Looking for the best value eats in every state?
We’ve curated the ultimate guide to affordable, mouthwatering dishes and drinks that deliver maximum flavor for minimal cost.
Top-notch flavors await as you explore vibrant bites and refreshing sips, with each state offering its own culinary gem. Let’s explore the tastiest, budget-friendly treasures coast to coast!
1. Alabama – The Bright Star
The Bright Star in Bessemer is like the cool aunt of Alabama dining – a little bit Southern, a little bit Greek, and totally unforgettable. Known for its grilled snapper and shrimp platters, it’s the kind of place where you can get your fill of seafood without your wallet feeling like it went for a swim.
With over 100 years of serving up deliciousness, this local legend proves that great food doesn’t need to break the bank – just bring your appetite and maybe a stretchy waistband!
2. Alaska – Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
Anchorage’s pizza scene has an ace: Moose’s Tooth. What if I told you, gourmet pizza at a price lower than your last Uber ride? Yes, it’s real. Share a pie with toppings as adventurous as an Alaskan trek.
However, no moose toppings, we promise. Your tastebuds will thank you.
3. Arizona – Los Taquitos
Where does one find flavor-packed tacos in Arizona? Enter Los Taquitos. Here, tacos are not just food—they’re a fiesta. Perhaps the best kept secret? Prices so low, you’ll do a double-take.
It’s like having Taco Tuesday every day. Phoenix never tasted so festive.
4. Arkansas – Doe’s Eat Place
How does a steakhouse become legendary? Doe’s Eat Place in Little Rock knows the recipe: quality cuts at prices that leave room for dessert.
If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal without a hefty bill, this is your spot. It’s steak without the stakeout on your wallet.
5. California – In-N-Out Burger
Though California is known for trends, some classics never fade. Enter In-N-Out. This isn’t just a burger; it’s a rite of passage. At prices that defy inflation, it’s a must-visit. Fast food meets nostalgia in a meal where the secret menu is just part of the charm.
6. Colorado – Illegal Pete’s
If burritos were superheroes, Illegal Pete’s would be their headquarters. How do they roll such flavorful burritos at student-friendly prices? Magic, maybe.
Denver’s favorite, it’s where every bite feels like a fiesta. Remember, guac’s extra—just kidding, it’s not. Burrito bliss awaits.
7. Connecticut – Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
Ever heard of pizza royalty? Frank Pepe’s in New Haven wears the crown. With pies priced to please, it’s a slice of heaven and history. Their white clam pie is a local legend.
Don’t ask why it’s so good; just enjoy the cheesy royalty. Long live the pizza king!
8. Delaware – Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
Where do sandwiches reign supreme? Capriotti’s in Wilmington. Gobble up the Bobbie, a Thanksgiving feast between bread, at prices that make every day feel like a holiday.
Wondering why you haven’t tried it yet? Probably because it’s been Delaware’s delicious little secret until now.
9. Florida – Versailles Restaurant
What if Cuba was just a plate away? Miami’s Versailles brings you there with every bite. With prices as inviting as the flavors, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away. Ropa vieja never felt so right. Miami’s not just beaches and sun; it’s a flavorful journey.
10. Georgia – Mary Mac’s Tea Room
A well-known Southern institution, Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta offers rich comfort cuisine in a cozy, welcoming setting.
Mary Mac’s is becoming a must-visit location for anybody hankering after real Southern food in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere because of its quaint décor and pleasant service.
11. Hawaii – Rainbow Drive-In
Hawaii might be paradise, but prices can sting. Yet, Rainbow Drive-In offers a taste of the islands without the cost. How do they serve aloha on a plate so affordably? Magic probably.
A mixed plate lunch here is like eating happiness. Honolulu’s best-kept secret is out!
12. Idaho – Westside Drive-In
Where can you eat a potato for dessert? Boise’s Westside Drive-In, of course. The Idaho ice cream potato is a must-try—confuse your taste buds in the best way. Sweet, creamy, and surprisingly cheap. Who knew Idaho’s tuber roots could end on such a sweet note?
13. Illinois – Al’s Beef
Ever heard a sandwich sing? This might be your first one then. Juicy, flavorful, and priced for the proletariat. Dunk it, load it, love it.
