The Best Cheap Restaurants in Dallas

Let me let you in on a little secret: a lot of the food we’ve had in Dallas has been good, not great. And as a food writer for the Dallas Observer, we eat out…. a lot. That’s not to say it’s all been forgettable. A few gems have definitely popped up—oddly enough, most of them have been fast-casual. If you’re tired of picking between broke and bland, let me introduce you to the best cheap restaurants Dallas. This list isn’t just budget-friendly, it’s vibe-checked, flavor-approved, and more often than not comes with free parking (miracles do happen).

Everything’s bigger in Texas, but that doesn’t have to apply to the bill. Whether you’re planning a casual date night, wrangling the kids, or just want a good meal without spending your entire paycheck, Dallas delivers. From spicy global eats to comfort food classics, here’s your go-to guide for the best food in Dallas TX that doesn’t skimp on taste—or atmosphere. These are my personal go-tos that we return to as frequently as possible.

Snagging the best cheap eats in Dallas doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—just look at this plateful of budget-friendly deliciousness from Oak'd BBQ that hits all the right notes without breaking the bank. — *The turkey BLT with whiskey candied bacon in Addison.*

Barbecue: OAK’d BBQ (Dallas & Addison)

Let’s be real: BBQ in Texas usually comes with a line, a wait, and a price tag. But OAK’d flips the script by serving up legit craft ‘cue without the sticker shock. Brisket is smoked low and slow over post oak (as it should be), and somehow still clocks in at under $20 a plate. It’s no secret either—OAK’d earned a coveted spot on Texas Monthly’s list of best BBQ joints in the state. Sides like the jalapeño bacon mac and pit beans are just as craveable, and the vibe is elevated-rustic without being pretentious. It’s the kind of place where you can bring the fam or roll solo and still leave full, happy, and smelling faintly of smoke in the best way.

Hot Chicken: Port of Peri Peri (Plano and Irving)

This little Nando’s-adjacent spot serves Portuguese-African fusion chicken with your selected heat level from “lemon & herb” to “send help.” If you haven’t had Peri peri sauce, you’re in for a treat. It’s bold, smoky, and packed with flavor that’s been flame-grilled to perfection. And here’s the real deal for families: you can order a whole chicken with sides for under $35, making it an easy, tasty option for feeding a crowd. Don’t miss the PeriMayo corn, an African take on elote.

Solid Sushi: Nori Hand Roll Bar (Dallas)

Lately, handrolls have been hitting more than traditional sushi and forever on a mission to find the best bite, I stumbled into Nori, and let’s just say: mission accomplished. In the heart of Deep Ellum, this sleek, minimalist chef’s counter is tiny—in the best way. The size gives you front-row access to the sushi chef, who’ll happily walk you through what fish has been flown in that day. You can go à la carte or choose one of their cheekily named flights: “I Could Eat,” “Hungry,” “Starving,” or “Hangry,” each with 3–6 handrolls priced from $20–$49. My personal must-order? The torched crab—a rich, spicy red crab roll that’s flamed right in front of your face. Pro tip: It’s bar seating only and fills up fast, so plan for off-peak hours if you want the VIP treatment without the crowd.

Redfish done right at Roots Southern Table—proof that even the best cheap eats in Dallas can come with James Beard-level flavor and soulful Southern finesse. — *Redfish is the star of the show at Roots, but it’s the duck fat fried chicken they’re known for.*

Southern Soul: Roots Southern Table (Farmers Branch)

One of Dallas’s most well-known restaurants and success stories, Roots has racked up countless accolades and fans across the country. Founded by Top Chef all-star Tiffany Derry, this elevated Southern cuisine is the kind of food that makes you want to call your grandma and thank her for raising you right. The duck fat fried chicken for the table to share is a must, but the redfish, gumbo and cornbread were the undisputed stars of the show. Pro Tip: Reservations can be hard to come by, but they also have a grab-and-go spot in Legacy Food Hall in Plano for chicken sandwiches, strips, and wings.

