San Francisco is one of my favorite food cities in the world. The city is a foodie’s paradise. You can find every type of food here, from seafood to sourdough bread to Chinese food to burritos. The diversity of San Francisco is what makes it such a great food city.
One thing about San Francisco is that it can be expensive. Even casual spots or fast food can cost you $20 for a meal. And grocery stores and farmers’ markets are not much cheaper.
San Francisco might be pricey, but you can still find cheap and tasty eats if you know where to look. And by cheap, I don’t mean bad food. You can find delicious, affordable spots, some of which have been local favorites for decades.
There are even some great spots where you can eat for around $5, which is almost unheard of in a city this expensive. Most spots on this list offer meals around $10, some for less. Nothing goes over $20.
Here is my list of 16 best cheap eats in San Francisco.
Table of Contents
1 – Saigon Sandwich
If you want the best bánh mì in San Francisco, for around $5.50, you come to Saigon Sandwich. This hole-in-the-wall institution is famous for its Vietnamese sandwiches, tofu, and coffee. Though located in a rough area, finding a line out the door is not uncommon.
Saigon Sandwich is a cash-only establishment with no seating. You pay, take your sandwich, and go. Because of this, prices remain low.
Their signature sandwich is the Bánh Mì with Roast Pork. You can also get this sandwich with roast chicken, pork meatball, fancy pork, or pate. The sandwich has tender sliced pork, marinated shredded carrots, fresh cilantro, and crunchy jalapeños. The fresh bread is crusty and flaky on the outside while soft on the inside.
The combination of flavors and textures makes this bánh mì stand out. For the price, you can’t go wrong with Saigon Sandwich.
What to order: Bánh Mì
Saigon Sandwich
Address: 560 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Hours: Monday – Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Wednesday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
2 – The Bird
The Bird is a fried chicken sandwich shop with two locations in San Francisco. This fast-casual restaurant is popular for its free-range chicken, fresh baked buns, homemade slaw, and craft beers.
The Bird prides themselves on affordability without sacrificing quality. Almost every item on the menu is around $10 or less, including their signature dish, the Fried Chicken Sandwich, which comes in classic or spicy.
I prefer the spicy option, which uses a berbere spice blend to add some heat. This sandwich has a fried chicken thigh topped with house-made apple slaw, pickles, and mayo on a fresh bun from a local bakery.
You can’t beat the combination of spicy and moist chicken, tangy and crunchy slaw and pickles, and fresh bun. Other than sandwiches, they have wings, a salad, chicken biscuit, fries, apple fritters, and craft beer.
You can read my full review of The Bird here.
What to order: Fried Chicken Sandwich
The Bird
Address: 115 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
3 – Super Duper Burgers
Super Duper Burgers is a local fast-food burger chain in San Francisco and East Bay. While they may call themselves fast food, their food is anything but.
The eco-friendly restaurant uses organic and locally sourced ingredients. You won’t find freezers here. And they only use humanely raised fresh ground vegetarian-fed beef and free-range chicken.
While its menu is small, it has many great and affordable options, including burgers and chicken sandwiches under $10. Other cheap options include salads, fries, shakes, cones, and craft beers. They also have a Veggie Burger with hummus and cucumbers.
One of the best deals on the menu is the Mini Burger. But don’t let the name fool you. It’s bigger than you think, with a 1/4 pound fresh ground beef patty, lettuce, red onion, and Super Sauce on a freshly baked bun. If you want cheese or extra toppings, it will cost extra.
Though a fast food burger, the fresh ground patty, which is flavorful, fresh, and juicy, and the fresh vegetables elevate this burger. Super Duper Burgers is an excellent choice if you are looking for a quick, affordable, yet quality burger.
What to order: Mini Burger
Super Duper Burgers
Address: 2304 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
4 – Yamo
Yamo is a no-frills, cash-only Burmese restaurant in the Mission District. This hole-in-the-wall and hidden gem can be easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. Yamo is popular for large portions, fast service, and fresh food.
Options include appetizers, salads, soups, chef selections, house specials, and curry. And all for under $10, unheard of for the quality in a city as expensive as San Francisco.
The two women who operate the place are no-nonsense, especially the older woman who is in charge of cooking food in the open kitchen. Know what you want to order before you enter the narrow, claustrophobic dining room. As of my recent visit, they are take-out only.
