Passionate foodies know that just because a restaurant is pricy doesn’t mean it’s good — and vice versa.

An expensive meal may get you great ambiance or the chance to taste the work of a famous chef, but there’s no guarantee your extra dough will get you a better meal. Not to mention, with inflation putting the pressure on pocketbooks, it can feel even more satisfying to score a delicious plate of food that doesn’t break the bank.

If you’re looking for delicious dining at a reasonable price, these 25 San Antonio eateries offer great meals for $15 or less.

Singh’s Vietnamese 2803 N St Mary’s St., (512) 940-9662, toasttab.com/singhs/v3 Since everything on the menu is less than $15, you can mix it up as you wish. Keep things fresh by trying out the different meat and veg options for Singhs’ goi, rice, bún and banh mi sandwiches — all under $14 — or try out the restaurant’s signature winghs for $12. Photo by mimi.ortizz via Instagram / singhs_sa Credit: Photo by mimi.ortizz via Instagram / singhs_sa
W.D. Deli 3123 Broadway, (210) 828-2322, wddeli.com All of W.D. Deli’s sandwiches cost under $15, with classic sandwich options ringing up under $10 and their signature options only a couple of bucks more. After an ownership change in March 2022, the restaurant expanded their hours to include Saturdays, giving hungry San Antonians more opportunity to stop in for an affordable bite. Photo via Instagram / wddeli
Taquitos West Avenue 2818 West Ave., (210) 525-9888, facebook.com/TaquitosWestAvenue1 Snag a plate full of Suadero mini-tacos packed with grilled meat, onion and cilantro for $1.50 each. The formula may sound simple, but there’s a reason this spot was voted the Best Tacos in SA by Current readers from 2019-2021. Photo via Instagram / compa_chon_el_coreano Credit: Photo via Instagram / compa_chon_el_coreano
Ray’s Drive Inn 822 SW 19th St., (210) 432-7171, raysdriveinn.net Pay your respects to the home of the San Antonio puffy taco. Visit Ray’s to load up on the puffys — all under $4.25 a pop — or the Special Chicken Fajitas with beans and rice for just $10.50. Photo via Instagram / raysdriveinn
Dignowity Meats 1701 E. Houston St., (210) 462-1496, dignowitymeats.com Whether you’re stopping by for one of their smoked meat sandwiches (all $12 and under) or taking advantage of their by-the-pound pricing – the brisket burnt ends ($5.50 for 1/4 pound), buttermilk fried chicken quarters ($4), pulled pork ($4.50 for 1/4 pound) or St. Louis ribs for $2.50 each — you’ll also have extra bills to make your meal complete with a side or two! Photo via Instagram / dignowitymeats Credit: Photo via Instagram / dignowitymeats
Sweet Yams 218 N Cherry St., (210) 229-9267, sweetyamsonlineordering.square.site Eating healthy isn’t always the most wallet-friendly, but Sweet Yams is the exception. You can grab a bowl of their vegan chili for just $8, or snag any of their Gluten Free sandwich options for $10. If you’re looking for something more substantial, try one of their hot entrees like the sesame ginger chicken breast, both served over a bed of organic brown rice and with a house salad — and available for under $13. Photo via Instagram / sweetyamsorganic
Demo’s Greek Food Multiple Locations, demosgreekfood.com This long-running spot started on the St. Mary’s Strip and serves up stick-to-your ribs pita sandwiches filled with anything from gyro meat to falafel. Their Peasant Plate includes one portion of protein with greek salad and tzatziki and starts around $11.49. They also have daily lunch specials that all are under $13.99, making it a great option for the days you aim to lunch on a budget. Photo via Instagram / demosgreekfood
Lala’s Gorditas 1600 Roosevelt Ave, (210) 465-7157, lalasgorditas.com Found close to Mission Concepción, this super colorful spot comes from the family who opened the original Teka Molino and the Taco Hut. They offer their namesake gorditas for $4.95-$5.95 apiece and bean cups for under $3. Photo via Instagram / lalasgorditas

