Best San Francisco/Bay Area 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 Francisco/Bay Area. |
San
Francisco City
East Bay
Marin County
Peninsula
509 Valencia St.
San Francisco,
CA 94110
415-255-1303
|
|
Some of the city's best thin-crust New York-style pizza is from this Mission spot. More... |
3049 20th St.
San Francisco,
CA 94110
415-648-1047
|
|
Cozy Mission café known for its tasty sandwich combinations, enclosed patio and great people-watching. More... |
2315 Clement St.
San Francisco,
CA 94121
415-221-5262
|
|
No swanky digs and small plates here. Devoted locals come for the straightforward, homemade diner fare and honest, small-town conviviality. More... |
652 Polk St.
San Francisco,
CA 94102
415-345-8100
|
|
This New Orleans-style eatery has turned a seedy street corner into a foodie destination for beignets, grits and epic french toast. More... |
426 Brannan St.
San Francisco,
CA 94107
415-369-0222
|
|
An unpretentious neighborhood staple with solid saloon fare and wacky décor. More... |
|
309 Clement St.
San Francisco,
CA 94118
415-387-2147
|
|
Burmese cuisine, as authentic as you can get it stateside, is served up to a mixed crowd including college students and older couples. More... |
925 Kearny St.
San Francisco,
CA 94133
415-398-1626
|
|
Fresh, well-crafted Chinese food for next to nothing---a no-frills favorite with local diners. More... |
2777 Mission St.
San Francisco,
CA 94110
415-824-7877
|
|
El Farolito serves huge burritos, overstuffed quesadillas and tacos late into the night. More... |
2406 Bryant St.
San Francisco,
CA 94110
415-641-7209
|
|
An unheralded Mission District taqueria with fresh flavors as bright as its yellow exterior. More... |
542 Green St.
San Francisco,
CA 94133
415-982-9738
|
|
The surprisingly crisp, yet chewy, medium-thick crusted slices here will force crust-specific devotees to call it a draw. More... |
1801 McAllister St.
San Francisco,
CA 94115
415-440-9411
|
|
Organic salads, rotisserie chicken and burritos are offered at this casual eatery. More... |
815 Clement St.
San Francisco,
CA 94118
415-831-3322
|
|
This unassuming eatery is a definite find---the large, inexpensive menu is filled with Chinese-American classics, fresh dim sum and delicious daily specials. More... |
471 Haight St.
San Francisco,
CA 94117
415-626-3984
|
|
Lower Haight locals line up at Kate's for large plates of Southern-influenced breakfast and lunch fare. More... |
1001 S. Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco,
CA 94110
415-821-2134
|
|
Affordable and addictive Peruvian-style roast chicken served with all the fixings. More... |
292 Divisadero St.
San Francisco,
CA 94117
415-255-8225
|
|
Divisadero taqueria’s devotion to organic, sustainable ingredients means upgraded quality and farm-fresh flavor with plenty of heat. More... |
854 Washington St.
San Francisco,
CA 94108
415-989-0818
|
|
Healthful and delicious vegetarian Chinese cuisine in no-frills environs. More... |
|
2491 Mission St.
San Francisco,
CA 94110
415-681-7150
|
|
Saké, beer and izakaya-style eats on Mission Street. More... |
3132 Vicente St.
San Francisco,
CA 94116
415-564-3481
|
|
Spicy Beijing-style halal food in the misty reaches of the Outer Sunset. More... |
3071 16th St.
San Francisco,
CA 94103
415-864-8840
|
|
A local favorite for tacos and burritos, which also means a long line but it moves quickly. More... |
3409 24th St.
San Francisco,
CA 94110
415-970-8815
|
|
At Papalote the meat is grilled to order, vegetarian options abound, and the smoky red salsa is addictive. More... |
|
401 Valencia St.
San Francisco,
CA 94103
415-400-5453
|
|
Casual eatery pairing a variety of corn breads with savory fillings. More... |
2886 16th St.
San Francisco,
CA 94103
415-558-1583
|
|
Soulful Mayan food on a quiet stretch of 16th Street. More... |
214 Townsend St.
San Francisco,
CA 94107
415-957-1129
|
|
Caribbean-inspired, family-run restaurant that lays claim to a casual and, on most days, packed back patio. More... |
|
225 Clement St.
San Francisco,
CA 94118
415-752-2298
|
|
Southern-inspired fare served amid a brightly colored décor. More... |
545 Haight St.
San Francisco,
CA 94117
415-437-6851
|
|
Some of the tastiest sausages in the city, and how convenient: a bar serving notable beers is right next door. More... |
560 Larkin St.
San Francisco,
CA 94102
415-474-5698
|
|
This popular, simple sandwich shop in the heart of the 'Loin offers bargain-priced, freshly-made Vietnamese sandwiches. More... |
Crocker Galleria
50 Post St.
San Francisco,
CA 94108
415-397-7688
|
|
Local chain's flagship storefront for fast, fresh, artisanal soups. More... |
2400 Folsom St.
San Francisco,
CA 94110
415-401-0200
|
|
Hearty German fare at a hip hangout. More... |
532 Jones St.
San Francisco,
CA 94102
415-928-0333
|
|
A smoky, linoleum-lined room with weathered travel posters may seem incongruous with soul satisfying Indian food, but hey, love is where you find it. More... |
3319 Balboa St.
San Francisco,
CA 94121
415-387-2088
|
|
Locals' favorite features cheap dim sum, soups, noodles and main courses, but the big draw is the namesake Shanghai soup dumplings. More... |
