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Lankford’s Grocery & Market
Lankford’s is an institution that has long offered affordable eats.
Ellie Sharp

Dine Out on a Budget at These 16 Houston Restaurants

From excellent tacos to comforting bowls of ramen and super-fast Greek eats, here’s where to dine in H-Town without going broke

by Megha McSwain and Brittany Britto Garley Updated
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Lankford’s is an institution that has long offered affordable eats.
| Ellie Sharp
by Megha McSwain and Brittany Britto Garley Updated

Houston has an assortment of quality high-end restaurants, but it isn’t always possible to splurge on dinner. Fortunately, the city’s expansive dining scene is also packed with a bounty of affordable restaurants that make dining on a dime totally possible — and dare we say it, enjoyable?

From chef-approved banh mi to fast-casual Greek eats and some of the city’s finest burgers, here’s where to eat the best-value restaurant food in Houston. Now go on — ball out on a budget.

Don’t see your favorite affordable restaurant on the list? Shout it in the comments.

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Tamashi

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Making noodles and broth for ramen can be a time-consuming process, resulting in a hefty price tag. But at this no-fuss ramen joint with multiple locations, guests can take their pick of shrimp-based broth, tonkatsu, and bone-based broth bowls for under $12. A meal in one, the soups are loaded with noodles, tender meat, fish cake, and a soft-boiled egg. 

1214 W 43rd St Ste 500, Houston, TX 77018
(713) 636-2665
(713) 636-2665

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Tacos Doña Lena

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In a town with no shortage of places to score tacos, Dona Lena is an impressive choice and it’s got great prices to match. The tacos at this vibrant, family-owned restaurant start at $2.50 and are built on warm, corn tortillas. Choose from beef, chicken, barbacoa, tinga, or a meatless option like soy pastor.

8788 Hammerly Blvd G, Houston, TX 77080
(713) 993-6486
(713) 993-6486

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Tarka Indian Kitchen

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Dining on authentic Indian street foods, curries, and more is made convenient and affordable at this counter-service restaurant with multiple locations around town. Heaping platters of spiced lentil, daal, or biryani — rice stir-fried with meat, spices, onions, and ginger — start at $8 and decadent lamb vindaloo is under $10.

721 W 19th St Suite #7, Houston, TX 77008
(346) 802-2096
(346) 802-2096

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Treebeards

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Treebeards has been churning out Southern comfort plates for more than four decades, and despite its expansion with multiple locations across the city, the menu remains affordable. Good ol’ standbys like red beans and rice with link sausage and shrimp etouffee start at just $5.50, while the chicken fried chicken platter with two sides provides a hearty meal for $10. Save room for buttercake, a sweet deal at $4.

9655 Katy Fwy Suite B-3120, Houston, TX 77024
(713) 228-2622
(713) 228-2622

El Rey Taqueria

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Cuban food cravings are easily satisfied without breaking the bank at any of the El Rey’s locations that are peppered around town. A feast like the Special Ropa Vieja platter, comes with three “Cuban-style” tacos made with shredded beef stewed in a tomato broth, plus cilantro sauce, cole slaw, pico de Gallo, and a side of black beans for $13. House-made horchata or fresh cantaloupe juice make the perfect pairing for an extra $4 for 32 oz.

910 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 802-9145
(713) 802-9145

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Lankford's Grocery & Market

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Lankford’s may be known for its classic and specialty burgers, but there is much more to consider, and plenty for under $12. The Montrose gem is open bright and early and touts solid Mexican breakfast plates like migas, huevos rancheros, and chilaquiles, plus $6 mimosas and $5 glasses of wine. Sweet tooth? Spring for a peach or apple cobbler, both under $5.

88 Dennis St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-9555
(713) 522-9555

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Cali Sandwich & Fast Food

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The banh mi may just be the unofficial sandwich of Houston, and at Cali Sandwich, you can choose from grilled barbecue pork, shredded chicken, and more for under $5. Bowls of pho are equally reasonable — a small size starts at $8.99, but springing for the large for a dollar more is never a bad idea.

