Jaime AlfaroFinding the best cheap eats in San Antonio is like uncovering hidden treasure in a city famous for its mouth-watering culinary scene.
If you’re currently on a tight budget, simply avoiding hefty River Walk prices, or desperately stretching the vacation budget, this city serves up serious flavor without draining your wallet.
While you might splurge occasionally at a fancy Indian restaurant or while booking birthday party venues, your everyday cravings need affordable solutions.
Well, sinking your teeth into crispy tacos, smoky brisket, and colossal burritos can leave both your stomach and your bank account comfortably full. Get ready for my reviews of the city’s best cheap eats!
How Much Do Cheap Eats Cost in San Antonio?
Enjoying cheap eats in San Antonio generally costs between $3 and $10 per meal, with several iconic spots offering incredibly filling options at the lower end of that range.
| Dining Option | Estimated Cost |
| Specialty Lunch Deals | As low as $3 |
| Fast Casual BBQ (e.g., Bill Miller) | Under $7 |
| General Cheap Eats (Tacos, Burgers) | $3 – $10 |
1. Texan Sizzle
Website: https://sizzle.top/menu
Address: 124 Jefferson
Contact: (210) 352-5988
Hours: Mon – Sun 9 AM–3 PM
Stepping off the busy downtown streets, you immediately feel the welcoming, casual vibe of Texan Sizzle.
Their menu heavily focuses on affordable, made-to-order comfort food that packs serious Texas flavor without forcing you to empty your wallet.
Here, you get to dig into hearty brisket tacos and classic cheesesteaks that rival the pricier tourist traps just a few blocks away. The massive portion sizes ensure you stay fueled for a full day of sightseeing, making every dollar stretch impressively far.
Because it sits so close to major hotels, this cozy spot acts as a convenient culinary oasis for budget-conscious travelers. However, patience is sometimes required, as wait times can stretch up to 30 minutes for surprisingly simple orders.
You might also encounter slightly inconsistent customer service during their busiest lunch rushes, but the mouth-watering breakfast tacos easily make up for the occasional delay.
we loved it all!!
We had a great time at Texan sizzle! We had the Texan cheesesteak, brisket fajitas & shredded hashbrowns. Me & the wife shared it all & we loved it all!! We also got to meet the cook who happens to be owner Leonard. Real nice & down to earth. We chose to eat at the tables outside because it was an amazing day. We couldn’t recommend this place enough! It was our first time but definitely won’t be our last! We did post our review on TikTok @ SanAntonioLifestyle2.
SA Lifestyle | Google Review
Their cheeseburger was so flavor
This restaurant is a must-go. The food is amazing. Their tacos are huge and worth the price. Their grilled chicken sandwich is so juicy and tasty. Their cheeseburger was so flavorful. This place is handicap accessible. My daughter fits perfectly when the place was packed. The owners and staff are so nice and professional. You have to give this place a try. You will not regret it.
Kristin Rodriguez | Google Review
2. Schilo’s
Website: https://schilos.com/our-menu
Address: 424 E Commerce St
Contact: (210) 223-6692
Hours: Mon – Sun 8 AM–2:30 PM
Operating right near the River Walk, Schilo’s holds the impressive title of the oldest restaurant in San Antonio, serving hungry guests since 1917.
They specialize in authentic German-Texan cuisine, offering preserved family recipes such as hearty schnitzel and split pea soup, which provide incredible value.
Pairing one of their affordable deli sandwiches with their famous Prohibition-era homemade root beer creates a nostalgic, flavor-packed dining experience.
Grabbing a quick, budget-friendly meal here feels like a comforting step back in time, away from the typical modern fast-food chains. The historic ambiance, complete with an old bank vault used as a cooler, gives diners a taste of genuine city heritage.
Despite the charm, you should prepare for midday crowds, as lunch service can easily leave you waiting 20 minutes. Additionally, missing drink orders and unvalidated parking fees can occasionally frustrate visitors trying to stick to a tight schedule and budget.
Food is delicious
Didn’t expect to find good German style food in San Antonio. We were told it’s the oldest restaurant. Not touristy at all. We saw a lot of locals. Food is delicious especially the biscuits. I can tell they are baked on site. Price is reasonable too. They provide their own brand of mustard and maple syrup. Their service is friendly and efficient.
Jackie Z | Google Review
A great meal at a reasonable reasonable price.
We have always come to Schilo’s for breakfast but I understand their lunch is equally good. Very convenient to the Riverwalk and just a short walk from most downtown hotels. Schilo serves standard fare and several items with s great German twist. I love the potato pancakes with apples and sour cream. A great meal at a reasonable reasonable price.
Louis and Elaine | Google Review
3. Stuffed
Website: https://www.eatatstuffed.com/san-antonio-tx#menu=?the-village-at-summit
Address: 4939 NW Loop 410
Contact: (210) 314-5527
Hours: Mon 8 AM – 2 PM, Tue – Sun 7 AM – 9 PM
Cravings for massive, indulgent portions will inevitably lead you to Stuffed, proudly branded as the home of the California-style burrito.
They specialize in completely loaded fusion comfort food, creatively packing meats, fries, cheese, and zesty sauces into single, colossal meals.
