Heading into 2026 with a tighter budget—but still wanting to support local businesses—is completely understandable in this economy. If dining out in Dallas is on the agenda, consider this guide to getting the best culinary bang for your buck. There are plenty of local spots that prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor, quality, or portion size just to keep your spending in check.
At these restaurants, a meal will run about $10 to $15 per person, and with last year’s 4% average rise in cost per diner, this is exactly the kind of restaurant research worth keeping handy. Save this list.
Cris & John
If you can’t decide whether you’re craving Vietnamese or Mexican food, no need to choose—simply head to Cris & John in North Dallas for a fun mix of both. Burritos and quesadillas combine with pho and/or ramen to create the Phoritto, the Phodilla, and the Ramenrrito at this fusion-forward spot. Take a date and choose one of their special combination platters like the Burger & Burrito platter, which comes stuffed with a Phoritto, dumplings, tacos, pho and a burger with an Asian twist, for $35. 6090 Campbell Rd., Ste 136, Dallas, crisandjohn.com
Bistro B
An enormous menu full of delicious Asian flavors awaits at Bistro B. Expect to find large plates like Korean fried rice and honey lemongrass chili chicken for around $13 each. For an even better deal, order the $5.99 banh mi, available in 15 different varieties from pork to chicken to tofu, or snag a daily buy-two-get-one-free special that works out to less than $4 per sandwich. 9780 Walnut St. #340, Dallas, bistrob.com
El Vecino
Tex-Mex lunch specials are a staple in this town, and El Vecino does a solid job. The East Dallas spot has specials starting at $10.95 for classics like crispy beef tacos, or combinations of tacos and enchiladas, all served with rice and beans. On Wednesdays, diners can score a pretty unbeatable deal: two enchiladas of their choice for just $7.99. 718 N. Buckner Blvd., Dallas, elvecinotexmex.com
Roots Chicken Shak
DFW’s second quickservice location and first franchise of celebrity chef Tiffany Derry’s Roots Chicken Shak opened in Addison a few months ago. The menu is simple; and that’s good because it’s hard to look past Derry’s famous duck fat fried chicken and fries. Grab three tenders or wings and a side of fries for around $12, and call it lunch. 3748 Belt Line Rd., Addison, rootschickenshak.com
Cane Rosso, Zoli’s Pizza and Thunderbird Pies
This is a three-in-one featuring concepts from PILF Restaurant Group. Cane Rosso is an often-slept-on mecca for cheap pies. Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays brings $10 margherita pizzas and $2 off appetizers. For fans of the classic New York pie, consider all-day happy hour on Mondays at Zoli’s, during which $10 cheese pizzas and $2 off appetizers are on special. And, if you’re into crispy-edged, deep-dish Detroit-style, visit Thunderbird Pies on Mondays for a $20 pizza-and-wings deal. Multiple locations, pilfgroup.com
Resident Taqueria
Lake Highlands is a tasty little pocket of Dallas that holds Resident Taqueria, home to high-quality, low-priced tacos, sides, and beverages, all crafted by a chef and served with style. Tacos change constantly, but some favorite regulars are the caramelized cauliflower, pork shoulder, and slow-cooked mushroom and poblano tacos. A couple of tacos and a side will run you around $13. We recommend dining on the patio for optimal happiness. 9661 Audelia Rd., Ste. 112, Dallas, residenttaqueria.com
Bella Flan
Often counted among Richardson’s hidden gems, this Cuban-Chinese hybrid cafe offers incredible flan, yes, but also Cuban sandwiches on house-baked bread, sweet and savory pastries, and coffee. The Ropa Vieja sandwich is a favorite and nothing on the menu is priced above $15, with most bites under $6. Don’t skip the flan, whatever you do. 819 W. Arapaho Rd., Richardson, bellaflan.com
Rising Tides
Rising Tides is a cocktail bar with a stellar food menu that’s worth singing about. With nothing over $13, cheap, delicious eats are indeed found right here, alongside karaoke night every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The Katsu Y Fries is a favorite, with its crispy breaded chicken and served with shoestring fries for $11. 9909 Garland Rd., Dallas, risingtidesbar.com
Loro
Just about everything on the menu at this Asian-BBQ hybrid is $15 or less. Order a tofu rice bowl or burger, or grab a lunch special featuring a half sandwich (cheeseburger, fried chicken, or pulled pork) and half side (potatoes, corn, or cabbage salad) for $15. During happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m. on weekdays, shareables like smoked wings, wonton chips and dip, and grilled edamame range from $4 to $7, and the cheeseburger rings in at just $8.50. 1812 North Haskell Ave., Dallas, loroeats.com
Selda Doner Kebab & Cafe
For a quick build-your-own wrap or bowl, visit Selda’s newest location in Richardson, where freshly-baked flatbreads and pitas are filled with meats, rice, veggies, sauces and more. Pita sandwiches start at under $12 and come filled with Mediterranean delights like falafel, chicken or beef pita or meatballs. Don’t miss the bakery and cafe next door for Turkish coffee, sweets and more. 6006 Belt Line Rd., Dallas, seldadallas.com/location-dallas-tx
Herby’s Burgers
It’s not hard to find a cheap burger in this city, but Herby’s in Oak Cliff is a special choice among them. Herby’s burgers are built with patties that are perfectly smashed with crispy edges and melty cheese on a pillowy soft bun. Grab a Lil Herb or a larger OG Smash and some fries and make it out under $15 easy. Or, really cheap out with a $4 grilled cheese and a half order of fries for under $10. 2109 S. Edgefield Ave., Dallas
Nuno’s Tacos & Vegmex Grill
Vegans and unsuspecting omnivores love the meatless taqueria offerings at Nuno’s. Tacos are a fan favorite but don’t shy away from the rest of the menu, which includes Tex-Mex and Southern favorites like loaded breakfast burritos, “Chik’n Fried Steak”, and jackfruit pozole. Everything is $12 or less, with most tacos ringing in at under $4. Know before you go—Nuno’s is takeout-only, though there is some patio seating available. 8024 Spring Valley Rd. Ste. 8024, Dallas, nunostacos.com…