The Best Budget Meals in Austin for $10 or Less
Austin food prices don’t have to put a huge dent in your bank account. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look. You can still get that authentic Austin taste even if you’re balling on a budget, or even just looking to eat out at a restaurant without spending a lot of money. Here are some places to enjoy Austin cuisine for $10 or less.
Koriente
621 E. 7th St.
Located in Downtown Austin, Koriente is an Asian-inspired restaurant with healthy options made from scratch at a budget price. The majority of their dishes are low in oil and sugar, its ingredients are fresh, their menu contains vegan and gluten-free options––what’s not to love?
They are currently only serving take-out because of COVID-19 restrictions but it’s definitely the perfect option for takeout under $10.
Dirty Martin’s Place
2608 Guadalupe St.
A staple of Austin since 1926, Dirty Martin’s Place offers some of the best burgers in town. A personal favorite of mine is the Habanero Burger, with the option to make all burgers with one or two patties. Their entire menu (aside from 4 items) is all under $10. Just because it’s affordable doesn’t mean it can’t be tasty, too.
888 Pan-Asian Restaurant
2400 E Oltorf St.
Located in the Riverside area, 888 Pan-Asian is the answer to all your pho and fried rice needs for under $10. Their portions are sizeable, delicious, and the best value for your money. They also have other dishes like vermicelli, curries, and stir fried noodles hovering around the $10-13 price range. My personal favorite from here: their sweet sticky mango rice. It’s not an entree but it doesn’t make it any less amazing!
Juan in a Million
2300 E Cesar Chavez St.
If you’re an all-day breakfast fan, Juan in a Million is your spot. A breakfast and lunch place located in East Austin, the restaurant was started by school teachers in the 80’s and prides itself on homemade recipes reminiscent of abuelita’s kitchen. This place is the best early day spot with many options under $10. It’s most praised item: the “Don Juan el Taco Grande” for only $6.75.
Don’s Japanese Kitchen
411 W 23rd St.
A favorite of UT students and Austinites alike, Don’s Japanese Kitchen is a food truck located in a parking lot behind the Co-Op Store in the University of at Austin area. It’s an unmarked black truck but you can usually find it by the line of people waiting to place an order. Their “Don” Bowls provide you with a generous portion of protein and rice for less than $10. They open at noon and remain open until they’re sold out, which is usually about 3 or 4 pm every day. Unfortunately, you can’t order online but waiting in the line surrounded by college students is part of the experience.
Taco More
2015 E Riverside Dr.
Mexican restaurants and street tacos that don’t adhere to Tex-Mex cuisine are uncommon in Austin, however, this place serves the most authentic and best quesabirria tacos that I have ever had in Austin. Made out of tender goat meat bathed in goat soup broth and served with consume, this $10 and under plate will not disappoint. There are other equally amazing $10 and under options if you’re not into goat meat and you can even ask them to replace it with beef (but why would you want to?).
