The Best Cheap Eats in Dallas

Located in the Northeastern corner of Texas, Dallas represents the second-largest city in the state and the original home of the frozen margarita machine. The city has a rich history rooted in ranching, farming, and oil production before rising into an important business and financial center. Sports fans can enjoy a plethora of professional games to watch year-round. Music lovers will also find plenty of spots featuring everything from country and bluegrass to good-old rock 'n' roll. There's no shortage of fun in Dallas and just as many options for delicious, affordable food. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out when it comes to cheap eats in Dallas? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. From traditional Texan dishes to sushi and Caribbean food, check out our Tastemaker List of where to find the Best Cheap Eats in Dallas.

The OpenTable Team

20 Restaurants

Updated October 01, 2021

Restaurants:	Wildwood Smoke Craft Whiskey - Southlake, Thirsty Lion Gastropub - Euless, TX, NM Cafe at Neiman Marcus - Northpark…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	American, Contemporary American…
Neighborhoods:	Southlake, Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) Corridor, North Dallas…

Wildwood Smoke Craft Whiskey - Southlake

$$$$

American

Southlake

4.8

1173 reviews

Wildwood - Smoke - Craft - Whiskey, located in the Southlake neighborhood of Dallas, is a dining destination with some of the best cheap eats Dallas has to offer! It’s a perfect spot for a business lunch, date night or weekend brunch, and everything on the menu is downright affordable! The interior features over-sized booths, private dining rooms, a spacious bar and an outdoor patio. Try one of the hand-cut steaks fresh off the grill! They have a great wine list and an extensive selection of craft beers as well.

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

Thirsty Lion Gastropub - Euless, TX

$$$$

Contemporary American

Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) Corridor

4.5

485 reviews

For great food that won’t attack your wallet, check out the Thirsty Lion Gastropub and Grill, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Corridor. It’s a modern gastropub that serves up an eclectic variety of multicultural cuisines with an emphasis on scratch recipes! The goal is to evolve the gastropub business by combining traditions from both European and American pubs to create a place where friends and family can dine and sip on handcrafted food, beers and cocktails together.

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

NM Cafe at Neiman Marcus - Northpark

$$$$

American

North Dallas

4.8

341 reviews

NM Cafe at Neiman Marcus is the definition of laid-back luxe. The cafe, located on Level Three of the NorthPark Center in Neiman Marcus, features a chic and modern atmosphere without the upscale prices! It’s a great spot to stop into after shopping ‘til you drop at the department store. They serve affordable sandwiches, seasonally-inspired entrees, and small dishes like soups, for a low cost.

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

Sundown at Granada

$$$$

American

Upper Greenville

4.5

342 reviews

Sundown at Granada, located in Upper Greenville, is a casual farm-to-table restaurant that brings extra charm to the neighborhood. Next door to the Granada Theater, it boasts an expansive patio overlooking Greenville Avenue and the restaurant's own organic garden. They feature fresh, seasonal dishes with locally-sourced produce and free-range meats. Prices are totally reasonable and you can even enjoy nourishing Vegetarian, Vegan and gluten-free fare without hiking up the cost.

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TacoLingo Tex-Mex

$$$$

Tex-Mex

Uptown

4.5

276 reviews

TacoLingo is the place to go for cheap tacos that won’t break the bank. Located right in the heart of Downtown Dallas, it’s a popular spot for folks who are exploring all that Dallas has to see. The interior features a swanky combo of raw and refined industrial and natural materials, warm lighting and a lively, comfortable atmosphere where you can kick back with friends and have fun. Customers fill up the space throughout the day to take advantage of specials like the Cheeseburger Taco and the Crispy Buffalo Taco.

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

Layered

$$$$

Breakfast

McKinney

4.8

150 reviews

Located on Virginia Street in the heart of downtown McKinney, Layered is a casual Breakfast, American and Israeli restaurant that serves some of the best cheap eats Dallas has to offer. It’s a place to find great coffee, baked goods and delicious small plates like the Charcuterie Board, Falafel Plate and the Slider Trio. It’s easy to dine here on the cheap so make sure to fill up! If you come during happy hour there are ½ price bottles of wine, too.

