Cheap Restaurants in Houston
Looking for places to satisfy your cravings without breaking a buck? Well, fret not, for we have a list of cheap restaurants in Houston. The best cheap eats Houston offers include Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack, Cool Runnings Jamaican Bar & Grill, Taqueria Del Sol, and, Goode Co.
When you don’t feel like cooking, the next best thing is to eat out. Luckily, Houston has a lot of places that offer delicious bites that don’t cost much. From classic burger joints to world-class tastes to cute cafés, this city has something for you!
So, grab the family or call some friends and prepare your tummy for a kaleidoscope of flavors from affordable restaurants in Houston.
Cheap Food Houston Options For You!
American Classics
Vegan Bites
International Flavors
Mexican Favorites
Has It All
Deal Alert – Downtown Houston Food Tour
There’s plenty for foodies to get excited about in Houston, with some excellent restaurants, tasty street food, and cuisine from all around the globe. On this walking tour, explore the north Downtown area of Houston and discover the culinary highlights of the warehouse district, Market Square Park, and Main Street. Stop along the way to sample a selection of local favorites, regional specialties, and artisan foods, including Tex-Mex, Greek, and Spanish dishes.
Get more information and check out the Downtown Houston Food Tour TODAY!!!
Best Cheap Restaurants in Houston – Quick Hit Summary
Frank’s Pizza, Antonini’s Subs & Steaks, and Cajun Crawfish #1 are just a few of the restaurants that offer some of the best American flavors. If you want to fill up on burgers, steaks, and seafood for cheap, you should definitely check out these places.
For those wanting to travel the world, the city is chock full of cheap restaurants Houston has. Fat Bao has Asian-style sandwiches, Oishii has affordable and yummy sushi, and Darband Shish Kabob, the oldest Persian restaurant here, has delicious traditional plates. For taco cravings, you have plenty of choices like Tacos A GoGo and El Rey Taqueria.
For vegans, Doshi House is the premier place to get your animal-free fix.
If you don’t know what you want, the best cheap eats Houston offers include Goode Co., Treebeard’s, and Barnaby’s Cafe. They have everything from pasta to BBQ to seafood to salads! If you’re looking for great ingredients for not a lot to make your own meals, visit the Lankford Grocery.
For our full list of cheap restaurants in Houston, read below!
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Also, check out our recent articles on Best Deep Dish Pizza Houston, Best Chinese Food in Houston, and Best Indian Restaurants in Houston TX!
American Classics – Best Cheap Restaurants in Houston
Frank’s Pizza
For downtown pizza joints, you can’t get much better than Frank’s. They offer coupons on their website and their traditional pies start at $12.
Where: 417 Travis St. Houston, TX 77002
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Thursday 11:00 am – 1:00 am | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 3:00 am | Sunday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
The French Fry House
This casual, counter-serve restaurant offers dressed french fries that will have you dreaming of potatoes. Sit on their deck and smell the aromas of Philly Steak Fries, Boudin Eggrolls, and more.
Where: 5740 S Wayside Dr. Houston, TX 77004
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Thursday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Saturday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Sunday CLOSED
Frenchy’s Chicken
Famous for its fried chicken, this Houston institution is a must-visit for anyone on a budget.
Where: Multiple locations all over Houston
Operating Hours: Varies by location
Stack Burger
This burger joint is more than American- they offer traditional burgers, bulgogi, hot dogs, fajita burgers, and more. Most plates are between $5-$9.
Where: 703 St Joseph Pkwy, Houston, TX 77002
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 6:00 pm | Saturday & Sunday CLOSED
Blaze Pizza
With multiple locations around Houston, this pizza joint is on fire. Their 11-inch pizzas are just $7.95 and are made-to-order. Check out their online deals for even more savings.
Where: 9650 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77063 & 7459 Southwest Fwy Suite 400, Houston, TX 77074
Operating Hours: Closes at 10:00 pm
Annie’s Burgers
This cheap, no-frills restaurant offers breakfasts and burgers. Fries are extra but they’re worth it.
