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Best San Diego Cheap Eats


As the world economy slows down, we may want to tighten our belts, but we still need to fill our stomachs. Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in San Diego.

Check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.

Adam's Steak & Eggs Breakfast
11/20
Travelodge Hotel
1201 Hotel Circle South
San Diego, CA 92108
619-291-1103 | Menu
A Mission Valley neighborhood favorite for serious steak and eggs, along with massive omelets, pancakes and grits. More...

Aunt Emma's Pancakes Coffee Shop
11/20
700 E. St.
Chula Vista, CA 91910
619-427-2722 | Menu
When that urge for flapjacks strikes, head straight to Aunt Emma's for a hearty breakfast in this quaint diner, circa 1959. More...

Beach Grass Cafe Contemporary
12/20
Plaza 101
159 S. Hwy. 101
Solana Beach, CA 92075
858-509-0632 | Menu
The low-key Beach Grass Café serves up creative, affordable food in generous portions in Solana Beach. More...

Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria Pizza
14/20
Dining Room at Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria, Encinitas, CA The Lumberyard
897 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Ste. 102
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-634-7671 | Menu
Thin-crust gourmet pizzas, craft tap beers and boutique wines in Encinitas. More...

The Broken Yolk Cafe Coffee Shop
10/20
1851 Garnet Ave.
San Diego, CA 92109
858-270-9655 | Menu
A quintessential American breakfast house that specializes in omelets, the eatery also offers dishes like southern biscuits with gravy. More...

The Burger Lounge Burgers
Quick Bite
Dining Room at The Burger Lounge, San Diego, CA 4116 Adams Ave.
San Diego, CA 92116
619-584-2929 | Menu
Family-friendly burger joint in Kensington. More...

China Wokery Chinese
10/20
Old California Restaurant Row
1020 W. San Marcos Blvd.
San Marcos, CA 92069
760-471-6066 | Menu
The menu may not be revolutionary, but we enjoy popping in for steamed dumplings or a garlicky stir-fry. More...

Claire's on Cedros Café
12/20
Dining Room at Claire 246 N. Cedros Ave.
Solana Beach, CA 92075
858-259-8597 | Menu
A charming breakfast and lunch café in an eco-friendly building with an in-house bakery for good pastries. More...

Come On In! American
11/20
1030 Torrey Pines Rd., Ste. B
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-551-1063 | Menu
This hub for La Jollans draws a real crowd in the morning and lunch hours, but the “Euro Bistro” dinner is gaining popularity. More...

Corvette Diner & Gamers Garage American
11/20
2956 Historic Decatur Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-542-1476 | Menu
Now in Point Loma, the even bigger and better Corvette Diner serves up burgers and fun in a 1950s-inspired setting. More...

Cucina Urbana Italian
14/20
Dining Room at Cucina Urbana, San Diego, CA 505 Laurel St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-2222 | Menu
Enjoy affordable Italian-American fare in a hip, rustic setting. More...

Don Chuy Mexican
11/20
650 Valley Ave.
Solana Beach, CA 92075
858-794-0535 | Menu
Our favorite among the many spots on Eden Gardens’ Mexican restaurant row. More...

El Callejon Mexican
13/20
345 First St.
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-634-2793 | Menu
North County Mexican restaurant features fresh-made sauces, house-made tortillas and a festive, convivial atmosphere. More...

Fidel's Mexican
10/20
Dining Room at Fidel 607 Valley Ave.
Solana Beach, CA 92075
858-755-5292 | Menu
The Montanez family brings authentic Mexican to Solana Beach in the Hacienda-style restaurant. More...

Filippi's Pizza Grotto Italian
11/20
1747 India St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-5094 | Menu
In San Diego, Filippi’s is a classic dating back to Little Italy’s beginnings. More...

Fugu's Sushi & Wok Japanese
12/20
915 Pearl St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-456-1414 | Menu
A La Jolla favorite for a blend of Japanese, Chinese and Korean barbecue cuisine. More...

