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Cheap eats in San Diego

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

Based on 505 Opinions
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01
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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

"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
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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

"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.

03
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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 lunch specials here are a great deal for the quality."

"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
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Large, modern Korean grocery store with spacious aisles and bright lighting creates a pleasant shopping environment. Frequent bursts of K-pop music add lively energy, while food court and bakery options offer diverse Korean cuisine experiences.

Many lunch options fill the food court, including premade side dishes and packaged noodles, soups, and stews. Quick meals and grocery shopping happen in one stop.

Fresh produce comes at cheap prices, especially fruits and vegetables. Small quantities are available, and items like shrimps, Korean snacks, and kimchi are also affordable.

People are saying

"I found the fruits and vegetables to be cheap."

"The lunch here is delicious and the portions are huge."

Good to know

1

There are special offers every week.

2

Zion Market has a great selection of seafood, both fresh and frozen.

3

Expect to find the best deals on produce in California.

05
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Fast food spot with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and about eight tables inside, plus limited outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels friendly and inviting with Mandarin music playing softly. Known for juicy, well-seasoned chicken and affordable prices, it offers a clean, casual place to enjoy simple meals.

Lunch features a weekday $7.99 special with two pieces of juicy fried chicken, a side, and a drink. Staff provide attentive service and the lunch combo offers great value every day.

The spicy chicken sandwich stands out as a great cheap lunch or dinner option. However, overall prices are not cheap despite some affordable dishes.

People are saying

"The lunch combo is a great value for the price."

"I loved the super cheap and recommended food."

Good to know

1

They offer a lunch deal every day for $7.99, including two chicken tenders, a side, and a drink.

2

Happy hour specials are available at Cluck N' Sip.

3

The restaurant is halal certified, making it a good option for halal diners.

06
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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 staff here are super friendly and make you feel appreciated."

"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.

07
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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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

"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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