Where: 10821 S Post Oak Rd, Houston, TX 77035
Operating Hours: Sunday 7:30 am – 6:00 pm | Monday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm | Tuesday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Wednesday – Saturday 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack
Best Cheap Restaurants in Houston | Image credit: Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack
This unassuming burger joint is the home of the Buffalo Burger. They have all the toppings and styles you can imagine, starting at just $5.50.
Where: 5230 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77056
Operating Hours: Open daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Hungry Farmer BBQ
This down-home joint serves up huge plates of beef, rice, beans, and potato salad. They also serve burgers, sandwiches, and their own creations. Prices are reasonable for such large portions of food- about $11 a plate.
Where: Mulitple locations
Operating Hours: Varies by location
Antonini’s Subs & Steaks
This Bay-area restaurant has delicious subs starting at $5.50. Don’t expect a lot of frills, just fresh, delicious ingredients.
Where: 17314 TX-3, Webster, TX 77598
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm | Saturday 11:00 am – 6:30 pm | Sunday 11:00 am 0 3:00 pm
Cajun Crawfish #1
If you haven’t tried Viet Cajun yet, you’re missing out. Come crawfish season, this cheap Houston restaurant is the place to be. Their menu is delicious and will satisfy you all year long.
Where: 13480 Veterans Memorial Dr. Suite J, Houston, TX 77014
Operating Hours: Open daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Carl’s BBQ
You’ll need eagle eyes to spot this BBQ joint among the construction but this long-standing spot for cheap eats in Houston will leave you anything but wanting. The plates are huge and come with two sides for just $13. They have some of the best fried okra, mac and cheese, and desserts around.
Where: 21920 Northwest Freeway, Cypress, TX 77429 & 31315 Farm to Market 2920 #10, Waller, TX 77484
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 am – 8:30 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Pinkerton’s Barbecue
For authentic Texas-style barbecue at an affordable price, head to Pinkerton’s.
Where: 1504 Airline Drive, Houston, Texas 77009
Operating Hours: Tuesday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Wednesday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Or until sold out| Bar open until last customer leaves
Tornado Burger
Don’t judge a book by its cover- the building needs updating but the food here is tremendous. Burger combos start at just $6 and everything is made fresh.
Where: 505 Murphy Rd, Stafford, TX 77477, United States
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Gumbo Jeaux’s
This Texiana eatery offers Texan-style Louisiana cooking. To keep it cheap, stick to the classics- gumbo, red beans and rice, and crawfish etouffee will all run you $7 or less. They have three locations around Houston.
Where: 15655 JFK Blvd Suite Q Houston, TX 77032
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Papa Genos
With four locations around town, you won’t miss your Philly Cheese-steaks. Grab a sandwich, fries, and a drink for $10.
Where: Multiple locations
Operating Hours: Monday -Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Raising Cane’s
For a quick and affordable meal, head to Raising Cane’s for their signature chicken fingers and fries.
Where: Multiple locations
Operating Hours: Varies by location
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PUBLIC TOURS AVAILABLE OCTOBER – APRIL
Taste some of the many flavors Houston has to offer as your guide takes you to five delicious venues. Through food, art, and history you will see how EADO has evolved from Houston’s original Chinatown into one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the country. Sample delicious food from a bakery, a taco stand, a BBQ restaurant, a unique supermarket, and a Vietnamese restaurant as you learn about the graffiti art, architecture, public art, and green spaces that have helped shape EADO.
Get more information and book your Howdy Houston EADO Food Tour TODAY!!!
Vegan Bites – Cheap Food Houston
Doshi House
This is THE spot for cheap vegan fare. Their coffees and vegetarian goodness are raved about by vegans and omnivores alike. Their evening meals start at just $7.
Where: 3419 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday & Saturday 7:30 am – 5:00 pm | Thursday – Friday 7:30 am – 9:00 pm | Sunday CLOSED
Tarka Indian Kitchen
While naturally an international restaurant, it also offers vegetarian options which makes it great for those looking for savory vegan bites. This kitchen has multiple locations in Houston.
Where: Multiple locations
Operating Hours: Open daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
International Flavors – Affordable Restaurants in Houston
B & T Cafe
This Vietnamese shop offers a broad selection of baguette sandwiches, pho, rice, a full tea bar, and more, making it one of our favorite cheap restaurants in Houston.
