Looking for delicious yet cheap eats in Seattle?
Seattle can be an expensive city to live in, especially if you love food. Luckily, you can still find some amazing Seattle restaurants that offer cheap eats! And who better to ask than the locals? Back in 2023 and then again in 2025 we asked our Instagram followers about the best meals in Seattle for under $15. We ended up with a wide range of affordable recommendations including Mexican food, poke, burgers, pizza, and lots of teriyaki. As one local put it, “If ANYONE says anything other than teriyaki they’re not from Seattle.”
We noticed that a few Seattle spots were mentioned by locals again and again so we listed the most popular picks first. Check them out, and then keep scrolling to see even more recommended cheap eats in each Seattle neighborhood. This list has been updated to reflect 2025 prices!
First up, these were the top 13 most-recommended cheap eats in Seattle:
1. Frelard Tamales, Fremont
These tamales are beloved among Seattleites. (Note that they’ve moved from Green Lake to Fremont; the new address is 106 N 36th Street.) Here’s what locals had to say about Frelard Tamales:
- “$8-ish huge tamales”
- “amazing tamales”
- “the best tamales ever!! And the rice and beans omg”
- “love the specials”
2. Tacos Chukis, various locations
Many Seattleites were quick to nominate this affordable Mexican joint. You can find Tacos Chukis in the Central District, Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, and Beacon Hill—and luckily, one Seattleite said that “any location” is good.
3. Dick’s Drive-In, various locations
It’s no surprise that Dick’s Drive-In was a common answer. “Dick’s is the only answer,” said one Seattleite. For $15 you can get a “burger, fries and a shake!” It’s also convenient, since there are so many locations around the city.
4. Michou Deli, Pike Place Market
You might have to line up with the Pike Place Market tourists to get a bite at Michou Deli, but multiple locals recommended it. One Seattleite said it “is super affordable and has tons of options” and another agreed: “This is the answer.”
5. Marination, various locations
One Seattleite recommended “Marination’s kimchi fried rice with Kalua pork and an egg” while another person simply suggested “anything at Marination.” They have many options under $15 on their menu, plus a happy hour. This Hawaiian restaurant has locations in West Seattle, downtown, and Columbia City, plus they have a food truck.
6. FOB Poke Bar, multiple locations
For cheap poke, FOB Poke Bar was recommended by several Seattleites. You can get their regular-size poke bowl with two scoops for just under $15. You’ll find locations in Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Bellevue.
7. Piroshky Piroshky, Pike Place Market
More than one Seattleite recommended this bakery in Pike Place Market that offers savory and sweet handmade piroshki and pastries. Almost every item on the menu is under $10, and very filling.
8. Paparepas, Capitol Hill
A few people recommended this authentic Venezuelan restaurant. They’re located in Capitol Hill and Kent, and they also have a food truck.
9. Mod Pizza, various locations
This pizza chain is popular amongst Seattleites for a reason. It probably helps that they have no fewer than eight locations in the city. You can order one of their “superfast” lunch combos for $15 or less by 2:00 p.m. on weekdays.
10. Emerald City Fish & Chips, Mount Baker
You can order most of the fish and chips options for under $15 at this casual Mount Baker restaurant.
11. Whole Foods, multiple locations
Although Whole Foods might be a pricey spot for groceries, Seattleites like to go there for a budget-friendly hot meal. One local said that you can get “one entree and two sides for $12-$14.” There are several locations in the Seattle area so it’s convenient as well.
12. Uwajimaya Asian Market, Chinatown-International District
A few Seattleites recommended visiting this Asian market specifically for the food court, which one Seattleite dubbed “super affordable.” Another Seattleite specifically recommended BeanFish for sweet and savory taiyaki, and another suggested Waji’s for cheap poke.
13. Sizzle and Crunch, multiple locations
You can get “healthy Vietnamese street food” for cheap at Sizzle & Crunch, such as banh mi sandwiches, rice bowls, and salad bowls. They have locations in SLU, U District, and Bellevue.
In addition to those popular picks, Seattleites recommended dozens of spots for cheap eats around Seattle! Keep reading for the rest of the recommendations (for your convenience, we sorted them by neighborhood):
Ballard
- Maria Luisa Empanadas
- CrackleMi Vietnamese Grill (one Seattleite recommended their Smokey Bowl)
- Next Level Burger
- Teriyaki First
- Mr. Gyro’s (also located in Greenwood)
- Other Coast Cafe
- Un Bien
Beacon Hill
- Carnitas Michoacán
- Golden Daisy Restaurant
- Cafe Red
Capitol Hill
- Donna’s, which one Seattleite recommended visiting for happy hour.
