Cheap and Good Food in Phoenix

Delicious, Inexpensive Dining in the Phoenix Area

Sep 14, 2008

These Phoenix area restaurants will satisfy even the most discriminating chowhound without breaking the bank.

A vacation in the Valley of the Sun offers plenty of opportunities for fine dining—but not all of it costs a lot. If vacationing on a budget is part of the plan, try one of these great, inexpensive dining options in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

Joe's BBQ

Authentic, exceptional barbecue. The homemade BBQ sauce, homemade root beer, and beans full of smoky bits of meat are standouts. Prices are very reasonable, and the smoked meats are the best in town. Particularly suitable for families—let the kids run around on the fenced-in lawn and dine on the picnic tables under the stars.

Happy Hour Roaring Fork

While The Roaring Fork is known as an upscale dining establishment, great deals and fantastic food can be had at the happy hour in their spacious bar. Try their Big-Ass burger, the fish tacos, and don't forget their signature huckleberry margaritas.

Chino Bandido

Mexican-Chinese Fusion. Sounds bizarre, yes, but the resulting food is surprisingly delicious. A jade chicken burrito? A teriyaki chicken quesadilla? It's amazingly good, and the homemade snickerdoodle that comes with every meal is the perfect sweet end to a truly unique dining experience. Two locations.

Phoenix Ranch Market

Experience the Mexican influence on the Phoenix area and eat exceptionally well for just a few dollars at Phoenix Ranch Market. A grocery store, a place to see Mariachi groups or ballet folklorico dancers, and an amazing Mexican food court all rolled into one.

Greasewood Flats

A true cowboy bar and he perfect place to stop on a vacation in the southwest. All the seating is outdoors—what better way to enjoy the gorgeous Phoenix weather. Try a green chili bacon cheeseburger, a margarita, and finish off the meal by roasting some marshmallows under the stars.

Pizzeria Bianco

Pizzeria Bianco is hailed by many around the country as the best pizza in the United States, and it deserves that lofty reputation. Chef Chris Bianco serves up authentic Neapolitan style pies, cooked in a wood-fired oven. They only take reservations for parties of 6 or more, and a several hour wait is the norm. But it's worth it. Hang out at Bar Bianco next door while waiting for a table and enjoy the company of the fellow patrons waiting for their slice of perfection.

Cornish Pasty Co

Traditional and innovative pasties, the hearty traditional food of Cornish miners, are on the menu at the Cornish Pasty Co. The classic is the traditional pasty (the Oggie) with beef, onion, potato, and rutabaga, but the Cornish Pasty Co. has offerings inspired by cuisines all around the world. Pasties start at $5.50, and are very filling.

Cafe Laguna

Indian fry bread is one of the few foods native to the southwest. Cafe Laguna serves up hot, puffy, perfectly chewy and crispy fry bread topped with either sweet or savory toppings. Nothing is over $8.99, so eat well, taste a regional specialty, and save money at this delightful little restaurant.

The copyright of the article Cheap and Good Food in Phoenix in Arizona Travel is owned by Nicole Wills. Permission to republish Cheap and Good Food in Phoenix in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.