2900 Travis St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 520-0710
(713) 520-0710

Tacos Tierra Caliente

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With its prime location steps from the West Alabama Ice House and a mouthwatering menu of $2 tacos, this iconic cash-only taco truck is one of the best ways to get the most bang for your (literal) buck. Order a few al pastor and chicharron tacos, or splurge on a $5 torta.

2003 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 584-9359
(713) 584-9359

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burger-chan

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Since launching in 2016, this fast-casual burger bar has garnered a loyal following, and for good reason. Its burgers are built with 2 or 5 oz 44 Farms beef patties and can be customized from bun to bun to your liking. A 2 oz burger starts at under $6 — but you can make it a double for just a couple more dollars and add interesting toppings like onion strings, kimchi relish, and charred jalapenos for $1 each.

5353 W Alabama St Suite 110, Houston, TX 77056
(832) 408-0860
(832) 408-0860

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Mandola's Deli

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In Houston, the Mandola family name is associated with iconic restaurants and wonderful food, and that is particularly true of Mandola’s Deli. The reasonably priced café near the University of Houston has a hefty focus on Italian classics with the deluxe muffuletta and spaghetti with meatballs, both under $10. Don’t sleep on dessert. Find house-made cannolis and Italian cream cake for under $6.

4105 Leeland St, Houston, TX 77023
(713) 223-5186
(713) 223-5186

Oishii Restaurant

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Sushi night can be pricey, but at Oishii, diners can indulge in all of the house staples paired with beer, wine, or sake without breaking the bank. Small plates like seaweed salad, chicken yakitori, fried pork gyoza, and agedashi tofu are under $5, while sushi and sashimi options are priced at $1 or $2 per piece. Cut down on cost even more by visiting during Oishii’s famed happy hour where appetizers are buy-one, get-one-free.

3764 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77046
(713) 621-8628
(713) 621-8628
an exterior shot of the Oishii Houston location.
Oishi Houston offers a variety of small plates for under $5
Oishii Restaurant

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Ekko's Greek American Deli

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Located inside a Galleria-area convenience store, this no-frills counter is the definition of a hidden gem. Known for its mouthwatering Greek eats served fast and at a seriously reasonable price, its Gyro sandwiches are packed full of meat. Choose from chicken or a lamb and beef combo — a bargain at $8.

5216 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77056
(713) 622-2625
(713) 622-2625

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Shri Balaji Bhavan

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Offering an affordable assortment of chaat, dosas, and entrees, Shri Balaji gives the option to sample. Go for the $8 Madras Thali meal, which comes with seasonal vegetables, basmati rice, tangy, tomato, tamarind and lentil soup, sambar, fresh yogurt, lentil chips, your choice of three chapatis cooked on the griddle, and three puris with the dessert of the day. Feeling extra hungry? Add an appetizer like the three stuffed potato-stuffed samosas for $4.

5655 Hillcroft St, Houston, TX 77036
(713) 783-1126
(713) 783-1126

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Golden Dumpling House 黄金水餃子

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It’s worth the trek to Sterling Plaza in Chinatown for a sampling of true pan-fried, boiled, and steamed dumplings — and their affordable price makes them even better. Score an order of 10 Texas-sized dumplings filled with shrimp, beef, pork, or vegetables for $7 (or less). Die-hard dumpling fan? Try the dumpling with beef soup for $6.50.

9896 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
(713) 270-9996
(713) 270-9996

Molina's Cantina

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Few restaurants can stand the test of time and continue to deliver quality food at a low-cost price, but Molina’s pulls it off seamlessly. The iconic Tex-Mex restaurant offers several combination plates with beef chalupas, tamales, chalupas, and more for under $13, including the enchiladas de Tejas platter, a duo of chili con carne topped cheese enchiladas — a staple on the menu for more than eight decades.

3801 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77025
(713) 432-1626
(713) 432-1626

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New York Deli & Coffee Shop

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From its food to its nostalgic décor, dining at NY Deli & Coffee Shop is like stepping back in time. This old-fashioned diner remains tried and true for its NY-deli style comfort plates and is always a scene on weekends with early birds looking to score hot and fresh bagels. Along with traditional breakfast pastries, budget eats are aplenty. French toast and pancake platters are under $10 while heartier meals like the hot Reuben sandwich and the bagel and lox come with two sides for under $14.

