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Local picks in San Jose

Cheap eats

A meal that fits a modest budget without forcing you to compromise on the integrity of the ingredients.

Based on 518 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Acha Coffee and Tea image 1
Acha Coffee and Tea image 2
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Small coffee shop with wide-open doors and lots of plants creates a cozy, naturey atmosphere. Popular with high school students, it operates mainly as a takeout spot with limited seating. Family-owned business offers directly sourced beans and a seamless kiosk ordering system.

Food comes with great quality and a wonderful diversity of options. Drinks and food taste fresh and serve quickly at affordable prices.

Meals come out cheap and filling. Food and drinks stay quick and easy on the wallet.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese egg coffee is rich, smooth, and creamy."

"The milk teas are perfectly balanced and refreshing."

"The food and drinks tasted great and fresh."

Good to know

1

Acha Coffee and Tea primarily operates as a takeout place with limited seating.

2

They roast their own beans, ensuring high quality and freshness.

3

The cafe accepts both cash and card payments.

02
Đại-Thành Supermarket image 1
Asian grocery store

Asian grocery store offers fresh and affordable produce with a wide selection of Vietnamese imports and fresh meats and seafood. The space is clean and organized but often crowded with limited parking. It stands out for unbeatable prices and a neat, well-stocked produce section.

Many authentic Vietnamese foods are fresh and affordable here. The store offers a wide selection of Asian foods, including diverse canned and dried options, with most items requiring self-packing.

Many types of fresh meat and cheap fruits are available. The supermarket offers a good selection of affordable goods.

People are saying

"I found the grocery store prices to be fantastic and reasonable."

"I found many authentic Vietnamese food options here."

"I found the goods to be fresh and cheap here."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging on weekends, so arrive early.

2

The supermarket offers a wide selection of fresh produce at low prices.

3

Expect to find a variety of Vietnamese food imports available.

03
Campus Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Uniquely shaped glass building hosts a narrow, crowded space with an open kitchen that adds a fresh, clean vibe. Outdoor picnic tables provide seating in a laid-back atmosphere despite nearby loitering. Burgers offer affordable prices and a nostalgic, satisfying experience.

Food arrives seconds after ordering with quality five times better than typical fast food. Prices compete with or beat cheap fast food chains while offering great taste and exceptional service.

Burgers come at a very cheap price without sacrificing quality. The menu offers fast, affordable options that compete with major fast food chains.

People are saying

"I found the burgers to be a great value."

"The food here is delicious and tasted awesome."

"I found the burgers to be cheap and good for the price."

Good to know

1

Campus Burgers does not accept cash; only card payments are allowed.

2

The burgers cost $2 each, making it an affordable option.

3

Campus Burgers is primarily a takeout place with limited outdoor seating.

04
Mr. Chau's Restaurants image 1
Chinese restaurant

Retro-style space offers family-friendly atmosphere with loud music and massive portions of fast, inexpensive Chinese food. The menu focuses heavily on orange chicken and similar dishes with a unique seasoning twist. Seating includes sticky booths, and parking is easy.

Offers inexpensive, quick Chinese takeout with generous portions. Food stays true to classic style, especially the broccoli in the noodles, and avoids dryness common in other places.

Big portions come with cheap prices. The place serves fast Chinese takeout that costs little.

People are saying

"The food here is great and always served nice and hot."

"I thought the Chinese fast food here was great and inexpensive."

"The food is really good and cheap for big portions."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers large portions at reasonable prices.

2

Parking is easy and accessible near the restaurant.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for dining.

05
Duc Huong Sandwiches image 1

Sandwich shop operates as a take-out only spot with no seating and a pickup window for orders. Lines often stretch outside, creating a busy, crowded atmosphere with a steady flow of sandwich lovers. Known for best banh mi, it draws consistent crowds despite a run-down appearance.

Consistent flavors and authentic Vietnamese cuisine define the food here. The dishes are always worth the wait and never disappoint.

Sandwiches come at a very cheap price here. The Banh Mi and other sandwiches offer great value without costing much.

People are saying

"I thought the banh mi sandwiches were the best I'd had."

"I thought their Vietnamese sandwiches were among the best tasting."

"I found the sandwiches to be great and very cheap."

Good to know

1

They have a buy 4 get 1 free promotion.

2

The restaurant is take out only.

3

Expect long lines on weekends, especially during lunch hours.

06
Taqueria El Farolito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with hole-in-the-wall vibe and counter service in a strip mall. Atmosphere is quiet and family-friendly despite limited seating and parking. Known for generous portions and affordable prices on classic dishes like burritos and tacos.

Food here is authentic Mexican, rich, and full of flavor. Portions are generous and inexpensive, making it great for a quick lunch or hearty dinner.

Prices stay unbelievably cheap considering the large portions served. Food tastes good and costs very little.

People are saying

"This burrito is authentic, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying."

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

"The food here is flavorful and incredibly satisfying."

Good to know

1

Most menu items cost under $10, making it budget-friendly.

2

Parking is limited and shared with surrounding businesses.