Cheese to Please: Olive Oil’s Pizza (Richardson)

Being from Chicago, I’m a pizza snob,but nothing compares to that perfect New York style slice.
It took us about three months to find our go-to ‘za spot (trust me, we tried dozens and even resorted to making our own for a bit, but Olive Oil’s totally delivers (pun, intended). Old-school, super thin, extra cheesy, and plenty greasy. No frills, just killer pizza made with love (with plenty of fresh tomato, basil and garlic). They have sizes up to 20,” which feeds 6-8 people.

Mole dreams and margarita magic at Meso Maya—where some of the best cheap eats in Dallas are handmade with Aztec soul and serious flavor. — *Mole stuffed poblano at Meso Maya, authentic Aztec cuisine.*

Authentic Mexican: Meso Maya (Dallas and Plano)

Authentic Aztec cuisine, the Yucatecan and Oaxaca-inspired menu is all handmade down to the cocoa beans ground in-house for the mole and the wood grilled tomatoes. The building has been around 75 years, originally built for the Luna Tortilla Factory. Its neighbor, El Fenix, also became a staple of the Little Mexico community. Everything is good but the poblano cream enchiladas and the cochinita pibil are what dreams are made of, and their margaritas? Dangerous. In the best way.

Best Burgers on a Patio: Rodeo Goat (multiple locations around DFW)

Sure, Rodeo Goat’s burgers get all the glory and rightfully so, but the real MVP? Their ultra dog-friendly patio. There are places where dogs are allowed, and then there are places where dogs are wanted—and valued guests. At least in Plano, the patio’s sprawling, shaded, and basically a social club for pups and their humans. You’ll find everything from Great Danes to teacup Yorkies living their best lives while you dig into hand-cut fries and house-ground beef. Add in local beers on tap, monthly burger battles, and chill backyard vibes, and you’ve got the perfect doggy day out.

Bowls that slay at Cava—proof that cheap eats Dallas and the best casual restaurants in Dallas can totally be the same thing. — *The perfect affordable eats in Dallas: custom CAVA bowl for a light lunch.*

Mediterranean Bliss: CAVA (multiple locations around DFW)

I know, I know—Cava is technically a chain. But it’s the most cravable bowls that hit that sweet spot between feeling healthy and super flavorful. If you want the perfect order for umami with a hint of heat, get the braised lamb or chicken shawarma bowl with saffron rice, harissa, crazy feta, tzatziki, tomato and cucumber, pickled onion, fire roasted corn, dill yogurt and garlic dressing. You’re welcome.

Italian Grab and Go: Piada Italian Street Food (Plano, Frisco, Richardson)

I’m always iffy on eating Italian out as pasta’s one of the easiest things to cook at home, but Piada has a flavor profile that just can’t be replicated with any canned jar sauce. The Spicy Diavolo Pasta is my personal go-to—perfectly al dente with a kick of heat that doesn’t mess around. Their chopped salads are surprisingly fresh and filling, and while I haven’t personally tried the namesake piadas (think: Italian-style flatbread wraps), the reviews are strong enough to tempt me. It’s quick, affordable, and just different enough to earn a permanent spot in your lunch rotation.

Eastern European Charm: Jorg’s Café Vienna (Plano)

Dallas isn’t exactly overflowing with Germans, so Jorg’s fills that very specific niche of Eastern European comfort classics. This quirky, family-owned gem in downtown Plano serves up hearty Austrian/German food—think pretzels, schnitzel, sausages, spaetzle—and pairs it with a wall of imported beers that would make Oktoberfest jealous. The space feels like a ‘90s alpine ski lodge where you’d catch a soccer match —wood-paneled, cozy, and absolutely covered in mementos. It’s a short hop up 75 but feels like you’ve landed somewhere deep in the Alps. Say hi to Stacey, the lederhosen legend of a waitress. She’s part of the experience—and frankly, a local icon.

Korean BBQ Bowls: Burning Rice (Dallas, Plano, Frisco, the Colony)

Fast causal Korean BBQ, these DIY bibimbap bowls are so good. Pick your base (rice, noodles, or salad), pile on proteins like spicy pork or bulgogi beef, then top it off with veggies, sauces, a perfectly runny egg, and watch them sear the meat in a sizzling hot stone bowl right in front of your eyes. Kids love the build-your-own format, and parents love that it’s under $15 a pop.

