When visiting a new destination, you naturally don’t want to break the bank every time you go out to eat. And that most certainly includes Boston, which is in the top 1% of the most expensive cities in the world. Yikes!
Fortunately, you don’t have to. Cue cheap eats in Boston.
Cheap eats are precisely as their name suggests: foods or food establishments that offer low prices. However, you shouldn’t choose just any cheap eats location because you want to also make sure it tastes good, too!
And that’s what brings us to our topic here today: the best nine cheap eats in Boston. Let’s dig in.
Expert’s Tip: Looking for more affordable and fun activities? There are plenty of Free Things to See and Do in Boston!
Saus Boston
Saus Boston is the prime location for stellar cheap eats in the city of Boston. Their flagship location is conveniently found on Union Street and offers those in search of delectable yet affordable grub haven.
They’re well known for several stomach and wallet-satisfying options. Customizable poutine comes in two sizes: regular for $7.25 and big for $8.50. Their crispy, juicy fried chicken “sandos” are just $10, other “sandos” are only $9, brats at $9, and even salad bowls at $9. Saus Boston is indeed the boss…of cheap eats and street food.
Tasty Mo:Mo
Tasty Mo:Mo can give you your dumpling fix without making you empty your wallet. This quick-serve eatery dishes out homemade, fresh-to-order dumplings that you won’t soon forget.
Tasty Mo:Mo is adored for its casual atmosphere and variety of lip-smack-worthy dumplings, like their momos (dumplings from northern parts of India and Tibet) and “chilly” momos. Not only are their perfectly-sized dishes easy and enjoyable to digest, their prices are, too.
Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe
On the hunt for some cheap noodles? Then Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe can easily supply them. Both you and your bank account will love every bite.
Slurp up their hot sour noodle soup ($9.33) or their lamb noodle soup ($12.15), which are two of their most popular dishes. Give any one of their noodle dishes a try, really, because they all consist of hand-pulled noodles!
Don’t forget to give their other authentic yet extremely affordable Western Chinese dishes a try, like their lamb flatbread sandwich ($6), Xi’an cold noodles ($9.20), and lamb stew ($12.95).
Mike’s City Diner
Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned diner? When you’re looking for some seriously wicked breakfast or lunch for unbeatable prices, head on over to Mike’s City Diner without hesitation.
Mike’s City Diner is a local joint that serves up those classic diner extra-large portions for a great value. While all of the items on their menu are worthy of your tasting (and gorging), the Famous Pilgrim is their number one item, which is a Thanksgiving-inspired sandwich that was contrived by owner Jay Hajj.
Imagine it: freshly cooked slices of turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce on a fresh bun. And all for $11.25. Need we really say more?
Okay, we will: Mike’s was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and Top 5 Restaurants!
Machu Chicken
Machu Chicken is a family-operated spot that provides customers with authentic, passionately-created Peruvian dishes. The restaurant itself is a colorful Mayan setting, making for a peaceful environment to nosh on their mouthwatering cheap eats.
Their chicken has been noted as “to die for” by several previous customers, especially their quarter chicken ($6) or half chicken ($12). They do more than just chicken, however, and do them all well, too, such as the yucca fries, misty salad, and lomo saltado –a stir-fry with sirloin strips, onions, tomatoes, french fries, and a side of white rice.
Oh, and be sure to wash it all down with a pitcher of their sangria!
Saloniki Greek
Looking for a juicy, flavorful gyro but not looking for a frightening price? Then Saloniki Greek is your place.
Saloniki Greek, which has its main location conveniently in Fenway, offers Greek grub-enthusiasts a real bang for their buck as they really load up the meat in their pitas! They offer gyros, pita plates, wraps, fresh salads, and more. Fast, cheap, great service, and scrumptious–what else could you ask for from a cheap eats in Boston spot?
El Pelón Taqueria
Los tacos son vida–or, “Tacos are life.” For those who can agree with this statement, then you need the best tacos and other Mexican dishes that are also affordable, and that is certainly from El Pelón Taqueria
El Pelón Taqueria offers taco and burrito lovers a haven where they can score quick yet authentic Mexican bites for a good price and great taste. Their fresh ingredients make the magic happen along with their passion behind each culinary creation.
Their menu is fraught with Mexican goodness: tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos, tortas, brimming plates, and plenty of sides (guac anyone?).
Tasty Burger
Is there really anything more satisfying than a tasty burger? We sure don’t think so, and neither does Tasty Burger!
When on the hunt for a bodacious burger, run, don’t walk, to any one of their Boston locations: Back Bay, Fenway, Cambridge, North Station, and Downtown Crossing. Their mission is to provide their burger fans with truly fresh patties made of quality American beef crafted with traditional, 1940s humble burger techniques.
This old school burger joint is bound to satisfy your tastebuds and your wallet. Their burgers start at $7.25 and you can make it a combo for just $3.95 more!
Bánh Mì Ba Le
When in search of a bánh mì that’s one part delicious and one part affordable, then you need one from the popular Bánh Mì Ba Le (1052 Dorchester Avenue). This Dorchester spot is beloved by locals and because of that, it more often than not has quite the lengthy line–but it is most certainly worth the wait.
All of their ingredients are fresh and delectable: French baguettes, cucumbers, daikon, shredded pork, pickled carrots, cilantro, hot peppers, and the classic bánh mì sauce. Add your choice of meat like chicken or BBQ beef, or keep it simple with vegetables–and expect to pay just $4.50.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to go broke when you’re hungry in Boston. Instead, you can find some incredible food from any the spots above while saving some serious dough! So head to any one (or all!) of our top cheap eats in Boston when you’re feeling peckish–you won’t be sorry!
