When you travel, the food you eat often becomes your fondest memory and you don’t need to spend big to experience something authentic, delicious, and locally loved. Across the United States, there are vibrant cities where you can dig into hole-in-the-wall restaurants for less than $15 per meal. These aren’t food trucks or tourist traps; these are mom-and-pop spots, diners, and hidden gems that locals swear by.
Here are a few U.S. cities that shine when it comes to affordable, local cuisine, plus some places to eat, and things to do nearby while you’re there.
Unsplash- Anh Nguyễn
1. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is home to countless hidden, budget-friendly joints. According to Kansas City Magazine, there are 34 amazing meals for $15 or less, and many of them are tucked into strip malls, tucked-away taco spots, or local dive restaurants.
What to eat: For breakfast, grab a ‘Risk It All’ bagel, which is two slices of toasted bagel with scrambled eggs, melty American cheese, turkey sausage, hash browns, grilled pepper and onions, chipotle mayo, and strawberry-pepper jam, made at Cocky Ocky Grill, for $9.50. For lunch, grab a chicken parmesan sandwich at Price Rite for $10.99, which is a seeded italian bun, with a massive breaded chicken cutlet and lots of red sauce. For dinner, try a torta de chorizo con huevo at Cien Por Ciento Mexicana for $12.99, which is a simple, flavorful sandwich that hits the spot.
What to do nearby: After eating, you can explore the historic West Bottoms area, check out the National WWI Museum, or stroll through the River Market District and its farmers’ market.
Related: The one small southern city foodies are flocking to right now
2. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio consistently ranks as one of the most budget-friendly dining cities in the U.S. Its deeply rooted Tex-Mex traditions, family-run taco shops, and low-overhead local diners make eating out here a delight for foodies on a budget.
What to eat: One standout is Con Amor Cocina in Highland Park, a neighborhood gem. They serve hearty Mexican classics, including fideo loco, all for under $10. Another wonderful options is the Apetitos Mexican Restaurant, which is known for bean-and-cheese tacos for just $1 each, which is about as cheap as it gets!
What to do nearby: Pair your meal with a walk along the San Antonio River Walk, explore the historic Alamo, or enjoy the vibrant Mercado neighborhood for shopping and cultural experiences.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s food scene has its expensive, luxurious side, but for real under-the-radar eats, you’ll want to hit the small, local spots. Atlanta Eats is a great resource for those visiting and looking for additional recommendations.
What to eat: Speaking of Atlanta Eats, they recommend “Mexican carnicerias,” tucked into grocery stores that hide some of the most authentic tacos you’ll find and most cost under $10. Additionally, at Tienda y Carniceria Santacruz, you can get the Asada Taco, which is $4.50 for grilled steak tacos or the Pastor Taco, which is $3.99 for marinated pork with pineapple.
What to do nearby: Once you’ve eaten, explore Ponce City Market, walk or bike the Atlanta BeltLine, or check out the historic neighborhoods of Old Fourth Ward or Inman Park.
Tacos are a great option for reasonable meals.Unsplash- Krisztian T
4. El Paso, Texas
Another Texas gem, El Paso, deserves a shout-out. El Paso boasts a variety of hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurants, neighborhood diners, and family-run spots where meals hover around or well under $15.
What to eat: Try generous tacos, burritos, or chile rellenos at local family-run taquerias where you’ll almost never pay more than $10–$12 for a hearty plate. One specific example is Jose’s restaurant and cafe. There, try the Lunch Chimichanga (fried burrito with beef or chicken, topped with queso, sour cream, tomatoes) for $9.99 or the Huevos Rancheros breakfast plate for $11.99.
What to do nearby: Explore the Scenic Drive Overlook for panoramic views, visit the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, or immerse yourself in culture at the Plaza Theatre and downtown arts district.
5. San Francisco, California
Even in a notoriously expensive city like San Francisco, you can find legendary, wallet-friendly hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
Where to eat: A must visit is Saigon Sandwich for their $5–$6 banh mi. Another spot, Yamo, is a tiny Burmese noodle shop where bowls come in at about $9. For all spicy lovers, try Hot Sauce & Panko for their Wings & Waffle Combo with 30 different wing flavors and a Belgian waffle for $10.99.
What to do nearby: After your meal, head to Mission District murals (like Balmy Alley), catch the vibe at Dolores Park, or explore the vintage shops of Valencia Street.
For more food recommendations, subscribe to our newsletter.
Related: Airline’s award-winning food program just got even better
Why these cities work for foodies on a budget
These cities show that affordable dining doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or authenticity. Many of the restaurants are family-owned and deeply rooted in local culture, making them both affordable and meaningful. By sticking to under-$15 meals, you can stretch your trip further and get to experience more while supporting small business and enjoying local cuisine.
Tips for finding cheap eats
-
Use Yelp’s “$” filter to find cheap local restaurants.
-
Ask locals: Feel free to ask locals, including any tour guides, staff in tourist spaces, or friendly appearing locals for specific recommendations.
-
Ask Reddit: Reddit threads from city subreddits regularly reveal hidden gems.
-
Don’t ignore diners, grocery-store kitchens, or neighborhood hole-in-the-walls, they often offer some of the best under-$15 deals.
Whether you’re road-tripping through the Midwest, exploring the border towns of Texas, or navigating the nooks of San Francisco, you don’t have to sacrifice culinary quality for affordability. Seek out the little places, talk to locals, and indulge in under-$15 local eats. These are the spots where flavor lives and budgets thrive.
This story was originally published by TravelHost on Nov 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Dining section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.