“a consumer reports for the cheap” — the new york times
Home » local » Cheap Boston Restaurants

Cheap Boston Restaurants

Subscribe

Cheapism's editors recommend the best cheap Boston restaurants on foursquare. Here is the complete list:

Avana Sushi

42 Beach St
Boston, MA 02111

Neighborhood: Chinatown
Phone #: 617-818-7782

Even though it's located in a strip mall, this cheap Boston restaurant churns out good rolls. Many of their rolls are under $5, and they also have a lunchbox for around $5. The service is also friendly and fast.

Rod Dee

1430 Beacon St
Brookline, MA 02446

Neighborhood: Coolidge Corner
Phone #: 617-738-4977
URL:

This place only has a few tables, so plan on getting your food to go. The dishes are big, so you'll probably end up with leftovers. Try the papaya salad and of course the Pad Thai is a must.

Wai Wai Restaurant

26 Oxford St
Boston, MA 02111

Neighborhood: Chinatown
Phone #: 617-338-9833

Everyone talks about how this place is a hole in the wall. I guess the price and quality of the food beats the decor. Most dishes are $5 including the duck. Make sure to ask for veggies, $1 more.

Falafel King

48 Winter St
Boston, MA 02108

Neighborhood: Downtown
Phone #: 617-338-8355
URL:

This place is very popular with people who work downtown. Sandwiches are $5-7 and are made with fresh falafel or meat that is cut to order. Try a vegetarian plate for a flavorful lunch salad.

Mass Ave Diner

906 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139

Neighborhood: Central Square
Phone #: 617-864-5301

You want pancakes? At the Mass Ave Diner you get pancakes. This is a classic greasy spoon, with omelettes, potatoes, and even some Mexican dishes. This is how breakfast food should be.

Galleria Umberto

289 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113

Neighborhood: North End
Phone #: 617-227-5709

Do you like big thick slices of Sicilian pizza? The food here is cheap and popular, so make sure you leave early, lines often go out the door. They also have calzones and other Italian fare.

Punjabi Dhaba

225 Hampshire St
Cambridge, MA 02139

Neighborhood: Inman Square
Phone #: 617-547-8272
URL:

Chatt is tangy, sweet and sour, spicy snack, and is available here for $3.95. Basmati rice plates start at $5.95, and they take your orders at the counter. The food is served on cool metal trays.

Cafe Mami

1815 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02140

Neighborhood: Porter Square
Phone #: 617-547-9130

The $5 lunch special is one reason to stop by. It only gets better from there. The burger "sets", which is a burger patty with choice of sauces or even a fried egg on top, are unique and delicious.

YoMa

5 N Beacon St
Allston, MA 02134

Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton
Phone #: 617-783-1372
URL:

Try a noodle dish for $6.95 or get one of their specials which start at $7.95. They home make their tofu out of chickpea flour, which gives it a creamier soft flavor. Burmese know how to cook.

Pho Basil

177 Massachusetts Ave
Boston, MA 02115

Phone #: 617-262-5377
URL:

The Pho at this cheap Boston restaurant starts at $5.95, and their lunch menu has items for $6.95 that include rice. Their menu is huge, so you can try something different every time you come back to this hidden treasure.

D'Guru Restaurant

185 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02110

Neighborhood: Financial District
Phone #: 617-319-4392
URL:

This spot serves fast and delicious Indian food. There may be limited seating during lunch time, so plan on taking your food to go. The combo plates ($7-9) are popular and give you a range of choices.

Mike's Pastry

300 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113

Phone #: 617-742-3050
URL:

Get some connoli's, cake, fruit squares, or other traditional Italian pastries. They even have marzipan and gelati. If you see a line out the door, don't worry, there are multiple registers inside.

Great Taste Bakery & Restaurant

63 Beach St
Boston, MA 02111

Neighborhood: Chinatown
Phone #: 617-426-8899

You can get cheap Chinese bakery items as well as food here. Many of the pastries are $1 or less, and their food menu ranges $5-9 on average. Try the Portuguese tart, it keeps people coming back.

Lucy Ethiopian Cafe

334B Massachusetts Ave
Boston, MA 02115

Phone #: 617-536-0415

Most menu items here are under $10, and the stye is Ethiopian. Try the Injera, which is a type of flat bread. Try the vegetable dishes or some delicious tender steak. Have fun, there are no forks.

Greater Boston Buddhist Cultural Center

950 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139

Neighborhood: Central Square
Phone #: 617-547-6670

This restaurant follows the Buddhist tradition of vegetarian food. There is local art on the walls, and the lunch special is $6.95. This unique dining experience includes vegetables and exotic teas.

Sources:

www.hiddenboston.com

www.urbanspoon.com

www.boston.com

www.yelp.com

www.tripadvisor.com

www.urbanspoon.com

Cheapism.com on Facebook