Cheap Restaurants in Santa Cruz

Just because a meal doesn't leave a dent on your pocket book doesn't mean it can't leave an impression on your taste buds. Santa Cruz is home to thousands of college students. Though they don't have a lot of extra spending money, they are anything but starving thanks to the cornucopia of cheap restaurants located within the city limits. Jack's Hamburgers is the perfect place to grab a juicy burger, basket of thick-cut fries, and a frothy milkshake, all under $10. This local hot spot is a Santa Cruz classic and feels like a throwback to burger joints of lore. Each burger is made to order and comes out hot and fast. While they have add-ons like chili and bacon, you're best bet is to go for a plain ol' hamburger or cheeseburger and a serving of crispy fries. Saddle up to an outside table and hunker down with a burger from the eatery that takes the Number One spoke on this cheap eats list. Tacos Moreno, tucked away in Merrill College on the campus of UC Santa Cruz, isn't fancy, but they whip up a mean quesadilla, soft shell taco, and burrito. Catering to the students going to and fro classes, travelers of all ages are welcome at this surprisingly cozy taqueria. Thanks to its delicious food, amicable ambiance, and affordable prices, Tacos Moreno snags the Number Three spot. Many restaurants feature dollar-friendly menus, including Little Shanghai Chinese restaurant, which serves a $5 lunch buffet Monday through Friday. Sitar India Cuisine on Pacific Ave. also offers a $5 lunch buffet. This one is unlimited and comes with large slices of naan bread and white rice. While the dishes are vegetarian only, diners can add a meat dish for just a few dollars more. From salad to chutney to curries to dessert, the Sitar India Restaurant offers heaping servings for little, granting them the Number Eight slot.

Jack's Hamburgers

202 Lincoln Street

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The Crepe Place

1134 Soquel Ave
At Seabright Ave

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Mission Hill Creamery

1101 Pacific Avenue

Artisan Ice Cream in Downtown Santa Cruz...
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Linda's Seabreeze Cafe

542 Seabright Avenue

Great Breakfast in Seabright...
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Zachary's Restaurant

819 Pacific Avenue

Good breakfast in downtown Santa Cruz...
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Betty Burgers

505 Seabright Avenue

Betty Burgers in Seabright...
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Marianne's Ice Cream

1020 Ocean Street

Marianne's Ice Cream is a local icon...
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Cafe Gratitude

expert pick

103 Lincoln St

A delicious vegan restaurant serving up positive affirmations...
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The Penny Ice Creamery

expert pick

913 Cedar Street

Featuring out-of-the-box ice creams made completely from scratch...
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Peachwood's at the Inn at Pasatiempo

expert pick

555 Highway 17

The best steaks in the Monterey Bay Area...
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Hoffman's Bistro

expert pick

1102 Pacific Ave

After a visit from the Food Network's restaurant remodel show, Restaurant: Impossible, this Santa Cruz staple has regained it's title as the hottest ticket in town. Serving walloping portions for every course and an extensive selection of beer and wines, Hoffman's is one of Santa Cruz's best restaurants...
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Kelly's French Bakery

402 Ingalls Street

French bakery with a coastal California flare...
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Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant

1220 Pacific Ave.

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Oak Tree Ristorante

5447 Highway 9

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Sabieng Thai Cuisine

1218 Mission St

Arguably best Thai in Santa Cruz...
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I Love Sushi

516 Front Street

Funnest Japanese restaurant in town...
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Ideal Bar & Grill

106 Beach Street

Local favorite bar and grill...
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Lulu Carpenter's

1545 Pacific Ave

Local coffee establishment...
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Mobo Sushi

105 South River Street

Fun Japanese restaurant...
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515 Kitchen & Cocktails

515 Cedar Street

Ingenious cocktail lounge...
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