The Samusas filled with homemade fried curry spices and potatoes are popular. So are the Spring Rolls made with shrimp, tofu, vermicelli noodles, and lettuce.
If you want a big, warm, hearty bowl of noodles, go for the Yamo House Noodles made with fried garlic, cilantro, and a choice of beef, chicken, pork, or tofu. No matter what you order at Yamo, it will be fresh, delicious, and cheap.
What to order: Samusas, Spring Rolls, Yamo House Noodles
Yamo
Address: 3406 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM; Sunday: Closed
5 – Golden Boy Pizza
Golden Boy Pizza is a legendary North Beach pizza shop famous for its square-cut, Sicilian-style pies. Since 1978, their motto has been “It’s hip to be square.” What makes the pies unique is the light, fluffy, and buttery crust.
The menu at Golden Boy Pizza is straightforward. While you can order a whole pie, you can also order by the slice ($3.50-$4.50).
One of their most popular slices is the Clam & Garlic with baby clams, chopped garlic, and parsley. Seafood on a pizza might sound strange, but it works.
Another popular option is the Combo Slice with pepperoni, sausage, tomato, onion, mushrooms, and zucchini.
If you want something a little more simple, they have your typical slices, including Cheese , Pepperoni, and Sausage.
If you are looking for a slice of pizza in Little Italy, Golden Boy Pizza is a classic spot to have it.
What to order: Clam & Garlic Pizza, Combo Pizza
Golden Boy Pizza
Address: 542 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
6 – Rossi’s Deli
Rossi’s Deli is a neighborhood deli that has been a cornerstone of San Francisco’s Castro District for almost 50 years. Owner Sam Dughman, originally from Jerusalem, opened the deli and market in 1976.
Though the deli is small, you can find everything you need. Here, you will find dishes from the Middle East and Italy, meats, cheeses, wines, breads, coffee, and cookies. You can also find a breakfast menu with an assortment of affordable bagels.
But most people come for the sandwiches, starting at around $12.00, prepared fresh to order. Each comes with mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, pepperoncini, jalapeño, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
You also get your choice of bread. Bread choices include sourdough, wheat, rye, Dutch crunch, sour rolls, and sweet rolls.
One of the most popular sandwiches on the menu is the AvoGobble, made with fresh roasted turkey, avocado, and cheese. My favorite is the Rossi Special, made with chicken breast, bacon, and cheese.
The friendly service and high-quality ingredients and products make Rossi’s Deli one of the best neighborhood delis in the city.
What to order: AvoGobble, Rossi Special
Rossi’s Deli
Address: 426 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
7 – Taqueria El Farolito
Taqueria El Farolito is a no-frills taqueria with locations around the Bay Area. I like visiting the Mission District location, steps away from the 24th Street Mission BART station.
When you walk into the small, narrow restaurant with limited seating, you will think you are at a taqueria in Mexico. This cash-only establishment is popular for its burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. You will also find tostadas, nachos, sandwiches, plates, seafood, desserts, and more.
Since they are open until almost 2:00 AM most days, they are popular at any hour. Whatever you order will be great. Even better, most items are less than $10.
I like the Super Burrito. This filling burrito comes with rice, beans, salsa, sour cream, cheese, avocado, and a meat choice. I go for carnitas but they also have al pastor, chorizo, carne asada, lengua, pollo, cabeza, and tripas.
And don’t forget to ask for some of the mild red salsa and creamy green salsa. If you are looking for an affordable and delicious burrito in San Francisco, Taqueria El Farolito is a great spot.
What to order: Super Burrito, Tacos, Quesadillas
Taqueria El Farolito
Address: 2779 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:45 AM; Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:45 AM
8 – Basa Seafood Express
Basa Seafood Express is a small, no-frills seafood restaurant in the Mission District. The owner, who immigrated from Vietnam to San Francisco over 30 years ago, made it his mission to sell fresh and affordable seafood. So, he opened his restaurant in 2009.
The place might not be fancy, but the food speaks for itself. The menu includes sandwiches, sushi, poke, fish & chips, clam chowder, tacos, ceviche, oysters, rice bowls, and more, with many items under $10. One of the most popular items on the menu is the Salmon Burger.
