10 Budget Friendly Restaurants Dallas, TX
Dallas is home to some of the best Tex-Mex food and barbecue in the country. While most Texans would agree that “everything’s bigger in Texas,” you don’t want that to be true when it comes to your restaurant bill. Here are a few places that offer some of the best cheap eats Dallas has to offer.
1. Big Guy’s Chicken and Rice
2614 Elm St., #130, Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 810-1955
Big Guy’s is the place to go in Dallas if you want a filling meal that is light on your stomach and your wallet. The beef and lamb rice platter is one of the most popular items on the menu; the dish is seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and the meat is cooked to perfection. The mixed rice plate rice is also a favorite; this dish features a combination of lamb, beef, and chicken. You can accent your meal with jalapeño poppers or falafel, and finish off your meal with a slice of New York-style cheesecake or Nutella Paratha.
2. The Zodiac
1618 Main St., Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 573-5800
The Zodiac is the place to find cheap eats Dallas has to offer when you’re in the mood for a fancy pasta dish that isn’t too expensive. Try the shrimp and sweet pea ravioli topped with fresh parmesan, or enjoy the Asian beef salad with fresh carrots and cabbage. The Zodiac also serves a variety of salads served with a side of crispy fries, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll love the chocolate cake topped with fresh orange slices.
3. Snappy Catfish
3534 N. Hampton Rd., Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 819-3862
If you’re looking for delicious fried seafood but don’t want to break the bank, check out Snappy Catfish. You can find the restaurant’s signature dish, fried catfish with sides like fries and Texas Toast. The restaurant also offers delicious fried shrimp and several Po’Boys to choose from. You can also order healthier options like baked fish and shrimp with a side of veggies if you still crave seafood but want a light meal.
4. Grill & Vine
1201 Main St., Dallas, TX 75226
(972) 584-6650
This restaurant located in the Westin Dallas Downtown is a convenient dining option if you’re staying in or near the hotel. One of the favorites is the mushroom Swiss burger with a side of fries. The tavern-style restaurant offers an impressive beer and wine list as well. Try an omelet with raisin toast and home fries, and the breakfast buffet provides flaky croissants, boiled eggs, crispy bacon, and steamed asparagus.
5. Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
600 N. Bishop Ave., Dallas, TX 75226
214.948.3672
Check out Gloria’s Latin Cuisine when you’ve got a craving for Mexican-inspired dishes like fish tacos topped with fresh jalapeños served with a side of vegetable rice. Gloria’s also serves a delicious quesadilla with house-made guacamole and ceviche with crispy plantain and fresh avocado. You can also enjoy lighter entrees, such as the grilled shrimp served with rice and a side salad.
6. El Atoron
5004 Columbia Ave., Ste. 103, Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 887-8846
Dallas is one of the best cities in Texas to get delicious Mexican food, and El Atoron offers delicious tacos you don’t want to pass up. You’ll love the gorditas filled with beef, chicken, pork, chorizo, or beans and cheese. You can also order quesadillas filled with melty cheese and chicken, mushrooms, skirt steak, or nopales. The nopales soup is a favorite at this affordable Mexica eatery as well.
7. Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse
2202 Inwood Rd., Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 357-7120
Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse is one of the best places to visit in Dallas when you want barbecue but don’t want to spend too much. Menu favorites include the chopped steak sandwich served with mac and cheese and fries, the beef brisket sandwich, and the crispy onion rings. The restaurant is also popular for its fall-off-the-bone ribs, and its award-winning Frito pie is a Texas staple.
8. The Porch
2912 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 828-2916
The Porch offers several satisfying meals that will make your time in Dallas worthwhile. The short rib entree is served with roasted veggies and egg noodles, or you can try the Stodg burger with a fried egg and a side of fries. The dry-aged Duroc pork chop is another favorite at The Porch, and you can’t go wrong with the fried chicken served with a vibrant vegetable salad. The Porch is also known for its decadent desserts like gooey butter cake served with butterscotch ice cream and salted caramel and the dulce de leche brownie with vanilla ice cream and pecans.
9. Angry Dog
2726 Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 741-4406
Angry Dog is one of Dallas’ popular bars, and while the drinks are pretty delicious, the food is just as impressive. Try the cheeseburger with grilled onions, or opt for the chicken wings if you’re looking for delicious finger food to enjoy while you socialize. The Double Dog Dare is a favorite as well — it’s a chili dog topped with cheese and bacon, chili-topped fries, and a side of peppers. You can also end your meal with a delicious brownie or the cheesecake of the day.
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