Hash House A Go Go American
12/20
3628 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
619-298-4646 | Menu
Think big. That's our advice for those en route to Hillcrest's lively Hash House A Go Go. More...

The Incredible Cafe American
10/20
11828 Rancho Bernardo Rd.
San Diego, CA 92128
858-592-7731 | Menu
This breakfast favorite (formerly called The Incredible Egg) serves up morning classics as well as affordable dinners. More...

Kansas City Barbeque Barbecue
12/20
600 W. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-231-9680 | Menu
High-energy rib joint worthy of a visit for good barbecue. More...

Kim's Restaurant Vietnamese
11/20
The Lumberyard Center
745 South Coast Hwy. 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-942-4816 | Menu
Encinitas spot for tasty Vietnamese. More...

Lean & Green Healthy
12/20
7825 Fay Ave., Ste. 180
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-459-5326 | Menu
The most eco-friendly restaurant in San Diego; all of the ingredients are USDA certified organic. More...

Leucadia Pizzeria Pizza
10/20
315 S. Coast Hwy. 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-942-4404 | Menu
Create your own personalized pizza or go for one of the meaty sub sandwiches like the Philly cheese. More...

Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar Vegetarian
Quick Bite
The Lumberyard
765 S. Coast Hwy. 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-479-1977 | Menu
Extensive menu of fresh, healthy eats in Encinitas. More...

Mariscos Ensenada Mexican
12/20
1405 El Camino Real
Oceanside, CA 92054
760-967-6024 | Menu
One of Oceanside’s best casual eateries for authentic Mexican seafood. More...

Mary Pappas’ Athens Market Taverna Greek
11/20
109 W. F St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-1955 | Menu
Classic Greek food at a friendly family-run eatery in the Marina District. More...

Naked Cafe Healthy
12/20
106 S. Sierra Ave.
Solana Beach, CA 92075
858-259-7866 | Menu
Healthy, flavorful eats in a hip neighborhood café overlooking Fletcher Cove Park and the ocean in Solana Beach. More...

O'Brothers Burgers
Quick Bite
Dining Room at O Horton Plaza
188 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
619-615-0909 | Menu
This casual yet stylish eatery is a must-go-to downtown spot for organic burgers. More...

Old Venice Italian
13/20
2910 Cañon St.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-222-5888 | Menu
This romantic spot, frequented by Point Loma denizens, serves a fusion of Mediterranean flavors in an elegant old-school setting. More...

Pizza Nova Pizza
11/20
3955 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
619-296-6682 | Menu
This casual joint serves non-traditional gourmet pizzas, massive salads and fresh pastas. More...

Quality Social American
13/20
Dining Room at Quality Social, San Diego, CA 789 Sixth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-501-7679 | Menu
Bar food taken to gourmet heights in an energetic downtown setting. More...

Rimel's Rotisserie California
13/20
Dining Room at Rimel 2005 San Elijo Ave.
Cardiff, CA 92007
760-633-2202 | Menu
Rimel's serves up artisan meats, along with fresh salads, rice bowls and impressive homemade sauces. More...

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery Brewpub
11/20
401 G St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-231-7000 | Menu
Rock Bottom is ideal for casual get-togethers or post-Padre revelry. More...

San Diego Chicken Pie Shop American
10/20
2633 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92104
619-295-0156 | Menu
A mecca for chicken pie lovers, this San Diego institution has a diverse following. More...

Swami's Cafe Healthy
Quick Bite
1163 South Coast Hwy. 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-944-0612 | Menu
Encinitas eatery for healthy fare, breakfast all day and a serious juice bar. More...

Tender Greens Healthy
Quick Bite
2400 Historic Decatur Rd., Ste. 104
San Diego, CA 92106
619-226-6254 | Menu
Seriously good, healthy cuisine and gourmet comfort food in Point Loma. More...

Tony's Jacal Mexican
10/20
621 Valley Ave.
Solana Beach, CA 92075
858-755-2274 | Menu
Among Eden Gardens’ Mexican restaurants is Tony's Jacal, a spacious place that serves a mean chile relleno. More...


Check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.

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