Where: 2007 W Alabama St, Houston, Texas 77098
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Fat Bao
You can’t call yourself a foodie if you haven’t tried steamed buns. These doughy Asian-style sandwiches are packed full of meats, veggies, and delicious condiments. They have two locations- one in Sugar Land and one off of Kirby.
Where: 3419 Kirby Drive Houston, TX 77098
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Oishii Japanese Restaurant
Looking for a great spot to get delicious and cheap sushi in Houston? Sushi and just about everything else is both cheap and delicious at this family-owned, Richmond Avenue eatery. The average price for a roll begins at around $4.
Where: 3764 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77046
Operating Hours: Lunch: Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Saturday 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Dinner/Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Saturday 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Sunday CLOSED
Don Cafe & Sandwich
Enjoy cheap Vietnamese food in a quick-serve setting. Their location on 9300 Bellaire near the Beltway is a fan-favorite.
Where: 9300 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
Operating Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm | Thursday – Saturday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Nyam Nyam Cafe
Expect delicious quick bites from this locally-owned Russian eatery. They have sophisticated, simple decor for a romantic date night or a relaxing lunch. Enjoy coffee and sweet and savory crepes- but be sure to try the Pirozhki!
Where: 15201 Mason Rd Suite 1100, Cypress, TX 77433
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Thursday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm | Sunday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cool Runnings Jamaican Bar & Grill
Best Cheap Restaurants in Houston | Image credit: Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill
This dive bar restaurant offers sometimes spicy Jamaican foods, cocktails, wine, and beers. Plates start at $11.
Where: 8270 West Bellfort, Houston, Texas 77071
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 8:00 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Tarka Indian Kitchen
You can fill up at this Indian restaurant with starters and a main entree for less than $15. Main entrees are between $8-$10 and they also offer a vegetarian option. This kitchen has multiple locations in Houston.
Where: Multiple locations
Operating Hours: Open daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Darband Shish Kabob
Prepare for delicious Persian cuisine. The oldest Persian restaurant in Houston, Darband Shish Kabob offers traditional plates that pair Basmati rice with slow-roasted meats, grilled veg, nuts, and herbs. Plates run $5- $13.
Where: 5670 Hillcroft Ave, Houston, TX 77036
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Tiger Den
This communal Japanese restaurant serves up late-night bites, comfort food, and small plates.
Where: 9889 Bellaire Blvd STE 230, Houston, TX 77036
Operating Hours: Monday & Sunday CLOSED | Tuesday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Piada Italian Street Food
This is one street food vendor that will leave you feeling both full and guilt-free. Their fresh salads, wraps, and desserts are perfect for cheap eats in Houston without the bloat.
Where: & 6602 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 8:00 pm & 10:45 am – 10:00 pm
Sur Latin Peruvian Cuisine
The Tallarin al Pesto con Lomo is out of this world. The servings are huge and just about everything here is good. They’re also BYOB.
Where: Retail Center, 19901 Kingsland Blvd # A, Houston, TX 77094
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Sunday: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tahini Plus
This Mediterranean restaurant near 529 offers delicious cuisine in a quick-serve setting. Plates start at $7.
Where: 6802 S Texas 6, Houston, TX 77083
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine
Enjoy flavorful Mediterranean dishes like hummus, falafel, and shawarma at this affordable restaurant.
Where: 912 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006 & 1737 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018
Operating Hours: Thursday – Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday – Wednesday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm & Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Collina’s Italian Cafe
This restaurant has been underrated for years- especially when you consider the value you get for your dollar. “Personal” pizzas are generously sized and start at just $7.
Where: Multiple locations
Operating Hours: Vary by location
Gyro King
With three locations spread out around Houston, this is one Gyro your stomach AND your wallet will be thanking you for. Gyros are huge and delicious, starting at just $7.
Where: Multiple locations
Operating Hours: Varies by location
Mambo’s Seafood
With 11 locations near Houston, you can fill up on your choice of seafood and fried rice. This immensely popular Chinese- Latin restaurant may have a wait time but they won’t break the bank. Try the fried tilapia- no breading. You won’t regret it!
Where:
Operating Hours: Varies by location
Niko Nikos
With three locations around town, this Greek Restaurant has everything you need from healthier options to comfort food. Opa!
