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University District's best

Cheap Eats

Stretching a budget without sacrificing a decent meal.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated April 2026
01
University Of Washington Surplus Store image 1
University Of Washington Surplus Store image 2
University Of Washington Surplus Store image 3
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Surplus store offers used office furniture, dorm room essentials, and science gear at bargain prices. Shopping happens only on Tuesdays with limited parking and merchandise changing weekly. Nonprofits can request special shopping access outside public hours.

People are saying

"I found so many random items at this thrift store for bargain prices."

"I found great deals on furniture and dorm room essentials."

"I found used office furniture, especially chairs, at this Furniture Store."

Good to know

1

The store is only open on Tuesdays.

2

Payment is accepted in cash or credit card.

3

Parking is limited.

02
Bite and Bento(一二三•自选快餐) image 1

Affordable meals with good value make this spot a smart choice. Fresh dishes come in good portions that satisfy hunger without overspending. Clean, calm atmosphere suits quick lunches or takeout near campus, with occasional live shows adding a fun twist.

Prices stay cheap here, making meals affordable. The food offers good value for the cost.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the pickled fried fish very authentic."

Good to know

1

Meals cost around $14, making it affordable for students.

2

Portion sizes are decent, providing good value for the price.

3

Be aware that the spicy chicken may contain bones.

03
Aladdin CharBurger image 1

Offers late night dining with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. Burgers, especially lamb and chicken, are fresh and flavorful. Food comes out extremely fast and prices stay cheap while tasting amazing.

Food comes out extremely fast and prices stay cheap. Meals taste absolutely amazing while keeping costs low.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were phenomenal and always great."

"It's a great late night spot for satisfying midnight cravings."

"I found the food to be cheap and tasted amazing."

Good to know

1

Aladdin CharBurger is open late at night for late-night snacks.

2

They grind their own beef in-house for freshness.

3

Expect reasonable prices and healthy portion sizes.

04
CALL A CHICKEN - University of Washington image 1

Spacious spot with board games and plug points offers a fun, casual vibe. Bright yellow walls and chicken art add charm. Enjoy a spicy chicken sandwich for just $5, delivering big, juicy flavor without high cost.

Spicy chicken sandwich costs just $5 and offers a juicy, big portion. Fried chicken and burgers come out super delicious and cheap, making the food fast and tasty without breaking the bank.

People are saying

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

"I found the chicken sandwich to be juicy and a great deal for $5."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at midnight.

2

Prices are affordable, making it popular among students.

3

The restaurant has a 'needs to improve' food safety rating.

05
Master Bing (UW) 煎饼师傅 (Savory Chinese Street Crepes) image 1

Cozy space with self-order booths makes dining easy and relaxed. Food is cheap yet authentic, matching flavors from China. Quick meals and a condiment bar let you customize every bite.

Prices stay cheap and the food is tasty with a flavor similar to what you'd find in China. Meals come quick and offer standard options without extra cost.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic and flavorful."

"This duck blood vermicelli soup is rich, flavorful, and comforting."

"I found the food to be cheap and pretty standard."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens early, making it convenient for breakfast.

2

Prices for Jianbing are affordable, typically around $9.99.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options.

06
Blue Moon Tavern image 1
Live music bar

Classic dive bar shines with live music and a dance floor that energizes the cozy space. Drinks stay cheap and tasty, especially during happy hour with Rainier beer. Warm lighting and historic charm create a welcoming atmosphere loved by locals.

Drinks come cheap and tasty here, especially during happy hour with Rainier beer. The spot feels like a homey neighborhood bar with affordable options.

People are saying

"This place has so much history, it felt like a museum."

"I found the vibe and crowd here to be really cool."

"I found the happy hour drinks to be really cheap."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features cheap Rainier beer, perfect for budget-friendly drinks.

2

The Wednesday night open mic showcases local talent and has a lively atmosphere.

3

Monday nights feature free Grateful Dead music performed by the Andy Coe Band.

07
Finn MacCool’s Irish Public House image 1

Irish pub buzzes with loud music and a rowdy college crowd. Drinks are affordable, with daily specials and happy hour deals. Dive bar vibe shows in sticky tables and casual seating, making it a lively spot for games on big screens.

Loud music and cheap drinks set the tone in this typical college pub. Daily specials and happy hour offer fair prices on bar food and drinks.

People are saying

"This bar's Guinness is as authentic as it gets."

"The drinks here are cheap, especially with daily specials."

"The bartenders here are so friendly and attentive during Live Sports."

Good to know

1

Finn's offers an all-day happy hour on Sunday and Monday with discounts on drinks and food.

2

On game days, the pub is usually packed with college students.

3

Karaoke nights happen regularly, making it a lively spot for entertainment.

08
Korean Tofu House Express image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant serves authentic comfort food in a clean, cozy space with family-friendly TVs. Prices stay insanely cheap, making it a great spot for lunch. Friendly vibe and bright seating invite relaxed dining.

Prices stay insanely cheap for the portions. Korean food offers a cheap and convenient option for lunch.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"I thought the short ribs were absolutely divine."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers free top-ups for banchan if everyone orders a set meal.

2

Vegetarian options and vegetarian broth are available for soups.

3

The portions are large and generous, often leaving leftovers.

09
Taste of Xi'an 西安味道 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large dining area with authentic Chinese décor creates a lively, cozy vibe. Food is delicious and tasty with prices that are cheap to moderate. Comfortable seating and self-service chili oil add to the vibrant setting.

Prices range from cheap to moderate, with many dishes offering good value. Food tastes delicious and tasty without being very expensive.

People are saying

"The hand-pulled noodles here are authentically chewy and flavorful."

"These dumplings have a juicy filling that explodes on the first bite."

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

Good to know

1

You must scan the QR code on the table to order.

2

The kitchen closes at 3:30 PM, so arrive early.

3

Parking can be a little hard to find.

10
Itadakimasu image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion spot offers affordable prices with generous portions of tasty teriyaki. Casual, cozy vibe with friendly service and a beautiful mural creates a quiet, lowkey dining experience. Meals are simple but satisfying.

Prices stay insanely cheap for the food served. The meals are low quality but still tasty and simple.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious with generous portions."

"The Japanese food here is so delicious and full of flavor."

"I found it to be a great value and surprisingly cheap."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers great portions for amazing value.

2

Prices are competitive, with entrees around $14 including two sides.

3

Expect large portions; many dishes are much larger than the price paid.

11
Bombay Express image 1
Restaurant

Spacious spot with authentic Indian decor and a warm vibe. Music plays Indian songs, adding to the Desi feel. Food is cheap and tastes like homestyle street food. Open late for cozy, affordable meals.

Prices stay consistently cheap for Indian food here. The affordable cost matches the overall taste experience.

People are saying

"I found the Indian food here to be amazing."

"It's my go-to late night spot, open until 2 AM."

"I thought the food was great and relatively cheap."

Good to know

1

Bombay Express is open until 4 AM every day.

2

Parking on the street is difficult to find.

3

They stay open at night for late-night cravings.

12
Burritos California image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious dining offers an open feel with tables spread wide. Burritos are super cheap and filling, served fast without losing flavor. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful to loud, blending a Pacific Northwest taqueria vibe with California-style burritos.

Offers super cheap and filling burritos with fast service. Prices stay low without sacrificing flavor or portion size.

People are saying

"I loved their fresh green salsa; it's so good it should be bottled."

"I had the best breakfast burrito I’ve ever had."

"I found the food to be cheap and not bad."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hard to find near the restaurant.

2

Prices for large burritos are under $10, making it affordable.

3

Portions are large enough to share or have two meals.

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