This sandwich doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it serenades your taste buds. Chicago’s edible anthem awaits.
14. Indiana – Mug-n-Bun
Indianapolis, meet nostalgia. Mug-n-Bun is where frosty root beer meets tenderloin sandwiches. All served with a side of yesterday’s prices, today. Why isn’t every meal a drive-in affair? Retro charm and fried goodness make for a delightful diner experience. Sip, bite, and bask in the throwback delight.
15. Iowa – Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
In Des Moines, burgers come with a side of brains—zombie-themed, that is. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab offers undead delights at prices that won’t scare your wallet. Each bite is a gory good time, with toppings as wild as your imagination. Dine like it’s the apocalypse.
16. Kansas – Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Barbecue magic happens at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. What if I told you burnt ends could elevate your soul? They do, and without emptying your pockets.
Kansas City’s BBQ royalty makes everyone feel rich in flavor, not expense. It’s a smoky, savory slice of heaven.
17. Kentucky – Ramsey’s Diner
Lexington’s Ramsey’s Diner knows comfort food is an art. The Kentucky hot brown: a cheesy, toasty masterpiece. How can they serve decadence at diner prices? It’s a culinary genius
Served with Southern charm, it’s a local legend. Come for the food, stay for the heartwarming hospitality.
18. Louisiana – Cafe Du Monde
New Orleans is a symphony of flavors, and Cafe Du Monde is the sweet crescendo. Beignets dusted with sugar and chicory coffee make mornings magical. Why pay more when you can taste tradition for less? It’s a sugar-coated slice of NOLA’s spirit, without the expense.
19. Maine – Red’s Eats
Lobster rolls in Maine? Red’s Eats in Wiscasset is the go-to. Overflowing with lobster, it’s decadence without the dollar signs. How do they keep it affordable? It’s a coastal secret.
Experience Maine’s bounty in a bun, and savor each bite of the ocean’s luxury.
20. Maryland – Chaps Pit Beef
Meat and magic come together at Baltimore’s Chaps Pit Beef. You’ll want this beef sandwich every night. What if there was no price for flavor? It’s nearly true here.
Smoky, succulent, and satisfying, it’s a carnivore’s paradise. Delicious pit meat without the financial pitfalls.
21. Massachusetts – Neptune Oyster
Neptune Oyster in Boston is a seafood lover’s dream come true. With its cozy, intimate vibe, this spot offers the freshest oysters in town, served either on the half shell or in a mouthwatering lobster roll. The menu also features a range of New England seafood staples like clam chowder, scallops, and crab cakes, all prepared with precision and care.
22. Michigan – Slows Bar BQ
The cozy, welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for gathering with friends and family, and the impressive craft beer selection pairs beautifully with the smoky, flavorful dishes.
Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or a first-timer, Slows Bar BQ delivers a satisfying, unforgettable experience that’s become a staple in Detroit’s culinary scene.
23. Minnesota – Matt’s Bar
Minneapolis is home to a burger legend: Matt’s Bar and the Jucy Lucy. Ever had cheese surprise you? Here, it’s hidden inside the patty.
A burst of flavor without bursting your budget. It’s cheesy symmetry at its best. Burgers here are more than a meal—they’re an experience.
24. Mississippi – The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint
Where does BBQ meet blues? The Shed in Ocean Springs. Ribs that rock your soul, prices that soothe your blues. Why pay concert prices when you can feast and groove here?
Dive into fall-off-the-bone goodness and let the music move you. Satisfaction guaranteed, in taste and tune.
25. Missouri – Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque
Kansas City’s Arthur Bryant’s is a smoke-filled legend. Ribs and brisket that make you forget all else. Barbecue this good shouldn’t be affordable, yet here we are.
Ever questioned the price of perfection? Don’t. Just savor each smoky, succulent bite. It’s BBQ bliss, without the bill.
26. Montana – The Burger Dive
Billings boasts burger brilliance at The Burger Dive. What if a burger could redefine delicious? With inventive toppings and classic shakes, it just might.
