Referenced by USA Today as “the dining-out capital of the United States,” Houston is home to many excellent culinary options and tasty treats. Given the city’s proximity to locales like Latin America and the Cajun areas of Louisiana, Houston offers an array of cooking styles and ethnic cuisines, including the ever-popular Tex-Mex, as well as Vietnamese fare and Louisiana Creole cuisine.
With a plethora of delicious dining options to choose from, you can rest assured that in Houston, you don’t have to break the bank to get your fill. During your next visit, try out some of the best cheap restaurants in Houston – you’ll be happy you did!
Also looking for affordable accommodations in the Houston area? InTown Suites boasts cheap weekly rates and low monthly rates at each of our 16 Houston properties. Find the best weekly deals below:
1. Cali Sandwich & Pho
2900 Travis St, Suite F | 713-520-0710
Hours: Mon. – Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Google & TripAdvisor Ratings:
Type of Cuisine: Vietnamese, Asian, vegetarian-friendly
While there are many Vietnamese options in town, Cali Sandwich & Pho stands out among the pack. Customers boast this no-frills eatery has “one of the best Bánh-mí’s in Houston” — and at less than $10 including tax, we’d have to agree. Other cheap Houston eats on the menu include perfectly-fried egg rolls at $4.50, freshly made fruit smoothies at $4.99 and nearly every meat-topped fried rice dish starting at $8.99. Dine indoors or get your Pho to go and enjoy your meal at Midtown Park – just across the street.
2. Good Dog Houston
903 Studewood St | 832-800-3647
Hours: Mon. – Sun., 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Google & TripAdvisor Ratings:
Type of Cuisine: American
With the motto “buy it local or make it by hand,” you know every meal at Good Dog Houston is top-notch. This food-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar restaurant is locally owned and operated and has topped the charts several times for best hot dog and best restaurant in Houston. Even with made-from-scratch condiments, Texas-made franks and local artisan buns, a build-your-own dog starts at just $7.50 and includes 3 handmade condiments. Grab a cold beverage and dine outdoors on the dog-friendly patio.
3. Tamashi
9896 Bellaire Blvd #C2 | 832-834-7376
Hours: Sun. – Fri., 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sat. 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Google & TripAdvisor Ratings:
Type of Cuisine: Asian, ramen, sushi
Tamashi’s decor perfectly compliments the Asain fare, with natural wood accents, bold patterns and live greenery that create a relaxing atmosphere. Beyond the ambiance, this ramen and sushi joint is one of the best cheap eats in Houston. Full-sized ramen bowls start at just $11.50 and basic sushi rolls start at only $5. We highly recommend adding an order of honey-glazed chicken wings to your order for just $5.95.
Tamashi boasts four restaurants in the Houston metropolitan area, but this Northside location is only 4.5 miles from our Downtown Houston hotel.
4. Empire Cafe
1732 Westheimer Rd | 713-528-5282
Hours: Mon. – Sun., 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Google & TripAdvisor Ratings:
Type of Cuisine: American, European-inspired
From breakfast to dessert, Empire Cafe serves it all in an upcycled gas station featuring two outdoor dining patios and a warm European-style interior. Nosh on a homemade scone with a cup of custom-roasted coffee for less than $8 and revel in a morning of free refills. Nibble on a sharable portion of chicken parmesan for $14.95 and save room for a slice of cake – available for half-price every Monday.
5. Torchy’s Tacos
2675 Wilcrest Dr | 713-487-4991
Hours: Mon. – Fri., 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sat. & Sun., 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Google & TripAdvisor Ratings:
Type of Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Vegetarian-friendly, gluten-conscious
Once listed among the “Best Cheap Eats in the US” by Urbanspoon, Torchy’s Tacos is not to be missed! Torchy’s taco of the month is only $6.50 and specialty tacos start at only $4.65. Vegetarian tacos are also available along with breakfast tacos and plenty of great sides like street corn, refried beans and Mexican rice! You should also save room for dessert — the scratch-made churros are highly recommended.
