Austin has a reputation for great food, but you don’t need to drop $50 a head to eat well here. The city’s best meals often come from no-frills counter-service spots, food trucks, and old-school joints that have been serving the same neighborhood for decades. Whether you’re staying near 6th Street or down on South Congress, you’re never far from a solid, affordable meal.
We put together this list of 10 restaurants where two people can eat well for under $25 — sometimes well under. These aren’t trendy pop-ups or overpriced tourist traps. They’re the places locals actually go, and most of them have been around long enough to prove they’re doing something right.
Best Cheap Burgers in Austin
Sandy’s Hamburgers — 603 Barton Springs Rd
Sandy’s has been flipping burgers across the street from Zilker Park since 1946. The menu is simple — burgers start around $5, and the frozen custard is some of the best in Austin. It’s a walk-up window with picnic tables, open daily from 10am to 10:30pm. If you’re spending a day at Barton Springs Pool, this is your lunch stop. No debate.
P. Terry’s Burger Stand — Multiple Locations
P. Terry’s is Austin’s answer to In-N-Out, and locals will argue it’s better. A double cheeseburger runs under $7, the fries are fresh-cut, and the shakes are made with real ice cream. There are locations all over the city, so no matter where you’re staying — whether it’s one of the coolest hotels in Austin or a budget-friendly spot — there’s probably a P. Terry’s within a 10-minute drive.
Dirty Martin’s — 2808 Guadalupe St
Open since 1926, Dirty Martin’s is Austin’s second-oldest restaurant. It sits on the Drag near the University of Texas campus, and the vibe is pure old Austin — wood paneling, neon signs, and a jukebox. The burgers are solid, the chili queso fries are dangerously good, and most items land under $10. Come hungry.
Best Cheap Tacos and Mexican Food
Veracruz All Natural — Multiple Locations
Veracruz started as a single food trailer in East Austin and now has locations across the city, including Tarrytown, Manchaca, and Rainey Street. Their migas taco was named one of the five best tacos in America by Food Network, and at $3 to $5 a taco, you can try several without guilt. The fresh-squeezed juices are worth adding to your order. Get there early on weekends — the line moves fast but it does build up.
Taquerias Arandinas — Multiple Locations
If you want to eat the way working Austinites actually eat, Taquerias Arandinas is it. Breakfast tacos start around $2, and a full plate — enchiladas, tacos al pastor, or a torta — rarely costs more than $10 to $12. They have locations on South 1st, East Riverside, and North Lamar, among others. The salsa bar alone is worth the visit. This is authentic, no-nonsense Mexican food at prices that feel like a time warp.
Tamale House East — 1707 E 6th St
The Tamale House name has been part of Austin since 1958, and the East 6th Street location carries that legacy with pride. The tamales are the main event — hand-wrapped and deeply flavorful. A full dinner plate runs $12 to $16, and breakfast plates come in under $10. One important note: they’re only open Friday through Sunday, so plan accordingly. It’s worth rearranging your schedule for.
Best Cheap BBQ in Austin
Sam’s Bar-B-Que — 2000 E 12th St
Sam’s has been smoking meat on East 12th Street over a brick pit since the 1970s. This is old-school East Austin barbecue — no trendy craft cocktails, no Instagram-ready plating, just good ribs (around $8.50) and sausage sandwiches for about $3.25. The mutton ribs, when available, are a regional rarity. Sam’s is the kind of place that reminds you barbecue was working-class food long before it became a $28-per-pound luxury.
Brown’s Bar-B-Que — 1901 S Lamar Blvd
Brown’s operates as a food truck parked outside Corner Bar on South Lamar, and it’s been there since 2011. The brisket is legit, the pulled pork is smoky and tender, and the prices stay well below the big-name barbecue joints. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 7pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. If you’re staying near South Congress, it’s a short trip over.
Best Cheap Eats — Everything Else
Texas Chili Parlor — 1409 Lavaca St
Texas Chili Parlor has been ladling out bowls of chili a block from the State Capitol since 1976. You might recognize it from Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof — it’s that kind of place. Chili bowls range from $8 to $12, and you pick your heat level: mild, medium, or “x” (proceed with caution). It’s open from 11am to 2am daily, which makes it a solid late-night option if you’ve been out on 6th Street.
Home Slice Pizza — South Congress
Home Slice does proper New York-style pizza on South Congress — thin crust, foldable slices, and a whole pie that feeds four people for around $20. That’s $5 a person for a full meal, which is hard to beat anywhere. The line at the main restaurant can get long on weekend nights, but the walk-up window next door sells slices and keeps things moving. Grab a slice, walk South Congress, and call it a good evening.
Tips for Eating Cheap in Austin
- Eat your big meal at lunch. Many Austin restaurants offer lower prices during the day, and the lines are shorter. Barbecue joints in particular tend to sell out by evening — go early.
- Breakfast tacos are your best friend. A $2 to $4 breakfast taco in Austin is more filling than a $15 hotel breakfast. Seriously, just go to Taquerias Arandinas or Veracruz and save your money.
- Skip downtown dining for dinner. Restaurants within a few blocks of 6th Street charge a premium. Head to South Lamar, East Austin, or North Loop for better food at lower prices.
- Food trucks are your ally. Austin’s food truck culture means some of the best cooking in town comes without the overhead costs of a full restaurant — and those savings get passed to you.
- Weekday visits win. Most of these spots are less crowded Monday through Thursday. You’ll spend less time in line and more time eating.
Where to Stay on a Budget
If you’re watching your food budget, you’re probably watching your hotel budget too. Check out our guide to cheap hotels in Austin and our breakdown of where to stay in Austin by neighborhood. Picking the right area can put you walking distance from several of the restaurants on this list and save you rideshare costs on top of everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest meal you can get in Austin?
Breakfast tacos at Taquerias Arandinas start around $2 each, and two or three will fill you up. A sausage sandwich at Sam’s Bar-B-Que runs about $3.25. Both are full, satisfying meals for under $5.
Is Austin expensive for food compared to other Texas cities?
Austin’s restaurant scene has gotten pricier over the past decade, especially downtown and in trendy neighborhoods. But the city still has a strong tradition of affordable counter-service spots, food trucks, and family-run taquerias. If you know where to go — and now you do — you can eat very well for $10 to $15 per person per meal.
Do I need to tip at these restaurants?
Most of the spots on this list are counter-service, where tipping is optional but appreciated. If there’s a tip jar or a screen prompt, 15 to 20 percent is standard for table service, and a dollar or two per person is a nice gesture at counter-service spots. The people working these kitchens are earning it.
Last updated: February 2026
Explore More Austin Dining
Austin’s food scene goes well beyond any single category. Here are our other dining guides to help you eat your way through the city:
- Essential Guide to BBQ in Austin
- Best Tacos & Tex-Mex
- Best Sushi
- Best Burgers
- Best Pizza
- Fine Dining
- Best Cocktail Bars
- Best Brunch
- Best Coffee Shops
- Best Food Trucks
- Best Rooftop Bars & Restaurants
- Best Date Night Restaurants