20 Wallet-Friendly Texas Restaurants That Are Worth The Miles
Hungry for tasty Texas food without emptying your wallet? The Lone Star State is packed with hidden gems serving up amazing meals at prices that won’t break the bank. From sizzling tacos to mouthwatering BBQ, these affordable spots deliver big Texas flavor that’s worth every mile of the journey.
1. Magnolia Pancake Haus (San Antonio)
Breakfast heaven exists in San Antonio! The fluffy buttermilk pancakes here are legendary among locals, stacked high and priced reasonably.
Early birds catch the best seats at this popular spot, but the wait is worth it for their famous apple cinnamon pancakes.
2. Kerbey Lane Cafe (Austin & San Antonio)
Austin’s beloved 24-hour diner serves comfort food that soothes both soul and wallet. Their famous queso might be the best $7 you’ll spend in Texas.
I still dream about their seasonal pancakes from my college days – pumpkin in fall, lemon poppyseed in spring.
3. Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy (San Antonio)
Gas station gourmet? Absolutely. This unassuming convenience store crafts sandwiches that have earned cult status among San Antonians.
The Philly cheesesteak here regularly tops local “best of” lists, packed with tender meat and melty cheese for under $10.
4. 11|17 in McKinney
Quirky name, serious flavor! This McKinney hotspot serves up generous portions of creative American fare that won’t drain your bank account.
Their hand-crafted burgers arrive at your table towering with toppings, making the $12-15 price tag feel like highway robbery – in your favor!
5. Ana Liz Taqueria (Mission)
Taco paradise awaits at this Rio Grande Valley gem! Handmade tortillas cradle perfectly seasoned meats for just a couple bucks each.
The barbacoa here melts in your mouth like butter. Locals know to show up early on weekends before they sell out.
6. El Fenix (Dallas–Fort Worth)
Dallas’ oldest Mexican restaurant (est. 1918) serves Tex-Mex classics at prices that seem frozen in time. Wednesday’s enchilada special ($6.99) draws crowds from across DFW.
Their chile con queso recipe hasn’t changed in decades – why mess with cheesy perfection?
7. Veracruz Café (Dallas)
Forget standard Tex-Mex – Veracruz delivers authentic regional Mexican dishes at surprisingly gentle prices. Their mole poblano transports your taste buds straight to Puebla.
Family-owned for generations, this Oak Cliff treasure serves portions big enough to share, though you probably won’t want to!
8. Lupe Tortilla (Houston–San Antonio–Dallas)
Sizzling fajitas that won’t sizzle your savings! Lupe’s marinated beef fajitas could feed an army, yet cost less than many chain restaurants.
The handmade flour tortillas here are so buttery and tender, I’ve seen grown adults fight over the last one. Worth every penny.
9. Parish Barbecue (Austin)
BBQ royalty without the royal price tag! Parish smokes brisket so tender you could cut it with a plastic fork.
Their meat plate with two sides runs about $15 – highway robbery for the quality. The banana pudding alone justifies the drive from anywhere in central Texas.
10. Southside Market & Barbeque (Elgin + branches)
Texas’ oldest BBQ joint (since 1882!) still serves legendary sausage at prices that won’t smoke your wallet. Their famous “hot guts” sausage lives up to its colorful name.
A full pound of smoky, juicy brisket costs less than a fancy coffee drink in Austin.
11. Barbs B Q (Lockhart)
Female-owned and flavor-forward, Barbs breaks BBQ traditions while honoring Texas smoking techniques. Chef Barb’s creative sides elevate classic BBQ without elevating prices.
Last time I visited, their brisket taco special nearly brought tears to my eyes – and it was under $10!
12. Buc-ee’s Travel Centers (State-wide)
Gas station food that’s legitimately delicious? Believe it! Buc-ee’s mammoth beaver-branded travel stops serve made-to-order brisket sandwiches that shame many BBQ joints.
Their famous Beaver Nuggets make the perfect road trip snack, and nothing beats their $2 breakfast tacos at 6am.
13. Woody’s Smokehouse (I‑45 between Dallas & Houston)
Road trip salvation awaits at this highway oasis! Woody’s smokes jerky and meats that make the drive between Dallas and Houston something to look forward to.
Their sliced brisket sandwich comes piled high with tender meat for under $10. Don’t miss the homemade pecan pralines by the register!
14. Taco Y Vino (Dallas)
Tacos and wine – name a better duo! This Bishop Arts District gem pairs gourmet street tacos with affordable wines in a setting that feels way pricier than it is.
Their $3 Taco Tuesday special makes me wish every day was Tuesday. The pastor taco with pineapple is pure magic.
15. El Fenix (also in DFW)
Century-old Tex-Mex institution that delivers consistent comfort food at yesteryear prices. Their cheese enchilada plate comes swimming in chili con carne that’s been perfected over decades.
Wednesday’s enchilada special might be the best dining deal in Dallas – just $6.99 for a full meal!
16. Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs (Dallas)
State Fair of Texas icons available year-round! These crispy, golden cornmeal-battered hot dogs on sticks have been a Texas tradition since 1942.
For about $6, you get a perfect handheld meal that’s worth tracking down their food truck locations across Dallas. Pure nostalgic deliciousness!
17. Lucky’s Hot Chicken (Dallas)
Nashville heat meets Texas hospitality at prices that won’t burn your budget! Their perfectly fried chicken comes in heat levels from “mild” to “Damn Lucky.”
A quarter chicken with a side and Texas toast runs about $12. The banana pudding cooling agent is worth every extra penny.
18. Dairy-Ette (Dallas)
Time travel to 1956 at this preserved drive-in where prices seem similarly frozen in time. Their homemade root beer comes in frosted mugs that instantly transport you to simpler days.
The cheeseburger-fries-shake combo barely breaks $10. Cash only – another charming throwback!
19. Maple Landing (West Dallas)
Aviation-themed comfort food that won’t send your budget into a tailspin! Their chicken fried steak spans the plate and comes smothered in peppered gravy that’s thick enough to stand a fork in.
Happy hour specials make their craft beer selection dangerously affordable. Pure Texas comfort!
20. Bubba’s Cooks Country (Dallas)
Southern grandma cooking served from a converted Texaco station! Bubba’s crispy fried chicken rivals any high-end restaurant version but costs a fraction of the price.
Their $10 plate lunch includes two sides and rolls that would make any Texan’s mama proud. The line moves quickly despite constant crowds.