Best Cheap Eats Restaurants San Diego Has To Offer In 2025

The Crack Shack

The Crack Shack is a popular fried chicken spot known for its chef-driven menu and whimsical atmosphere. With unique outdoor dining, ADA accessibility, and dog-friendly seating, it's a must-visit in vibrant Little Italy. The menu boasts items like Mexican Poutine and jalapeño Cheese Wiz.

This restaurant offers takeout and catering services, earning positive reviews for its distinct menu and lively ambiance, and is a popular spot in the neighborhood.

Address: 2266 Kettner Blvd

Sipz Clairemont

Sipz Clairemont is the first place of Sipz Vegetarian Kitchen in San Diego, offering authentic Asian food. The restaurant provides a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including vegan sushi like the Save The Sea, San Diego Sunshine Roll, Caterpillar Roll, and Cali Roll.

Known for its commitment to providing high-quality vegetarian and vegan cuisine in the area, this cheap eats in San Diego is a must-visit spot for plant-based food enthusiasts.

Address: 5501 Clairemont Mesa Blvd

Tahini

Tahini is a popular San Diego street food restaurant known for its Mediterranean cuisine and customizable bowls. Founded in 2013 on the side of a gas station in Pacific Beach, it pays homage to Middle Eastern street food, offering honest, scratch-made dishes like falafel.

The restaurant is known for its authentic and flavorful Middle Eastern street food, including house-made sauces and fresh-to-order shawarma and falafel. It is also a great place to experience the taste of Mediterranean street food in San Diego.

Address: 9119 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite H

Salt & Straw

Salt & Straw is a renowned ice cream chain with San Diego locations in Little Italy and Del Mar. Known for unique flavors like honey lavender and sea salt with caramel ribbons, their ice cream is made with locally sourced, organic ingredients.

Further, the San Diego locations offer indoor and outdoor seating and have received positive reviews for their high-quality, delicious ice cream.

Address: 1670 India St

Ali Baba Family Restaurant

Ali Baba Family Restaurant offers a diverse menu with a focus on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Known for dishes like hummus, falafel, shawarma, and kebabs, this establishment has garnered generally positive ratings.

The restaurant provides a casual atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. With a full bar offering beer, wine, and cocktails, the restaurant also provides catering services for events and parties.

Address: 421 E Main St, El Cajon

Kono's Cafe

Kono's Cafe in Pacific Beach is a popular breakfast and lunch spot known for its high-quality yet affordable menu. With three outdoor seating areas, the cafe offers a casual atmosphere and friendly service.

Praised for its generous portions and ocean views on platforms like Yelp, this cafe is a go-to place for locals and tourists to enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch in San Diego.

Address: 704 Garnet Ave

Lucky's Breakfast

Lucky's Breakfast is renowned for its delectable breakfast offerings and cozy ambiance. The restaurant's menu features a variety of breakfast items. The atmosphere is often described as akin to dining in someone's house, creating a warm and inviting experience for patrons.

Also, this eatery is a must-visit for those seeking a delightful breakfast in San Diego, characterized by delicious food and a welcoming ambiance.

Address: 3804 Grim Ave

El Carrito Restaurant

El Carrito Restaurant, in San Diego's historic Barrio Logan neighborhood, is an authentic homestyle Mexican eatery known for locally sourced cuisine, including breakfast and lunch items. Housed in a vintage trolley car for over 70 years, the restaurant offers unique delights like bacon-wrapped hot dogs and birria tacos served from a street cart.

For those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic setting, this is one of the San Diego restaurants that is a must-visit destination.

Address: 2154 Logan Ave

Oscars Mexican Seafood

Oscars Mexican Seafood in North Pacific Beach is renowned for its authentic Mexican seafood dishes. Sheltered in a vintage trolley car, the eatery offers a diverse menu, including surf and turf and original fish tacos with flavorful sauces. Customers rave about the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.

The eatery with its unique charm, is a must-visit for those seeking authentic Mexican seafood in a distinctive setting. The restaurant also provides catering services for tailored experiences at events.