9720 Hillcroft St, Houston, TX 77096
(713) 723-5879
(713) 723-5879

Also featured in:

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Tamashi

1214 W 43rd St Ste 500, Houston, TX 77018

Making noodles and broth for ramen can be a time-consuming process, resulting in a hefty price tag. But at this no-fuss ramen joint with multiple locations, guests can take their pick of shrimp-based broth, tonkatsu, and bone-based broth bowls for under $12. A meal in one, the soups are loaded with noodles, tender meat, fish cake, and a soft-boiled egg. 

1214 W 43rd St Ste 500, Houston, TX 77018
(713) 636-2665
(713) 636-2665

Tacos Doña Lena

8788 Hammerly Blvd G, Houston, TX 77080

In a town with no shortage of places to score tacos, Dona Lena is an impressive choice and it’s got great prices to match. The tacos at this vibrant, family-owned restaurant start at $2.50 and are built on warm, corn tortillas. Choose from beef, chicken, barbacoa, tinga, or a meatless option like soy pastor.

8788 Hammerly Blvd G, Houston, TX 77080
(713) 993-6486
(713) 993-6486

Tarka Indian Kitchen

721 W 19th St Suite #7, Houston, TX 77008

Dining on authentic Indian street foods, curries, and more is made convenient and affordable at this counter-service restaurant with multiple locations around town. Heaping platters of spiced lentil, daal, or biryani — rice stir-fried with meat, spices, onions, and ginger — start at $8 and decadent lamb vindaloo is under $10.

721 W 19th St Suite #7, Houston, TX 77008
(346) 802-2096
(346) 802-2096

Treebeards

9655 Katy Fwy Suite B-3120, Houston, TX 77024

Treebeards has been churning out Southern comfort plates for more than four decades, and despite its expansion with multiple locations across the city, the menu remains affordable. Good ol’ standbys like red beans and rice with link sausage and shrimp etouffee start at just $5.50, while the chicken fried chicken platter with two sides provides a hearty meal for $10. Save room for buttercake, a sweet deal at $4.

9655 Katy Fwy Suite B-3120, Houston, TX 77024
(713) 228-2622
(713) 228-2622

El Rey Taqueria

910 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77007

Cuban food cravings are easily satisfied without breaking the bank at any of the El Rey’s locations that are peppered around town. A feast like the Special Ropa Vieja platter, comes with three “Cuban-style” tacos made with shredded beef stewed in a tomato broth, plus cilantro sauce, cole slaw, pico de Gallo, and a side of black beans for $13. House-made horchata or fresh cantaloupe juice make the perfect pairing for an extra $4 for 32 oz.

910 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 802-9145
(713) 802-9145

Lankford's Grocery & Market

88 Dennis St, Houston, TX 77006

Lankford’s may be known for its classic and specialty burgers, but there is much more to consider, and plenty for under $12. The Montrose gem is open bright and early and touts solid Mexican breakfast plates like migas, huevos rancheros, and chilaquiles, plus $6 mimosas and $5 glasses of wine. Sweet tooth? Spring for a peach or apple cobbler, both under $5.

88 Dennis St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-9555
(713) 522-9555

Cali Sandwich & Fast Food

2900 Travis St, Houston, TX 77006

The banh mi may just be the unofficial sandwich of Houston, and at Cali Sandwich, you can choose from grilled barbecue pork, shredded chicken, and more for under $5. Bowls of pho are equally reasonable — a small size starts at $8.99, but springing for the large for a dollar more is never a bad idea.

2900 Travis St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 520-0710
(713) 520-0710

Tacos Tierra Caliente

2003 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098

With its prime location steps from the West Alabama Ice House and a mouthwatering menu of $2 tacos, this iconic cash-only taco truck is one of the best ways to get the most bang for your (literal) buck. Order a few al pastor and chicharron tacos, or splurge on a $5 torta.

