But not all outstanding food comes with outsized prices. Metro Phoenix has plenty of spots slinging top-notch eats that won't break the bank. Here are the 10 most affordable restaurants from the 2025 Top 100.
The Chuckbox
202 E. University Drive, TempeWhile the prices have gone up since this spot first opened in 1972, they remain extremely affordable for today's market. Stop by The Chuckbox in Tempe and take a step back in time. The nostalgic cabin-like eatery serves mesquite-broiled burgers cooked right in front of you, with plenty of options under $10. The Big One, which includes a 1/3 pound patty and is described on the menu as "our pride and joy," is $7.64. Remember to bring cash to this old-school joint.
Da Vang
4538 N. 19th Ave.On 19th Avenue, there's a small parking lot that's always full. It sits outside Da Vang, a cozy, casual Vietnamese restaurant where families come to slurp on noodle soups and workers stop by for a quick bite to eat. The menu is large, and there are plenty of options for appetizers, entrees and desserts. But if you just want a quick lunch at a great price, turn to the Bahn mi section and pick your sandwich with barbecue pork, ham, pate, tofu or veggies for $6.95.Hola Cabrito
4835 S. 16th St.In South Phoenix, Hola Cabrito is known for its birria. And not the trendy, cheesy, Instagramable kind. Hola Cabrito's birria is made with goat and served in stews, on tacos and in tortas. For a sturdy, affordable lunch, order a selection of tacos for $3.99 each or a birria torta loaded with tender goat for $8.49.
Los Reyes de la Torta
9230 N. Seventh St.1528 E. Southern Ave., Tempe The sandwiches at Los Reyes de la Torta could feed a football team. Layered with a stack of different ingredients, most are around the $13 mark. But the best deal on the menu is the Torta de Jamon, which includes ham, beans, melted mozzarella, tomatoes, caramelized onion, jalapenos and fresh avocado plus a side of chips for $9. That’s one heck of a lunch.
Pho Thanh
1702 W. Camelback RoadRich broth, tender beef and plenty of noodles to slurp up are all on offer at Pho Thanh for around $12. This classic Phoenix Vietnamese restaurant serves dine-in and takeout at its large yet comfortable restaurant on Camelback Road. The menu has plenty of options, including a selection of banh mi for around $7 each.
Princess Pita
2620 W. Broadway Road, MesaStop by Princess Pita right off the Loop 101 for a delicious, handheld lunch. The restaurant, located inside a grocery market, also serves hearty plates loaded with rice and sides. But for an affordable lunch on the go, pick one of the wraps for $9.95. Choose between fillings including gyro meat, chicken shawarma, chicken kabab or falafel topped with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and tzatziki sauce and wrapped up in a fluffy Greek pita.
Ta'Carbon
Multiple locations The best spot for carne asada in town is also one of the more affordable. Ta'Carbon's three West Valley restaurants serve tacos loaded with freshly grilled meats for $3.15 apiece. Add a bean burrito to your order for $3.99, or order a plate with meat, creamy beans and fresh tortillas for $9.99. Tacos Chiwas
Multiple locations Tacos Chiwas began in a repurposed Dairy Queen, complete with a drive-thru window. Since that original location, the chain has expanded and the current locations are a little more elevated. But the $3.49 tacos and $5 gorditas are a constant that keeps customers coming back. Fill them with juicy al pastor, cheesy rajas or spicy deshebrada roja or verde.
Jackfruit quesabirria tacos at Tacos Veganos are juicy and rich, just like their meat counterparts.
Dominic Armato
