Cheap Eats Can Still be Tasty
Words by Sam Lauron Photo of Austin Daily Press
These six restaurants prove that you don’t need to overspend in order to enjoy a fresh and delicious meal.
Xian Sushi and Noodle
Fresh and made to order, the budget-friendly meals at Xian Sushi and Noodle are well worth the money. The Mueller restaurant is known for their home-made, hand-pulled noodles that they use in soups and dry noodle dishes, most priced under $10. If you’re looking for a affordable and hearty lunch, Xian’s weekday lunch special offers their Xian, Stir-Fried, or Dan Dan Noodle dishes for just $8.75, and they’re served with a side of miso soup. At dinner, the same bowl of heaping noodles is just about $10.
1801 E. 51st St. | xianfresh.com
Austin Daily Press
The signature tortas at Austin Daily Press ring in at $10 or less, which is a fair price to pay for the inventive flavors that are packed into each sandwich. Add a side of the beloved jalapeño hush puppies to complete the meal. Pro tip: visit either location on a Friday for Free Beer Friday where guests can get one of their rotating local beers to go with their meal.
1900 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 4620 E. Cesar Chavez St. | austindailypress.com
Pho Please
Looking for the perfect cold weather meal? Warm up with a big bowl of pho for under $10. Pho Please serves up the traditional noodle soup with a variety of protein options from beef to seafood to tofu. The Riverside restaurant also offers bahn mis which cost between $7-$8.
1920 E. Riverside Dr. | phopleaseaustin.com
Gourmand’s
The Webberville neighborhood pub offers an inexpensive combo that’s hard to turn down. For $10, patrons can get a half sandwich piled high with toppings and served with either a salad or a hearty soup. If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, opt for the soup that’s served in a fresh baked bread bowl.
2316 Webberville Rd. | lovethysandwich.com
Uroko
Fast casual has a new meaning at Uroko. Pop on over to the Temaki bar at Springdale General to enjoy a high-quality hand roll at a convenient location and a hard-to-beat price. Two basic hand rolls will cost less than $10, and each one is packed with fresh ingredients like salmon, hamachi, and spicy tuna made-to-order.
1023 Springdale Rd. | urokoaustin.com
Cenote
The BYOB (Build Your Own Burger) at Cenote is a ⅓ pound beef patty topped with crisp lettuce, tomato, and chipotle mayo on an artisan bun. The juicy burger comes with a choice of regular or sweet potato fries and is just $10, although additional burger toppings are extra. Cenote’s menu also features a variety of sandwiches like Turkey Avocado, a Cuban and a Bahn Mi, all for $10.
1010 E. Cesar Chavez St. | cenoteaustin.com