Another popular item is the Fried Fish Burger. This gourmet sandwich has lettuce, tomato, red onion, and tartar sauce. The highlight of this beautiful sandwich is the white fish pounded thin and deep-fried until crunchy. The fresh vegetables elevate this dish into something special.
If you are looking for affordable and fresh seafood, then Basa Seafood Express is a great choice.
What to order: Salmon Burger, Fried Fish Burger
Basa Seafood Express
Address: 3064 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
9 – Tommy’s Joynt
Dating back to 1947, Tommy’s Joynt on Van Ness and Geary is the original hofbrau of San Francisco. A Hofbrau is a cafeteria-style restaurant, brewery, or bar originating in Germany. Tommy’s is an institution in San Francisco.
And it’s unique, from the giant colorful mural on the building to its eclectic interior. The dim interior with knick-knacks and trinkets can be overwhelming for first-timers. Few places like this exist today.
Tommy’s is a cash-only establishment. You get in line, order from the counter, pay, take your food, find a place to eat, and bus your own table. The Tommy’s Joynt menu focuses on meat, including brisket, corned beef, ham, and roast beef.
One of the cheapest options on the menu, at less than $5.00, is the Swiss Cheese Sandwich. This sandwich comes with 1/4 pound of Swiss cheese and a slather of mayo and mustard on a French bread roll.
This sandwich might sound simple, and it is. But it hits the spot with its chewy bread, tangy mustard, and nutty, salty cheese. And it’s even better with a cold beer.
What to order: Swiss Cheese Sandwich
Tommy’s Joynt
Address: 1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94109
Hours: Sunday – Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Thursday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Saturday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
10 – Good Mong Kok Bakery
No visit to San Francisco is complete without a visit to Chinatown. Dating back to 1878, this is North America’s largest and oldest Chinatown. Thanks to its many authentic pan-Asian restaurants, it’s also a top tourist attraction.
If you only have time to try one restaurant, then it should be Good Mong Kok Bakery. This famous bakery serves the best dim sum and baked goods in San Francisco.
Their dim sum reminds me of my trips to Taipei and China. Due to the authentic dim sum and low prices, you can always find a line out the door. But the wait is worth it.
With over 50 choices around $2-$3, the menu here is extensive, and the options can be overwhelming. If this is your first time, these are my recommendations.
First is the Shui Mai, a dumpling filled with shrimp and a rich pork ball. Next, the Shrimp Dumplings with a fresh piece of shrimp and sliced ginger in a thick wrapper.
Finally, the Baked BBQ Pork Bun with salty, sweet pork stuffed inside a large, spongy bun.
While there are many great restaurants in Chinatown, Good Mong Kok Bakery is a must.
What to order: Shui Mai, Shrimp Dumplings, Baked B.B.Q Pork Bun
Good Mong Kok Bakery
Address: 1039 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Hours: Open daily 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
11 – Bob’s Donut and Pastry Shop
Since the 1960s, Bob’s Donut and Pastry Shop has been serving donuts and pastries to both locals and tourists. This iconic family-owned donut shop in Lower Nob Hill is a neighborhood staple.
The menu has many great choices, such as the Raised Glazed and Raised Chocolate. Each fresh donut is sweet on the outside while fluffy, airy, and chewy inside.
They are best known for their apple fritter, old-fashioned donut, and giant donut. If you complete Bob’s Challenge by eating the one-pound giant donut in less than three minutes, then it’s free.
As for me, I enjoy the Raised Maple Donut. This donut tastes like maple syrup mixed with cinnamon. But it’s never too sweet that I can’t finish it. I can’t imagine a better donut shop than Bob’s Donut and Pastry Shop in the city.
What to order: Raised Maple Donut, Apple Fritter, Old Fashioned Donut, Giant Donut
Bob’s Donut and Pastry Shop
Address: 1621 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Hours: 24 hours
12 – Freddie’s Sandwiches
Freddie’s Sandwiches is a small deli uphill from Fisherman’s Wharf in North Beach. The neighborhood deli dates back almost 100 years to 1926.
Since opening, the menu has expanded from ham and cheese to 32 different sandwiches. All sandwiches come with mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions. You also get to choose your bread, cheese, and spreads.
Sandwiches come in four different sizes: small (6 inches), large (8 inches), half loaf (12 inches), and whole loaf (25 inches). Most small sandwiches come under $10 and are bigger than you think.