Bagel Run: Shug’s Bagels (Dallas)

Plenty of people will tell you Starship Bagels is the best in Dallas (James Beard Foundation included), but as a self-proclaimed bagel connoisseur, I’m here to lovingly disagree. Shug’s is that bagel spot—hands down the best in the city if you’re into chewy, golden perfection done right. Thanks to its SMU-adjacent location, it doubles as both a morning staple and a late-night carb fix. Unlike Starship, where everything good is gone by 10 a.m., Shug’s keeps it fresh all day long. Their classic lox bagel is NYC deli-level good, and the creative sandwich combos range from hangover-curing to borderline gourmet.

Sippin’ sunshine at Lala Land Kind Café—where matcha meets mission and cheap eats Dallas gets a side of feel-good vibes. — *All love at Lala Kind Cafe that started in Dallas. The butterfly matcha is a must.*

But First, Coffee: Lala Land Kind Café (multiple locations around DFW)

Forever in search of the perfect matcha? Same. And Lala Land Kind Café consistently delivers—both in flavor and feel-good vibes. Born in Dallas (though it gives major LA energy), the sunshine yellow, Instagram-worthy café is more than just a pretty face. Its mission, printed right on the cups and their heart straws —“Be kind”—are backed up by action: they actively hire and mentor foster youth aging out of the system. Beyond the good karma, the drinks are legit. Their matcha is one of the best in town, and the seasonal lattes are always tasty (think strawberry, Oreo, bananas foster).

Middle Eastern Gem: Board Bites (Plano)

Lebanese street food that’s casual, craveable, and easy on your wallet, think juicy shawarma wraps, zesty garlic sauce, crispy falafel, and fries that slap so hard they deserve their own fan club. It’s fast-casual with Middle Eastern soul—perfect for families, picky eaters, and anyone who believes food should always come with a side of tzatziki.

Tex-Mex To-Go: Chiloso (multiple locations around DFW)

Think of Chiloso as Dallas’s homegrown answer to Chipotle. You can build your own nachos, burritos, bowls, or breakfast tacos, loaded up with high-quality proteins like slow-roasted barbacoa, ancho-marinated chicken, blackened salmon, and tender roasted pork. Their signature OMG Plate lives up to the hype—basically the love child of a burrito-quesadilla that’s gooey, grilled, and totally over the top (in the best way). It’s the kind of place where you can eat fast without eating forgettable.

Bonus: Central Market (multiple locations around DFW)

I know what you’re thinking—a grocery store? But hear me out. Central Market may have Whole Foods price tags, but it’s got H-E-B roots, which means it’s equal parts bougie and budget-friendly. The real win? You can grab a fresh, affordable bite and pick up just the right amount of produce without overcommitting to a five-pound bag of kale.

Their bakery is downright phenomenal (seriously, carb lovers beware), and the pre-made section is stocked with enough goodies to build a personal charcuterie board or throw together a quick lunch that doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Final Bites: Budget-Friendly, Belly-Filling Dining

The Dallas food scene is wild—in the best way. It’s easy to get distracted by $50+ brunch plates and overhyped spots that rely more on Instagram aesthetics than taste (guilty). But if you know where to look (hi, here), you’ll find flavor-packed, satisfying, inexpensive meals that won’t break the bank.

Whether you’re planning a night out, feeding the whole family, or just want to find the best food Dallas TX has to offer without draining your paycheck, the city’s got you covered. These family friendly restaurants Dallas residents actually return to are proof that great meals don’t have to come with great sacrifice. Cheap can be cheerful. And in Dallas? It can also be damn delicious.

Want more eats, insider tips, and under-the-radar gems or to share your own recommendations? You know where to find me.

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Where to Stay in Dallas

With more than 30,000 hotel rooms, Dallas has a plethora of accommodation options for visitors. Deep Ellum is a great base for trendy Gen-Zers seeking nightlife, while the Bishop Arts District is cool and quirky with a millennial vibe. Uptown is an excellent area for families, and you can’t go wrong being centrally located downtown.