21. Mark’s Outing

Multiple Locations
“Food was so good. I ordered the 1/4 mushroom burger. Patty was very flavorful. Nice atmosphere, people were friendly.” – Imelda G. Credit: Photo via Instagram / marksouting
L & L Hawaiian Grill 1302 Austin Hwy #1, (210) 474-6699, llhawaiianbbqsa.com With almost everything on the menu ringing up around $15 or less, you’re really able to explore your options. Splurge on their BBQ beef ribs for $14.99 or opt for adventure with their $5.50 spam ramen. Photo via Instagram / llhawaiianbbqsa
Carnitas Lonja 1107 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 455-2105, carnitaslonja.com For just $13.75, you can score a half-pound of carnitas (or a torta) and if you splurge just a bit, get a side of frijoles for another $4.25. Now it’s up to you whether you want to share or have a feast all your own. Photo via Instagram / carnitas_lonja Credit: Photo via Instagram / carnitas_lonja
Wrigleyville Grill 602 Northwest Loop 410 #146, (210) 369-9833, wrigleyvillegrill.com Whether you want just the main attraction or the combo, almost anything you order will come out to less than $15. This includes the kraut dog and pizza puff combos or the Italian chopped salad. Photo via Instagram / greg_btfd
Good Time Charlie’s 2922 Broadway, (210) 828-5392, gtcsatx.com Down-home staple Charlie’s continues to draw downtown lunch crowds with its quick service, big portions and affordable prices. Virtually every one of its burgers, sandwiches and meal-sized salads comes in under $10. If you’re really hungry, upgrade to a hearty portion of chicken fried steak for $14.50. Photo via Instagram /
The Barbecue Station 1610 NE Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 824-9191, barbecuestation.com The next time you find yourself with a craving for some smoked meats and classic southern-style sides, head over to Barbecue Station for plates that don’t skimp — even if you do. For the extra frugal, they even offer two Wallet Watcher’s Specials: a $10.99 brisket option that includes a drink, a side of pinto beans and one additional side, and an $8.99 option, which offers a choice between chopped beef, chopped chicken, turkey or pork loin plus a drink and sides. Photo via Instagram / paullee2112
Chris Madrid’s 1900 Blanco Rd., (210) 735-3552, chrismadrids.com Snag one of Chris Madrid’s signature tostada burgers — you can even get it macho-style — for just $11.75. If you’re feeling brave, you can try the Flaming Jalapeño Cheddar Cheesy burger regular-style for $10.25. Photo via Instagram / subblah13
Capos Pizza 8522 Broadway St. #105, (210) 362-1901, capospizzasa.com Get ready to feast, because you can order any one of Capos’ hot subs for around $12, or a giant slice of pizza for $3-5. That’ll leave you plenty of extra cash to grab a drink and dessert. Photo via Instagram / officialcapospizza

19. Gino’s Deli Stop & Buy

13210 Huebner Rd
“The food here is always on point every single time I come and the staff is always welcoming, kind and respectful.” – Nathaniel O. Credit: Instagram / ginosdeli
El Bucanero
Multiple Locations, el-bucanero.com
This iconic Mexican seafood spot is known for its extravagant creations, some of which have price tags to match. But delve deep into the voluminous menu, and you’ll find plenty of less expensive options such as $9 tostada mixta towers packed with fresh seafood.
Credit: Photo via Instagram / elbucanero
Credit: Photo via Instagram / kimdparker73
Bigz Burger Joint Multiple Locations, bigz-burgerjoint.com Grab yourself a single burger and an order of fries for about $10. If you’re feeling fancy, splurge on a giant fudge pecan brownie, filled with chocolate chips and pecans. Photo via Instagram / bigzburgerjoint
Costa Pacifica 434 N Loop 1604 W Acc. Rd. Ste. 2101, (210) 794-9970, costapacificausa.com It’s hard to go wrong with the lunch specials at this Mexican seafood eatery, all of which are under $15, yet look and taste decidedly upscale. Even the dinner menu has budget-priced options, such as the Shrimp Ensenada taco plate or the Shrimp Green Enchiladas — both clocking in at under $11. Photo via Instagram / costapacificasa
Chicago Bagel & Deli 10918 Wurzbach Rd. #132, (210) 691-2245, chicagobagelanddeli.com While also great for lunch with super affordable sandwich options, you definitely need to check out this spot for their breakfast bagels. Get a single for a dollar and change, or get a half-dozen for under $10. Top your bagel off with your choice of spread ranging from gourmet cream cheese to jelly to Nutella for just a few bucks extra. Photo via Instagram / chicago_bagel_and_deli
Pho Hung Cuong 12730 Frontage Rd., (210) 691-1500, phohungcuong.com Take advantage of Pho Hung Cuong’s lunch special and get a hearty meal with a side of rice and iced tea for just $10, or grab a half-dozen wings in one of the chef’s signature sauces for $7.95. After eating here, both your stomach and wallet will be happy. Photo via Instagram / ralph.sarmiento.5
Main Street Pizza 1906 N. Main Ave., (210) 732-8861, mainstreetsa.com You can get literally any type of personal pizza for under $10. Need we say more? . Photo via Instagram / hungryinsanantonio Credit: Photo via Instagram / hungryinsanantonio
The Station Cafe 108 King William St., (210) 444-2200, thestationsa.com These sandwiches are packed with flavor, and you can get any on the menu for less than $8. Or snag a slice of pizza — handmade using the eatery’s own recipes for crust and sauces — for under $4. Photo via Instagram / socialwithallysse