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? We asked our followers on Instagram and Facebook 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 12 most popular picks first. Check them out, and then keep scrolling to see even more recommended cheap eats in each Seattle neighborhood.
First up, these were the top 12 most-recommended cheap eats in Seattle:
1. Frelard Tamales, Green Lake
These tamales are beloved among Seattleites, who often get them for a picnic at Green Lake. Here’s what locals had to say about Frelard Tamales:
- “$6-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
Some suggested it jokingly, some earnestly, and some derisively, but 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 many locations across the city.
4. Burb’s Burgers, various locations
Several Seattleites suggested this smash burger joint, with one local choosing it with “no hesitation.” You can find Burb’s Burgers in Montlake, Georgetown, Ballard, and Pioneer Square.
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.” This Hawaiian restaurant has locations in West Seattle, downtown, and Columbia City, plus they have a food truck.
6. FOB Poke Bar, various locations
For cheap poke, FOB Poke Bar was recommended by several Seattleites. You’ll find it in Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Bellevue.
7. Mamnoon Street, South Lake Union
You can get hearty Middle Eastern street food for cheap at this popular SLU eatery.
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.
10. Emerald City Fish & Chips, Mount Baker
You can get a five-piece fish and chips for under $15 at this Mount Baker restaurant.
11. Cycle Dogs, Ballard
Here’s what one Seattleite had to say about this vegan restaurant: “Daily Happy Hour deals from 4-6. My go-to is two corn dogs and fries. Can also do a small Bakon cheeze fry plate for $8… definitely a great sharing plate and very satisfying for one. Everyday, the basic burger and fries or the simple dog, shrub, and fries. Lots of options.”
12. Uwajimaya Asian Market, Chinatown-International District
A few Seattleites recommended visiting this Asian market specifically for the food court!
In addition to those popular picks, Seattleites recommended over 85 spots for cheap eats around Seattle! Keep reading for the rest of the recommendations (for your convenience, we sorted them by neighborhood):
Ballard
- CrackleMi Vietnamese Grill (one Seattleite recommended their Smokey Bowl)
- Katsu Burger & Sushi
- 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
- Due’ Cucina. One Seattleite goes here for “a delicious bowl of pasta.” They’re also coming soon to West Seattle.
- Gold Bar. One local recommended this place for happy hour deals.
- 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
- Hot Mama’s Pizza
- Spice Bliss
- La Rue Creperie
Central District
- Quick Pack Food Mart. “Get the fried chicken y’all won’t be disappointed 🤌🏾”
- Seoul Bowl
- Seattle Fish Guys
Chinatown-International District
- Waji’s. The poke bowl here was recommended by one Seattleite.
- Saigon Vietnam Deli
- Kau Kau
- Canton Wonton House
- Pho Bac Súp Shop
Downtown
- 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
- Jack’s Fish Spot (in Pike Place Market)
- Nordstrom Restaurants. “Nordstrom Grill or Cafe.” “Better yet chicken tacos 🌮 🌮🌮 at Nordstrom Habitant during happy hour.” ” i love those chicken tacos! With a cocktail!”
- DeLaurenti (in Pike Place Market)
- Biscuit Bitch. A Seattleite said this spot in Belltown and Pike Place Market “has a lot of budget friendly options! Sandwiches and B&G plates.” (That’s a biscuit sandwich and side of grits, to the uninitiated.)
- Red Bowls
- Le Panier (in Pike Place Market)
Fremont
- 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
Greenwood
- Gordito’s. “You’ll have food for more than one meal,” said one Seattleite.
- Preserve and Gather. One local goes here for their brussels salad.
Industrial District
- Costco. As one local put it: “costco food court bussen thank me later 🔥🌭🥤🍧” (It’s true!)
Pioneer Square
- Pioneer Square D&E. One Seattleite had this praise: “Obviously the fried chicken sandwich and a beer from Pioneer Square D&E! They also do $1 oysters at happy hour!”
Queen Anne (Upper & Lower)
- 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
University District
- 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.
- Sizzle & Crunch (also located in SLU)
- Hiroshi’s Poke
Wallingford
- TNT Taqueria
- Mas Cafe
West Seattle
- Shadowland. One Seattleite recommended this spot for its happy hour Steak Frites.
- Falafel Salam
- West Seattle Fish House
- Fire Tacos & Cantina in Alki
- Cooking with Timmy. This pop-up chef is based in West Seattle and is “often sighted at The Nook.”
- Sunfish in Alki
Multiple Locations
- Red Mill Burgers
- Fuji Bakery. One local loves their Egg Salad Sando.
- Rancho Bravo Tacos
- 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
Food trucks
- El Camion
- Taqueria la Fondita
- Taqueria los Chilangos. This spot “has $7 meals that will fill you up and make you smile,” said a Seattleite.
Just outside of Seattle
- Southgate Oriental Grocery, Bellevue. One person recommended this spot specifically for the kimbap rolls.
- Taqueria El Gallo Diaz, Shoreline. “OMG! Nothing to look at from outside, but their tacos and burritos… did I mention OMG?”
- Le’s Pho Tai & Sandwiches, Shoreline
- Renton Deli, Renton. “Almost anything at Renton Deli especially the Banh Cuon with pork mince and woodear mushrooms.”
- Tipsy Cow Burger Bar, Redmond
- Yeh Yeh’s, Lynnwood
- Washington Burrito, Lynnwood
- Alida’s Bakery, Everett
- Oshima Sushi, Everett