- Due’ Cucina. One Seattleite goes here for “a delicious bowl of pasta.” They’re also in West Seattle.
- Moti Mahal Indian Cuisine. “SO affordable and tastes amazing that I end up splurging with extras just because I can afford to there!”
- Ian’s Pizza
- Carmelo’s Tacos. A couple of Seattleites named this taco spot.
- Hot Mama’s Pizza
- Spice Bliss
Central District
- Quick Pack Food Mart. “Get the fried chicken y’all won’t be disappointed 🤌🏾”
- Seoul Bowl
- Seattle Fish Guys
Chinatown-International District
- Saigon Vietnam Deli
- Kau Kau BBQ Restaurant
- Canton Wonton House
- Pho Bac Súp Shop
Columbia City
- Billiard Hoang
Downtown
- Cafe Zum Zum. “It has been around 30 years and has great Pakistani food,” a local says of this spot that is only open for lunch.
- Yard House. One Seattleite recommended happy hour here for the Poke Nachos or Chicken Lettuce Wrap. Another local agreed: “It’s nice and cheap.”
- Metropolitan Grill
- Nordstrom Restaurants. “Nordstrom Grill or Cafe.” “Better yet chicken tacos 🌮 🌮🌮 at Nordstrom Habitant during happy hour.” “I love those chicken tacos! With a cocktail!”
- Biscuit Bitch. A Seattleite said this spot in Belltown and Pike Place Market “has a lot of budget friendly options!”
- Red Bowls
Fremont
- CrackleMi: “Best banh mi in the area for like $10.”
- Lucky’s Pho is “the best!” according to one local.
- Uneedaburger
- Paseo (also located in SoDo)
Georgetown
- Star Brass Works Lounge. One local specifically recommended their tavern burger.
Green Lake
- Smile Thai Cuisine
- Bongos. “Love the Desi Plate.”
Greenwood
- Gorditos Healthy Mexican. “You’ll have food for more than one meal,” said one Seattleite.
- Preserve and Gather. One local goes here for their brussels salad.
Hillman City
- Tony’s Bakery. A local recommended the banh mi.
Industrial District
- Costco. As one local put it: “Costco food court bussen thank me later 🔥🌭🥤🍧” (It’s true!)
Pike Place Market
- El Borracho. This vegan spot has happy hour tacos: three for $7, which a local calls an “absolute game changer.”
- Me Sum Pastry. A local said to try the char steamed bun.
- Mr. Waffle. One Seattleite said they “love the chicken and waffles” here and another agreed: “soooo good.”
- Jack’s Fish Spot
- DeLaurenti
- Le Panier
Pioneer Square
- Rojo’s Mexican Food.
- Tat’s Deli. You can get a cheesesteak for just under $15.
Queen Anne
- Racha Thai. The lunch menu is just under $15.
- The Golden Olive. “Super delicious vegan options. Food is amazing every time. Gyros average around 10 bucks.”
- Mint and Olives. “Always saves the day for my gf and I,” said one local.
- Araya’s Place. This place was recommended for its lunch special which starts at 11:30. (Also located in Madison Valley.)
- La Palma Family Mexican Restaurant
Rainier Valley
- Zest Fast Food
South Lake Union
- Happy Lemon
- Hurry Curry
SODO
- Pick-Quick Drive-In
University District
- Korean Tofu House
- Ba Bar Green
- Memo’s. “Cheap eats on the run. Open 24 hours.” Another Seattleite agreed: “It’s bomb and the closest thing to San Diego Mexico food.”
- Nasai Teriyaki
- Saigon Deli. One local goes here for the bahn mi.
- Hiroshi’s Poke
Wallingford
- TNT Taqueria
- Mas Cafe (the best breakfast burritos and in walking distance from Green Lake!)
West Seattle
- Shadowland. One Seattleite recommended this spot for its happy hour.
- Falafel Salam
- West Seattle Fish House
- Fire Tacos & Cantina in Alki
- Sunfish in Alki
Multiple Locations
- Un Bien. Try the Caribbean Roast Sandwich.
- Spice Waala: specifically the chicken tikka roll.
- Katsu Burger
- Red Mill Burgers
- Fuji Bakery. One local loves their Egg Salad Sando.
- H-Mart
- Taco Time.”Always love the veggie burrito combo,” said a local.
- Dough Zone
- Ivar’s
- Pagliacci Pizza
- Big Mario’s
- Just Poke
- BB’s Teriyaki Grill. “My fave is absolutely BB’s,” commented one Seattleite.
- Yasuko’s Teriyaki
- IJ Sushi Burrito
- A Seattle dog—you simply have to.