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Local picks

Cheap eats in San Diego

Made for those who refuse to overpay for a midday meal but still demand a satisfying portion.

Based on 518 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Johnny Mañanas Ocean Beach image 1
Johnny Mañanas Ocean Beach image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers colorful storefront and outdoor seating with views of the pier. Atmosphere shifts from quiet early afternoons to a lively vibe later, enhanced by Mexican music and a self-serve salsa bar. Affordable drinks include $5 margaritas and draft beers, complementing well-regarded tacos and burritos.

Offers quick, affordable lunch options with great-tasting tacos. Lunch deals come around ten dollars including tip, making it a solid choice for a fast meal.

Beers come at cheap prices, especially during happy hour. The Street Taco special on Tuesdays offers a really affordable option.

People are saying

"The staff here are super friendly and attentive."

"This Lunch Spot's tacos are so flavorful and fresh."

"The fish tacos are amazing and incredibly cheap."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, enjoy $2.50 street tacos and two for $5 specials.

2

Happy hour features $3 pints and $6 margaritas from 2 to 6 PM and all day on weekends.

3

Outdoor seating is available for dogs.

02
Chicago Fire Grill image 1

Small restaurant with mom-and-pop charm and sports-themed decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio with treats. Burgers and craft beers draw a lively, busy crowd in a relaxed setting.

Lunch comes out fast even during busy times. Options include a fresh 1/2lb burger with fries and beer for $10, a gyro lunch, and superb hummus. Large orders get handled quickly.

Prices stay consistently cheap with an authentic Chicago flavor. Food offers quality without high cost.

People are saying

"The food here feels like family, thanks to George's care."

"I thought the burgers here were among the best in town."

"I found the food to be good and cheap."

Good to know

1

The Burger Combo costs $10 and includes a 1/2 lb burger, fries, and a craft draft.

2

Expect busy times between noon and 1 PM when parking is tough.

3

Happy hour offers a $2 beer special with a meal purchase.

03
Monsta Ramen Curry image 1
Asian restaurant

Small space with bright, clean interior and relaxing music creates a warm, casual atmosphere. The vibe is quiet and pleasant, making it feel cozy and inviting. The setting stands out for its Studio Ghibli-like ambiance and neat decor.

Lunch specials offer affordable options like $10 tonkatsu ramen and other dishes. Extras such as extra egg and extra broth are available for takeout.

Prices range from $10 to $15, making meals very cheap compared to other spots. The place offers extra broth to go at no extra cost, adding value to takeout orders.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is delicious and affordable."

"The pork cutlet curry rice was delicious, with a savory and sweet gravy."

"They're so cheap with the broth, I always order extra."

Good to know

1

They had specials for the opening, including $10 tonkotsu ramen.

2

During happy hour, Monsta Ramen Curry offered $3 beers.

3

The restaurant offers the option to order with the server or scan a QR code to order online for a discounted price on certain items.

04
JV's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful interior with bright decorations and big screens showing sports creates a lively yet laid-back vibe. The space feels authentic and welcoming, offering plenty of seating without any pretension. Regulars enjoy huge, flavorful burritos and house-made salsa in a clean, casual setting.

Crunchy Chipotle Breakfast Burrito serves as a lunch option all day. Arriving early helps avoid parking issues and crowds during rush hour.

Food comes at cheap prices here. Meals are delicious, quick, and affordable.

People are saying

"I ordered a burrito that was pretty big, about the size of my forearm."

"The chicken mole at this lunch spot was great."

"I thought the food was cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers 3 tacos and a drink for $6.

2

Expect large portions, often enough for two or three meals.

3

Credit cards accepted, but there's a $0.30 fee for using them.

05
In-N-Out Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small hamburger restaurant with a nostalgic 1950s diner vibe and high energy inside. The space feels cozy but cramped, with a loud and fun atmosphere driven by young, well-trained staff. Drive-thru and parking can be challenging due to layout and limited outdoor seating.

Minimal wait times and a not too busy atmosphere stand out during lunch hours. Clear pricing helps keep lunch on budget with ease.

Prices stay really cheap with meals like two burgers, animal fries, lemonade, and hot cocoa coming in under $20. Shakes are handmade and also cheap, while burgers are juicy and affordable.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and always great."

"I found their burgers to be excellent and juicy."

"The burgers were cheap and juicy."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult due to limited spots and a long drive-thru line.

2

The drive-thru is super fast, making it convenient for quick meals.

3

Prices are affordable, with meals often under $20.

06
Cali Baguette Express image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Drive-through setup offers quick access to fresh baguette sandwiches and affordable Vietnamese dishes. Friendly atmosphere with a steady, manageable rush during peak times. Known for vegetarian options and homemade bread that stands out among similar eateries.

