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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown Austin

Cheap eats

Made for those who prioritize efficiency and low costs over the frills of a traditional dining experience.

Based on 555 Opinions
+552
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Updated April 2026
01

Dive bar with cheap drinks and a friendly crowd offers free pool and a photobooth for casual fun. Music sets a relaxed tone, making it a good spot to meet up or start the night. Known for great drink prices and a welcoming, local atmosphere.

Drinks come cheap and pack a strong punch. Prices stay low without skimping on strength or value.

People are saying

"The vibe here is super chill with a laid-back crowd."

"This dive bar has so much heart and the friendliest staff."

"I found the drinks here to be cheap."

Good to know

1

The Side Bar has a smoking section in the back.

2

Prices at the Side Bar are considered great for drinks.

3

Food at The Side Bar is reasonably priced.

02
TacoWey image 1
Taco restaurant

White food truck serves affordable street tacos with big, meaty fillings fast. Casual, busy spot with grab-and-go convenience and a small outdoor seating area. Popular late at night for quick, flavorful bites near campus.

Tacos come big, meaty, and flavorful while staying cheap and fast. Great for a late-night bite without spending much.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I've ever eaten."

"I loved the tasty tacos from the food truck, especially the pastor."

"These are the best street tacos I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

TacoWey is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm.

2

Tacos cost $4 each and come with self-serve sauces.

3

You can only grab and go from TacoWey; there's no seating available.

03
Lady Bird Lake Rentals & Tours image 1
Water sports equipment rental service

Calm lake waters offer beautiful city skyline views and a peaceful escape. Comfortable, inflatable kayaks and paddleboards make paddling easy and enjoyable. Prices stay consistently cheap for rentals, making it an affordable spot with a quiet rental area and secure storage.

Prices stay consistently cheap for rentals and tours. The activity offers affordable options that keep costs low.

People are saying

"I had a blast with the fun activities here."

"The views of the skyline and nature are beautiful."

"I thought the rental prices were super cheap."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required for kayak rentals, but it's recommended to arrive early.

2

The rental location is easy to find and has free parking available.

3

Kayaks and paddle boards are available at reasonable prices.

04
Casino El Camino image 1
Bar & grill

Dive bar with punk rock vibe and cheap draft beers offers a wild, buzzing atmosphere. Unique Mexica decor blends with lucha Libre themes. Functional pool tables and a smoking patio keep the energy laid-back and cool.

Prices stay very cheap for the area with cheap draft beers and strong happy hour drinks. Food includes a killer burger and the staff keeps the vibe cool.

People are saying

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

"This dive bar's burgers are genuinely delicious and cooked perfectly."

"You have to try the burgers; they're incredible and worth returning for."

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.

05
Firehouse Hostel image 1

Hostel offers cheap drinks and affordable stays in a historic building. Loud music from the bar vibrates through floors late into the night. Unique hidden speakeasy adds a special nightlife vibe, while communal kitchen and lockers provide practical comforts.

Offers cheap drinks even with inflation. Stays are affordable and centrally located.

People are saying

"The staff here makes you feel so comfortable and welcomed."

"It's a speakeasy hidden behind a bookshelf."

"It's a cheap place to stay, especially downtown."

Good to know

1

Happy hour pricing is available at the bar for hostel guests at all times.

2

Karaoke night happens every Thursday, starting at 9pm.

3

A pub crawl is organized every Saturday night for guests to explore downtown.

06
Miranda's Cafรฉ image 1

Small restaurant inside an office building offers a quiet atmosphere and patriotic theme. Business crowd creates a calm but lively vibe. Outdoor patio has fans and misters. Meals are cheap and filling, perfect for breakfast.

Offers tasty, filling breakfast at a cheap price. Meals satisfy hunger without costing much.

People are saying

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

"The Cafe staff are so kind and welcoming, remembering your meals feel special."

"The breakfast burrito and salsa are so delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

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

2

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

3

Breakfast options are reasonably priced and include healthy choices.

07
Texas Chili Parlor image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Dive bar with classic rock and glowing red lights offers a cozy Texan vibe. Strong Mad Dog Margaritas and chunky beef chili keep prices low and taste solid. Game days bring loud energy with sports on big screens.

Offers cheap drinks and reasonable food prices compared to downtown. Food quality varies but stays tasty and affordable. Queso uses a basic, inexpensive cheese.

People are saying

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

"These enchiladas have such an old-school Austin vibe."

"I found the drinks and food prices to be really cheap."

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
Museum of the Weird image 1

Small, three-story building offers a quirky vibe with tight corridors and secret rooms. Entry costs stay low, making it a cheap spot to explore. Atmosphere blends creepy vintage horror with sideshow oddities, plus live performances add dynamic energy.

Entry costs stay low, making it a cheap spot to visit. The space feels small and tight, adding to its quirky vibe.

People are saying

"It's a fun, quirky spot with lots of oddities and playful displays."

"The exhibits here are really interesting with cool props and displays."

"It's cheap, weird, and totally unforgettable."

Good to know

1

Admission is $12 for entry to the museum.

2

Allow time to find parking in downtown Austin.

3

The museum lacks accessibility due to uneven steps between exhibits.

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