10 Best Cheap Eats in Austin for 2025

Light of my life, heart of my heart. I love Cabo Bob's. Best California-style burrito I've ever had by far. So delicious, not too greasy, super fresh and dirt cheap. I come here literally every week. Be prepared to wait during the semester at UT. Not because the service isn't fast, they work at the speed of light, there is just so many people trying to their claws on a perfect burrito. You have to get the cherry limeade.

If you are looking for an less expensive, fresh, casual, family-friendly restaurant, this is your place. Even picky eaters can create a dish they will love because you can select all ingredients individually. Communication errors are easily avoided because dinner can just point to the names of the ingredients posted on the window in the did line. A few of the labels are worn down and could use refreshing, but, overall, the whole family loved the fresh ingredients and the friendly staff. This place is a new favorite.

The is a classic breakfast restaurant with a bit of an Austin flair. The interior has this mom-n-pop feel with aprons hanging on the windows for ambiance. The staff are super nice and friendly and got us a table right away. I had the black olive omelette with sourdough toast and my wife had eggs and sausage. Generous portions and it was super delicious! One thing I really liked was the Dr Seuss Green Eggs and Ham mural on the wall. Overall the price is very reasonable and I would definitely come back again.

The portions here are insanely huge!! Literally have a whole meal for later today. Service was awesome and they served us so fast. Definitely felt like my grandma was back there in the kitchen making a very nice homey meal. 10/10 would come back again

This has been one of my best discoveries in the city of Austin, TX during the SXSW25. It's a very chill place, in a quiet corner just behind the street with all the music venues. The guys working here are funny and kind and food is great! I had the Pork Bento Box and everything I ate was healthy yet very tasty. Prices are good too, a Bento box is 14$ and I think it is the highest price you can pay, and you get a Miso soup for free. My friend took a Shitake Tofu Bowl and it costs even less (it looked great as well, by the way). I also loved the message you can read at the entrance. A must visit in Austin, especially (but not only) if you love asian food.

Really enjoyed our visit! The weather was nice enough in the evening to sit on the patio. We visited since they had a new playground for our toddler and it did not disappoint, although it's probably better for 3yrs and up. They gave him complimentary goldfish that kept him at the table a bit longer than most times we go out to eat. Food was good! Bread for the fish sandwich, crab and grilled cheese were all different and ALL great! Sauces were too. Definitely will be a go-to place for us when we want a family-friendly outing.

The 5 ⭐️ atmosphere is for how clean this place is. It’s hard to explain you just have to experience it. You know the food will always be fresh from the cleanliness of the entire restaurant. Service is good food comes out hot. They have your good Mexican beers cold. The Chorizo Barria taco is what I go for. And the taco specials of the day are just extra. $20 for 3 tacos and a cold Modelo.

I always order take-out here and it never disappoints. Tons of creative taco options including vegan and vegetarian options galore. Incredible migas taco (Koenig). I’ve also tried the chilaquiles taco (F-1) and potato bean+cheese (Red Light), which are so tasty, but that migas just has me in a chokehold. And the salsa verde is actually insane, I could drink it straight up. A must-try and an Austin essential.

This Pollo Rico is a great location to get food from!!! Every time I go, I get what I ordered 98% of the time, and will also always order lots of green sauce on the side. The green sauce is GREAT for everything Pollo Rico offers or personal dishes you got at the house!!! For me the food is awesome, but the green sauce is the cherry on the top. Favorite meals I FREQUENTLY get are the 1/2 chicken meal, the chicken taquitos, and the potato with chicken. My wife likes the chicken flautas, and chicken quesadilla. Also we have had the horchata before and that’s really good too! As far as drive thru times you can expect to be out of here in 5 minutes most of the time, but there are does busy occasions like during prime dinner time where it can take up to 10 minutes to get out of the drive thru. The staff is usually really nice, and mostly seems to speak Spanish. When ordering I have not had any challenges, and just keep it real simple. Sometimes they will sneak me some free green sauce when I order 3-4 extra on the side!! Much appreciated. Our only recommended growth is the refried beans. The charro beans they offer are SUPER good, but the refried beans they offer could use some work. Overall a great location with good food, and great service!!!!! Thank you Pollo Rico!

Really nice place! I was very surprised by how good the food was. Everything is very affordable and the quality and quantity is very very satisfying! Came here with my girlfriend and we really enjoyed everything. It was my first time but not hers. Definitely coming back! Highly recommend the beef short rib pho! Absolutely a banger!

Delicious food! We loved the grilled shrimp salad and crab rangoons. The vermicelli was great too. It’s a lovely interior. The place was really busy on Sunday at 1pm ish. There was a long line but they kept it moving. The food came out really fast.

Texas Chili Parlor is an iconic place to visit. It's famous for its chili, and they offer many different combos and sizes. The prices are reasonable, and the Tex-Mex dishes are also delicious. I had the sausage chili, which was yummy, although it was a bit salty.

If you’re going to Austin, you definitely have to consider visiting this place. Like in every downtown, parking is tricky, but it’s worth it. The place has very Texan-style decor, the food is good, but the service from the waitresses is really bad—no interest in providing good service.

FoodHeads is Amazing! So fresh & flavorful, everything is super delish. We order with them regularly for the office, they’re always so friendly & efficient and the food is consistently next-level yum! Highest recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve been looking for a place just like this for quite some time! Cute casual cafe in an old house. Really tasty sandwiches. Fast service. Fairly priced. Went at 1pm on a Saturday and waited about 10 minutes but was able to snag a seat inside. Will definitely go back

Love the outdoor area, great places for family and kids. Happy hour is fantastic price for an amazing burger, drinks and pastries. Definitely recommend the cayenne coffee drink. The fries are phenomenal with housemade ketchup better then any ive ever had.

Patio happy hour is the place to be. A large set of picnic tables with lots of seating and a great happy hour menu! The smash burgers were delicious and the drinks refreshing. The fries and squash didn’t hit the mark. Officially updating my review - been back at least 5x since my original review. While I stand by my fries remark I have fallen in love with the bread and pastries from Sour Duck! The mushroom danish, rose pistachio cookie, fresh breads and pastries are just my favorite. I keep coming back