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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Downtown Austin

Affordable eats

Made for those who want to eat well without overspending and refuse to pay a premium for the privilege of a good meal.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Miranda's Café image 1
Miranda's Café image 2
Miranda's Café image 3
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Restaurant

Small restaurant inside an office building offers a quiet, homely atmosphere with a patriotic theme and comfortable seating. Business people often fill the space during lunch, creating a calm but lively vibe. Outdoor patio includes fans and misters for comfort on hot days.

Food comes out fresh and hot with quick service. Portions are generous and prices reasonable.

Meals come with fresh ingredients and healthy options at super inexpensive prices. Coffee and food both stay affordable without sacrificing quality.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast burrito to be delicious and savory."

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

"I found the food here to be affordable and healthy."

Good to know

1

Miranda's Café offers a menu of British food like shepherd's pie and fish and chips.

2

The café is located inside the 301 Congress building, which is undergoing construction.

3

Breakfast options are reasonably priced and include healthy choices.

02
OneTaco Taquería @ Frost Tower image 1

Small, no-frills taco spot with a Mexican Luchador theme and authentic atmosphere filled with loud Mexican music. The space feels like a street taco stand in Mexico, bustling and noisy, with a casual vibe ideal for quick meals. Guests add their own veggies and sauces, enhancing the made-to-order taco experience.

Great tacos arrive hot and delicious with fast service from friendly staff. Prices for food and drinks stay unbeatable while the team keeps the vibe pleasant.

Tacos come at very affordable prices and maintain good quality. They serve as a budget-friendly lunch option downtown.

People are saying

"These tacos are delicious and satisfying."

"The food here is fresh, authentic, and absolutely delicious."

"I found the tacos to be very affordable."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special discounts on tacos every week.

2

Street tacos are available for under $2 each.

3

Vegetarian options are specifically available on the menu.

03
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken image 1

Old school diner with checkered tablecloths and paper plates creates a homey, no-frills vibe. The atmosphere is lively and warm, often crowded and buzzing with positive energy. Tight seating and casual decor keep focus on the famous fried chicken and friendly interactions.

Great food stands out with phenomenal service complementing every meal. The dishes consistently deliver a fantastic flavor that makes dining here memorable.

Prices stay affordable across the menu. Items like the chicken tenders, Mac n cheese, and chicken sandwich special offer good value without sacrificing quality.

People are saying

"I thought the fried chicken had great flavor and crispy, juicy breading."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"I found the fried chicken to be delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $25 for a couple of hours in nearby lots.

2

Street parking is available but can be difficult during busy times.

3

The restaurant gets very busy during lunch hours.

04
Murphy's Deli image 1

Festive atmosphere fills a small deli known for affordable prices and delicious sandwiches made with care. Staff prepare balanced, flavorful options like grilled chicken and breakfast tacos, creating a friendly, welcoming vibe. It serves as a reliable spot for quick, satisfying meals downtown.

Food comes with great quality ingredients and stays always fresh. Staff serve with sincerity and care deeply about the food and customers.

Sandwiches come at incredibly affordable prices. Food costs stay low, which is rare these days.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"Yesenia made the best sandwich exactly how I wanted it."

"I thought the food was affordable, which is rare these days."

Good to know

1

Parking is available for 30 minutes right outside Murphy's Deli.

2

Prices at Murphy's Deli are reasonable and affordable.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted at Murphy's Deli.

05
Trader Joe's image 1
Grocery store

Spacious grocery store with mural artwork reflecting local culture and a cozy-but-efficient vibe. Warm atmosphere features singing cashiers and a notable selection of affordable red wines. Clean, organized layout welcomes families with small carts and accessible design.

Many affordable healthy food options and ready-made cold meals fill the shelves. The prepared foods section offers convenience, while the wine selection spans Europe, South Africa, and the Americas.

Fresh flowers stay beautiful and affordable. Many healthy food options and ready-made cold meals come at low prices. The selection of affordable red wines stands out.

People are saying

"I found a great variety of tasty food here."

"You need to get your parking validated to use it."

"I found great prices on fresh produce and organic items here."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for 2 hours when you validate at the kiosk.

