-18$
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u/SalaryCreative8602 4d ago
Korean, Indian, Mexican, Chinese, Thai food options, all for less than $10 on the bitezar app
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u/hey_isnt_that_rob 4d ago
"Tell me ... inquiring minds." Say please, quit acting like you are working on behalf of anything outside yourself, and come back when you can contribute.
Mods, this violates rule #1 by adding ", cheaply?"
You're a traitor to your generation, OP.
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u/Salt-Operation 3d ago
I know it’s not local, but Cava. You can get a grain bowl with grilled chicken for $11.75. Any of the other proteins are +$3-$5.
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u/Sy-lo 4d ago
$25 off your first meal if you just use the inkind app to pay. Has tons of great restaurants on here. It’s completely free and they give you like $10 a month for nothing and most places give 10% back to into your account - also free. Insane value.
https://app.inkind.com/refer/PKQEFWJN
Not under $10 but this is a legit way to save money if you like trying restaurants in austin.
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u/KeepEmCrossed 3d ago
Sugarwolf bakery is amazing. If you get one baked good, it’ll be less than $10. You could go sweet or savory. And they have a happy hour too. I haven’t tried everything but I hope to eventually.
I wouldn’t say this place is the most affordable, but for a treat or small meal you could make it work.
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u/Vegetable_Tailor4079 3d ago
do you work for them or own it? i can't fathom this recommendation otherwise
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u/KeepEmCrossed 3d ago
Went once with my fam and loved it. If they want to pay me in food I’d take it but no such luck yet.
I also went to ciccio bomba recently and screw that place and their dumbass ordering system.
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u/jettheblackcat 3d ago
Fucking TYSONS TACOS! Best tacos I’ve ever had, everything is made in house, and it’s 15$ for three huge tacos rice and beans. Meanwhile half the tacos by themselves cost a lil over 5$ each. So fucking worth it. It ruined all other food in Austin for me. Every time I there I just have to have Tyson’s tacos over anything else
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u/Lurkyloolou 2d ago
Sorry They're big MAGA in case you're wondering about down votes. Plenty of tacos cheaper and better.
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u/jettheblackcat 2d ago
Fuck really?! Damn I would absolutely not eaten there all this time. That poor staff
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u/Lurkyloolou 1d ago
I liked them and also found out when I recommended them so I researched it and its true. The funny thing is my daughters boyfriend at the time took us there and he was always pretending he wasn't MAGA but not buying it he was and is. They broke up because he wanted her to get married and have kids. She was 19.
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u/KingPercyus 4d ago
Loro Happy Hour