June 27, 2026
Made for the metro.
12 picks

The Best Cheap Eats in the Twin Cities

Great food does not have to cost much here, and some of our most beloved places barely crack two dollar signs. These are the burgers, banh mi, tamales, and noodle bowls that prove it, all easy on the wallet and worth the trip.

1 Matt’s Bar Standish, Minneapolis The original Jucy Lucy at a dive-bar price, a Minneapolis classic that has stayed cheap on purpose. 2 Convention Grill Edina A vintage soda-fountain burger-and-malt joint where the prices feel like a throwback too. 3 Quang Restaurant Whittier (Eat Street), Minneapolis Eat Street's beloved pho and bun bowls, big portions and small checks, decades deep. 4 Pho Tau Bay Whittier (Eat Street), Minneapolis A St. Paul standby for a steaming bowl of pho that never dents the wallet. 5 La Loma Tamales Midtown Global Market Handmade tamales that locals stock up on, some of the best cheap bites in town. 6 Sonora Grill Midtown Global Market and Northeast Bold, fresh Mexican plates at Midtown Global Market prices, a reliable budget favorite. 7 Hmong Village East Side, St. Paul A St. Paul market food court where a few dollars buys some of the most exciting eating in the metro. 8 Hmongtown Marketplace Como, St. Paul Stall after stall of papaya salad, sausage, and grilled meats for next to nothing. 9 Sammy’s Avenue Eatery West Broadway, North Minneapolis A North Minneapolis spot serving generous, affordable sandwiches with neighborhood heart. 10 World Street Kitchen Lyn-Lake, Minneapolis Yum Yum rice bowls and street-food sandwiches that punch way above their price. 11 Lion’s Tap Eden Prairie A family-run burger institution out on the edge of town, simple menu and honest prices. 12 Que Viet Northeast Minneapolis Home of the famous egg rolls, a cheap and cheerful Northeast staple for years.