2

Validated parking is available in the Seaholm garage.

3

Expect a busy shopping experience, especially on weekends.

06
Casino El Camino image 1
Bar & grill

Dive bar with punk rock and metal vibe combines pre-colonial Mexica decor and lucha Libre elements for a unique atmosphere. Loud music upstairs and a classic jukebox set a buzzing, wild tone. Functional pool tables and a smoking patio add to the laid-back, alternative energy.

Food stands out with great bar dishes and a reputation for king of buffalo sauce. The menu consistently delivers amazing flavors that pair well with drinks.

Prices stay curiously inexpensive across the board. Drinks come at affordable rates. The restaurant keeps its menu very affordable.

People are saying

"I thought this place had one of the best burgers I ever had."

"The food here, especially the burgers, is huge and delicious."

"The burgers here are massive and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Expect long wait times after 5pm due to high crowd volume.

3

Take-out orders are available if you prefer to avoid the crowd.

07
Texas Chili Parlor image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Dive bar with classic rock music and glowing red lights creates a cozy, authentic Texan vibe. Strong Mad Dog Margaritas and chunky beef chili draw a steady crowd. Atmosphere shifts from laid-back to loud on game days with sports on big screens.

Food features jam-packed roasted chicken and herbs in the house burrito. Meals combine great flavors with amazing service and prices.

Prices stay consistently very affordable across the menu, matching well with the quality of food and portion sizes.

People are saying

"I thought the chili was next level, some of the best I ever had."

"The food here is amazing, especially the chili."

"The enchiladas here are fantastic and so good you'll order them again."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are offered every day.

2

Parking is available nearby but can be limited.

3

Chili prices are on the higher side.

08
Un taco mas image 1
Taco restaurant

Food truck next to a busy highway offers picnic tables for outdoor dining amid loud traffic noise. The atmosphere suits quick, casual meals with affordable, highly rated tacos and burritos. Customers often walk from nearby hotels and buy drinks from an adjacent gas station due to no beverages on site.

Fresh, house-made tortillas and flavorful salsas highlight the authentic Mexican food here. The steak and chicken tacos come with quick service and reasonable prices, making the food worth seeking out.

Tacos come with great flavor and stay affordable. They offer good value without sacrificing taste.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

"I thought the food here was the absolute truth."

"The tacos here are affordable and perfect for lunch."

Good to know

1

Prices aren’t posted, so be prepared for surprises.

2

The total cost for both tacos is $7.

3

Order at the window; they accept both card and cash.

09
citizenM Austin Downtown image 1

Hotel offers modern design with small, well-equipped rooms featuring colorful lighting and blackout curtains. Rooftop includes a pool and bar with downtown views, creating an energetic yet intimate atmosphere. Outside noise and lively guests contribute to a vibrant, urban vibe.

Rooms cost about $120 per night, making them more affordable than most nearby options. Spaces are small, clean, and comfortable, suited for solo travelers or couples seeking budget-friendly downtown stays.

People are saying

"This hotel's rooms are small, modern, and clean."

"I found it affordable, especially considering its downtown location."

"The breakfast food here is fantastic, with thick-cut bacon cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served from 6am to 11am, perfect for jetlagged guests.

2

The hotel does not offer on-site parking; public parking costs $33 for 24 hours.

3

Karaoke events are organized by hotel staff for guests to enjoy.

10
Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake by IHG image 1

Rooms offer beautiful lake and river views with quiet environments despite proximity to a freeway. Rooftop pool and bike rentals provide outdoor activity options. Hallway noise and loud door slams are notable features within the building.

Food here stands out with fantastic restaurant dishes and amazing in-room orders. Staff like Mrs. Maria offer warm, attentive care especially for special dietary needs.

Rooms stay affordable while offering a comfortable stay. The location is convenient and right by the lake, with an optional inexpensive breakfast available.

People are saying

"The hotel staff was so friendly and helpful during my stay."

"I found the food here to be amazing and superior."

"It's a lovely and affordable place right on the lake."

Good to know

1

The hotel has ongoing issues with parking lot security and theft.

2

Request a room in the newer South tower for better conditions.

3

The North Tower rooms are dated and poorly maintained.

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