Where: & 1040 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Houston, TX 77043
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday & Sunday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday
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The tour consists of 3 stops where you will try 6-7 delicious food samplings including authentic Mexico City cuisine, traditional Asian novelties, Houston’s unique take on Italian-American, & dessert. These meals are pre-ordered & will be coming out nice & fresh for your whole group.
Get more information and book your Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston TODAY!!!
South of the Border (Mexican)
Brothers Taco House
No frills, just tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and other Mexican comfort foods. Plates are $4 and under and tacos are even cheaper.
Where: 1604 Emancipation Ave. Houston, TX 77003
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 3:00 pm | Saturday 6:00 am – 1:00 pm | Sunday CLOSED
Taco Palenque
This Mexican restaurant serves all the traditional dishes. They have one location right now, just off 610 and 45 but they have other locations coming soon.
Where: 3000 Woodridge Dr, Houston, TX 77087
Operating Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 7:30 am – 10:00 pm | Thursday – Saturday 7:30 am – 11:00 pm
Taqueria Del Sol
Best Cheap Restaurants in Houston | Image credit: Taqueria Del Sol
This authentic Mexican restaurant has a huge menu and all of its options are inexpensive. Plus, tacos are just $1.75 each!
Where: 8114 Park Pl Blvd, Houston, TX 77017
Operating Hours: 24/7
The Original Marini’s Empanada House
This empanada house in Katy, Texas makes their empanadas filled- to order. Empanadas start at $2.75.
Where: 10001 Westheimer Rd, Ste 2570 Houston, TX 77042
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Monday & Sunday CLOSED
Alamo Tamale Company
With three locations on the East side of Houston, this casual tamale restaurant will fill you up without leaving you high and dry. The tamales aren’t expensive- starting at about $13 per dozen.
Where: 809 Berry Rd, Houston, TX 77022
Operating Hours: Restaurant & Bakery: Daily 6:00 am – 6:00 pm | Drive-Thru: Daily 6:00 am – 1:30 pm
El Rey Taqueria
Serving up tacos, tortas, lunch and dinner plates, and fine Cuban cuisine, you won’t go hungry and you won’t bleed your wallet! For the cheapest options, stick with the tacos- there are plenty of flavors to choose from.
Where: Multiple locations
Operating Hours: Varies by location
Tacos A GoGo
Tacos start at around $2.99 each and they have all of your favorites to choose from. If you’re extra hungry, their Muy Yum plates won’t break the bank, either.
Where: Multiple locations
Operating Hours: Varies by location
Tacos La Bala
Here, you’ll find a counter-serve Mexican chain with optional seating. You can get burritos, tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and breakfast plates.
Where: Multiple locations
Operating Hours: Monday -Saturday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm | Sunday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Taqueria Arandas
Traditional Mexican breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. You can get your lunch quickly without breaking the bank.
Where: Multiple locations
Operating Hours: Varies by location
Cheap Places to Eat in Houston TX that Has It All
Goode Co.
Best Cheap Restaurants in Houston | Image credit: Goode Company
Whether you’re looking for BBQ, tacos, or seafood, Goode Co. has it all. They’re known for their locations selling BBQ plates but their other restaurants are just as good and won’t break the bank.
Where: Multiple locations
Operating Hours: Varies by location
Lankford Grocery
This laid-back burger joint has a variety of sandwiches available for $9 or less. They have comfort food, outdoor seating, and a fan base- lunchtime is the busiest. Just make sure to bring cash!
Where: 88 Dennis St, Houston, TX 77006
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday & Saturday 7:00 am – 3:00 pm | Friday 7:00 am – 12:00 am | Sunday CLOSED
Treebeard’s
Plates at this three-location chain run $9- $14 but you get a lot of bang for that buck. They have locations on The Cloister, Pennzoil Place, and Enterprise Plaza.
Where: Multiple locations
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Barnaby’s Cafe
This popular Houston chain serves up breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and more at reasonable prices. They are also pet-friendly and serve a delightful menu for your lovely dogs.
Where: Multiple locations available in Houston
Operating Hours: Varies by location
Do you know other best cheap restaurants in Houston? Let us know in the comments!
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