Address: 646 University Ave

Las Cuatro Milpas

Las Cuatro Milpas is a popular restaurant known for its delicious tacos and other Mexican dishes. Some key aspects include a diverse menu offering a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and other traditional fare.

The restaurant is praised for its quick service, with customers reporting short wait times, especially on weekdays around lunchtime. This place is a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine.

Address: 1857 Logan Ave

A Chau Restaurant

A Chau Restaurant is a highly regarded eatery known for its delicious Vietnamese cuisine. The place has built a strong reputation for its authentic dishes, with various Vietnamese offerings, including flavorful sandwiches and rice dishes.

The restaurant has received positive feedback on platforms like Yelp and Tripadvisor, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic and delectable Vietnamese fare in San Diego.

Address: 4644 El Cajon Blvd

Lucky's Lunch Counter

Lucky's Lunch Counter is a popular and affordable eatery in the heart of downtown San Diego's Ballpark District. Known for serving classic American fare, it offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices, including the Triple Play Breakfast Sandwich, Super Chicken Sandwich, and Pulled Pork Sandwich.

This place is a convenient and affordable dining option for breakfast and lunch. With friendly service and affordable classic American fare, it is a popular choice for locals and visitors in the East Village area.

Address: 338 7th Ave

The Friendly

The Friendly is a popular pizza place known for its top-rated tasty pizza and burgers. The original place opened in early 2018 in North Park and Normal Heights, and has expanded, adding a third location in Pacific Beach in 2022.

This spot offers a variety of pizza and burger options with a focus on quality ingredients and unique flavors. The casual and welcoming atmosphere makes it a top choice for locals and visitors.

Address: 1344 Garnet Ave

Hodad's Downtown

Hodad's Downtown is a popular eatery known for its delicious American and bar cuisine. Some key aspects include a diverse menu offering a variety of American and bar dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and other tasty options.

Situated in the downtown area of San Diego, it is a must-visit destination for those seeking delicious and affordable American cuisine. Visiting this downtown San Diego cheap eats helps save a certain amount of money for budget travelers.

Address: 945 Broadway

J&T Thai Street Food

J&T Thai Street Food in San Diego offers a variety of authentic Thai street food dishes. The menu includes appetizers such as chicken satay, BBQ pork, fried tofu, and chicken wings. Some main dishes include Homestyle, Steamed Chicken Rice, Kao Mun Gai Tod, Spicy Basil Chicken, and Pork Leg Stew Rice.

Also, the eatery offers delivery services through various platforms, including Seamless, Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their delicious offerings from their comfort place.

Address: 5259 Linda Vista Rd

Minh Ky Restaurant

Minh Ky Restaurant is known for its authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine. The restaurant is described as having a small, cozy atmosphere and is praised for serving good quality, piping-hot food. Additionally, the restaurant is popular among Asian and non-Asian patrons, which speaks to its authenticity.

One of the restaurant’s standout features is its wide appeal. This broad popularity underscores the restaurant’s authenticity and skill in capturing the essence of traditional Chinese cuisine.

Address: 4644 El Cajon Blvd #101

The Kebab Shop

The Kebab Shop is known for its delicious kebabs and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu offers various kebab options, including chicken, beef, lamb, and falafel, along with salads, sides, and desserts. Customers can customize their kebab bowls or wraps with protein and toppings.

The restaurant uses fresh and high-quality ingredients, preparing the food in-house daily. With multiple locations available, it is a go-to destination for those seeking authentic and flavorful kebabs.

Address: 303 W Beech St

Pokez Mexican Restaurant

Pokez Mexican Restaurant offers a variety of authentic Mexican and vegan cuisine, including popular dishes like burritos, tacos, and enchiladas with options for meat, vegetarian, and vegan fillings.

The menu also includes low and high-octane beverages, such as house-made sangria, beer, and freshly juiced combinations of fruits and veggies. It is a well-regarded destination for those seeking authentic Mexican and vegan cuisine in San Diego.

Address: 947 E St

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