3

The restaurant offers a diverse menu in both English and Spanish.

07
La Princesa International Bazaar image 1

Spacious grocery store with clean, organized layout and narrow vegetable aisles. Offers a wide selection of halal meats and international products including Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods. Prices are affordable, making it a convenient one-stop shop for diverse groceries.

A wide selection of international foods fills the shelves, including a large variety of halal and Middle Eastern dishes. Fresh meats, fish, desserts, and Mediterranean products add to the diverse food options.

Produce stands out for being both very cheap and of good quality. Many items here come at low prices.

People are saying

"I found the grocery store prices to be really good and clearly marked."

"I found a huge collection of halal food here."

"I found the prices to be very good."

Good to know

1

The bazaar offers a wide selection of halal meats and international groceries.

2

Prices are generally very low compared to other markets in the area.

3

The market is known for its cleanliness and organization.

08
CineLux Almaden Café & Lounge image 1

Small theaters offer a cozy lounge and comfortable rocking seats that do not recline. The atmosphere is casual with a quaint size and a clean, well-maintained environment. Affordable pricing and limited showings create a relaxed, budget-friendly movie experience.

Small theater offers a variety of food, drinks, and liquors with generally good food choices. Some snacks, like popcorn, can have an unpleasant chemical oil smell.

Movies cost very little here, especially during the Matinee price times. Watching films feels like a cheap and easy way to spend time.

People are saying

"You can watch movies here for a really low price."

"I found the movies to be cheap and worth it."

"I found the food here to be great."

Good to know

1

Tuesday movies are discounted, making it a great day to visit.

2

Enjoy $5 movie nights on Tuesdays at CineLux Almaden Café & Lounge.

3

Tickets cost only $6.50 before 6pm every day.

09
New Tung Kee Noodle image 1
Chinese restaurant

Booths with clear walls create relative privacy and keep noise low even when busy. The atmosphere feels comforting both indoors and outdoors, with a clean and quick service style. Large portions and affordable prices make it a practical choice for families.

Food offers delicious Teochew noodles with generous portions priced around $12-$13. Service is quick and the environment suits family meals, combining great quality with fair prices.

Prices stay cheap even with large portions. Food mainly consists of noodles with no meat, keeping costs low.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and a great price."

"This lunch spot's ox tail noodle soup is fall-off-the-bone tender."

"I found the food here to be cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect long wait times during peak meal hours, especially on weekends.

3

Prices range from $12-$13 for large portions, making it affordable for families.

10
Burger Bar image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Old school hamburger joint with outdoor seating under aluminum umbrellas and walk-up windows creates a nostalgic vibe. Busy street noise adds energy while the patio offers some shade and awnings. Known for affordable prices and simple, fresh cheeseburgers with addicting thin, limp fries.

Burgers offer a healthier taste than typical fast food. Removing relish and mayo improves the flavor. They hold a staple status in the local food culture despite some areas needing improvement.

Offers cheap classic staples like burgers and fries with an old school vibe. Prices feel low, especially for late-night eats popular with college crowds.

People are saying

"I've been eating these burgers since I was a kid."

"This food is a certified hood classic, reminding me of childhood."

"I found the burgers here to be super cheap and tasty."

Good to know

1

The 5 for $9.99 hamburgers deal is a great value.

2

There is lots of parking available near the restaurant.

3

The entrance is accessible only from Story Road.

11
Dough Burger image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines hip-hop vibe with modern, clean decor and visible food preparation behind glass. Loud music creates a high-energy atmosphere that can make conversation difficult. Offers indoor and outdoor seating with a busy, packed environment.

Food comes out fresh and made right in front of you, with prices that stay surprisingly low compared to typical fast food spots serving frozen burgers.

Burgers come out very cheap and taste bomb. Overall, the food prices stay fairly cheap.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were great and not overly priced."

"I found the food here to be awesome, especially the burger."

"I thought the burger was a damn fine burger at a damn fine price."

Good to know

1

Dough Burger offers a triple patty smash burger for $6.99 and is open until 1:30 AM.

2

Prices at Dough Burger are very reasonable and affordable.

3

Expect limited seating inside and some outside seating.

12
Tacos El Jalisciense Alum Rock image 1

Drive-through service offers quick access to Mexican food with affordable tacos priced at $1.50 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The atmosphere is casual and fast-paced, with a clean interior and simple setup lacking salsa or chips. Expect hearty portions focused on traditional flavors, especially in tacos and burritos.

Food stands out for its great taste and good value, especially on Taco Tuesday and Thursday. Staff provide friendly service, making it a solid spot to enjoy Mexican dishes with family.

Tacos cost as low as $1.50 on Tuesdays, making them very cheap and tasty. Food comes out fast and uses paper plates and thin napkins.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be delicious and well-prepared."

"I found the food here to be really delicious."

"I found the tacos to be super cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $1.50 on Tuesdays and Thursdays all day.

2

Taco Tuesday is also celebrated on Thursdays.

3

Expect long wait times if ordering through the drive-thru.

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