|
1020 Market St.
San Francisco,
CA 94102
415-558-9560
|
|
From the Foreign Cinema team, Show Dogs wins with house-made sausages, sandwiches, burgers and a handful of more elaborate entrées. More... |
2830 Mission St.
San Francisco,
CA 94110
415-282-0203
|
|
Classic Mission taqueria best known for being open late on the weekend. More... |
2257 Mason St.
San Francisco,
CA 94133
415-749-0826
|
|
Fill up on some of the best burritos outside the Mission. More... |
|
1570 Stockton St.
San Francisco,
CA 94133
415-835-9888
|
|
Expect a wait---but it's worth it for Tony Gemignani's four styles of pizza. More... |
|
2193 Mission St.
San Francisco,
CA 94110
415-863-4744
|
|
Progressive, casual, Mission District hangout for “pescatarians” and vegans. More... |
5098 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland,
CA 94609
510-985-1213
|
|
This neighborhood bakery offers Australian desserts as well as cookies, brownies and scones made from the best ingredients. More... |
4721 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland,
CA 94609
510-652-2900
|
|
Enjoy shorter wait times than those in San Francisco for Burmese favorites such as rich samusa soup. More... |
1512 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley,
CA 94709
510-549-3055
|
|
Its chewy-crunchy sourdough crust topped with gourmet cheese, this pizza is an East Bay favorite. More... |
898 San Leandro Blvd.
San Leandro,
CA 94577
510-635-7538
|
|
Sit down, relax, and fill up at this authentic vintage diner. More... |
400 40th St.
Oakland,
CA 94609
510-597-0400
|
|
Mac ‘n’ cheese is king at this vibrant restaurant. More... |
4081 Hollis St.
Emeryville,
CA 94608
510-594-1221
|
|
Fun, punk diner known for satisfying, down-home cuisine; co-owners include a member of Green Day. More... |
1300 Clay St.
Oakland,
CA 94612
510-763-7687
|
|
Local lunchtime favorite for fast, fresh, seasonal soups. More... |
2512 Bancroft Way
Berkeley,
CA 94704
510-848-7687
|
|
A favorite for fast, fresh, seasonal soups just across the street from UC Berkeley. More... |
|
1966 University Ave.
Berkeley,
CA 94704
510-647-3663
|
|
Chef Kyle Anderson offers entrées and small plates prepared with local and seasonal ingredients. More... |
1901 University Ave.
Berkeley,
CA 94704
510-843-6600
|
|
The Berkeley outpost of this mini-chain serves inexpensive, vegetarian South Indian food on a busy stretch of University Avenue. More... |
3900 San Pablo Ave.
Emeryville,
CA 94608
510-597-1303
|
|
Tucked away Mediterranean diner frequented by Pixar workers on Emeryville's brief stretch of San Pablo. More... |
1020 Court St.
San Rafael,
CA 94901
415-454-4594
|
|
Still a classic place for an unusually wide range of burgers. More... |
633 Bridgeway
Sausalito,
CA 94965
415-332-3426
|
|
This casual eatery on a scenic Sausalito block is a nice spot for breakfast or lunch. More... |
566 San Anselmo Ave.
San Anselmo,
CA 94960
415-459-6862
|
|
Still a great place for meatloaf, pork loin, burgers and fries. More... |
Arco Building
711 D St.
San Rafael,
CA 94901
415-456-7345
|
|
This authentic Mexican is one of Marin’s hidden culinary treasures. More... |
2202 Fourth St.
San Rafael,
CA 94901
415-456-0866
|
|
The space may be tiny but the burgers definitely aren't---Phyllis' serves up some of the biggest and best burgers around. More... |
|
1301 Fourth St.
San Rafael,
CA 94901
415-457-8466
|
|
Sabor features a hip, urban atmosphere and a menu of tapas and entrées. More... |
732 Fourth St.
San Rafael,
CA 94901
415-451-4765
|
|
San Rafael native Sol Hernandez's first restaurant serves Puerto Rican criolla cuisine. More... |
901 Lincoln Ave.
San Rafael,
CA 94901
415-451-4765
|
|
This Sol Food location is a sit-down restaurant offering the vibrant, full-bodied food of Puerto Rico. More... |
615 Fourth St.
San Rafael,
CA 94901
415-455-0999
|
|
This unassuming eatery draws diners for its tacos and enormous burritos. More... |
The Lodge at Tiburon: A Larkspur Hotel
1651 Tiburon Blvd.
Tiburon,
CA 94920
415-435-3133
|
|
Rustic and urbane décor and a menu devoted to American classics---Tiburon Grill offers something for everyone. More... |
510 Tamalpais Dr.
Corte Madera,
CA 94925
415-924-1223
|
|
For 20-plus years, this family-run restaurant has been serving solid Thai food. More... |
2042 Broadway
Redwood City,
CA 94063
650-368-1390
|
|
Redwood City eatery for reasonably priced Mexican and Salvadoran fare. More... |
281 Capistrano Rd.
Half Moon Bay,
CA 94019
650-728-7049
|
|
A historic fisherman's diner that is both funky and homey, with good, straightforward food. More... |
565 Bryant St.
Palo Alto,
CA 94301
650-325-8146
|
|
A great spot to try Burmese-Chinese specialty dishes. The soups are particularly notable. More... |
261 University Ave.
Palo Alto,
CA 94301
650-328-1988
|
|
Popular noodle house offers affordable bowls of noodles, soups and starters from nearly every corner of Asia. More... |
Back
to Best Cheap Eats
PBLS062708 |
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 your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
