Fine dining is great: we all love splurging every once in a while. The decadent joy of enjoying luxurious food in upscale surroundings is truly wonderful. But sometimes, money is tight and you just need something a little more affordable. Next time you find yourself looking for the best cheap eats in Northern California, check out these delightful little spots. These are all great options when you want to fill up your stomach without emptying your wallet.
- Tacorea: 809 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108 | 620 Broadway, San Francisco 94133
Colin Tomblin/Google Maps Tacorea, 809 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Jennifer Ng’andu/Google Maps Can’t decide between Mexican or Korean? Tacorea has got you covered! This San Francisco spot mixes it up so you get the best of both worlds. How delicious does a kimchi burrito sound? There are two Tacorea locations in San Francisco. Find the menu on the restaurant’s website.
- Falafel’s Drive-In: 2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128
Joshua Briefman/Google Maps Falafel’s Drive In, 2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
Paul Nguyen/Google Maps Falafel’s Drive-In has been featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." The restaurant was opened by Israeli immigrants in 1966 and has been converting burger eaters ever since. At Falafel’s, you’ll find not only falafel, but plenty of other tasty Middle Eastern dishes like gyros, pita, and more. The drive-in also serves classic American favorites like burgers and corn dogs. You can get more information on Falafel’s Drive-In website.
- Quán Nem Ninh Hòa Restaurant: 6450 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95823
Wendel Tse/Google Maps Quán Nem Ninh Hòa Restaurant, 6450 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95823, USA
Hl Hi/Google Maps Pho is typically a great option for filling up without breaking the bank, and Sacramento’s Quán Nem Ninh Hòa is no exception. This place is unsuspectingly tucked away inside a strip mall, but inside you’ll find delicious Vietnamese eats. Try the pho or make your own spring rolls. Everything here is tasty and the servings are large! Visit the restaurant’s Facebook to learn more.
- Full O Bull Sandwich Shop: 632 5th St, Clovis, CA 93612
Jake Tapia/Google Maps Full O Bull Sandwich Shop, 632 5th St, Clovis, CA 93612, USA
Casey Custer/Google Maps Full O Bull has been in the heart of Old Town Clovis for over fifty years. The shop’s menu is simple, with options of hot or cold toppings. You can also get your sandwich made into a salad if you are trying to watch your carbs. Check out a menu on the Full O Bull Facebook.
- Tian Jin Dumplings: 989 Franklin St B, Oakland, CA 94607
Aaron Bestick/Google Maps Tian Jin Dumplings, 989 Franklin St B, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
Eric Wong/Google Maps This little hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant may not look like much, but it sure is delicious. It’s best to get there early, as it’s a popular spot and frequently sells out of some items. The jianbing is especially delicious. It’s a northern Chinese breakfast food similar to a crepe.
- Kobeya: 140 W 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403
Christopher Calhoun/Google Maps Kobeya, 140 W 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA
Ifthikar Talha/Google Maps Kobeya is a must for any lover of Japanese restaurants in Northern California. It’s a great, quick easy spot to pick up a filling meal. The bento boxes are always a delight, and the California rolls are quite popular as well.
- Castillo’s Mexican Food: 3659 E Ventura Ave, Fresno, CA 93702
Melodie Pierce/Google Maps Castillo’s Mexican Food, 3659 E Ventura Ave, Fresno, CA 93702, USA
Tiffany Su/Google Maps This Mexican restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s been in the same family for three generations and has been a favorite of Fresnans ever since. Check out the Castillo’sFacebook for a menu and specials.
Did we miss your favorite spots for cheap eats in Northern California? Share your regular spots in the comments!
Colin Tomblin/Google Maps
Tacorea, 809 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Jennifer Ng’andu/Google Maps
Can’t decide between Mexican or Korean? Tacorea has got you covered! This San Francisco spot mixes it up so you get the best of both worlds. How delicious does a kimchi burrito sound? There are two Tacorea locations in San Francisco. Find the menu on the restaurant’s website.
Joshua Briefman/Google Maps
Falafel’s Drive In, 2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
Paul Nguyen/Google Maps
Falafel’s Drive-In has been featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." The restaurant was opened by Israeli immigrants in 1966 and has been converting burger eaters ever since. At Falafel’s, you’ll find not only falafel, but plenty of other tasty Middle Eastern dishes like gyros, pita, and more. The drive-in also serves classic American favorites like burgers and corn dogs. You can get more information on Falafel’s Drive-In website.
Wendel Tse/Google Maps
Quán Nem Ninh Hòa Restaurant, 6450 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95823, USA
Hl Hi/Google Maps
Pho is typically a great option for filling up without breaking the bank, and Sacramento’s Quán Nem Ninh Hòa is no exception. This place is unsuspectingly tucked away inside a strip mall, but inside you’ll find delicious Vietnamese eats. Try the pho or make your own spring rolls. Everything here is tasty and the servings are large! Visit the restaurant’s Facebook to learn more.
Jake Tapia/Google Maps
Full O Bull Sandwich Shop, 632 5th St, Clovis, CA 93612, USA
Casey Custer/Google Maps
Full O Bull has been in the heart of Old Town Clovis for over fifty years. The shop’s menu is simple, with options of hot or cold toppings. You can also get your sandwich made into a salad if you are trying to watch your carbs. Check out a menu on the Full O Bull Facebook.
Aaron Bestick/Google Maps
Tian Jin Dumplings, 989 Franklin St B, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
Eric Wong/Google Maps
This little hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant may not look like much, but it sure is delicious. It’s best to get there early, as it’s a popular spot and frequently sells out of some items. The jianbing is especially delicious. It’s a northern Chinese breakfast food similar to a crepe.
Christopher Calhoun/Google Maps
Kobeya, 140 W 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA
Ifthikar Talha/Google Maps
Kobeya is a must for any lover of Japanese restaurants in Northern California. It’s a great, quick easy spot to pick up a filling meal. The bento boxes are always a delight, and the California rolls are quite popular as well.
Melodie Pierce/Google Maps
Castillo’s Mexican Food, 3659 E Ventura Ave, Fresno, CA 93702, USA
Tiffany Su/Google Maps
This Mexican restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s been in the same family for three generations and has been a favorite of Fresnans ever since. Check out the Castillo’sFacebook for a menu and specials.
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