7 Best Meal Deals Under $20 in Metro Phoenix

These days, it's hard to fill up with having to shell out a substantial amount of cash. But that doesn't mean you have to settle for Taco Bell just because you're trying to dine on a budget.

If you know where to look and when to dine, there are still a few places in metro Phoenix where a single Andrew Jackson (soon to be Harriet Tubman) can get you — and maybe even your date — a meal.

Here's your guide to metro Phoenix meal deals under $20. 

BBQ + Bourbon at Southern Rail
Monday and Tuesdays from 5 p.m to close, $20

Hand over one $20 bill at Southern Rail on Monday or Tuesday night and you'll get a plate of barbecue with sides, plus two glasses of bourbon or a bottle of wine. The restaurant recommends bringing a friend to share the massive plate of food — also, because you probably shouldn't down the whole bottle of wine alone. 

Tuesday TV Dinner Nights at Angel Trumpet Ale House
Tuesday nights from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., $8  

Every Tuesday night, the beer-centric Angel Trumpet Ale House in downtown Phoenix serves up a different dinner combo on an old-fashioned TV dinner plate. The plates usually include a main dish, sides, and a dessert and cost you just $8. Past meals have included everything from chicken taquitos with Spanish rice to roast beef sliders with tater tots and bacon baked beans. 

Bottle and Board at Postino (various locations)  
Monday and Tuesday nights after 8 p.m., $20 

Wine lovers, listen up, because you're probably not going to find a better deal than this. The bottle and board special at Postino includes any bottle of wine on the restaurant's list, plus a board of four types of bruschetta of your own choosing. This deal is a mainstay to help rid yourself of the Monday blues. Plus, with Postino's six locations across metro Phoenix, it's easier than ever to get your fix. 

$20 Special at Federal Pizza
Monday and Tuesdays after 8 p.m., $20 

Not feeling bruschetta on a Monday or Tuesday night? That's cool. Just try Federal Pizza in Uptown Phoenix where you can get one pie plus two pitchers of beer for a cool 20 bucks. You can also opt for a bottle of house wine, but why would you want to forego the sacred combo that is pizza and beer? 

Community Night at Phoenix Public Market Cafe 
Sunday and Monday nights from 5 p.m. to close, $12.99 

On Sunday and Monday nights chef Aaron Chamberlin's Phoenix Public Market cafe offers a three-course Community Night dinner that costs just $12.99 — as well as offers add-ons such as a pitcher of beer for $7, $5 sangria, and $5 house wines. The meal includes The Westward Ho salad made with spring mix, carrots, cucumbers, onion, and red-wine vinaigrette, plus your choice of either roasted cauliflower with mashed potatoes and herb salad; fried chicken with mashed potatoes and coleslaw; or a barbecue platter with pork, chicken, French fries, coleslaw, and cornbread. Everyone also gets a house-made dessert. 

Burger and Brew at RnR
Mondays, $12 

Sure, you usually head to RnR in Scottsdale for the heavy beats and cheap drinks, but on Monday night you can also get yourself a half-pound burger and a draft beer for just $12. 

Build-Your-Own Bowl at The Clever Koi
Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., starts at $5

With plenty of choices, the lunch bowls at The Clever Koi are a great deal. You'll start with a base of noodles or rice, then add your choice of vegetables and proteins. The bowls start at $5, so you can easily build yourself a complete meal for less than $10. The restaurant also recently launched Bento Box lunches which includes a rotating protein and side for $12.