My go-to is the Italian Combo with Genoa salami, ham, mortadella, and cheese on sourdough. This homemade sandwich has everything you would want. It has layers of meats, crispy vegetables, fresh bread, creamy mayo, and tangy mustard. While this is my favorite sandwich, you can’t go wrong with any sandwiches on the menu.
What to order: Italian Combo
Freddie’s Sandwiches
Address: 300 Francisco St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM; Sunday: Closed
13 – Dumpling Time
Dumpling Time is a modern and vibrant Asian restaurant popular for its dim sum and handmade dumplings. The restaurant is popular for its fusion of California ingredients and traditional flavors.
The group behind Dumpling Time also owns the Michelin-starred Omakase and Niku Steakhouse, but their prices don’t reflect that. Here, they serve noodles, gyoza, xiao long bao, and more, with many dishes priced around $10 or less.
I like to order the Shrimp & Pork Siu Mai. Steamed and served hot, these open-faced dumplings are dense and moist, with rich pork flavor and a light salty kick from the shrimp.
Another great choice is the Pork Xiao Long Bao. Inside each delicate soup dumpling is a moist, tender ball of pork belly and a hint of Shao Hsing cooking wine. A dip in soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil adds extra flavor.
What to order: Shrimp & Pork Siu Mai, Pork Xiao Long Bao
Dumpling Time
Address: 11 Division St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday-Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
14 – El Porteño
One of the best places in San Francisco to sample Argentinian food is at El Porteño. This family-owned business in the historic Ferry Building is popular for its empanadas.
The recipe for their buttery, flaky gourmet empanada comes from the owner’s Argentinean mother. He also uses techniques learned from his sister, a pastry chef in France. Fresh, local ingredients and small-batch artisanal processes have allowed them to create the best empanada possible.
Popular empanada choices are the Jamon Y Queso, made with prosciutto and fontina cheese. And the Maradona with mozzarella, tomato, and basil.
I like the Carne made with ground beef, raisins, olives, onions, and eggs. The smoky meat, sweet raisins, and tangy olives combined with the buttery pastry is something special.
They also have vegetarian options, including the Himita made with sweet white corn and roasted red peppers.
What to order: Any empanada
El Porteño Empanadas
Address: 1 Ferry Building #18, San Francisco, CA 94111
Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Thursday – Saturday:
7:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
15 – The Melt
The Melt is a fast-casual chain specializing in affordable grilled cheese sandwiches and comfort food. Founded in 2011, The Melt today has multiple locations in California, including three in downtown San Francisco.
You will find grilled cheese sandwiches, melt burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, mac ‘n’ cheese, fries, and salads on the menu. They also have an assortment of shakes, drinks, and desserts. Though fast food, they use high-quality ingredients and the best cheeses and breads available.
There are many great options to choose from. The Meltburger is one of the most popular items. You get 1/3 pound of beef, melted cheddar, and a jalapeño pickle slaw on a toasted artisan bun.
I also like The Mac Daddy with mac’ n’ cheese, smoked bacon, and aged cheddar on grilled artisan French bread. If you want to keep it simple, go for the Melty Mac with noodles, a custom cheese blend, cheddar, and toasted bread crumbs.
If you want a hearty, calorie-heavy, and affordable meal, come to The Melt.
What to order: Meltburger, The Mac Daddy, Melty Mac
The Melt
Address: 925 Market Street, 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
16 – Tartine Bakery
Tartine Bakery is a small bakery with locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seoul. Tartine, which means “open-faced sandwich” in French, opened in the Mission District in 2002.
Since the beginning, their goal has been to bake the best breads and pastries using the best ingredients available. They are constantly improving, even after winning awards, including a James Beard award for best pastry chef.
Due to their popularity, you can always find a line out front of their Guerrero Street location. But the line moves fast. When you walk inside and take in the aroma of fresh bread, you will realize the wait was worth it. Whatever you order will be good, including breads, pastries, croissants, scones, cakes, muffins, or quiche.
I ordered the Pain au Chocolat on my recent visit. The outside of this croissant is flaky, crispy, and buttery. Hidden inside are pockets of rich, creamy Valrhona chocolate.
Of all the restaurants and bakeries in San Francisco, Tartine Bakery might be my favorite stop.
What to order: Anything on the menu
Tartine Bakery
Address: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Last Updated on March 24, 2025
Related Posts