2003 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 584-9359
(713) 584-9359

burger-chan

5353 W Alabama St Suite 110, Houston, TX 77056

Since launching in 2016, this fast-casual burger bar has garnered a loyal following, and for good reason. Its burgers are built with 2 or 5 oz 44 Farms beef patties and can be customized from bun to bun to your liking. A 2 oz burger starts at under $6 — but you can make it a double for just a couple more dollars and add interesting toppings like onion strings, kimchi relish, and charred jalapenos for $1 each.

5353 W Alabama St Suite 110, Houston, TX 77056
(832) 408-0860
(832) 408-0860

Mandola's Deli

4105 Leeland St, Houston, TX 77023

In Houston, the Mandola family name is associated with iconic restaurants and wonderful food, and that is particularly true of Mandola’s Deli. The reasonably priced café near the University of Houston has a hefty focus on Italian classics with the deluxe muffuletta and spaghetti with meatballs, both under $10. Don’t sleep on dessert. Find house-made cannolis and Italian cream cake for under $6.

4105 Leeland St, Houston, TX 77023
(713) 223-5186
(713) 223-5186

Oishii Restaurant

3764 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77046

Sushi night can be pricey, but at Oishii, diners can indulge in all of the house staples paired with beer, wine, or sake without breaking the bank. Small plates like seaweed salad, chicken yakitori, fried pork gyoza, and agedashi tofu are under $5, while sushi and sashimi options are priced at $1 or $2 per piece. Cut down on cost even more by visiting during Oishii’s famed happy hour where appetizers are buy-one, get-one-free.

3764 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77046
(713) 621-8628
(713) 621-8628
an exterior shot of the Oishii Houston location.
Oishi Houston offers a variety of small plates for under $5
Oishii Restaurant

Ekko's Greek American Deli

5216 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77056

Located inside a Galleria-area convenience store, this no-frills counter is the definition of a hidden gem. Known for its mouthwatering Greek eats served fast and at a seriously reasonable price, its Gyro sandwiches are packed full of meat. Choose from chicken or a lamb and beef combo — a bargain at $8.

5216 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77056
(713) 622-2625
(713) 622-2625

Shri Balaji Bhavan

5655 Hillcroft St, Houston, TX 77036

Offering an affordable assortment of chaat, dosas, and entrees, Shri Balaji gives the option to sample. Go for the $8 Madras Thali meal, which comes with seasonal vegetables, basmati rice, tangy, tomato, tamarind and lentil soup, sambar, fresh yogurt, lentil chips, your choice of three chapatis cooked on the griddle, and three puris with the dessert of the day. Feeling extra hungry? Add an appetizer like the three stuffed potato-stuffed samosas for $4.

5655 Hillcroft St, Houston, TX 77036
(713) 783-1126
(713) 783-1126

Golden Dumpling House 黄金水餃子

9896 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036

It’s worth the trek to Sterling Plaza in Chinatown for a sampling of true pan-fried, boiled, and steamed dumplings — and their affordable price makes them even better. Score an order of 10 Texas-sized dumplings filled with shrimp, beef, pork, or vegetables for $7 (or less). Die-hard dumpling fan? Try the dumpling with beef soup for $6.50.

9896 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
(713) 270-9996
(713) 270-9996

Molina's Cantina

3801 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77025

Few restaurants can stand the test of time and continue to deliver quality food at a low-cost price, but Molina’s pulls it off seamlessly. The iconic Tex-Mex restaurant offers several combination plates with beef chalupas, tamales, chalupas, and more for under $13, including the enchiladas de Tejas platter, a duo of chili con carne topped cheese enchiladas — a staple on the menu for more than eight decades.

3801 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77025
(713) 432-1626
(713) 432-1626

Related Maps

New York Deli & Coffee Shop

9720 Hillcroft St, Houston, TX 77096

From its food to its nostalgic décor, dining at NY Deli & Coffee Shop is like stepping back in time. This old-fashioned diner remains tried and true for its NY-deli style comfort plates and is always a scene on weekends with early birds looking to score hot and fresh bagels. Along with traditional breakfast pastries, budget eats are aplenty. French toast and pancake platters are under $10 while heartier meals like the hot Reuben sandwich and the bagel and lox come with two sides for under $14.

9720 Hillcroft St, Houston, TX 77096
(713) 723-5879
(713) 723-5879

Related Maps