The prices are as palatable as the patties. Forget the diet, embrace the dive, and experience burger nirvana. It’s Montana’s mouthwatering marvel.
27. Nebraska – Lalibela Restaurant
If you’re in Nebraska and craving something else, Lalibela Restaurant in Lincoln is a fantastic choice. Known for its delicious and affordable Ethiopian cuisine, it serves up flavorful dishes like injera with stews, lentils, and veggies that are perfect for sharing.
This cozy, unpretentious spot brings bold, spicy flavors to the table, offering a unique twist on traditional meals without draining your bank account.
28. Nevada – Tacos El Gordo
Las Vegas isn’t just glitz and glam—it’s Tacos El Gordo. Street tacos are so authentic, they’re practically a passport to flavor town.
Prices lower than a hand of blackjack, you’ll feel lucky with every bite. Vegas is more than the strip; it’s a taco trip worth taking.
29. New Hampshire – Red Arrow Diner
What if breakfast was all day? At Manchester’s Red Arrow Diner, it is! Pancakes, bacon, and more, served anytime your heart desires. Prices that defy breakfast inflation. It’s morning magic, without the morning prices. Dive into nostalgia and let your taste buds reminisce. It’s breakfast bliss.
30. New Jersey – Rutt’s Hut
Clifton’s Rutt’s Hut is where hot dogs go to fry. Ever tried a ‘ripper’? Deep-fried, snappy, and oh-so-satisfying. And the secret?
Prices that let you savor seconds guilt-free. It’s roadside nostalgia with a crunch. Dive into a Jersey tradition, where hot dogs are a way of life.
31. New Mexico – Frontier Restaurant
Albuquerque’s Frontier Restaurant serves comfort with a kick. Green chile stew that warms the soul and prices that don’t burn a hole. Ever tasted the Southwest spirit? Here it’s served daily, no reservations needed. Dive into flavor, where tradition meets affordability. It’s a taste of New Mexico.
32. New York – Gray’s Papaya
New York City’s Gray’s Papaya is a hot dog haven. What if I told you hot dogs could be a meal deal? Here they are, with tropical drinks to boot.
It’s a taste of the tropics amidst the urban jungle. Dive into New York’s vibrant food scene, one bite at a time.
33. North Carolina – Beasley’s Chicken + Honey
In Raleigh, chicken meets honey at Beasley’s. Ever wondered how sweet meets savory could be so affordable? It’s a Southern staple at prices that please.
Dive into crispy, honey-drizzled goodness. It’s comfort food that comforts the wallet. Savor the simple pleasures, where chicken shines.
34. North Dakota – Kroll’s Diner
Knoephla soup at Bismarck’s Kroll’s Diner is a heart-warming experience. Have you ever had “home” in a bowl? It’s here, and the prices are comforting. Indulge in comforting, creamy dough.
This North Dakota gem combines affordability and heritage. One mouthful at a time, satisfy your spirit.
35. Ohio – Skyline Chili
The Skyline of Cincinnati Comfort is served on a platter by chili. Have you ever paired pasta with chili? It offers a variety of flavors at affordable costs. Savor pasta covered with the restaurant’s special chili.
Taste and tradition come together in this Ohio original. Savor each mouthful while you take in the skyline.
36. Oklahoma – Cattlemen’s Steakhouse
Cattlemen’s steak is the best in Oklahoma City. Have you ever tasted a respectable steak? The prices are well out of the range, and the tastes are strong.
Savor succulent pleasure without having to pay for it. Everyone is welcome at our Western restaurant. Get ready for a delicious steak.
37. Oregon – Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut in Portland is a place where the bizarre and the delicious collide. Have you ever had a maple bar with bacon? It’s doughnut daring at pricing that makes the experience more enjoyable. Explore inventive candies that don’t follow the rules.
Every vibrant bite of Portland offers a taste of its eccentric appeal. Odd, sweet, and incredibly fulfilling.
38. Pennsylvania – Primanti Bros.
Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh is a sandwich symphony. Have you ever eaten fries with your sandwich? At prices that speak for themselves, it’s brilliance on a bun.
Immerse yourself in a culinary orchestra where each mouthful produces a pleasing melody. It’s a gastronomic concert rather than just a meal. Taste the sandwich.
