According to its tradition and culture, San Francisco is famous for fine dining and some food truck vendors. Though, it is also known to be one of the most expensive cities in the world where eating out can sometimes feel like a luxury for frugal diners. However, if one is to look hard enough they might find restaurants and other places where one can get a good meal with pocket change of $10 or even lesser. Below, we will explore some affordable dining options that will help you discover the culinary scene in the city without having to spend too much money.
Criteria for Selection
Search for tasty but cheap food in San Francisco cannot be scored as a complete failure, though. These eateries were chosen based on the following factors:
– Affordability: The price per meal or item on the menu is relatively cheap, and individual servings cost 10 dollars or less.
– Taste and Quality: Contrary to what one would expect, these places offer meals that are quite tasty though they are offered cheap.
– Local Reputation: These areas remain local favorites and have been consistent with positive reviews from the community.
– Portion Size: The portions are adequate to leave you full in case you choose to dine without spending excessively.
Top 5 Best Cheap Eats in San Francisco for $10 or Less
1. Taqueria El Farolito
– Location: About the location, the restaurant is situated at 2779 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
– Specialty: Burritos, Tacos
– Must-Try Item: Super Burrito ($8.50)
–Overview: This restaurant is famous in the Mission District of San Francisco for serving large and tasty burritos. Their Super Burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, sour cream, and salsa is another popular dish that is sufficient enough for a meal. And it costs less than $10! Just imagine that you can have a proper lunch or dinner, which is really hearty and tasty.
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2. Golden Boy Pizza
– Location: 542 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94133
– Specialty: Sicilian-style Pizza
– Must-Try Item: Pepperoni Slice ($5)
– Overview: If you fancy some cheesy snack in North Beach, then Golden Boy Pizza happens to be the ideal place for you. Having opened in San Francisco in 1978, this venue is famous for its large slices of Sicilian-style pizza. It is a value-packed meal with a tasty and crunchy pepperoni slice going for a mere $5. Just two portions would be enough for you and it costs less than $10.
3. Saigon Sandwich
– Location: 560 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102
– Specialty: Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich)
– Must-Try Item: Roast Pork Bánh Mì ($6)
– Overview: Saigon Sandwich is found in the Tenderloin, and it offers one of San Francisco’s finest examples of a bánh mì. This savoury, crispy French baguette filled with succulent roast pork, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro and jalapeños is just $6. The flavors are harmonious and vivid; this is one of the most popular places to have an affordable and tasty lunch.
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4. Red’s Java House
– Location: Pier 30, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
– Specialty: Cheeseburgers
– Must-Try Item: Cheeseburger ($7.50)
– Overview: Located at the waterside, Red’s Java House is a simple bar and grill restaurant serving traditional American cuisine. Their cheeseburger served between two pieces of sour dough bread is as plain as it gets but tasty to the palate. What a creative and tasty place to grab a satisfying mini-meal for the budget-conscious while watching the Bay Bridge, truly memorable!
5. The Flying Falafel
– Location: 1051 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103
– Specialty: Falafel Sandwiches
– Must-Try Item: Falafel Sandwich ($6)
– Overview: The Flying Falafel is a healthy and tasty Vegetarian and Vegan food outlet in that it’s affordable. One of their delicious offerings is a falafel sandwich that costs only $6 and it’s filled with crispy falafel, fresh vegetables, and their yummy tahini sauce, and all this is enclosed in a warm pita bread. Due to its location, more often found near the CIVIC CENTER, its a place more often pass through, unknown or unfamiliar and the food served would definitely be more than enough to satisfy such a customer.
Tips for Eating Cheap in San Francisco
– Street Food: San Francisco has got food truck and street foods very active. Be prepared for events such as Off the Grid where the food can be the best in kitchens on the wheels at lower prices.
– Happy Hours: A wide range of bars and restaurants in the city prepares some kind of happy hour promotions which include lower prices for the food.
– Markets: Visiting local markets for snacks/ meals for instance the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is also cheap.
– Portion Sharing: It is important to note that some portions especially in restaurants located in San Francisco are quite generous. It is also an effective way to save money especially if you are out with a friend; sharing a dish is recommended.
Conclusion
It might come as a surprise to many people, especially considering that San Francisco has earned its place of one of the most expensive cities in the U. S. Headquarters; however, you can still get your moneys worth and eat like a king for ten bucks or even less at these five places. From authentic Mexican Mission style burritos, noodle soup or Vietnamese bánh mìs, these underrated food joints are pocket-friendly without sacrificing on taste and quality. These lesser-known spots are worth finding especially when you are a local or a visitor who is exploring the city.
In another related article, 4 Places to Get Cheap Pizza in San Francisco