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

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - Dallas

$$$$

Unspecified

Downtown

3.9

1078 reviews

House of Blues Restaurant and Bar is one of the best places for cheap eats in Dallas, especially if you’re looking for comfort food. They feature made-from-scratch, Southern-inspired cooking and classic dishes like New Orleans jambalaya and gumbo. It’s surprising that the prices are so cheap here because the food is some of the best in town! Go all out and try the Voodoo Shrimp or the Carolina Mess and double down with a specialty cocktail from the bar.

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

V-Eats Modern Vegan at Trinity Groves

$$$$

Vegan

West Dallas

4.2

284 reviews

V-Eats Modern Vegan at Trinity Groves is a cool, laid-back neighborhood restaurant that’s one of the top vegan places in Dallas. Executive chef Troy Gardner is passionate about vegan food and this place stands out from the rest. He brings years of kitchen experience to the menu, which is 100% plant-based using real food and no microwaves. Main courses include vegan specialties like the General Tso’s Chick-Non, Penne Arrabbiata and the Green Curry Chicki-Changa. And their small plates menu has some especially cheap eats!

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Public School - Addison

$$$$

American

Addison

4.2

261 reviews

Public School is one of the trendiest spots in Dallas - Fort Worth and you’ll find in hopping with people every night of the week. Located on the bustling Belt Line Road in North Dallas / Addison, it’s an American gastropub offering a wide selection of casual eats like Roasted Chicken and Quinoa Salad, Carne Asada Tacos and a sampling of burgers, including The Impossible Burger. All their food is on the cheap side but you can order a few small plates for the table to keep costs even lower. Regulars love the Deviled Eggs and Bacon Cheddar Tots!

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Café 43

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.8

1369 reviews

Cafe 43, tucked into the George W. Bush Presidential Center, is a perfect place to find cheap eats in upscale digs. It’s a contemporary American restaurant that features a locally-sourced organic, seasonal and sustainable menu for both visitors to the Center and anyone who happens to be hanging around downtown in need of a cheap and tasty snack. They have a full menu of hearty soups, tasty salads, sandwiches, savory entrees and desserts to choose from.

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

eight11 place

$$$$

American

Frisco

4.6

264 reviews

If you want to try some of the best cheap eats in Dallas and also enjoy live music on a gorgeous outdoor patio, head to eight 11 Place on Main Street. A locally owned and unique American Kitchen, Craft Cocktail and Brew House, it makes for a lovely stopping point when you’re our and about in Historic Downtown Frisco. They have killer drinks, including wine flights, a Smoked Old Fashioned and a Deluxe Hot Chocolate. And also foodie favorites like The Board, Sugar-Bacon Seasonal Fruit and the Godfather Pizza. Everything here is super reasonably priced so dig in and enjoy!

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3Eleven Kitchen and Cocktails

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown

4.1

605 reviews

3Eleven Kitchen and Cocktails is an American eatery located in the West End Historic District of Downtown Dallas. You’ll find plenty of cheap eats on the menu here, so feel free to splurge on a scratch cocktail with a vintage twist or a delightful glass of wine with your meal. They are open daily for lunch and dinner service and Owner Jay Khan and Chef John Moore prepare meals with the simple philosophy that every ingredient has a purpose. Try one of the shareable plates that you can pass around the table, like the Carpaccio Bites.

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

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant - Plano, TX

$$$$

Japanese

Plano

4.2

438 reviews

RA Sushi, located on Lone Star Drive in Plano, is the perfect place to grab a delicious bite of Japanese food without going over budget. They serve up fresh, creative Japanese-inspired cuisine in a casual dining room. You can choose to dine al fresco on the patio, take a table in the dining room or sit at the sushi bar to watch the chefs whip up your sushi rolls! Start out with some of their affordably priced appetizers, like vegetable spring rolls or the pineapple cheese wontons.

