The Best Cheap Eats in Austin

One of America’s fastest growing and most culturally progressive cities, Austin has been making a splash in many ways over the past decade. The music scene rivals that of New York and Nashville, young people are moving here in hordes, and the food scene just gets better and better. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. From taco shops and food trucks to restaurants with world-renowned chefs, Austin’s food scene is a sight to see. The best part? Not all meals require a fortune. Here’s our list of some of the best cheap eats in Austin.

The OpenTable Team

6 Restaurants

Updated October 01, 2021

Restaurants:	Wu Chow, Uchiko Austin, Uchi Austin…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Chinese, Sushi…
Neighborhoods:	Downtown, Central Austin…

Wu Chow

$$$$

Chinese

Downtown

4.6

1895 reviews

Wu Chow brings authentic, farm-fresh, modern Chinese food to the heart of downtown Austin, offering dishes that represent all eight styles of Chinese cuisine. They have local farm and ranch partnerships that help create fresh, regionally influenced dishes with explosive flavors. Menu favorites include Shanghai Soup Dumplings, Salt & Pepper Squid, Yu Xiang Eggplant, and Mapo Tofu. All of the dishes are very affordably priced and if you visit during happy hour you can take advantage of extra cheap small plates and dim sum, as well as specials on drinks.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Uchiko Austin

$$$$

Sushi

Central Austin

4.8

5735 reviews

Uchiko is the “child of Uchi,” the original Japanese restaurant by this team. This outpost opened in 2010 in Austin and offers the same warm and welcoming atmosphere as the original. They take the lead from Uchi’s menu, featuring a mix of composed dishes and sushi accented with noteworthy flavor additions for a totally unique dining experience. They have a smattering of cheap menu items, including starters like edamame and sunomono, cool tastings like hama chili and kanpachi crudo, and hot tastings like Hot Rock Wagyu Beef, Take Nabe, and Grilled Pork Jowl.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Uchi Austin

$$$$

Sushi

Downtown

4.9

5152 reviews

Uchi is home to the talented executive chef and sushi master Tyson Cole, winner of the “best new chef in America 2005” by Food and Wine Magazine and also winner of the 2011 James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Southwest. He created an exciting menu blending Japanese tradition with new flavors and influences. Uchi means “house,” and the restaurant is in an old home, like many sushi bars in Japan. They have a vibrant design and a menu of eclectic dishes in a wide price range — you can definitely make a meal here on a budget.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Dai Due

$$$$

American

East Austin

4.8

1817 reviews

Dai Due Butcher Shop and Supper Club sits on Manor Road in East Austin. The restaurant opened in 2006 and serves an eclectic variety of modern American foods with a Southern tinge using only fresh foods found in the region. The atmosphere is cozy, warm, and inviting and they're a great spot for couples and groups. The menu features shared plates like the Cold Meat Board, cheap first courses like a Chicken Liver Mousse, Grilled Pecan Sourdough and Lard, and an Arugula salad. There are also sides and a la carte options you can order from the grill to keep costs down.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Kome

$$$$

Sushi

Austin

0 reviews

Kome is the place to go for affordable Japanese lunches that will fill you up in a flash. They serve teishoku-style combination meals with options like karaage, steak skewers, and tofu steak for a nominal price. Their convenient location in the North Loop means they are a popular choice for all of Northern Austin. They have a sit-down restaurant with a casual, comfortable atmosphere, great for quiet dinners, family, and friends.

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Texas Chili Parlor

$$$$

American

Downtown

0 reviews

Sometimes you just want a good old-fashioned bowl of chili to satiate your appetite. If that’s the case, head to Texas Chili Parlor where you can fill up on goodies like a Chili Potato, Frito Pie, nachos, or simply just chili in a bowl. They also have a menu of burgers and other Mexican options to choose from. It’s a casual place to sit and have a bite and is easy to get to from downtown. Plus, chili is the statewide food staple of Texas! Everyone needs a good chili parlor on their list when they are in the Lonestar State.

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The Best Cheap Eats