Houston, with its variety of different cuisines and fusion restaurants, is a foodie hub that can boast a hefty price tag if you want the best of best. But fear not, it’s possible to eat out when you’re broke as hell. Here are 25 restaurants in Houston that care about your wallet just as much as you do. Yeah, you’re welcome.
1. Thien An
Thien An boasts one of the best Banh Mi sandwiches for the unbeatable price of $3.25 per sandwich. You can get the authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine without feeling broke AF.
2. Goode Company BBQ
Looking for that southern barbecue fix? Goode Company BBQ hits the spot with their mouthwatering sandwiches. Their brisket sandwich is a filling and smile-inducing dish at a wallet-friendly price of $7.
3. Fat Bao
Hit up this Asian-fusion joint for an interesting take on steamed bao buns. Priced at around $3.50 a piece, Fat Bao’s buns are filled with tasty creations like spicy Thai chicken, s’mores, and fried soft shell crab.
4. Tiger Den
To satisfy those ramen cravings, check out Tiger Den. Bowls start at $8.00 and leave you wishing that you could stomach seconds.
5. 100% Taquito
These tacos are so simple, and that’s what makes them so addictive. For $3.99, you can feel good knowing you’re broke enough to afford a full meal that’s the same price as a pack of gum.
6. Sweet Paris
Get your Parisian feels at Sweet Paris, the shop that has sweet and savory crepes galore, as well as the option to create your own. Crepes start at $7.25 and are incredibly filling.
7. Yoyo’s Hot Dog
This hot dog stand is a shining beacon of hope when you’re hungry and struggling to get home at 2 am. At $4 a pop, Yoyo’s fully-loaded dogs should be your last stop of the night.
8. Shipley Do-nuts
Shipley Do-nuts is a Houston classic. I can’t tell you what they do differently than any other donut shop, but whatever it is, they should never change it. Their classic glazed donuts are too good to pass up. I’m already walking to my car.
9. Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s Tacos are a Houston favorite that everyone and their mother raves about. Add a side order of their mind-bogglingly (is that a word?) delicious queso to complete your order. Side note: the queso has guac mixed inside. Dude, go.
10. Tacos A Go Go
If you couldn’t already tell, Texas has a serious taco problem. But so do we. These munchkins start at $2.59 each, so show some love and get your grub on.
11. Jus’ Mac
For the broke cheese lovers everywhere. I have never respected a person, place, or thing more than I respect a restaurant dedicated to feeding me cheese and carbs at a budget-friendly price. Jus’ Mac doles out personal portions of mac and cheese that start at $5.95.
12. Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack
Bubba’s changed the game with their buffalo burgers. At $6.25, these glorious bites will make you wonder why you ever ate beef burgers in the first place.
13. Good Dog
I know a good dog when I see one. Head on over to Good Dog for a variety of flavors and creative hot dog concoctions all under $10.
14. Treebeards
For big portions and Cajun-style cooking, Treebeards Restaurant has you covered. From gumbos to jambalayas to shrimp etouffee, Treebeards gets you the goods for under $8.
15. Oishii Japanese Restaurant
Oishii never ceases to amaze me. There’s no other place in Houston that serves quality sushi rolls for under $5. Applause please.
16. El Rey Taqueria
El Rey Taqueria is a Houston favorite that fulfills your heart’s desire with every bite. Head on over to try this local favorite for a fantastic price.
17. Aka Sushi House
Get your sushi fix with the lunch special at Aka Sushi, which includes two sushi rolls and a side for just $10. Then pat yourself on the back because you’ve never spent this little on sushi.
18. Paulie’s Restaurant
For major bang for your buck, stop by Paulie’s Restaurant to get heavy pasta portions that will keep your wallet and your stomach happy.
19. Pluckers Wing Bar
Pluckers, Houston’s wing gods, brings you tasty treats with a variety and sauces and dips that can’t be beat starting at $8.
20. Frenchy’s Chicken
Houston gifted our hungry stomachs with Frenchy’s Chicken. This palace of fried goods will keep your stomach satisfied for under $10.
21. Alamo Tamale & Taco
Alamo Tamale & Taco might be the only place in Houston that makes tamales taste homemade. These babies are made with love and you can taste it in every grease-filled bite.
22. The Waffle Bus
If chicken and waffles make your heart melt, then look no further. The Waffle Bus truck will have you singing their praises once you try some of their unique eats starting at $7.
23. Gyro King
Gyro King knows what the people want, and they deliver every time. Get a lamb gyro for $7 and have your bank account singing you praises.
24. The Doshi House
For all my vegan peeps, Doshi House has a great menu that includes Creole red beans and rice and Thai coconut curry with red mushrooms for $7.
25. Luigi’s Pizzeria
Last but not least, Luigi’s Pizzeria is always a great way to end the day with their pizza slices starting as low as $3.25.