Austin's Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants

Description:

The name is accurate, but does not do justice to the heart-healthy offerings of this Japanese eatery. Drop in for lunch or dinner and select from the menu of sushi, refreshing salads and entrees. The familiar types of sushi are available, as well as variations such as teriyaki chicken rolls and tofu rolls. Try some "heart smart" entrees, such as steak and veggies teriyaki and white chicken with broccoli. A low-key, casual atmosphere is the rule here, with customers choosing from a selection of Japanese beers. Other locations include 1303 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 (+1 512 444 8081,) 3423 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX (+1 512 300 2633) and 5207 Brodie Ln, Austin, TX (+1 512 899 2222.)

Description:

Sandy's is one of those all-American cafes. This one has been around for two decades, its neon custard cone its trademark. So, if you want a bit of classic Americana, drive through and pick up a meal or sit at one of the picnic tables. The menu consists of mouthwatering cheeseburgers and its famous custard cones. Everything on the menu is affordable here.

Description:

Small and quaint is how you can describe this place best. But don't let the small factor undermine the Mexican fare dished out here - you can actually watch them cook. Crowded with hungry students, travelers, local patrons, and professionals, the food is delicious but inexpensive. Food includes homemade salsa, breakfast tacos, migas, enchiladas, chalupas et al. You can call ahead and order - with the prices, for a whole baseball team. Inspite of the demand and queue, service is quick. Note: no credit cards please.

Our Local Expert Says:

These ladies know crepes so well, they beat Food Network Bobby Flay in a televised "throwdown."

Description:

The French seem to be inspiring the folks in Austin. If the Bistro Le Marseillaise is an out-of-the-box concept, well, Flip Happy Crêpes is an inside-an-Airstream concept. Operating out of a trailer parked off South Lamar Boulevard, the menu has sweet and savory crêpes for all tastes and a mini crêpe and nutella roll up for the kids. Flip Happy also serves tea, coffee and sodas and has a seating area with tables on the lawn. This is one place, even the French will admit, where the crêpes are as good as back home.

Description:

Enjoy bowling while you satisfy your appetite with yummy steaks and chops. You can have breakfast, lunch and dinner at Dart Bowl Steakhouse. A quiet place to chill out with folks and friends.

Description:

This is a consistently excellent Vietnamese restaurant with an extensive menu of reasonably priced entrees. Located in a roomy, two-story space in the middle of the bar and live music district, they serve a variety of Pho (noodle soup), vermicelli and rice dishes topped with grilled or stir-fried meat and vegetables. No alcoholic beverages are served, but the Vietnamese coffee, iced or hot, is not to be missed.

Description:

This campus area location offers excellent pizza, Greek items and pasta dishes for eating in, to go or delivery. Prices are reasonable, and the service is generally efficient and friendly.

Our Local Expert Says:

Kids love this barbeque joint, not only for the homemade mac & cheese, but also for the electric train that runs on tracks overhead.

Description:

This warehouse-style restaurant serves reliably good barbecue along with great sides. An entire meal is surprisingly inexpensive. Other locations: 1202-C North IH-35 Round Rock, TX 78681 (+1 512 388 7578,) 2121 Parmer Lane Austin, TX 78759 (+1 512 491 0434,) 4109 Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746 (+1 512 440 0447) and 1000 E 41st St, Austin, TX 78751 (+1 512 302 1200.)

Our Local Expert Says:

This authentic Austin chain sponsors numerous city events including their signature Thanksgiving morning run lovingly deemed the Turkey Trot.

Description:

This local chain that boasts the motto "fresh, fast, and healthy" offers sandwiches that taste fresher and less corporate than their competitors. Even better, the prices are affordable. Vegetarians will enjoy the Veggie Delight, a cold sub loaded with mushrooms, avocado, sprouts, black olives, cream cheese, onions, tomatoes and ThunderSauce--their trademark special sauce. The other subs offered are largely made up of traditional deli meats such as smoked chicken, turkey, tuna salad, roast beef and mixed cold cuts. If you're looking for something lighter, try a hummus sandwich or soup and salad.

Description:

The Texas Chili Parlor serves up X (mild) chili, XX (spicy) chili, XXX (hot) chili, black bean and sausage chili and vegetarian chili. On the weekends, the special is habanero chile! Despite the name, the Chili Parlor also serves Mexican food, burgers and sandwiches and has a popular bar area. Live music can be heard several nights a week.