When I grabbed their signature Philly cheesesteak burrito last week, the sheer weight of the freshly made tortilla practically required two hands to hold.
These oversized servings guarantee you get exceptional value for your money, easily satisfying the fiercest appetites or feeding two people at once.
Plus, the casual, quick-service setup makes ordering online for takeout incredibly smooth and efficient for busy families.
While the feast-style menu excites meat-lovers, diners seeking light or plant-based meals will find very few vegetarian options available.
Furthermore, the heavily fry-stuffed interiors can sometimes throw off the balance of ingredients, leaving you wishing for a bit more protein in every bite.
my burrito was massive in the best way
Food portions here are HUGE — my burrito was massive in the best way. I just need to find the perfect one so I can share it with my husband next time.
The vibes were on point, and they even let us try a new menu item. The Nutella eggrolls were really good, and my gyro burrito was delicious. The beer portions were a little bit that’s ok. Everything else makes up for it. Chef even checked on us!!!
I’ll definitely be back to try something different… and I’m coming with a bigger appetite next time!
Ravyn Maven | Google Review
Lots of seating inside and out.
Affordable and delicious. Located in a shopping area so lots of parking, this place is unique and worth the carbs. Many people try the instagram trap of stuffed big burritos but this place is actually tasty and you get alot of food for a good price. Two burritos and a drink ran us $35~. I recommend the surf and turf. The staff was also super down to earth and welcoming. The place is not fancy but more a vibe that is welcoming and genuine feeling. Lots of seating inside and out.
Jennifer El Nil | Google Review
4. Chris Madrid’s
Website: https://www.chrismadrids.com/main-menu-2/
Address: 1900 Blanco Rd.
Contact: (210) 735-3552
Hours: Mon – Sun 11 AM – 9 PM
Any serious conversation about local culinary staples has to include Chris Madrid’s, a beloved burger institution that has served the community since 1977.
This place is famous for its uniquely satisfying Tostada Burger, a massive, locally sourced creation smothered in refried beans, chips, and melted cheese.
I actually spoke with a longtime regular recently who swore their friendly, family-oriented dining atmosphere has not changed a bit over the decades.
The spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas easily accommodate large groups and families looking for a relaxing, budget-friendly dinner.
Despite handling immense daily crowds, the kitchen generally pushes out these mouth-watering, value-packed burgers with impressive speed.
Just be aware that the lightning-fast pacing can sometimes make the ordering process feel slightly rushed or impersonal at the front counter.
You might also run into occasional assembly issues, like poorly secured toppings, if the kitchen is scrambling through a massive lunch rush.
the service has been wonderful
Delicious food for a great price point. I ordered food to go the other night and it was ready on time and all 100% correct. When I’ve eaten there, the service has been wonderful— bussers come by consistently to check on you.
Veronica Castellanos | Google Review
didn’t feel crowded and the staff was great
There were nine of us on a Saturday night – burgers were really good (those hamburgers are HUGE – I’m talking as big as the plate huge), but the fries and milkshake were delicious – and at an extremely affordable price! Hand cut fries are my favorite! Place was super busy, but we didn’t feel crowded and the staff was great. If you’re looking for a fun, vibrant place for family or a date, this is a good start. Definitely recommend and will be back next time we are in town.
Karen Lewis | Google Review
5. Tito’s Mexican Restaurant
Website: https://www.titosrestaurant.com/menu
Address: 955 S Alamo St
Contact: (210) 212-8226
Hours: Sun – Thu 11 AM – 9 PM, Fri – Sat 11 AM – 11 PM
Nestled comfortably in the historic King William District, Tito’s Mexican Restaurant boldly claims its reputation as the neighborhood spot where the locals actually eat.
When you dine here, expect classic, sizzling Tex-Mex favorites, offering a massive menu of flavorful enchiladas and fajitas that won’t break your travel budget.
Furthermore, grabbing one of their incredibly affordable weekday lunch specials leaves you with plenty of spare change to sample their famous, refreshing margaritas.
The vibrant, full-service cantina atmosphere perfectly balances casual family dining with a fun, social drinking environment.
Because it sits within walking distance of downtown, visitors easily get a taste of authentic local culture without paying premium tourist prices.
You should definitely block out extra time for your visit, as unexplained wait times occasionally happen even during slower afternoon hours.
Moreover, the floor staff can sometimes lose track of tables, leaving you waiting a bit too long for drink refills or your check.
wide variety of enchiladas were all very tasty
Fantastic food off the beaten path. Super tasty and reasonably price. The wide variety of enchiladas were all very tasty. The strawberry limeade is the best I’ve ever tasted. The margaritas were ok but the strawberry limeade was delicious.
Joseph N | Google Review
Everything was delicious and pretty much perfect.
😋 I had the Cilantro Cream Enchiladas with a Lavandula Margarita and my friend had the Mario’s Special Plate with Verde enchiladas instead. Everything was delicious and pretty much perfect. To start off, the margarita was so good I could have drank more. The chips and salsa are very good too! My enchiladas were so creamy and the chicken was super moist and tasty. The beef fajitas were perfectly marinated. And to top it off, the price is right. We left very satisfied and are definitely going back.
Becky Crosby | Google Review