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

The Heritage Table

$$$$

American

Frisco

4.8

824 reviews

The Heritage Table is an elegant, but affordable restaurant located on Main Street in Frisco Texas. Located in a 1917 converted Victorian Home, this eatery is all about delivering quality, hand-made meals in a comfortable, charming atmosphere. Locals consistently cite it as one of the top places to dine in town and many of their menu options, especially starter plates like the Farmhouse plate, are super cheap. They also have a great double-patty burger and lots of housemade craft cocktails to try.

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

Mexican Bar Company

$$$$

Mexican

Plano

4.5

318 reviews

For amazing cheap eats in Plano, located in the suburbs just outside Dallas, head to Mexican Bar Co. Cocina! They offer a full scope of Mexican food, including handmade corn tortilla tacos, ceviches, guacamole, fresh salsa and plenty of their own regional specialties. Chef Patricio Sandoval whips up a delicious menu of authentic Mexican while adding his own famous touch. The best bang for your buck here is to do the MBC Tasting Platter - a shared dining experience tailored to your table’s liking.

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Bazille - Nordstrom NorthPark Center

$$$$

Contemporary American

Park Cities

4.7

811 reviews

When you’re in the mood for affordable American food with a contemporary twist, you can’t go wrong with Bazille. Located on the third floor of upscale North Park Center in North Dallas, Bazille is the perfect place to stop when you’re out shopping at the mall. They have a casually sophisticated atmosphere with bistro cuisine and a full bar with house cocktails and a great wine list. They have plenty of offerings for under $10, like the Crab Bisque, French Onion Soup and Simple Salad.

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

Chelsea Corner

$$$$

American

Knox / Henderson

4.6

553 reviews

Chelsea Corner, located in the Uptown neighborhood of Dallas, is a casual dining spot known fro its great cheap eats. It’s once again in the original location on the famous corner of McKinney Avenue and Monticello and the restaurant maintains a focus on its rich heritage. It’s a great place to hang out and enjoy the quality food, watch a sports game on one of the 15 TVs or sip a cocktail out on one of the beautiful patios. To keep costs down, go for a few of the shared plates or try one of the beloved Chelsea Corner burgers.

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Ivy Kitchen - Permanently Closed

$$$$

American

Far North Dallas

4.4

418 reviews

Looking for a great eatery that serves both sushi and steak and won’t cost you an arm and a leg? You’re in luck! IVY Kitchen, located in North Dallas/Addison, is one of the city’s best “anytime” restaurants and bars in the ‘hood. They feature a whole smattering of delicious foods, including cheap starters like the Rhode Island Style Fried Calamari, Pimento Cheese Dip or the Smoke Bacon Jalapenos, all under $10. They also serve flatbreads, Sushi and Entree Salads at reasonable prices.

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Sushi Zushi - Dallas

$$$$

Japanese

Uptown

2.7

328 reviews

Sushi Zushi, located on McKinney Ave in the Uptown neighborhood of Dallas, is a Japanese place that offers a totally unique, and affordable, dining experience. Come in to try authentic Japanese food that fuses Japanese traditions with modern tastes. It’s a great opportunity for sushi lovers to try new flavor pairings and for adventurers to branch out with some really fresh and funky selections. They masterful chefs here offer the freshest ingredients in all of their appetizers, soups, salads, rolls and grill plates. You can eat like a king for under $20!

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Pink Magnolia - Permanently Closed

$$$$

Comfort Food

Oak Cliff

4.1

710 reviews

Pink Magnolia, located on Davis Street in the Bishop Arts District, is one of the best spots to go for cheap eats in Dallas. The restaurant takes inspiration from the magnolia flower as a symbol of southern strength and hospitality. Diners will find the nostalgic charm of southern home cooking in an elegant yet casual setting. Come in for some of the delectable southern cuisine at reasonable prices. Standout dishes include the Summer Vegetable Quesadilla and the house fried green tomatoes.

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The Best Cheap Eats