The Best Cheap Eats in San Francisco
Dining on a budget? These cheap eats will satisfy your cravings.
San Francisco can be an expensive town to visit, but it’s still possible to eat like royalty without breaking the bank. Here are some of our top picks for where to eat and drink on a budget.
S&T Hong Kong Seafood
Dim sum is definitely a San Francisco treat not to be missed. It’s a bit of a trek out to the Sunset, but S&T Hong Kong Seafood is totally worth it. Don’t miss the shrimp noodle roll, har gow, and shrimp and chive dumplings. And don’t forget to ask for the English translation menu at the front desk!
Taqueria Cancún and Taqueria El Farolito
The Mission-style burrito has become famous nationwide. Welcome to where it all started! Taqueria Cancún makes a monster carne asada burrito, but their vegetarian is equally delicious, and Taqueria El Farolito’s two locations are fabulously open until 4a.m.
La Torta Gorda
Tortas are another specialty that don’t always get the same recognition as the burrito, but they are some of the best over-stuffed sandwiches you can ever hope to find. La Torta Gorda is another friendly, family-owned joint, with superlative tortas and darling retro décor. Plus there’s a back patio. The pierna enchilada torta is excellent; ditto the tinga.
Old Jerusalem
Also in the Mission is Middle Eastern restaurant Old Jerusalem. This is one of those magical places where vegetarians and meat eaters can dine together. The chicken shwarma is noteworthy, and the mezze platters are fresh and enormous. Plus, they bring pita bread warm from the oven, pickles, dip, and olives for snacking while you wait. No going hungry here, trust.
4505 Burgers & BBQ
In the last few years, San Francisco has become a bit of a hot spot for barbecue made with quality meats. Leading the charge is 4505 Meats from local butcher Ryan Farr. His burger developed a cult following at farmers’ markets, and now he’s got his own shop on Divisadero, called 4505 Burgers & BBQ. The locally loved burger is on the menu, as well as smoked meat platters with offerings such as ribs (so good!), brisket, and chicken, plus sandwiches and sides.
Tony's Napoletana and Golden Boy
Everyone loves pizza, and North Beach is a fun place have it. Tony Gemignani has made a name for himself faithfully recreating pizza styles from all over the world. His Tony's Pizza Napoletana, next to the world-famous Tony’s Pizza, is the best place to check out his pies on a budget. A New York-style meat lover's slice is a winner, or feel the California vibes with a California veggie slice. Night owls have flocked to Golden Boy Pizza for a slice of their thick Sicilian-style pizza for decades. Garlic lovers: get the clam and garlic!
Chinatown
A visit to Chinatown should start with a visit to Good Mong Kok Bakery. This is dim sum in a no-frills setting: order a pork bun at the counter, grab a napkin, and walk around, taking in the sights and sounds of the busy neighborhood. Make your way to Golden Gate Bakery for dan tat, but don’t be surprised if they aren’t open. The shop is famous locally for its odd hours; there’s even a website dedicated to their current open status. For a sit-down meal in Chinatown, Z & Y Restaurant is always a winner, with spicy Szechuan dishes and a pleasant atmosphere.
Kin Khao and Ler Ros
There is also some excellent Thai food to be found in San Francisco. Right near Union Square is Kin Khao, offering dishes not often seen outside of Thailand, and a full bar to boot. There’s also the super casual Lers Ros in the Tenderloin, which has some of the most authentic, spicy dishes around. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Off the Grid Markets
For a special bonus round of cheap eats, there are always food trucks to explore. Off the Grid has different groups of trucks together almost every day of the week, in different neighborhoods. Find the one that works best and get to munching, but be sure to bring layers in case the famous fog rolls in. The SoMa StrEat Food Park is in an odd location under the freeway, but the space offers heated seating, beer and wine, and even a television for watching the game. The trucks change regularly; check their website schedule for each day’s offering.