39. Rhode Island – Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House
Seaside simplicity is served at Iggy’s in Warwick. Have you ever tasted a bowl of ocean? Doughboys that delight, served with clam chowder that soothes.
Experience the traditions of the seashore at heartwarming rates. It is the gastronomic gem of Rhode Island, where food and the sea collide. Savor the pleasure of the water.
40. South Carolina – Martha Lou’s Kitchen
Soul cuisine is at its best at Martha Lou’s Kitchen in Charleston. Have you ever had fried chicken that makes you feel at home? It’s available at affordable pricing. Comforting cornbread and collard greens are waiting for you.
Tradition and flavor come together to create Southern hospitality on a platter. Savor the emotional fulfillment.
41. South Dakota – Nick’s Hamburger Shop
Nick’s Hamburger Shop at Brookings is a burger paradise. Have you ever eaten a little burger with a lot of flavor? These bite-sized treats are available here at reasonable pricing. Indulge in vintage charm and appreciate the simplicity.
More than just a meal, it’s a nostalgic snack. Appreciate the joy of a burger.
42. Tennessee – Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Memphis’ Gus’s Fried Chicken is world-renowned for a reason. Ever tasted spice that sings? Here, it’s fried to perfection at prices that please. Dive into crispy, spicy satisfaction.
It’s Southern fried delight, where every bite is a flavor explosion. Savor the spicy satisfaction.
43. Texas – Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s Tacos in Austin is a taco success. Have you ever had a taco with a backstory? imaginative, vibrant, and reasonably priced for a party.
Explore taste innovation, where there is a fiesta in every meal. This taco story is more than just a meal. Relish Texas’ taco victory.
44. Utah – Crown Burgers
Crown Burgers in Salt Lake City is a royal treat. Have you ever eaten a royal-quality burger? Pastrami is king here, and it’s priced to no end. Savor the royal flavor and dive into delectable delight.
Burger coronation is more than just a meal. Take advantage of the royal pleasure.
45. Vermont – Al’s French Frys
A fry frenzy is happening at Al’s French Frys in Burlington. Have you ever wanted fries that are comforting? They are golden and crispy here, and they are reasonably priced.
Indulge in fried perfection and appreciate its simplicity. It’s a crunchy companion in addition to a meal. In Vermont, enjoy the fry frenzy.
46. Virginia – Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que
Williamsburg’s Pierce’s Pitt is BBQ bliss. Ever tried BBQ that feels like a hug? Here, pulled pork perfection meets prices that please.
Dive into smoky satisfaction and savor the savory delight. It’s more than a meal; it’s a flavor embrace. Savor the BBQ bliss in Virginia.
47. Washington – Di*k’s Drive-In
Di*k’s Drive-In in Seattle is a famous desire. Have you ever enjoyed a burger that makes you feel at home? Double cheeseburgers here are priced like they were in the past.
Admire the simplicity and immerse yourself in vintage charm. More than just a meal, it’s a nostalgic snack. Experience Washington’s drive-in fun.
48. West Virginia – Tudor’s Biscuit World
Charleston’s Tudor’s is biscuit bliss. Ever had a biscuit that feels like a hug? Here, they’re buttery, flaky, and priced to please. Dive into breakfast perfection and savor the simplicity. It’s more than a meal; it’s a morning masterpiece.
Savor the biscuit bliss in West Virginia.
49. Wisconsin – Kopp’s Frozen Custard
The appeal of Kopp’s in Milwaukee is custard. Have you ever eaten a dreamy custard? Dreamy, creamy, and reasonably priced, they are available here.
Explore the creative possibilities of custard and relish its deliciousness. It is a luscious creation that is more than just dessert. Experience the pleasure of custard in Wisconsin.
50. Wyoming – The Merry Piglets
Jackson Hole’s Merry Piglets is the pinnacle of nacho heaven. Have you ever had nachos that make your plate seem like a party? They are exploding with vitality, full of flavor, and ready to blow your taste buds away.
This isn’t just a dinner; it’s a full-on nacho party, complete with heat, crunch, and fun. Let the celebration start and discover Wyoming’s nacho paradise!