Offers a large Bahn mi at an affordable price with a convenient drive-thru for quick lunch options.

Offers cheap late-night eats with tasty bahn mi sandwiches. Known for affordable options during Ramadan.

People are saying

"I thought the food was fresh and delicious."

"I got a large bahn mi for an affordable price."

"This lunch spot has the best bahn mi for an affordable price."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru at this Bahn Mi restaurant is convenient for quick lunches.

2

Prices are reasonable, with sandwiches starting around $6.99.

3

Vegetarian options are available, catering to different dietary needs.

07
Pho Cow Cali image 1
Pho restaurant

Steampunk-themed interior with large seats and murals creates a lively, bustling atmosphere. Dim lighting and soft music add to the authentic Vietnamese vibe. The place suits groups and families more than quiet dinners due to its hectic and noisy environment.

Lines form for lunch at a spot known for family gatherings every Sunday. The place draws a steady crowd for its casual dining atmosphere.

Prices stay consistently cheap and fair without cutting corners on ingredients. The taste remains solid and reliable for the cost.

People are saying

"The pho here is super delicious and flavorful."

"The pho here is quick and inexpensive."

"This lunch spot has the best tasting pho."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends due to popularity.

2

Arrive early to avoid a long wait, especially on Fridays.

3

The waitlist moves quickly, often under 20 minutes.

08
IKEA image 1
Furniture store

Spacious showroom-style layout presents furniture in stylish, cozy rooms that feel like flipping through a live Pinterest board. Cafeteria offers Swedish meatballs, veggie options, and a large dining area with real silverware. Kids find activities engaging, making the place feel like an amusement park for families.

Offers half-price meals on Fridays and serves both lunch and breakfast. Provides a casual spot to grab a meal while browsing or shopping.

Prices stay consistently cheap across furniture and food. The restaurant offers Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce at a very low cost, especially on Tuesdays.

People are saying

"I went for the Swedish meatballs and they were delicious."

"I found the furniture and food here to be really cheap."

"The Lunch Spot's plant balls and lingonberries were great."

Good to know

1

IKEA offers furniture at affordable prices.

2

I found plenty of parking at IKEA.

3

IKEA Family members can get two free kids meals with one adult entrée on Wednesdays.

09
Sushi Deli 3 image 1
Sushi restaurant

Lively sushi house with casual local vibe and loud indoor seating that challenges conversation. Multiple seating areas include a shaded outdoor space with casual Japanese decor and a bar area popular for watching sports. Offers affordable sushi with fresh options and generous portions.

Lunch specials cost around $10.99 and include bento boxes that offer good value. Many people come here for affordable lunch deals popular among office workers.

Cheap nigiri stands out here, especially given the quality. The 11-dollar lunch bento offers a solid value, and drinks come at a low price too.

People are saying

"I thought the Japanese food here was delicious and inexpensive."

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the nigiri to be cheap and a good deal."

Good to know

1

Sushi Deli 3 has a 90-minute seating limit.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak dinner hours.

3

Parking is limited and may require a short walk.

10
China Express image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant offers affordable prices with huge portions and Northeast style dishes. Atmosphere feels rundown and in need of cleaning. Lunch specials attract a steady crowd despite basic surroundings.

Offers affordable lunch specials priced between $8 and $10, which is about $2 to $3 cheaper than most spots nearby. Serves quick meals that fit well into a lunch break.

Food comes with good portions and costs very little. Prices stay cheap but quality varies.

People are saying

"I thought the Chinese food here was delicious and flavorful."

"I found the lunch here to be the best cheap option around."

"This lunch spot has the best deals around."

Good to know

1

The 3 item combo with a drink costs $11.99.

2

Lunch specials are available for $8-10, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Portions are large, providing good value for the price.

11
Great Plaza Buffet image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant offers an enormous dining area with live cooking stations including Mongolian and teppanyaki grills. Atmosphere varies from cozy and quiet to lively and crowded during peak hours. Tables are close together, creating a bustling environment with fresh sushi and stir fry options.

Lunch offers very filling and tasty options at a reasonable price. Parties of six or more get a free birthday lunch or dinner.

Offers cheap sushi and a variety of fried foods. Prices stay low, making it a spot for a budget-friendly meal.

People are saying

"The buffet's fresh food, especially the stir fry, is always delicious."

"This Lunch Spot has amazing sushi and a chocolate fountain."

"I found the place to be cheap and tasty."

Good to know

1

The buffet is available every day, regardless of weather or season.

2

The restaurant has a birthday policy where you eat for free if it's your birthday, but you must show an ID.

3

Lunch costs around $20 for one person, including tip.

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