Torchy’s offers 10 convenient eateries across Houston, but the Westchase location is less than a mile from our Sam Houston Parkway property.
6. Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack
5230 Westpark Dr | 713-661-1622
Hours: Mon. – Sun., 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Google & TripAdvisor Ratings:
Type of Cuisine: American, burgers
Don’t let the exterior or the location fool you, Bubba’s has served happy Houstonians since 1985. Known as the “Home of the Buffalo Burger,” Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack was the first restaurant in the area to serve American Bison burgers in the 80s. Today, the menu hasn’t changed much – still featuring bison burgers, thick-cut bacon and Frito pies – all at very reasonable prices (most menu items are under $10). Don’t miss out just because of the line – it goes fast and Bubba’s is always worth the wait. Be on the lookout for Bubba’s food truck around town.
7. Chuy’s
19827 Northwest Fwy | 281-970-0341
Hours: Sun. – Thurs., 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Google & TripAdvisor Ratings:
Type of Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Vegetarian-friendly
Stop by Chuy’s for a delicious Tex-Mex meal on the cheap, including fresh tacos, signature sauces, hand-pulled meat and more – all wrapped in their famous hand-rolled tortillas using fresh-never-frozen ingredients. This small Mexican chain boasts 11 Houston locations with humble beginnings in Austin, TX. Enjoy Chuy’s eclectic decor found at each location, like the swimming wooden fish on the ceiling and the hub cap art above each booth. Soft tacos with two sides start at just $10.80.
Chuy’s Jersey Village location is only one-half mile from InTown’s Northwest Houston hotel.
8. Kenny & Ziggy’s
1743 Post Oak Blvd | 713-871-8883
Hours: Mon. – Sun., 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Google & TripAdvisor Ratings:
Type of Cuisine: American, New York-style deli
Decorated like a classic New York City deli, Kenny & Ziggy’s is a well-known sandwich shop in Houston, serving up generous portions for a low cost. Run by a third-generation deli man, this traditional delicatessen offers guests classics like the triple-decker pastrami sandwich with a side for $21.95 and the sharable stuffed cabbage for $15.95. Dine for breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of the best cheap eats in Houston.
9. CorkScrew BBQ
26608 Keith St | 281-330-2178
Hours: Wed. – Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (or until sold out)
Google & TripAdvisor Ratings:
Type of Cuisine: American, barbecue
CorkScrew BBQ is a casual roadside eatery offering wood-smoked, BBQ’ed goodness in the form of brisket, pork and sausages, along with all the fixings, like potato salad, coleslaw and much more. Feed the whole family with the ultimate sampler platter of smoked meats, southern sides and savory sauces starting at $45, or select a barbecue sandwich for one for $10. Dine on the covered outdoor picnic tables and enjoy the Texas breeze.
CorkScrew BBQ is only 6.5 miles from our Cypress Station hotel, offering affordable weekly and monthly rates.
10. Pizza Zone
4660 Louetta Rd | 281-288-8500
Hours: Tues. – Thurs. & Sun., 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Google & TripAdvisor Ratings:
Type of Cuisine: Italian pizzeria, Gluten-conscious
We couldn’t very well have a top 10 cheap eats list without at least one pizza joint, could we? For an affordable and delicious slice, head to Pizza Zone – serving the North Houston metro area for more than 20 years. This locally owned pizzeria offers all the classics, plus gluten-free crust options, calzones, salads, desserts and more. Personal pizzas start at just $5.49 and specialty pizzas for two are $16.89. Don’t forget the pizza of the month — always a deal and always delectable!
After you’ve filled up at the best cheap restaurants in Houston, enjoy a budget-friendly stay at one of our apartment-style suites in Houston.
If you are planning an extended stay in Bayou City, check out our Houston Area Guide for more budget bites and affordable fun. We’ve also curated a list of the best fall activities in the area for you and your crew to enjoy!
